I-70 East of the Divide

Combat Wing on the Lariat Loop
Combat Wing, Lariat Loop

Highlights:

  • Colorado Scenic BywayNational Forest BywayGuanella Pass Scenic Byway
  • Hang GlidingCombat wings and hang gliders on the Lariat Loop
  • WildlifeWildlife and bristlecone pines on Mt Evans
  • Snowboarding and Skiing Summer skiers on St Marys Glacier
  • Fall ColorsGuanella Pass
  • Scenic vistasMoon over A-Basin from east side of Loveland Pass

Lariat Loop

A Scenic & Historic BywayAmerica's BywayScenic Byway

Buffalo at the overlook on the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway.

How to get there:

The route begins at the intersection of US-6 and 19th St in Golden, the Lookout Mountain road.

  • GPS
  • US-6 and 19th St
  • 39.7456 -105.2236

In General:Campground

  • Length: 36 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour

One of the first historic byways in the country, the loop runs through the historic towns of Morrison, Evergreen, and Golden and provides access to foothills photo ops.

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Mt Evans

Highest paved road in North America Scenic BywayNational Forest Byway

Rocky Mountain goat and kids on Mt Evans.

How to get there:

I-70 west to Idaho Springs, exit 240:

  • GPS SH 103/I-70
  • 39.7405 -105.5207

I-70 to Evergreen Pkwy south to SH 103.

  • GPS SH 103/SH 74
  • 39.6853 -105.3661

In General: CampgroundFishing AvailableHiking Seasonal Closure

Summit open Memorial Day through Labor Day only.

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St Marys Glacier

Summer skiing is a popular activity.

St Marys Glacier

How to get there:

I-70 west to exit 238 – Fall River Rd. North on Fall River Rd to the parking area.

  • From I-70/C470 to St Marys
  • 35 miles 1 hr 5 mins
  • GPS
  • Parking Area
  • 39.8257 -106.0507

In General:Snowboarding and SkiingHiking

Vehicle parking $7 per day.

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Guanella Pass

A Scenic and National Forest Byway Scenic BywayNational Forest Byway

Fall foliage on Guanella Pass

How to get there:

  • From I-70/C470 to exit 228 – Georgetown
  • 32 miles 35 mins
  • GPS
  • exit 228
  • 39.7154
  • -105.6971

In General:CampgroundFishing Available Seasonal Closure

  • Length: 25 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour

This route travels over Guanella Pass (11,700 ft) and ends at US-285 in Grant and is suitable for 2wd vehicles. Recently paved. There is a short and easy hike at the overlook that goes to the pass itself.

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Loveland Pass

On top of the continental divide.

The ridge looking west from Loveland Pass.

How to get there:

I-70 west to exit 216 – Loveland Pass/US-6

  • From I-70/C470 to US 6
  • 43 miles 50 mins
  • GPS
  • US-6
  • 39.6819 -105.8882

In General:Snowboarding and SkiingHiking

  • Length: 8 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 20 mins

The paved route (US 6) passes Loveland Ski Area then climbs up and over Loveland Pass (11990 ft) and ends at the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.

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