Colorado Scenic Byways Map
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway passes a few of Colorado's ghost towns. Caribou used to be a silver camp but is deserted now. However, Nederland (the town that was established to supply Caribou) lives on. There are also many gold mines along Hwy 72 and 119. On the weekends, prospectors still pan for gold in the creeks, and there are a few gold mines along the way that allow the public to pan for the sparkling golden flakes. Visitors have to pay to pan, but children find it exciting and many times rewarding, making it worth the small fee.
In addition to the stunning mountain scenery, this byway also provides a unique close-up look at the Continental Divide. The area is filled with aspen trees, so in the fall it becomes a dazzling quilt of gold, yellow, orange, green and brown. The fall is also a wonderful time to visit the area because it is elk mating season. Visitors flock to Estes Park to watch the mating rituals of the elk. Female and baby elk gather in a field as one male monopolizes his harem until he is challenged. The elk in this town have become so abundant that it is almost impossible to drive through Estes Park without seeing them - they almost seem to know the traffic laws!
Whether looking for a relaxing vacation or for adventure, there are activities for all kinds of people in this area. There is hiking, climbing, river rafting, ATVing, horseback riding, biking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, shopping, dining, camping and nearby skiing in Eldora Mountain Resort. For some Hollywood sightseeing, Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, Steven King's inspiration for his famous novel "The Shining"; he stayed in room 217 in the nearly empty hotel the night before it closed for the season. The original film with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall was not filmed here but the mini-series was.
Starting in Nederland, turn right on Hwy 72 on the way to Ward. The scenic byway will take you to Estes Park.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do
Enjoy relaxing float trip or extreme whitewater with Liquid Descent. Rafting trips near Summit County, Winter Park and the Denver Area. Highlights: riverside hot springs, abundant wildlife, gorgeous scenery.
Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12 rooms for romance, scrap-booking or a getaway. Near Estes Park: shop and dine. Unwind: hike, site-see, fall leaf peeping.
Blackhawk Cabins are 2 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. Fish Fall River. Relaxing Riverside Hot Tub. LOG CABINS in Estes Park: Woodburning fireplace, good WiFi, kitchen, loft with pine interior.
Escape the ordinary in Nederland! The Carousel inspires happiness, laughter and magic for all that visit. Scott Harrison spent 26 years hand-carving 56 one-of-a-kind animals. We have a wheelchair ramp!
Intimate 1 and 2 bedroom cabins on Fall River. RIVERFRONT cabins and vacation home in Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park surrounds The Evergreens. Romance Package: roses, spa, chocolates.
The Fair Winds over Boulder allow Balloon Flights to soar. Majestic MOUNTAIN VIEWS between Denver and Estes Park. Colorado's favorite hot-air balloon rides happen daily: individuals, groups, intimate VIP.
Estes Park is RIGHT HERE --A Family Vacation. Our Lodge Guests say: It's so beautiful here -- a cabin retreat surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular misty mountain backdrop, it feels like you're in nature.
Mountain Vacation Destinations
Vacation at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, Pinebrook fits your budget from cozy rustic cabins hidden in the pines to exquisite mountain homes full of amenities. Some rentals are pet friendly!
YEAR ROUND Cabins near Estes Park in Allenspark. Sunshine Mountain is along the scenic Peak to Peak Highway. A family reunion lodge in the mountains when you need to get-a-way . . . Pets welcomed!
More Activities & Information
Allenspark, Colorado includes: Meeker Park, Raymond
Boulder, Colorado includes: Eldorado Springs, Lafayette, Louisville
Denver Mountain Area, Colorado includes: Black Hawk, Central City, Empire, Evergreen, Genesee, Georgetown, Golden Mountains, Idaho Springs, Idledale, Morrison
Estes Park, Colorado includes: Drake
Nederland, Colorado includes: Eldora
Scenic Byways in Colorado
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