Take a motorcycle ride as the majestic peaks and serene valleys of the Rocky Mountains unfold before your eyes
As the wheels of your motorcycle touch the pavement of the Peak to Peak Highway Loop, your eyes are immediately drawn to the towering Rocky Mountains, their peaks reaching for the heavens. And that’s when you’ll understand why the Peak to Peak Highway is one of Colorado’s most epic bike rides.
Colorado’s oldest scenic byway
Originally built in 1918 (which makes it Colorado’s first and oldest scenic byway!), the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a 55-mile strip of road that connects Blackhawk, Colorado, and the I-70 corridor to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Easily accessible from Denver, it makes for a fun and quick day trip or weekend adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It’s just you, the road, and the Colorado Rocky Mountains surrounding you.
As Miranda Jarod from Texas said, “My husband and I rented a motorcycle and drove the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway and it was unbelievably amazing! We highly recommend it. The views are indescribable! You just have to see them for yourself. This was definitely an item to scratch off our bucket list!”
The ride is a thing of beauty year-round. However, it is during fall that it truly becomes a masterpiece, as the golden color of the changing aspen trees brings the mountain to life.
The winding roads
But it’s not just the nature views that make this road so epic. The winding roads and elevation changes (it has a total elevation gain of 1,547m!) make the ride even more exhilarating. The road has sweeping curves and tight twists, providing a great balance between challenging sections that test your skills and smoother stretches that allow you to relax and enjoy the ride.
The journey commences in the charming town of Nederland where you can gear up and set off northward. Within moments, the road starts to ascend steadily, with a mile-long climb. As the road descends into a picturesque valley surrounding Caribou Ranch, the incredible vistas begin to unfurl. But there’s no time to rest, as there is another climb up shortly after. Just be prepared for some changes in climate – it’s a ride so unique you could go through four seasons in one day!
The charming towns
The charming mountain towns, including Nederland, Ward, and Estes Park, are great to stop off at too. Each town has a unique character, local shops, and dining options where you can take a break, refuel, and interact with the friendly locals. There are even some casinos to try your luck at in local towns Black Hawk and Central City.
This iconic route also combines nature with recreation, with Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Eldora Ski Resort close by. Adventurers can explore high-country lakes, discover hidden trailheads, and even stumble upon ghost towns at Hesse and Apex.
There is a reason why Peak to Peak Highway Loop is such a popular route for motorcycle enthusiasts. And you’ll realize how popular it is when you connect with other riders who share your passion along the way. It’s an opportunity to meet fellow motorcyclists at various stops, share stories, and forge new friendships, creating a sense of camaraderie and community as you all ride Peak to Peak.