I prefer Mt Blue Sky over Pikes Peak (Pikes Peak and Mt Blue Sky are the only 14ers in Colorado…read morethat you can drive to the top of). I think the views at the top are better. You can see a lot of other mountains from Mount Blue Sky and feel more in the wilderness. Fun fact, It is also the highest paved road in America! On our visit we got to see mountain goats. This was my first time seeing mountain goats in the wild. We did the quick walk up to the top of the mountain which was really cool and stopped over at summit lake. Make sure to reserve your timed entry! I actually do not mind that they do this because I feel like it would be hazardous if too many people were on the road up to Mt Blue Sky. There are no guard rails, cliffs off the side of the road, potholes, and the roads can be narrow in areas so not the ideal road to be busy. Very much a bucket list activity, though I definitely want to come back again vs just checking it off my list.

Although I've lived in Colorado for nearly 40 years, I'd never visited Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway…read more when it was still called Mount Evans because I'd heard the road was very steep. When I saw news reports about the name change, I realized the scenery was indeed stunning, and the road was entirely flat asphalt. Although most of the route runs along the edge of a cliff, if you drive slowly and pull over a bit when there's no oncoming traffic, it probably isn't as heart-stopping as the legends suggest. I was just planning to go when, unexpectedly, the scenic byway closed for two years. So as soon as it reopened--while there was still snow on the summit and road conditions were good--I hurried over. Driving from the city on I-25, then taking Highway 6 and connecting to I-70, it took about 40 minutes to reach the small town of Idaho Springs at the base of the mountain. On a Sunday afternoon, the town wasn't too crowded. While there are restrooms further up the mountain, they aren't as clean or convenient as the ones at the town's visitor center, so many tourists take care of business here before heading up. The visitor center also houses a paid museum where you can learn more about the history of this mining town. Across the street from the visitor center stands a statue honoring American pilots from World War II, modeled after the famous comic book hero Steve Canyon. This is also the last place before entering the mountains where you'll have a stable cell phone signal; once you're in the mountains, the signal disappears. The 14-mile drive from Idaho Springs to Echo Lake--located at an elevation of 10,600 feet just before the scenic byway entrance--follows a lush forest road that's a pleasure to drive. Since fishing is free in Colorado this weekend, there are quite a few anglers at Echo Lake. With its rippling turquoise waters and the lush, layered mountains in the background, the scenery is truly breathtaking and refreshing. There is an outdoor picnic area next to Echo Lake, and if you find the sun too strong or the weather unfavorable, you can take a break in the picnic area inside the stone building nearby. Less than a minute's drive from Echo Lake, a right turn leads to the Scenic Byway ticket booth. The attendant will tell you about the wildlife you might see on the mountain that day and remind everyone to just watch them--do not feed or touch them. The drive from the entrance to the Mount Goliath Natural Area at 11,540 feet is about 3 miles. Although the road follows the cliffside, towering pine and evergreen trees line both sides. Except for the final stretch, the valley is only faintly visible for most of the journey, making it a relatively easy drive. Looking out from the rest area, you'll see endless, layered mountain vistas. There's a trail through the tundra nearby that leads to the summit of Mount Goliath. After passing the Mount Goliath rest area, it's 6.2 miles to Summit Lake at an elevation of 12,830 feet. The entire route consists of tundra and mountain roads with no guardrails on one side--just a sheer cliff. Since the road winds around the mountain, the route runs half on the inner side and half on the outer side of the mountain, and it's very winding. It's fine when you're on the inner side, but when you're on the outer side, the cliff is right there. Fortunately, everyone drives slowly, but it's still quite nerve-wracking. Just before reaching Summit Lake, there's a patch of snow that hasn't melted yet by the roadside. Set against the western ridge of the summit, it looks as if you're on a glacier--it's a whole new world. Not far from there is Summit Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the lakeshore. The surface of Summit Lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the snow-capped ridges with such clarity that they appear to be exact replicas on the water--truly a scene of icy mountains mirrored in the water, ethereal and crystal-clear. The 5.3-mile stretch from Summit Lake to the summit at 14,264 feet is steeper and more rugged than the previous section. Many visitors turn back at Summit Lake, and I, too, didn't have the confidence or fortitude to drive another 10-plus miles of mountain road round-trip. So, after taking in the scenic beauty of Summit Lake, I headed back as well. Although it's only about 9 miles from the ticket booth to Summit Lake, the speed limit is no more than 20 miles per hour, so the round trip takes roughly an hour. Adding in the time spent at the scenic area, the total trip takes a little over two hours.

