Best driving roads near Denver
Denver drivers can leave the plains and be carving alpine switchbacks above the treeline within an hour, with some of the highest paved roads in North America on the doorstep.
1. Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans)
The highest paved road in North America, topping out above 14,100 feet with steep climbs, hairpins, and Front Range views few roads on Earth can match.
2. Trail Ridge Road (US-34)
A 48-mile alpine traverse through Rocky Mountain National Park climbing to 12,183 feet past wildflower meadows and continental-divide vistas (summer only).
3. Lookout Mountain Road
A short, tight set of switchbacks climbing from Golden to a 7,379-foot summit with panoramic views back over Denver and the foothills.
4. Lariat Loop
The closest scenic byway to the city, a 40-mile loop through Golden, Evergreen, and Morrison stitching together classic foothills canyon driving.
5. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
A high-country byway over an 11,600-foot pass linking Georgetown and Grant, blending tight climbs with alpine lakes and peak views.
Track your next run near Denver
Open Road is free on iPhone and Android.
Questions, answered
- What are the best driving roads near Denver?
- Top picks near Denver: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, Trail Ridge Road, Lookout Mountain Road, Lariat Loop, Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Each is a favorite among drivers for its curves, scenery, or pace.
- What's the best app to track a drive near Denver?
- Open Road records your run automatically — route replay, distance, top speed, g-force — and saves it to a stat card. Free on iPhone and Android.