20 Nature spots in Colorado
Source:
@outtherecolorado
20 nature spots in Colorado: Independence Pass, Million Dollar Highway, Cinnamon Pass, and 17 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in an Instagram post by OutThere Colorado.
Independence Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Drive Independence Pass in summer to witness spectacular wildflowers blooming across its majestic landscapes. This high-altitude pass offers stunning views and an unforgettable mountain experience.
Million Dollar Highway
Place
Drive the iconic Million Dollar Highway, connecting Ouray to Silverton, renowned as perhaps the most beautiful drive in Colorado. Experience incredible mountain vistas, winding roads, and breathtaking canyons around every turn.
Cinnamon Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Discover the wild beauty of Cinnamon Pass, a high-altitude road offering stunning views and a true backcountry experience. Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for the very rugged and rough conditions.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
National park
4.8
Drive through the Curecanti National Recreation Area for absolutely beautiful scenery, especially at sunset over its expansive waters. The winding roads across Blue Mesa Reservoir are particularly picturesque.
Engineer Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Navigate the rugged beauty of Engineer Pass, offering breathtaking vistas along its challenging terrain. This pass is best tackled with a suitable vehicle to fully enjoy the remote, high-altitude scenery.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Lake
4.6
Experience stunning vistas over Colorado's largest body of water, offering tranquil beauty. The bridges spanning the reservoir provide unique photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway Lake City Entrance
Landmark
5.0
Embark on this incredibly scenic 63-mile drive to experience Colorado's stunning mountainous terrain. Be prepared for rugged, rough conditions and consider a high-clearance vehicle for optimal exploration.
Highway of Legends Scenic Byway: Trinidad Entrance
Landmark
4.9
Explore the historic Highway of Legends, an often-overlooked route between Trinidad and La Veta, featuring dramatic landscapes. This drive offers excellent pastoral scenery and a glimpse into Colorado's rich history.
Upper Gold Camp Road
Place
Drive the scenic and somewhat rugged Upper Gold Camp Road, offering stunning views and a connection to Victor and Cripple Creek. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is recommended for varying conditions.
Phantom Canyon Road
Place
Take Phantom Canyon Road, a historic route that winds through tunnels and along a canyon, offering a beautiful and unique driving experience. This scenic byway provides a glimpse into Colorado's mining history.
Old Stage Road
Place
Embark on a beautiful, rugged drive via Old Stage Road, a popular route leading to Upper Gold Camp Road. This path offers stunning natural scenery and connects to historic mining towns.
Hoosier Pass
Natural feature
4.8
Ascend Hoosier Pass for stunning views of the Continental Divide and surrounding peaks, a perfect stop for panoramic photographs. This pass connects Fairplay and Breckenridge, offering a beautiful high-elevation drive.
Loveland Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Experience the panoramic grandeur of Loveland Pass, a high mountain pass offering sweeping alpine views. This route is a popular alternative to the Eisenhower Tunnel, providing a more scenic, if winding, journey.
Rabbit Ears Pass
Natural feature
4.8
Witness the unique rock formations resembling rabbit ears at this picturesque pass, especially captivating at sunrise or sunset. The drive through lush forests and open meadows provides a serene escape.
Molas Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Drive Molas Pass for dramatic mountain scenery, serene alpine lakes, and meadows, part of the scenic Million Dollar Highway. Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and opportunities for hiking and photography.
Cottonwood Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Travel the seasonal Cottonwood Pass, connecting Buena Vista to the Alma area, offering stunning views and a high-alpine driving experience. Be sure to check road conditions as it is typically open only during warmer months.
Wolf Creek Pass
Natural feature
4.9
Conquer Wolf Creek Pass, known for its challenging curves and abundant winter snowfall, offering spectacular views year-round. This pass provides access to the stunning San Juan National Forest and excellent skiing opportunities.
Red Cliff Bridge
Bridge
4.8
Admire the impressive Green Bridge at Red Cliff, a unique landmark that offers a stunning visual from the rearview mirror. This architectural marvel is a memorable highlight along the scenic routes of Colorado.
Douglas Pass
Natural feature
4.7
Discover the unique desert landscapes of Douglas Pass, a sleeper route connecting Grand Junction to Rangely. This drive takes you over the dramatic Book Cliffs, offering unexpected and impressive scenery.
Tennessee Pass
Natural feature
4.5
Explore Tennessee Pass, an often-overlooked route connecting Leadville to the Minturn area, boasting historical significance and scenic beauty. This pass reaches the Continental Divide at 10,000 feet, offering high-elevation vistas.
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