For nearly a century, travelers have admired the Peak to Peak Highway’s forested slopes, snow-dusted mountains and sweeping vistas. In 1918, the state named the route its first scenic byway. When the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways program was created in 1989, the highway was selected as one of the five initial designated routes.
The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway parallels the Continental Divide between Black Hawk in Gregory Gulch and Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Throughout the journey, it captures awe-inspiring views of rugged mountaintops scraping the sky. Those who travel the byway can also enjoy hiking, fishing, snow sports, wildlife viewing and historic settlements.
The route starts at an elevation above 8,000 feet in the historic mining district occupied by Black Hawk and Central City, once known as “the richest square mile on earth.” Today, limited-stakes gambling casinos and the Central City Opera House lure visitors to the quaint towns. Each summer, a blast of miner’s dynamite and ringing of the theater’s bell herald the beginning of the opera season.
All along the way, the byway traverses state and national public lands, each offering recreational activities in pristine settings. First comes Arapaho National Forest, then the entrance to Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
The majestic range in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area fills the horizon as the road winds upward. The Wilderness Act of 1964 protects this and other selected federal lands from human settlement and mechanization. Lush ponderosa pine forests cover the slopes. In autumn, stands of aspen streak the mountainsides with broad swaths of gold. In winter, snow-capped South Arapaho, North Arapaho, Kiowa and Navajo peaks shimmer under the sun like diamonds.
The route enters Rollinsville, which once served as a major railroad hub. Before the Moffat Tunnel was bored, westbound trains chugged over treacherous Rollins Pass. To complete the 23-mile trip, locomotive firemen had to shovel 15 tons of coal into the engine. Today, on winter weekends, the Ski Train whistles through Rollinsville, transporting snow riders to Winter Park Resort.
After entering Roosevelt National Forest, the byway reaches its halfway point at Nederland. The mountain town has evolved from a mining center to an alpine suburb of Boulder. It got its name when Dutch investors bought nearby silver mines.
Ore booms in the late 1800s brought so many people to the town that hoteliers rented beds in eight-hour shifts, and restaurants allowed diners only 20 minutes to eat a meal. Today, travelers stop here to explore its arts and crafts galleries, rock shop, museum and riverside trail. A number of eateries, including a Nepalese restaurant, offer a variety of lunch options. In the winter, skiers glide down the slopes of nearby Eldora Mountain Resort.
The road continues winding upward to Ward, where the elevation exceeds 9,000 feet. Mounds of talus ring the former mining camp. In the 1890s, Switzerland Trail of America Railroad operated a daily excursion train to Ward. Passengers thrilled in scaling the mountain to scenic vistas and fresh alpine air. Today, a well-preserved schoolhouse and church remind visitors of the quiet community’s golden days.
The highway then descends into Peaceful Valley, a former noontime stop on the Ward-Estes stage run, and enters Middle St. Vrain canyon. When it turns onto Colorado 7, Mount Meeker towers on the horizon. The peak was named after Nathan Meeker, founder of the Union Colony at Greeley. Built atop a huge granite rock, St. Malo Chapel graces the roadside.
As the byway winds down into Tahosa Valley, it passes a historic marker honoring Enos Mills. The naturalist’s tireless campaign led to creation of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915. The single-room log cabin in which he wrote many of his stories about wildlife and nature stands back from the road. The Enos Mills Cabin Museum & Gallery sells his photographs and books, including previously unpublished works.
Across the highway is Longs Peak Inn, which Mills owned and operated in the early 1900s. He interpreted nature for his guests and led hundreds of climbs up 14,255-foot Longs Peak.
Farther down the road, the Twin Sisters rise to the east. Six miles before the byway reaches its northern point, Lily Lake Visitor Center orients travelers to Rocky Mountain National Park. Exhibits give recommendations for various activities, including birdwatching, wildflower viewing and photography. From this angle, Longs Peak is distinguished by its beaver shape. Across from the center, a groomed gravel path circles Lily Lake. Anglers enjoy catch-and-release fly fishing.
Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Colorado’s first national park, lies nestled below in a broad mountain valley. The descent curves through cut rock into the resort town. Elk often graze in roadside meadows. In the distance, Mummy Range pinpoints the location of the national park, promising additional wonders for those who continue exploring.
If You Go
The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway follows Colorado 72 and Colorado 7 between Black Hawk/Central City and Estes Park. The total length is 55 miles of paved road. Drive time, excluding stops, is 1.5 hours. Open year-round, the route offers sweeping vistas of mountain ranges and is great for recreational activities on public lands, as well as pioneer and mining history.
Enos Mills Cabin Museum and Gallery
Open times vary, so call for information.
6760 Colorado Route 7, Estes Park,
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 92 Crawford Gulch Road, Golden, (303) 582-3707
Rocky Mountain National Park, 10000 U.S. Highway 36, (970) 586-1206
Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2440 Pearl St., Boulder, (800) 444-0447
Central City Public Information, 303-582-5251
Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 443-7737
Rose and David Muenker, who live in Denver, are the authors of two guidebooks, the Colorado Front Range History Explorer and Colorado Front Range Scenic and Historic Byways.
From the Editors: We spent a heap of time making sure this story was accurate when it was published, but of course, things can change. Please confirm the details before setting out in our great Centennial State.