12 Best Stops and Hikes on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway in Colorado (Maps+Useful Tips)

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of Colorado’s most beautiful drives, stretching 55 miles from Central City to Estes Park (or vice versa).

This route will take you through charming mountain towns, past stunning views, and offers plenty of great spots to explore.

Check out these must-see stops and hikes along the way for a memorable drive through Colorado’s high country.

• Start/Finish: Estes Park to Central City (or vice versa)
• Distance: 60 miles
• Drive Time: Around 2 hours (without stops)
• Open/Closure: Open year-round, but be cautious of snow in winter.
• How to Get There: From Denver, take US-36 to Estes Park to start the route. Alternatively, take I-70 west and exit at Central City/Black Hawk to begin from the south.

• Established in 1918, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway holds the distinction of being the oldest scenic byway in Colorado, a title it has proudly maintained since its designation over a century ago.
• The creation of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway was part of a broader movement in the early 20th century to promote tourism and access to America’s natural wonders.
• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway winds through some of the state’s most picturesque areas. It provides unparalleled access to views of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The byway passes through Central City and Black Hawk, which were bustling with activity during the gold rush in the late 1800s.

Central City’s origins date back to the 1859 Colorado gold rush. Discovered by John Gregory, the area quickly became a hotspot for prospectors. At its peak, Central City was a bustling hub of mining activity.

Just east of Central City, Black Hawk also played a significant role during the gold rush. Originally established as a mining camp, it grew rapidly alongside Central City. By the 1870s, Black Hawk had become a major mining town with numerous gold mines operating in the area.

Situated next to Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Rollins Pass.

Rollins Pass, originally constructed between 1873 and 1881, was a significant engineering achievement for its time. It was built as a railroad route by the Denver, Boulder, and Western Railroad, designed to connect the railroads of Denver with the mining towns in the West.

The pass is renowned for its 33 tunnels, a remarkable feat of engineering. These tunnels were necessary to navigate the rugged terrain of the Rockies and the steep gradients of the Continental Divide.

At an elevation of approximately 11,660 feet, Rollins Pass is one of the highest railroads ever constructed in the United States.

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway covers a wide range of Colorado’s natural beauty. As you drive through the Arapaho National Forest—which spans over 1.5 million acres—you’ll pass by stunning forests, rivers, and mountains. The byway also cuts through the rugged Indian Peaks Wilderness and the serene Brainard Lake Recreation Area, perfect spots for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. The byway is home to moose, bighorn sheep, and various birds, especially in the Brainard Lake area. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to spot them.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway runs from Estes Park to Central City (or vice versa). In this blog post, we will cover all the best stops and hikes starting from Estes Park and ending in Central City.

Your first stop on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Lily Mountain Trail. It is a scenic, moderately challenging hike just south of Estes Park.

The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys without the crowds of more popular trails.

• Distance: 3.8 miles round-trip
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
• Trailhead Location: 6 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7

The trail goes through a mix of forested sections and open rocky areas with great views along the way.

The final push to the summit involves a bit of rock scramble, however it is all worth it! You will be rewarded with unbeatable panoramic scenery and sweeping views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, the Twin Sisters, and the Estes Valley.

View of Estes Valley from Lily Mountain 

If the Lily Mountain Trail is a bit too strenuous, then check out the Lily Lake Loop Trail which is the next stop on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

This easy, flat trail circles a picturesque alpine lake and offers beautiful mountain views with minimal effort!

View of Lily Mountain on Lily Lake Trail 

• Distance: 0.8-mile loop
• Time: 20-30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Trailhead Location: 6 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7 (same area as Lily Mountain)

Lily Lake Trail on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The Lily Lake Loop Trail gives you gorgeous views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, often mirrored in the calm water. It’s a great spot for families, photographers, or anyone who just wants a peaceful, easy walk.

GOOD TO KNOW: There are picnic areas, spots for fishing, and benches where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery, making it a perfect stop for a quick, relaxing break.

