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Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Discover scenic drives around Estes Park, from Colorado Highway 7 and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to Big Thompson Canyon, Devil's Gulch, local valley loops, and easy mountain viewpoints that make the drive part of the experience.
In Estes Park, the road can be part of the destination.
Some of the most memorable mountain views around Estes Park do not require a long hike. Scenic highways, quieter local roads, canyon routes, lakeside drives, and overlooks provide ways to experience the Estes Valley from the car while still leaving room for short walks, photography, wildlife viewing, and spontaneous stops.
This chapter focuses primarily on routes in and around Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are covered in detail in Volume IV, the Rocky Mountain National Park Guide.
Quick-reference routes.
Driving times vary with weather, construction, traffic, stops, and wildlife.
- Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
- 55 miles, about 80 minutes end to end according to CDOT.
- Colorado Highway 7
- Scenic approach south of Estes Park with views toward Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, Twin Sisters, and Lily Lake.
- US Highway 34
- Connects Loveland and Estes Park through Big Thompson Canyon.
- US Highway 36
- Main approach from Lyons into Estes Park with broad valley and mountain views.
- Devil's Gulch
- Quieter local route with Lumpy Ridge, Twin Owls, meadows, and wildlife potential.
- Lake Estes
- Easy local scenery close to town with water, mountain, and wildlife views.
- Trail Ridge Road
- 48-mile national park route covered in Volume IV.
- Road Conditions
- Use COtrip and current NPS information before mountain travel.
Colorado's oldest scenic byway.
CDOT lists the Peak to Peak at 55 miles with an estimated drive time of about 80 minutes.
Established in 1918
CDOT describes the Peak to Peak as Colorado's oldest scenic byway.
Front Range views
The route is known for long views toward the Continental Divide and forested mountain approaches.
Highway 7 into the valley
The northern portion connects into Estes Park by Colorado Highway 7.
Classic autumn route
Aspen along the corridor makes this one of the area's most popular fall drives.
More than one road
National forest roads, trailheads, campgrounds, historic towns, and recreation areas branch from the corridor.
Check road conditions
CDOT recommends checking COtrip before traveling Colorado scenic byways.
A dramatic southern approach to Estes Park.
This route is one of the easiest ways to combine a scenic drive with short stops.
One of the route's defining views
Highway 7 provides major views toward Longs Peak as the road approaches Estes Park.
Big mountain scenery
Mount Meeker rises prominently along the Peak to Peak corridor.
Easy scenic stop
Lily Lake sits along Highway 7 and offers mountain views with a short lakeside walking option.
Historic roadside landmark
Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel, also known as Chapel on the Rock, sits along the route near Allenspark.
RMNP connection
Highway 7 passes the Wild Basin access area of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Use legal pullouts
Visit Estes Park highlights roadside views along this corridor, but drivers should stop only where parking is legal and safe.
US 34 turns the trip from Loveland into part of the mountain experience.
The canyon route follows the Big Thompson River through steep rock walls before opening into the Estes Valley.
Close-in mountain scenery
US 34 winds through a narrow canyon where rock walls rise directly from the river corridor.
Water beside the road
The river remains one of the route's defining features through much of the canyon.
The canyon opens into Estes Park
As the route enters the valley, the view expands toward the surrounding mountains and Lake Estes area.
Limited in the canyon
Fuel, food, and cell service are more dependable before or after the narrower canyon section.
Conditions change quickly
Rain, snow, ice, rockfall, or construction can affect travel through the canyon.
Do not stop in travel lanes
Use established pullouts and legal parking if you want to stop for the river or views.
A quieter local loop north and east of town.
Visit Estes Park highlights this route for Lumpy Ridge views, Twin Owls, open meadows, and wildlife potential.
Leave town to the north
The route begins by heading north from Estes Park past MacGregor Ranch.
Granite skyline
Lumpy Ridge and its distinctive rock formations dominate parts of the drive.
Recognizable rock formation
Twin Owls is one of the corridor's most recognizable natural landmarks.
Open meadow habitat
Elk, deer, coyotes, and birds of prey may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Loop back toward US 34
Dry Gulch Road can return drivers toward the Lake Estes and Highway 34 area.
Big return views
Sections of the return provide broad views toward Longs Peak and the Estes Valley.
The classic eastern approach.
US 36 climbs from Lyons toward Estes Park without crossing a major mountain pass.
Gateway from the Front Range
The route leaves Lyons and climbs steadily toward the Estes Valley.
Changing Front Range scenery
The drive combines canyon, forest, open slopes, and mountain views.
Valley reveal
The final approach opens into broad views around Estes Park.
Popular from Denver and Boulder
Visit Estes Park identifies US 36 as the quicker common route from Denver compared with the longer Highway 7 scenic option.
No high mountain pass
The route remains a principal access road throughout the year, subject to normal weather and construction conditions.
Watch traffic and bicycles
Stay patient on curves and use legal pullouts rather than stopping suddenly for views.
Big views without committing to a long road trip.
These shorter local routes work well when you have an hour instead of a full day.
Water and mountain views
The roads and recreation areas around Lake Estes provide easy access to broad views close to town.
Residential valley scenery
Fish Creek Road provides a lower-key look at the southeastern Estes Valley and residential mountain landscape.
Elevated neighborhood views
Public roads in the High Drive area offer changing perspectives across the valley, but visitors should respect private property and residential traffic.
