Does Peak to Peak Scenic Byway go through Rocky Mountain National Park?
Sarah Cherry
Updated on February 18, 2026
Just so, how do I get to Peak to Peak Scenic Byway?
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
- Starting at Golden, take Highway 6, which turns into Hwy 119 to Black Hawk. Black Hawk, a tiny historic mining settlement was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush.
- Continue past Black Hawk on Hwy 119 to Nederland.
- At the round-about in Nederland, follow Hwy 72 towards Estes Park.
Secondly, what is the most scenic drive in Colorado?
- Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most spectacular drives in all of Colorado, and ranks up there as one of the top in the world.
- Mount Evans Road.
- Pike's Peak Highway.
- The Million Dollar Highway.
- Top of the Rockies.
- Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway.
- Poudre Canyon.
- Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway.
Similarly, it is asked, how long does it take to drive the Peak to Peak Highway?
The entire byway is 55 miles. It takes about 80 minutes to drive one way, but allow 2 hours.
How is the drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The fastest route from Denver to Estes Park is via I-25 to U.S. 36 E near Boulder. In Estes Park, U.S. 36 meets up with U.S. 34, with the Big Thompson Canyon and continues through Rocky Mountain National Park to Granby and Grand Lake. The drive is an estimated an hour and a half from the central part of Denver.
Related Question Answers
How long is the riverwalk in Estes Park?
If you tire along the way refuel at one of the many restaurants along the Riverwalk or stop for a drink at The Slab Outdoor Pub, one of Estes Park's patio bars, or a local coffee shop. That path is about a mile in total, running from the parking structure to Performance Park.What is there to do between Estes Park and Denver?
Things to See Along the Drive- The Continental Divide.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
- Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
- Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
- Eldora Ski Resort.
- Ghost towns (Hesse, Caribou, and Apex).
- Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Lake Estes.
Can you drive to Bear Lake Colorado?
Drive up to Bear Lake on the most famous road in Rocky Mountain National Park! This 10.5 mile drive from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center starts at 7,840 ft and climbs up to Bear Lake at 9,475 ft. Continental Divide peaks tower above you. Park your car and walk the few yards to the famous lake.What is Estes Park near?
Check out our list of the top-rated things to do in Estes Park.- Rocky Mountain National Park. The Loch, an alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- The Stanley Hotel. The Stanley Hotel.
- Estes Park Aerial Tramway.
- Lake Estes.
- Estes Park ATV Rentals.
- Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
- Estes Park Museum.
- Open Air Adventure Park.
How long does it take to get from Denver to Estes Park?
It takes approximately two hours to travel from the Denver International Airport to the town of Estes Park. The distance is about 80 miles. The 20 miles closest to Estes Park are a mountain climb of almost 3,000 feet. Our company can also provide transportation for weddings, groups, and tours.How far is Blackhawk from Estes Park?
40.12 milesCan you drive from Estes Park to Grand Lake?
When Trail Ridge Road is closed due to unsafe road conditions or is closed for the season, you may need an alternate route between Estes Park and Grand Lake. You should allow three or four hours driving time.Is driving to Pikes Peak dangerous?
The drive to the summit is safe. The paved 19-mile highway is driven by thousands each year. There are amazing views and pull outs along the way to the summit so guests can take their time as they make the ascent to the summit. Car collectors bring their Model T's to Pikes Peak each year.Is the Peak to Peak Highway scary?
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is not a scary drive. There are very few places where guardrails are needed, but there are guardrails when needed. The Peak to Peak is not part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway travels from Black Hawk/Central City through Nederland to Estes Park.How much does it cost to drive up Pikes Peak?
12 answers. Hi, If you are planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway the cost is $15 per adult (16 and older) $5 per child (6-15). We do offer a carload discounted rate of $50 for up to five passengers and a reduced fee for additional passengers.Should I go to Estes Park or Colorado Springs?
Both have nature and hiking. Estes Park has great resorts with cabins, cottages, lodges, etc., while Colorado Springs is more of a hotel stay in my opinion. I would say as far as tourist attractions go, Colorado Springs has more but I still liked Estes Park better. It's just so beautiful there and RMNP is stunning.Is Peak to Peak Scenic Byway Open?
A two hour drive starting from Golden, Colorado the 'Peak to Peak' byway is open year-round and has small service stops along the way.Can you drive up Longs Peak?
As Colorado's oldest Scenic Byway, the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway is a beautiful stretch of road that guides you through some of the best mountain landscapes Colorado has to offer. Peaking at the delightful Lilly Lake, travelers are met with unforgettable views of Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, and Twin Sisters Peak.Can you drive through Estes Park?
Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the US, is the most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park – a day trip not to miss through high alpine tundra panoramas! Even driving up to Estes Park from Colorado's Front Range is scenic!How long does it take to drive through Estes Park?
The Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop is 164 miles of pure mountain adventure. This four-hour drive will take you from Denver to Estes Park, through Rocky Mountain National Park on the magnificent Trail Ridge Road and then through Grand Lake, Granby and Fraser to Winter Park, Colorado's favorite Playground.What is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
best time of the year to avoid crowdsNovember through April is the best time to avoid crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer and fall weekends are the busiest in the park, and yearly visitation grows each year.
What is the most dangerous road in Colorado?
Most Dangerous Medium Traffic Roads In Colorado- Trail Ridge Road.
- Interstate 70 – Resort Gateway.
- Interstate 25 – Front Range Corridor.
- State Highway 470 – Denver Beltway.
- Highway 160 – Southern Passage.
- US 550 – Million Dollar Highway.
- Denver Metro Main Roads.
- Colorado Springs Main Roads.
How long does it take to drive the Alpine Loop in Colorado?
Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances.What 14ers can you drive up in Colorado?
Best 14ers in Colorado (for beginners and beyond)- Grays Peak (14,270 feet) – near Keystone, CO.
- Torreys Peak (14,267 feet) – near Keystone, CO.
- Huron Peak (14,003 feet) – near Aspen, CO.
- Mount Elbert (14,433 feet) – near Aspen, CO.
- Windom Peak (14,082 feet) – near Durango, CO.
- Longs Peak (14,259 feet) – near Estes Park, CO.
What can you do in 4 days in Colorado?
4 days in Denver, Colorado Springs and Rocky Mountain National Park.- Day 1 - Denver. Denver International Airport.
- Day 2 - Colorado Springs. Snooze an A.M. Eatery.
- Day 3 - Rocky Mountain National Park Pt.1. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
- Other Sites. Mills Lake.
- Fill Your Belly. Jerusalem Restaurant.
Is it dangerous to drive in Colorado?
Dangerous Colorado Mountain Roads & Passes. Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country. From the mountain ranges to the diverse and colorful foliage, these roadside scenes are a sight to behold. Unfortunately, these roads are also some of the most dangerous in the world to drive.Where are the best views in Colorado?
Here are some of the best views in Colorado and how to snap the perfect outdoor photo!- Pikes Peak.
- The Paint Mines.
- Dillon Ice Castles.
- Hanging Lake.
- Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Boulder Flatirons.
- Union Station.
- Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Is the drive from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge Scenic?
The 24 to 9 route is all 2 lane past woodland park. It has Hoosier Pass which is high and has some hairpin turns especially on the Breckenridge side. It is more scenic and relaxing in my opinion than the interstate drive overall.Where are the best fall colors in Colorado right now?
10 Places to See Colorado's Fall Color- Trail Ridge Road.
- Photographer's Favorite: Kebler Pass.
- The San Juan Skyway.
- Maroon Bells.
- Western Slope Colors.
- Buffalo Pass.
- La Veta Pass.
- Free Gondola Ride.
Does Colorado have good driving roads?
Colorado has some of the best driving roads / motorcycle riding roads in the United States. Whether you drive a sports car, ride a motorcycle, or ride a bicycle, Colorado roads are guaranteed to provide you a fun and exciting road trip experience.Is the drive to Estes Park scary?
Located within the Rocky Mountain National Park, the road is totally paved in good conditions. If you don't like heights be warned, there are switch backs and steep sides with very few barriers on this route through the mountains. The road is actually far less scary than many of Colorado's famous mountain roads.Is Estes Park Safe?
Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Estes Park to other cities in the state and across the country, Estes Park is 65% safer than other cities of Colorado and 67% safer than other cities in the nation. Estes Park has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.How much time do you need at Rocky Mountain National Park?
Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park.Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park without a reservation?
Reservations are not required for this area prior to 9 am or after 3 pm. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.Do I need a car in Estes Park?
Even if you're visiting in the summer when free shuttles are making regular loops through the national park and Estes Park, you'll still likely need a car to reach the parking lots for the shuttles and to take the storied drive across Trail Ridge Road.Is there a shuttle from Denver to Estes Park?
Take the Estes Park Shuttle from the Denver's Union Station, Denver International Airport or Denver Greyhound Bus Station to Estes Park. It's $95 round-trip ($55 one-way). Contact (970-586-5151, estesparkshuttle.com for more information.Are there hot springs in Estes Park?
Are there any hot springs in Rocky Mountain National Park? Not inside the Park, but if you're up for a day trip from visiting the east side of the Park, there are natural Colorado hotsprings to soak in at: Sulphur Springs. Steamboat Springs.Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park right now?
Trail Ridge Road is OPEN for the season to vehicles for through travel.Where should I stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park?
Most scenically located accommodations near Rocky Mountain National Park- The Estes Park Resort. Lake front resort with spectacular views of Lake Estes and the Rocky Mountains.
- Estes Lake Lodge.
- Streamside on Fall River.
- The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins.
- 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River.
- Rams Horn Village Resort.