At over 11,500 feet, the air at Hoosier Pass is crisp and invigorating. Surrounding peaks create a…read moredramatic backdrop. Easily accessible, yet wild and remote. Driving, hiking, or stopping for photos, Hoosier Pass offers a memorable glimpse into Colorado's rugged alpine beauty.

I was nervous to drive on this from Breckenridge to Colorado Springs because it started snowing in…read moreBreck that morning. We arrived at the pass in 10-15 minutes and fortunately it was clear and sunny so no threat of ice. The views are amazing from the lookout.

Recently visited Loveland Pass on our way back from Breckenridge. We drove to the top instead of…read morehiking. On the way up, we saw some light snow flurries, and by the time we reached the top, it was actively snowing. The scenery is absolutely stunning definitely a must-see if you're in the area. Just a heads-up: it can get icy and slippery, so be careful while walking around. Overall, it's a beautiful spot and perfect for enjoying the snowy mountain views! Plus it's free!

Each stop on our full day was momentous. The clouds touch the mountains and it's breathtaking…read more Pictures do not give justice to the view. Wear weather appropriate clothes and shoes. We were not able to make it to the top of the steps but still happy we got to explore this place for a bit!

A quick yet beautiful spot! It was quite a busy time for instagrammers we walked through the path…read moreand made the most of the view! I wore my crampons because it was icy and chilly. Gorgeous with the snowy mountains.

Great free park. If you're only in Denver for a short time and want to see mountains and the…read moreplains, this is the spot. Not far off I-70. Some light trails if you want some exercise at 7400 feet. Always a little Cooler up here. I wish they never closed the snack bar/ gift shop. There are bathrooms and a pretty good amount of parking. The buffalo bill museum still exists in its "old form." See it soon before the city/county of Denver (the owner of all this land, despite it being well outside Denver city limits) changes it.

Take a short, scenic stroll on the Trollstigen Trail (Troll Trail) to see the Isak Heartstone…read moreTroll. It's located just outside of the main part of Breckenridge. Best of all, it is FREE to see! To find the Trollstigen Trail trailhead go to the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Creek Trailhead. If you are near the trains, go to the opposite end of the parking lot. Isak Heartstone 1 was co-commissioned for an exhibit for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in 2018, but it was dismantled in February 2019 because it was too popular and then reinstalled here . Although I didn't see it in person, only online, I think the original sculpture was better and more playful. Isak is carefully stacking rocks like he's balancing rocks. As per Dambo's website, this troll got its' name after three little girls came by and gave Isak a stone heart. Dambo has a heart-shaped stone placed in Isak's chest. The Isak Heartstone Troll at THIS location is the second one. Some people reference this one as Isak Heartstone 2. He sits at approximately 15 feet tall. Thomas Dambo is the creator of this and many other trolls. He uses reclaimed wood and other recycled materials. Isak is pretty cool to see in person! He's sitting on an incline between trees. He's got his right hand holding the tree trunk. His left hand is balancing him as he's sitting. The bottom of his left foot is resting against a rock. I love all the details... like his fingernails & toenails, and small branches for hairs. The trail is an easy walk through a forested area. This pathway is stable to walk on. The return trail is different from the one leading in. It consists of wood boards, similar to a deck and includes a 6-inch-high step. This troll was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculpture artist. There are over one hundred Dambo trolls in the U.S.A. and many more around the world. Isak Heartstone is Troll numbered 043. Isak is the first Dambo Troll we've seen in person! We went to see Rita The Rock Planter eight days later! I guess we're officially Troll Hunters now! *If you live in the Los Angeles, CA area or are planning to visit, there will be a temporary exhibit of 12 Thomas Dambo's Trolls at the South Coast Botanic Garden in March 2026. Buy your tickets!

