8 W E S T W O R D S u m m e r G u i d e 2 0 2 6 westword.com One-Tank Road Trips THESE ROUTES ARE WORTH THE DRIVE (AND THE GAS PRICES). BY A BIGA I L BL ISS With the cost of gas near record highs, travelers may want to put the brakes on a cross-country drive. But there’s no need to nix plans entirely. Considering fuel ca- pacity and miles per gallon, the average car can travel around 350 miles on a single tank — and from the metro area, there’s a whole lot of vacation within that range. Western heritage, exciting attractions and endless outdoor recreation define Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways. These designated routes showcase the best of the state, including spots that often get overlooked. If you’re on a budget, here’s where to take a road trip this summer. Peak to Peak Central City to Estes Park Now better known for their casinos, the neighboring towns of Central City and Black Hawk once claimed fame as “the richest square mile on Earth.” Hints of this mining legacy remain, evident in Central City’s downtown historic district and the surrounding area’s ghost towns. To see what’s left of these encampments, take short detours to Nevadaville and Russell Gulch. The scenic byway passes through the quirky town of Nederland before end- ing in Estes Park. It’s easy to fi ll an itinerary in this lively community, which provides access to Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road Estes Park to Grand Lake This scenic byway stands out as the highest paved through-road in North America, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. Pur- chase a $30 vehicle pass from the Beaver Meadows entrance station, then begin driving west through Rocky Mountain National Park. The route features overlooks with Continental Divide views, access to some of the park’s best trails and plenty of wildlife, including elk and moose. Drivers eventually reach Grand Lake, where wa- terfront cabins welcome tired travelers. The next morning, pick up a pontoon or paddleboard from the marina. Cache la Poudre-North Park Fort Collins to Walden On this northern Colorado road trip, drivers travel along the state’s only nationally desig- nated Wild and Scenic River. Rafting and fl y fi shing are key draws to the Cache la Poudre, which is fl anked by towering rock forma- tions. Bighorn sheep scale the crags while hundreds of moose wander the surrounding Rawah Wilderness. The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is another key place to see wildlife, especially migratory birds. After a day outdoors, settle into a cabin at Riverside Colorado, catch a show at The Mishawaka or explore the Fort Collins brewery scene. Frontier Pathways Pueblo to Colorado City History enthusiasts will be captivated by this National Scenic Byway, which traces the paths of Indigenous tribes, fur trappers, gold-rush miners and ranchers. Start your trip in Pueblo, where the Union Avenue Historic District preserves red brick structures built in the late 1800s. Linger at local museums, then head west along Highway 96. Timeworn sites dot the route, including the Jackson Hill stage shop, the ghost town of Rosita and several early homesteads. For incredible stargazing, spend the night in Silver Cliff or Westcliffe, both designated Dark Sky Communities. Gold Belt Tour Florissant to Cañon City This designated byway highlights the state’s rich mining history through several immersive experiences. From Florissant, travel to what was once the most productive gold-mining region in the world. Extraction still occurs today at the modernized Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine, which will re- sume mine tours this summer. To learn about prospectors’ former methods, watch the pack burro race on July 19 and climb aboard the local narrow gauge railroad. Cañon City, located further south, also features one of the most scenic train rides in the state. Top of the Rockies Frisco to Twin Lakes Beginning just west of Vail, this breathtak- ing drive showcases the best of Colorado’s high country. Start with a coffee and a stroll past cute shops in Minturn. Then continue to Camp Hale, the newest of the state’s national monuments and once the 10th Mountain Division’s training grounds. More fascinating history lies in Leadville, a former boomtown featuring Victori- an-era landmarks and narrow-gauge rail- road tours. Unfortunately, one tank of gas won’t get you to Aspen, the byway’s west end. But the drive to Frisco via Fremont Pass is truly stunning. Collegiate Peaks Granite to Salida Set against the state’s highest mountain range, this scenic byway begins in the former mining town of Granite. As you head south towards Buena Vista, a series of 14,000-foot peaks rise to the west. On the other side Wind your way through Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. ABIGAIL BLISS
