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 are 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 & 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 Forrest 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.

     - Begining 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 will pass several mountain
        lakes and at the top you will experience the same
        flora and fauna life zones found at the Arctic Circle.
        In addition, you might spot herds of Rocky Mountain
        Big Horn Sheep, Colorado's stat animalas well as the
        rare Mountain Goat. Please Do Not Feed Any animals
        you come accross in your adventures.

for more information on the Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway, visit The Official Site of Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways.

  
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 RV's are not resommended. It is maintained
        year round for passenger vehicles.
     - The Guanella PAss Scenic and Historic Byway follows
        and old wagon route that linked the minig towns of
        Georgetown and Grant along the way you will
        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. Email Sally
        for her secret "Ultimate Aspen Tour"
        sally@clearcreekcounty.org.

for more information on the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway, visit The Official Site of Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways.

"Oh My Gawd" Road
     - Take I-70 to exit 241 in Idaho Springs. 
     - Follow Colorado Blvd. into town. 
     - At the fork in the road stay to the right and then take
        the second 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 drive between Idaho Springs
        and the gambling communities of Central City and
        Blackhawk.