Lily Lake Trail on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The next stop is Enos Mills Cabin Museum.

The museum was built in 1885, and offers a fascinating look into the life of Enos A. Mills, often called the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.” This historic site provides insight into the park’s early days and Mills’ role in its founding. You will get to see his photography, writings, and personal artifacts.

GOOD TO KNOW: Did you know Mills climbed Longs Peak nearly 300 times? His love for the mountains fueled his campaign to establish the national park, which became a reality in 1915.

Next on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of Colorado’s most iconic hikes, the Longs Peak Trail leading to Longs Peak standing at 14,255 feet and being the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.

However, make a note that this trail is recommended for seasoned hikers. This 13.3-mile out-and-back trail is a highly challenging route and best suited for experienced adventurers due to its difficulty and rugged terrain.

• Distance: 13.3 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,934 feet
• Route Type: Out & back
• Best Time to Visit: June through September

Longs Peak Trail

This trail is popular for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other explorers along the way.

The unparalleled dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains and sense of accomplishment make it worth the effort, but proceed with caution—it’s not for the faint of heart.

GOOD TO KNOW: Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

In Allenspark, the Chapel on the Rock is a stunning sight, blending perfectly with the natural landscape as it sits on a huge granite rock. Made from local stone, it looks like it’s part of the mountain itself.

GOOD TO KNOW: A cool fact about this place is that Pope John Paul II visited in 1993, walked the trails, and left his mark on this peaceful spot.

The chapel is open to the public, so you can stop in, enjoy the quiet surroundings, and admire its beautiful architecture nestled in nature.

Chapel on the Rock on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The next stop is Mount Meeker Scenic Overlook.

Here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the endless mountain peaks, including the impressive Mount Meeker and parts of Rocky Mountain National Park.

GOOD TO KNOW: Mount Meeker, rises to 13,911 feet, making it a prominent feature in the area. On clear days, you can see a vast expanse of the Rockies, which is a great opportunity for photos!

Mount Meeker

Next, continue south on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway until you reach the town of Ward. From there, turn right onto Brainard Lake Road (Forest Road 112) to access the breathtaking Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

This high-altitude gem features two stunning lakes—Red Rock Lake and Brainard Lake—both of which offer mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountain peaks.

Brainard Lake 

PRO TIP: If you are looking to explore more in this area, the Long Lake Trail is a top choice!

GOOD TO KNOW: Long Lake is very close to the trailhead at Brainard Lake, so the hike to Long Lake itself is short and relatively flat (about 1.6 miles out and back). However, most hikers continue along the same trail to Lake Isabelle, which makes the hike more challenging and longer, totaling about 4.2 miles round-trip from the trailhead.

Trail to Brainard Lake

Here are some stats:

• Distance to Long Lake: 1.6 miles (out-and-back)
• Distance to Lake Isabelle: 4.2 miles round-trip (if you continue past Long Lake)
• Elevation Gain: ~300 feet to Long Lake, ~450 feet to Lake Isabelle
• Time: 1-1.5 hours to Long Lake, 2.5-3 hours to Lake Isabelle
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate to Long Lake; moderate to Lake Isabelle
• Route Type: Out-and-back

Long Lake is an easy walk, but the full route to Lake Isabelle offers more dramatic mountain and lake views and is better for those wanting a longer hike.

Red Rock Lake

Continue south along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, until you arrive at the charming mountain town of Nederland, nestled beside Barker Meadow Reservoir.

Originally founded as a trading post for local miners in the late 1800s, Nederland quickly grew during Colorado’s silver and tungsten mining booms. It retains much of its historic charm today.

Nederland on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

GOOD TO KNOW: Nederland is famous for its unique festivals, including the quirky Frozen Dead Guy Days, a celebration held each March to honor a cryogenically frozen man stored in a shed outside the town. The festival includes coffin races, polar plunges, and other oddball activities. There’s also the NedFest Music & Arts Festival, a popular summer event featuring local music, art, and food.

