Day Trips from Colorado Springs
← All Colorado Springs day tripsDay Trips from Colorado Springs: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Colorado Springs, CO. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Colorado Springs
San Carlos Overlook
Beulah, CO 81023
Just 1 hr 28 min from Colorado Springs, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway
CO 80461, USA
Just 2 hrs 22 min from Colorado Springs, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Valley Viewpoint
CO 80921, USA
Just 45 min from Colorado Springs, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Pikes Peak Lookout on Rampart Road
Cascade, CO 80809
Just 1 hr 2 min from Colorado Springs, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Lost Gulch Overlook
CO 80302, USA
Just 1 hr 43 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.9 stars by 1,689 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Peak To Peak Scenic Byway
Estes Park, CO 80517
Just 2 hrs 19 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.9 stars by 270 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Lookout Near Highway
Boulder, CO 80303
Just 1 hr 31 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.9 stars by 266 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic Overlook
Jefferson, CO 80456
Just 1 hr 50 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Sunshine Canyon Road Viewpoint
Boulder, CO 80302
Just 1 hr 56 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic
Interstate 70, US-6
Just 2 hrs 8 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.8 stars by 815 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Scenic Overlook
Louisville, CO 80027
Just 1 hr 23 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.8 stars by 413 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Skyline Drive
Cañon City, CO 81212
Just 59 min from Colorado Springs, rated 4.8 stars by 573 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Colorado Springs
What are the best scenic drives near Colorado Springs, CO?
The best scenic drives near Colorado Springs include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Colorado Springs?
Most scenic drives near Colorado Springs range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Colorado Springs?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Colorado Springs, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Colorado Springs?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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