North-side mountain character
This road transitions quickly from downtown to ranchland and views toward Lumpy Ridge.
Lake and mountain arrival
The east side of town provides easy views toward Lake Estes and the surrounding peaks.
Scenic does not mean public access
Stay on public roads, park only where allowed, and do not enter private driveways or property for photographs.
Good views are better when the stop is safe.
Choose established pullouts, parking areas, recreation sites, or public spaces.
Easy mountain composition
Water, Longs Peak-area views, and a short walk make this a useful scenic stop along Highway 7.
Open valley panorama
The lake corridor offers broad mountain views with easy access close to town.
Longs Peak and Wild Basin
Use signed or obvious legal pullouts only, especially on curving sections of mountain highway.
Lumpy Ridge and meadows
Open terrain provides broad views, but do not stop where sight distance is poor.
Use public streets responsibly
Higher public roads can offer valley views, but residential areas are not formal tourist overlooks.
Use Volume IV
For Many Parks Curve, Rainbow Curve, Forest Canyon, and other park overlooks, see the dedicated Rocky Mountain National Park Guide.
Every season changes the road.
Check current road and weather information before leaving.
Variable surfaces
Expect snowmelt, wet roads, occasional snow, and shoulder-season construction.
Longest days
Warm weather and open high-country routes create the broadest scenic-driving options.
Aspen season
Peak to Peak and Highway 7 are especially popular during autumn color.
Lower routes matter more
Trail Ridge Road's high section closes, while local valley, canyon, and lower-elevation drives remain important scenic options.
Less traffic, low-angle light
Early drives can provide quiet roads and strong mountain illumination.
Plan the drive home
Mountain roads become darker quickly, and wildlife may be more active near dusk.
Slow is not a failure. Slow is often the correct speed.
Scenic routes demand attention even when the view is trying to steal it.
Do not sightsee while steering
Let passengers enjoy the view while the driver focuses on the road.
Stop completely off the road
Do not stop in travel lanes or blind curves for photographs or wildlife.
Check before departure
Snow, ice, hail, heavy rain, and wildfire impacts can alter mountain roads quickly.
Expect animals near roads
Elk, deer, and other wildlife may enter the roadway, especially around dawn and dusk.
Fill up before longer loops
Services can be sparse once you leave the Estes Valley.
Use current road information
CDOT recommends COtrip for current Colorado road conditions.
Common scenic-driving questions.
Current conditions always take priority over general route descriptions.
What is the best scenic drive near Estes Park?
There is no single best route. Highway 7 and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway are excellent for long mountain views, while Devil's Gulch offers a quieter local experience.
How long is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway?
CDOT lists the byway at 55 miles with an estimated drive time of about 80 minutes end to end.
Is Highway 7 scenic?
Yes. It offers major views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, Twin Sisters, Lily Lake, and the Wild Basin side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Is Big Thompson Canyon worth driving?
Yes. US 34 follows the Big Thompson River through steep canyon walls and is one of the classic approaches to Estes Park.
What is a good short scenic drive?
A Devil's Gulch and Dry Gulch loop or a drive around the Lake Estes area can provide big views without taking most of the day.
Where do I find Trail Ridge Road information?
Use Volume IV of the Estes Park Living Library for the complete Trail Ridge Road and Rocky Mountain National Park driving guide.
Explore Things To Do & Local Favorites.
This navigator stays consistent across the full volume.
- Volume V Home
- Chapter 1 · Downtown Estes Park
- Chapter 2 · Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
- Chapter 3 · Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
- Chapter 4 · Lake Estes & Water Activities
- Chapter 5 · Family-Friendly Things To Do
- Chapter 6 · Restaurants & Local Favorites
- Chapter 7 · Coffee, Bakeries & Breakfast
- Chapter 8 · Breweries, Wineries & Nightlife
- Chapter 9 · Shopping & Local Makers
- Chapter 10 · Arts, Music & Entertainment
- Chapter 11 · Historic Attractions & Landmarks
- Chapter 12 · Seasonal Activities
- Chapter 13 · Hidden Gems & Local Secrets
- Chapter 14 · One-Day, Weekend & Three-Day Itineraries
- Chapter 15 · Frequently Asked Questions
References used for this chapter.
Road conditions and seasonal access are time-sensitive.
Visit Estes Park: Scenic Drives
Current visitor guidance on Highway 7, Peak to Peak, Trail Ridge Road, and scenic routes around the Estes Valley.
Open scenic drives guideColorado DOT: Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Official byway length, driving time, history, map, and corridor information.
Open Peak to Peak informationVisit Estes Park: Getting Here
Current route guidance for US 36, Highway 7, US 34, and travel into Estes Park.
Open getting-here guideVisit Estes Park: Winter Scenic Drives
Current guidance on Devil's Gulch, Dry Gulch, RMNP winter routes, and wildlife-viewing considerations.
Open winter scenic drivesColorado Road Conditions
CDOT recommends checking COtrip for current road conditions before scenic travel.
Open COtripRocky Mountain National Park Roads
Current NPS road status for Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and other park roads.
Open RMNP road status
August 11, 2026
This chapter was reviewed using current Visit Estes Park, Colorado Department of Transportation, and National Park Service information. Weather, construction, closures, wildlife activity, and seasonal road access can change. Verify current road information before travel.