PRO TIP: Our recommendation is to take a stroll along the Barker Meadow Reservoir trail. This easy, scenic walk offers stunning views of the water with the surrounding mountains as a backdrop.

South of Nederland, you’ll come to the small, quiet town of Rollinsville. While it may seem like just a tiny mountain town, it has a rich history tied to Colorado’s railroads and also offers some unique outdoor adventures.

The town was named after John Rollins, who built a wagon road over the Continental Divide in 1873.

In 1903, railroad tycoon John Moffat took over the road and built a railroad over the pass, a huge engineering challenge back then. It had 33 tunnels and was the highest railroad in America at the time.

While the Moffat Tunnel eventually replaced the railroad, you can still explore parts of the old railway route today.

Old Railroad in Rollinsville 

Old Railroad in Rollinsville

If you’re up for some adventure, then explore Rollins Pass Road, also called Moffat Road. It’s a rugged trail that follows the old railroad path and offers interesting glimpses into the past.

Along the way, you can spot remnants of the old railroad like water towers, bridges, and even some of the original tunnels that made this pass famous.

The views are incredible, with sweeping vistas of the Continental Divide and surrounding forests.

Rollins Pass Road, also called Moffat Road

Rollins Pass Road, also called Moffat Road

Continuing south on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, you’ll pass through parts of the Arapaho National Forest, a vast and pristine wilderness stretching across the Rockies.

This section of the byway takes you through dense forests and mountain meadows.

GOOD TO KNOW: Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the forest was named after the Arapaho tribe, who historically hunted and lived in this area.

Arapaho National Forest

The forest spans 1.5 million acres and is part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests combined management area.

It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and camping, as well as explore over 28 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

As you head further south along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, you will be passing by Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

The park was established in 1960 and covers more than 12,000 acres of lush forests, open meadows, and rocky terrain.

Also, it offers over 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as camping, fishing, and picnicking.

Raccoon Trail is the park’s most popular hike. It’s a moderate 3.5-mile loop trail that offers a bit of everything: forests, meadows, wildlife, and unforgettable views. About halfway through the Raccoon Trail, you’ll reach Panorama Point. This spot provides sweeping, panoramic views of the Continental Divide, Mount Evans, and the expansive Rocky Mountains. It’s an ideal place to take a break, enjoy a snack, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

View from Panorama Point on Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

PRO TIP: To reach Golden Gate Canyon State Park from Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, turn left onto Golden Gate Canyon Road just before reaching Black Hawk. This road leads directly to the park (13 miles).

As you approach the end of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, you’ll reach the historic twin towns of Central City famously called “the richest square mile on earth” and Black Hawk.

These towns, established in 1859 when John Gregory discovered gold in the surrounding hills, still echo the boom days of the Colorado Gold Rush.

The streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings that feel like a step back in time, but they now host a plethora of casinos and gaming halls that draw visitors from around the state.

Central City on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

PRO TIP: Make sure to check out Gilpin County Historical Museum located in Central City, this museum provides a deeper dive into the area’s gold rush history with exhibits on mining, local life, and artifacts

If you’re looking to extend your adventure beyond the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, consider adding Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road to your journey. Both routes start in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and offer some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the U.S.

Trail Ridge Road:

• Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet at its peak.
• Spanning 48 miles, it connects Estes Park to Grand Lake and takes you through alpine tundra, meadows, and dense forests, offering panoramic views of the Rockies.
• Open seasonally (usually from late May to October), this route offers multiple overlooks where you can stop and soak in the dramatic mountain views, spot wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep, or even take short hikes along the way.

Old Fall River Road:

• For a slower, more winding route, consider Old Fall River Road. It’s a one-way gravel road that meanders for 11 miles, ascending steep switchbacks through lush forests and waterfalls before reaching Fall River Pass at over 11,000 feet.
• Built in 1920, this road is known for its hairpin turns and more rugged, historic feel. It’s typically open from July to September and offers a peaceful, less-traveled route to experience the high alpine ecosystem.