Colorado Driving Conditions and Road Cams
Colorado is a state of stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich history. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, you will find it here in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Colorado is home to four national parks, 11 national forests, 42 state parks, and countless scenic byways that offer breathtaking views and thrilling experiences. You can explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes, the majestic peaks of Rocky Mountain, and the deep canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. You can also enjoy world-class skiing, hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and wildlife watching in Colorado’s diverse terrain.
Colorado has a rich and colorful history that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. You can learn about the Native American tribes that inhabited the land for thousands of years, the Spanish explorers and missionaries who came in the 16th and 17th centuries, the fur traders and mountain men who opened up the frontier in the 18th and 19th centuries, the gold and silver miners who sparked the Colorado Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, the railroad builders and ranchers who shaped the economy and society in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Denver
Denver is the capital and largest city of Colorado, with a population of over 700,000. It boasts a lively downtown, a rich cultural scene, and numerous museums and parks. Some of the highlights include the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the second largest city of Colorado, with a population of over 400,000. It is known for its military bases, Olympic training center, and stunning natural landmarks. Some of the highlights include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Manitou Springs, and the United States Air Force Academy.
Aurora
Aurora is the third largest city of Colorado, with a population of over 300,000. It is located east of Denver and has an impressive parks system that includes the Aurora Reservoir, an 800-acre body of water in the southeast of the city. Some of the highlights include Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora History Museum, Stanley Marketplace, and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins has a population of over 160,000 and is home to Colorado State University. It is a midsize college city with a charming downtown, a thriving craft beer scene, and a vibrant arts and culture community. Some of the highlights include Old Town Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir, New Belgium Brewing Company, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and Cache La Poudre River.
Lakewood
Lakewood is the fifth largest city of Colorado, with a population of over 150,000. It is located west of Denver and has a suburban feel with easy access to nature and recreation. Some of the highlights include Bear Creek Lake Park, Belmar Shopping District, Lakewood Heritage Center, William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park, and Dinosaur Ridge.
Boulder
Boulder is a progressive and lively city that is home to the University of Colorado and a thriving tech industry. Its attractions include Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park, Boulder Creek Path, and the Flatirons. Boulder is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and foodies.
Pueblo
Pueblo is a historic and industrial city that showcases its diverse heritage and its artistic flair. Its attractions include the Pueblo Riverwalk, the Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture, and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. Pueblo is also famous for its green chile peppers and its annual festivals.
Arvada
Arvada is a quaint and friendly city that preserves its small-town charm and its agricultural roots. Its attractions include Olde Town Arvada, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Majestic View Park, and Cussler Museum. Arvada is also close to Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Art Museum, and other urban amenities.
Colorado has over 50 scenic and historic byways that cover more than 10,000 miles of the state’s terrain. These routes will take you through the majestic Rocky Mountains, the colorful Colorado Plateau, the fertile plains, and the rugged canyons. You will see some of the highest peaks, deepest gorges, largest sand dunes, and oldest fossils in the country. You will also discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of Colorado, from its Native American roots to its mining and ranching legacy.
Some of the main routes covering the state are:
– Interstate 70: This is the main east-west corridor that connects Denver with Grand Junction and passes through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Colorado. Along the way, you can visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail, Glenwood Springs, and Colorado National Monument.
– Interstate 25: This is the main north-south corridor that connects Fort Collins with Pueblo and passes through Denver and Colorado Springs. Along the way, you can visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge Bridge, and Great Sand Dunes National Park.
– US Highway 285: This is an alternative route to I-25 that runs parallel to the Rocky Mountains and offers more scenic views and less traffic. Along the way, you can visit Mount Evans, South Park, Buena Vista, Salida, and Alamosa.
– US Highway 550: This is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado that runs from Montrose to Durango and passes through the San Juan Mountains. Along the way, you can visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ouray, Silverton, and Mesa Verde National Park.
Some of the main scenic drives available to the visitor are:
– Trail Ridge Road: This is the highest continuous paved road in North America that crosses Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake. It reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and wildlife.
– San Juan Skyway: This is a 236-mile loop that circles the San Juan Mountains and showcases some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Colorado. It includes sections of US Highway 550, US Highway 160, and State Highway 145. It passes through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Cortez, and Mesa Verde National Park.
– Top of the Rockies: This is a 115-mile route that follows State Highway 82 from Twin Lakes to Aspen and State Highway 91 from Leadville to Copper Mountain. It crosses two mountain passes over 12,000 feet and offers views of Mount Elbert (the highest peak in Colorado), Independence Pass (the highest paved pass in Colorado), and Aspen (the famous ski resort).
– Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: This is a 55-mile route that follows State Highway 7 from Estes Park to Black Hawk and State Highway 72 from Black Hawk to Nederland. It runs along the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and offers views of Longs Peak (the highest peak in the park), Indian Peaks W