5 Scenic Road Trips Near Boulder For Every RV Lover
Boulder, Colorado, serves as a launchpad for RV aficionados yearning to explore roads framed by majestic landscapes. Rolling out from this hub, the routes that unfurl before you are abundant with natural wonders and scenic vistas.
Each journey offers an array of unique attractions and hidden gems. Imagine winding through mountain passes lined with evergreens or parking beside tranquil lakes at sunset.
If you are ready to steer your homes-on-wheels toward adventure, here are several scenic road trips near Boulder.
1. Trail Ridge Road
Covering close to 50 miles, the Trail Ridge Road stands out as an iconic trek weaving through Rocky Mountain National Park. This route, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, takes you on a natural rollercoaster of dramatic ascents and sweeping descents.
Your RV chugs eagerly along, climbing up to more than 12,000 feet, each bend revealing panoramic views that defy expectations. Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers while towering peaks etch the horizon. Wildlife sightings – from majestic elk to stealthy coyotes – add thrill to this high-elevation experience.
Rest areas like Many Parks Curve and Forest Canyon Overlook offer perfect pauses for photo ops. Just remember: the park’s alpine environment is delicate; tread lightly and preserve its unspoiled beauty for everyone who follows your tire tracks.
2. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Another journey that beckons RV enthusiasts is the historic Peak to Peak Byway. Stretching 55 miles from Estes Park to I-70, this route invites you into a corridor flanked by the Continental Divide’s formidable front range and a string of peaks that seem to pierce the sky.
Skirting the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll navigate through stretches lined with dense forests and enchanting small towns like Nederland, known for its quirky spirit. Each mile presents an opportunity – whether it’s stopping at old gold-mining sites or taking a short hike to waterfalls hidden just beyond the road’s edge.
As you cruise along this byway, autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of vibrant colors with aspen trees ablaze in golds and reds. In every season, however, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers its distinct blend of nature’s artistry and historical intrigue.
3. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Besides the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, there’s the Mount Evans Scenic Byway – an ascent into the clouds that promises both challenge and reward for RV travelers. Known as the road into the sky, this byway climbs up to 14,130 feet, offering a journey with views usually reserved for aircraft.
From Echo Lake Park, a popular picnicking spot nestled at 10,600 feet, to the summit of Mount Evans itself. Each switchback and hairpin turn ascends through layers of ecological wonder. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep can often be spotted on rocky ledges while birds of prey circle above.
Note that due to its elevation gain and environmental sensitivity, this road is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day only. This seasonal access preserves its pristine condition and ensures safety for all who travel here.
4. Canyonlands of the West
The call of the west is not to be ignored, and neither is the drive through Colorado’s canyonlands. This route diverges from the mountain-centric travels and leads into a dramatic world sculpted by water and time.
From Boulder, head towards Grand Junction to embark on a circuitous exploration of the canyons. The Colorado National Monument awaits with its red rock monoliths, towering cliffs, and sweeping plateaus. Here, your RV glides along Rim Rock Drive, which hugs the sides of sheer-walled canyons offering awe-striking vistas at every turn.
Pull over at one of the scenic overlooks or venture down a side trail for an intimate encounter with this arid landscape. Remember, these terrains are as rugged as they are beautiful; prepare accordingly with plenty of water and supplies. This odyssey through the canyonlands captivates and carves memories as enduring as its geological wonders.
5. San Juan Skyway
Completing our circuit of scenic escapades near Boulder is the San Juan Skyway. This 233-mile loop showcases Colorado’s southern splendor, from towering mountain peaks to historic mining towns like Telluride and Silverton.
The Skyway, often referred to as the “Road to the Sky,” offers up a visual feast – think soothing hot springs, ancient Anasazi dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, and the imposing grandeur of Lizard Head Pass. Opportunities for hikes or gondola rides abound, ensuring that every stop along this path can lead to adventure or reflection.
Before embarking on this longer expedition, it’s wise to explore the best RV options suited for both comfort on extended journeys and the agility required for mountainous roads. Ensure your vehicle of choice matches your spirit for discovery because the San Juan Skyway doesn’t just guide you through Colorado – it elevates you to new realms of natural beauty.
In Conclusion
Boulder’s vicinity offers a treasure trove of routes for RV enthusiasts, each with its unique spectrum of landscapes and experiences.
From the dizzying heights of Trail Ridge Road to the celestial beauty of the San Juan Skyway, your journey promises more than scenic views – it promises transformation through travel.
So rev up your engine and set the GPS. Adventure beckons along these roads less traveled, where each mile is rich with discovery and every sunset brings a new horizon.
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