What to See on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway from Boulder, and you'll take in some of Colorado's most spectacular scenery. Here's what to keep an eye out for and where to stop along the way. 

Boulder Falls

Pull off of Canyon Blvd./Hwy. 119 on the way to Nederland to see the lovely 70-foot Boulder Falls. A short, stair-filled,100-yard hike will lead you to this gem-like waterfall that rushes down a rock wall.

Nederland

Nederland (or "Ned" to locals) is a funky little mountain town. Stop to shop, grab a bite to eat and take a spin on the wonderfully whimsical Carousel of Happiness.  

Barker Reservoir

The serene Barker Reservoir laps at Nederland’s banks and is stocked with rainbow trout and other prized species (Colorado fishing license required).  

Barker Reservoir

The serene Barker Reservoir laps at Nederland’s banks and is stocked with rainbow trout and other prized species (Colorado fishing license required).  

Eldora 

As the locals' favorite ski resort, Eldora has 680 acres of varied terrain and is a great choice for families to learn and enjoy skiing.  

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

The scenic Indian Peaks Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas near Denver for outdoor recreation. There are a total of seven peaks above 13,000 feet, more than 50 lakes and 28 trails covering some 130 miles. Late May to early Oct., access to the popular Hessie Trailhead is best via free shuttle from the Nederland Park-n-Ride (HessieTrailhead.com).  

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Set in a glacially carved valley, Brainard Lake is a hot spot for snowshoeing in winter and hiking and camping in summer. Lake Isabelle is an especially scenic hike in this area. (It is recommended to check for closures and reservation requirements before you go.)

Saint Vrain Creek

This refreshing tributary runs beside the highway between the town of Ward and the turnoff for Overland Road. The Ceran St. Vrain Trail is a great place to enjoy the creek. 

Longs Peak

This famous fourteener (mountains above 14,000 feet in elevation) is a spectacular behemoth to behold on the horizon.  

Photo: Wikipedia Commons, Photograph by Anne Dirkse

Raymond Country Store

This little mountain general store and cabins is a good place to get out and stretch your legs, buy a cold soda and chat with the friendly purveyor.  

Allenspark

Stop at Allenspark, a cheery mountain town, for legendary cinnamon rolls at Meadow Mountain Café; a visit to Eagle Plume’s, a trading post and Native American art gallery that dates back to 1917; and The Old Gallery, a lively community arts center with gallery exhibitions, concerts and classes.  

St. Malo's Chapel on the Rock

A lovely photo op awaits at Chapel on the Rock (St. Catherine of Siena Chapel), a classic chapel set against a mountain backdrop.  

Photo: TheBoyFromFindlay/Flickr Creative Commons

Wild Basin

Heading north from Allenspark, pull over to take some photos of the Wild Basin forest area and views of imposing Mount Meeker and Longs Peak. This is a less-frequented entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.  

Seven Keys Lodge

Stop at this historic lodge for a charcuterie plate and to see (and learn the story behind) the world’s largest key collection. Open May-October.

Estes Park

As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a tourist destination with a scenic riverwalk, elk trotting through town, hiking, picnicking on Lake Estes and tours of the historic Stanley Hotel.  

Rocky Mountain National Park

Crystalline lakes, jagged peaks, wildlife encounters, trickling alpine streams — it’s all here in Rocky Mountain National Park, America’s third most visited national park. Reservations are required late May to mid-October. 

Trail Ridge Road

This “highway to the sky” in Rocky Mountain National Park is the highest continuous paved road in the country, traveling to more than 12,000 feet. Check nps.gov for opening and closure information. 

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Just 12 miles off of the highway via Gap Road are 12,000 acres filled with aspen trees, granite boulders, tall grasses and wildflowers. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a high-alpine landscape surprisingly close to Boulder and Denver. Entry fees apply.

Black Hawk and Central City

At the south end of the Peak to Peak Byway, the historic gold rush towns of Black Hawk and Central City are now known for their casinos and the Central City Opera House.