Road Trips

Road Trips Full of Fascinating Contrasts
Nowhere does taking the road less traveled have more appeal than in the mountains. Many back roads take you to spots with panoramas of snowcapped mountains and sweeping meadows.

But first consult a map and check with the local chamber of commerce or the Forest Service. Many country roads are closed from time to time due to beetle-kill mitigation and timber clearing.

Berthoud Pass, a Familiar Road In 1861, former army engineer Capt. Edward L. Berthoud took on the task of searching for ways to open a route from Golden to Salt Lake City. While surveying a wagon road from Empire City, he found the saddle in the mountain known today as Berthoud Pass. He reported that the pass was suitable as a wagon road. When the road was completed, the first stagecoach made the 26-mile trip over Berthoud Pass in six hours. Today, the trip takes about thirty minutes.

How many switchbacks are there on Berthoud Pass? Nine, four on one side, five on the other. There are many halfbacks but only nine true switchbacks. Definition of a switchback: A sharp bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary for a vehicle to turn almost 180° to continue on the road.
These are three roads that capture the grandeur of the mountains. The first, of course, is Trail Ridge Road. This not-to-be-missed road brings you eye level with majestic mountain peaks. The road is paved and well maintained but contains curves and switchbacks. Allow three to four hours to enjoy the stops along the way. (See pages 10-11.) The drive begins at Kawuneeche Visitor Center and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose and elk are often seen along the Kawuneeche Valley. Take advantage of the marked road pullovers. Stop at Farview Curve with impressive views of the Never Summer Mountains. That timid little stream winding across the valley is the Colorado River. Walk around at Milner Pass where you can put a foot on either side of the Continental Divide. At the top, stop by the Alpine Visitor Center for souvenirs, water and food.

Willow Creek Pass is a beautiful drive. Drive through Granby on US Hwy 40. At Windy Gap Reservoir, take State Hwy 125 to the top of the pass, 21.5 miles. This is a nice road that follows Willow Creek. There are several places to stop and have a picnic along the river. The lower section is open with oak trees. Close to the top of the pass are some unusual rock formations. Look for moose all along this road.

For a drive that dramatically reveals the growth of the famous Colorado River, take the Colorado River Headwaters National Scenic Byway. (Pick up a free brochure at any local business or visitor center.) The Byway begins at Grand Lake on US Hwy 34, which ends just outside Granby. It continues on west US Hwy 40. Byers Canyon, hemmed in by orange sandstone cliffs, begins at Hot Sulphur Springs. From Kremmling head south on State Hwy 9 to County Road 1 or Trough Road. (Most of this road is dirt but well maintained.) This road leads to State Bridge at State Hwy 131 and the end of the Byway, a total of 69 miles.