1. Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs via US Highway 287, State Highway 14, US 40.
The Poudre River Canyon is a hell of a sight to behold. Hit the road after eating breakfast at the Rainbow. About 24 miles in is The Mishawaka, an outdoor amphitheater hosting live music all summer, with intoxicated show goers often spreading to the dispersed camp sites along the river after each show to keep the party going. Most of the drive up to the town of Walden is through the Roosevelt National Forest– great views and plenty of shade to keep the drive from getting excessively hot. Stopping for a hike in State Forest State Park is never a bad idea- Clarke Peak is a challenge but the park also has many shorter hikes. Rabbit Ears Pass can be a tough go in the winter, but is typically passable. In summer it is possible to pull over onto County Road 199 and hike up to Rabbit Ears Peak- only about an hour one way. In Steamboat Springs, rent a tube and hit the Yampa River with some canned beer. If the wait isn’t too long at Slopeside Grill, their pub food is solid and the drinks are reasonably priced considering the place is right at the base of the ski hill. Otherwise, head downtown to Sunpie’s Bistro, but don’t mistake the term ‘bistro’ to mean fine dining. Cheap drinks and grub are their specialties.
2. Grand Junction to Durango via US Highway 50, 550.
Sitting underneath the traditional radar of Colorado tourism is the food and farming scene. Given the winter season and high altitude, the state actually has a lot to offer and this gorgeous drive through much of the western part of the state touches the outskirts of it. Delta County has a vibrant collection of wineries, many of which have tasting rooms. I’m a fan of Azura Cellars– and their tasting room is a short jaunt off Highway 50 through the town of Delta. Pass through Ouray, the Switzerland of America. Marvel at the steep cliffs and be happy it is a weekend- the champagne brunch at the Bon Ton is high altitude tradition for locals.
3. Walsenburg to Trinidad via State Highway 12- The Highway of Legends.
Start to finish, this drive can be done in two hours. That is not the right way to do it, however. At least once, pull over to view and photograph the Spanish Peaks. Near the former ski area of Cuchara is a great spot to view the White Peaks and West Spanish Peak, and grab a drink on the patio at Dog Bar & Grill. Hopefully, it is fall and the leaves are changing- there is not a better drive in the state to view the magnificent colors of the landscape as the season changes. A quick stop to do some fishing at Trinidad Lake should be in order, followed Chili Fries & Big Brother at Lee’s BBQ in Trinidad.
4. Peak 2 Peak Highway –Blackhawk to Estes Park.
Test your luck at the casinos in Blackhawk, the Vegas of Colorado, and then hit the road north towards Nederland. Have lunch with rugged mountaineers and volunteer firemen at the Stage Stop in Rollinsville. Then, wind along to Nederland. While Boulder gets all the credit for being the ultimate hippy haven, the tiny town of Nederland is actually where those who survived the sixties keep the spirit alive. Finding a Grateful Dead cover band playing at First Street Pub and Grill or the Pioneer Inn is not uncommon. Estes Park is home to the famous Stanley Hotel, where part of the movie The Shining was filmed. The town itself is lively- enjoy local spirits at Dancing Pines Distillery.