Clear Creek County Scenic Drives

With its scenic beauty and remarkable history, Clear Creek County is the perfect destination for a scenic road trip. Whether you're looking for wildlife along our byways or exploring the historic mine sites along "Oh My Gawd Road" there is always something new to discover.

Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway
Take I-70 to Exit 240 in Idaho Springs. Travel south and follow Hwy 103 to Echo Lake. At Echo Lake is the Forest Service's check-in station, which allows you access to the summit. This upper section of the road-way is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A fee is charged for the upper section of the byway to help maintain this incredible road, the highest paved highway in North America. Beginning in Idaho Springs, this 28-mile drive takes you to the summit of Mt. Evans 14,265-foot peak, where you can view the entire Front Range and the Continental Divide. On your drive up, you'll pass several mountain lakes and at the top you'll experience the same flora and fauna life zones you would find in the Arctic Circle. In addition, you might spot herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Colorado's state animal.

For more information on the Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway, Click Here.

Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway
Take I-70 to Exit 228 in Georgetown. Follow the signs from the Gateway Visitors' Center. The road is 23 miles long and because of its rustic nature, RVs are not recommended. It is maintained year-round for passenger vehicles. The Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway follows an old wagon route that linked the mining towns of Georgetown and Grant and along the way you'll experience clear mountain lakes, and incredible flora and fauna. The byway is a spectacular drive in the fall, as the aspens put on their autumn best and shower the byway with leaves of gold.

For more information on the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway, Click Here.

"Oh My Gawd" Road
Take I-70 to Exit 241 in Idaho Springs. Follow Colorado Boulevard into town. At the fork in the road, stay to the right and then take the first right onto Virginia Canyon Road. This scenic dirt road gets its name from its spectacular views as well as its narrow and curving lanes. The canyon is filled with old mining sites, and like the travelers of yesterday, many people drive the road in search of gold as they head between Idaho Springs and the gambling communities of Central City and Black Hawk.