Description
- The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway leads through 55 miles of the mountainous terrain of Colorado's Front Range. Beginning in Estes Park the route leads south on State Highway 7 through the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. As the byway continues southward through Meeker Park it enters the public lands of Roosevelt National Forest. In Allenspark, State Highway 7 turns eastward. Approximately three miles south of Allenspark the byway leaves Highway 7 and heads southward on State Highway 72. The byway follows Highway 72 through the National Forest to the mountain community of Nederland. Here the byway begins to follow State Highway 119 into the Arapaho National Forest and on to Black Hawk and Central City.
Recreation - Like other scenic byways the Peak to Peak features unprecedented opportunities for scenic driving. Because this route leads through Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest several other recreation opportunities are presented. The forest developed roads that cross the byway lead to four-wheel driving, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing opportunities. Climate - This scenic byway travels through mountainous terrain that ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. In the valley bottoms, summer high temperatures extend into the mid 80s, with cool evenings that can often dip into the 30s. Winter lows can dip well below zero, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s to 30s. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year. Most of the area and the various recreation facilities lie at higher elevations where significantly lower temperatures and more precipitation can be expected. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails accessible from this route are often not clear of snow until mid-July. Location -
This scenic byway is located in the mountainous north-central section of the state. It leads 55 miles from Estes Park to Black Hawk/Central City. This region was one of the first to be settled in Colorado and also the first to bring tourism to the state.
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