At AAMCO Colorado, we fully understand that you expect your vehicle to get you where you need to be. If you intend to take any long distance trips this summer in your vehicle, be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure your vehicle is ready for the haul. If you need a Radiator Repair Shop, Transmission Repair, Colorado Brake Repair, or any other automotive maintenance needs, be sure to find the nearest AAMCO Location to you, and give us a call to set up an appointment!
Best Places To Take A Road Trip In Colorado
If you either live in Colorado, or anticipate visiting our beautiful state this summer, you would be doing yourself a favor by taking a road trip to see some of the amazing scenes that nature provide. Between the tall peaks, low lying valleys, open plains, and running rivers, there’s no amount of time that would be enough to see it all.
Fortunately though, we have devised this list of 4 must see places in Colorado which are all accessible by car, making your road trip through the state an unforgettable one. After all, we do have a stretch of road coined The Million Dollar Highway, not based on it’s cost, but on the beauty of the land in which it crosses through. And in fact, we’ll start with that to kick off this list.
The Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is a section of U.S Route 550, which is a spur of U.S Highway 50, that runs from Silverton to Ouray. Overall this stretch of road is 12 miles long, and there is a specific section where the road derives its name which is the Summit of Red Mountain Pass. This road is not for the faint of heart, as there are a number of challenging and potentially hazardous sections to drive. There are steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and no guardrails through this memorable section of highway. Between the hairpin curves which are used to gain elevation, and the road which is cut directly into the sides of the mountains, this knuckle whitening and aw inspiring road is sure to invigorate the spirit and leave you with scenes of utter joy and delight.
Race The Durango – Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train
The Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of only two remaining and functioning narrow guage railroads in the country. The trains itself has been around since the 1800’s, and as such, its not particularly difficult to beat in a race. However, driving along the mountainous path from Durango to Silverton is full of beautiful scenes. For a great portion of the drive, you’ll follow the Animas River before it finally branches off. Ideally, it is recommended to to drive to Durango and take the train to Silverton as it is an absolutely amazing ride. The train route is carved out of the mountains that it travels through, where when looking down out of the train car, there are spots where you cannot even see the ground the train sits on. A most worthwhile trip worth taking, even if you aren’t really a train enthusiast.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Now for many that don’t care to, or have a hard time hiking, much of the Rocky Mountain National Park will sadly go unseen. However, that does not mean you can’t witness the beauty of the area through the roadways that pass through. Many of the mountain peaks and low lying valleys can be viewed from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Not to mention there are many scenic stopping points along the way which give the opportunity to get out of you car for a minute and stretch your legs, take in some brisk mountain air, and revel in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Hwy 285 Outside Of Bailey
If you are fortunate enough to be in Colorado for either early Spring or late Fall, be sure to pay a visit to Hwy 285 that passes through Bailey Colorado. There are aspen tress which line the highway, and if caught during the right time of the year, it would appear as though you’re driving through a rainbow. The bright and gorgeous colors hit ever imaginable variation of green, yellow, and red. Considering Colorado is a high Dessert, it is truly amazing to see such colors erupting from a land that is otherwise arid and dry. Combine those colors with the background of high peaks and further down south, the opening up of the plains, and Hwy 285 outside of Bailey soon becomes a destination in itself if caught during the right part of the year.