Cute little hike to see Isak the troll sculpture. Can see why it's a popular destination! There's…read moresome Other small trails near by to walk on, a playground for the kids and such!

Had an amazing drive up here! Some photos are from the top and some photos are on the way up there…read more It was absolutely amazing. I suggest bringing an old Starbucks cup to urinate into because the bathrooms are absolutely atrocious. I was gagging just stepping in the door. Also, wouldn't plan on being able to read any of the warning signs or road sign. Since for some reason, everyone in their mother puts bumper stickers on them. lol

Great spot to stop in and check out the views or simply relax. There's picnic tables in various…read morespots and even grills to use for a quick lunch or dinner. Bathrooms are provided as well.

Huron peak is my favorite 14er out of the 16 I have done. The views were beautiful from start to…read morefinish and the wildflowers were so diverse and vibrant! I saw my first columbine on this hike, which made it extra special. The treelike portion has beautiful Mountain View's peaking out through the forest and once you're above tree line, you have an unobstructed view of beautiful Huron and surrounding peaks. The hike itself is very easy! Less than 7 miles and only a few thousand elevation. The road up is a little rough. I thought I parked at the 2WD lot, but my friend saw my stats and said I actually made it through the 4WD portion and just didn't park all the way at the trailhead. If you have a 4WD it's totally doable, only a couple of sketchy spots. We needed up just walking about 1.5 miles along the road since we didn't know what we were doing. 10/10 14er

One of the great turns to Aspen. Nice place to stay for a while and enjoy the sight of water in…read morethis splendid land-locked state.

Beautiful lake full of hiking and camping areas. We did dispursed camping, there are ton of spots…read morewith fire pits on highway 82 on the right across from perry peak campground. No reservations required, first come first serve but every time we have come we never had a problem finding a spot even on a holiday weekend like labor day. We played in the lake with our dog Daisy, she absolutely loves swimming for toys and the water amazing! It was cold but not freezing, we want to bring our paddle boards next time. We park at mountain view overlook, be sure to pay the fee to park or you will get a ticket! We love coming here, the views are amazing and it's never too crowded. Highly recommend stopping by or camping here.

I had a random Monday off and finally made my way to Guanella Pass after being in my bucket list…read morefor so long. When you first exit Georgetown, there are so many signs to guide you to Guanella Pass (also unlike a lot of places, this is free with free parking as well). This is a drive so be kind and share the road. This is also a paved road so driving was quite easy. There are lots of curved spots to park your car if there's a view you are interested in. Drive at your own pace. Take your time and drive slowly because the views are amazing, especially in Autumn. There are lots of lakes so if you see a sign for picnic area, make a stop. Drive up to the top of the summit. It's chilly but the views are wonderful. My little fur baby had a blast.

Gorgeous. Guanella…read morePass is certainly a fan favorite, especially for those seeking the fall colors a short drive from Denver. Plus it's a paved pass so that's a plus. Along the route are a ton of pull outs and scenic stops which are well occupied and used. There are also some campsites for those wishing to stay longer and check out some of the hiking trails. Absolutely a must see if you're scouting out the fall colors or looking to climb Mount Bierstadt.

Cool location in the middle of Castle Rock town. Great sunset viewing area and decent quick hike…read more Pavilion and parking at bottom of hike. Takes about 30 minutes round trip. To get to the top of the rock is a bit sketchy though since you have to climb up the rocks.

This park has some amazing views from the top and the bottom. We parked our car and started up…read more There are two trails to get to the top. When we reached the split in the trail we went to the right on the way up and came down the other way. Both trails are clearly marked. There are some stairs but mostly it is gravel and rocks. I would say to bring some water and wear some sunscreen because there is not a lot of shade on the trail. Once you get to the top you will have some pretty good views. We only saw a few other hikers so not too busy or crowded feeling. I would definitely recommend coming here at least once if you are visiting the area. It's worth a stop.