Top 5 Motorcycle Destinations in Colorado (September 2026)

1. Peak to Peak Highway: A Scenic Mountain Ride

The Peak to Peak Highway, Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, offers breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and its surrounding wilderness. It stretches over 55 miles from Estes Park to Central City.

Stop: Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, offers plenty of opportunities to get off the bike and take in the stunning mountain views, wildlife, and crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Stay: The Baldpate Inn, located just south of Estes Park, offers unique, rustic accommodations with a side of history, as it was established in 1917.

Eat: The Black Bear Inn in Nederland, located along the Peak to Peak Highway, offers delicious home-style meals with a view of the Rockies.

2. San Juan Skyway: A Ride through Colorful Colorado

The San Juan Skyway in southwestern Colorado is known as a “Scenic and Historic Byway,” and for good reason. This 233-mile loop takes you through some of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain towns and past the spectacular red rocks of the San Juan Mountains.

Stop: The historic mining town of Silverton is a must-see. Its well-preserved Victorian downtown and the surrounding mountains are a sight to behold.

Stay: The Strater Hotel in Durango offers a taste of the old west with its Victorian architecture and antique-filled rooms.

Eat: The Ore House, also in Durango, offers locally sourced steaks in a rustic setting reminiscent of Colorado’s mining heritage.

3. Pikes Peak Highway: A Ride to the Clouds

The Pikes Peak Highway takes you on a journey to the summit of one of Colorado’s most iconic mountains. This 19-mile toll road offers breathtaking views as you climb over 6,000 feet to the summit, which sits at over 14,000 feet.

Stop: The summit of Pikes Peak is a must-see. On a clear day, you can see the expansive plains to the east and the Continental Divide to the west.

Stay: The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, located in nearby Manitou Springs, offers luxury accommodations in a historic setting.

Eat: The Crystal Park Cantina, also in Manitou Springs, offers delicious Tex-Mex food with a Colorado twist in a cozy, welcoming environment.

4. Million Dollar Highway: An Unforgettable Ride

The Million Dollar Highway, a portion of U.S. Route 550 between Silverton and Ouray, is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. This stretch is famous for its steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and lack of guardrails—all which add to the thrill of the ride.

Stop: The overlook at Bear Creek Falls just south of Ouray provides a stunning view of the falls cascading down the canyon.

Stay: The Beaumont Hotel & Spa in Ouray, once dubbed the “Queen of the San Juans,” provides a luxurious stay in a historic 1886 building.

Eat: The Bon Ton Restaurant in Ouray offers Italian and American dishes in a historic gold rush-era building.

5. The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway: Majestic Peaks and Historical Towns

This 115-mile route takes you across the Continental Divide and through several historical mining towns. With much of the byway located at elevations over 9,000 feet, you’ll truly be at the top of the Rockies.

Stop: The historical town of Leadville is a must-see. Home to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, it provides a window into Colorado’s rich mining history.

Stay: The Delaware Hotel in Leadville offers a charming Victorian-era lodging experience, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Rockies.

Eat: Quincy’s Steak & Spirits in Leadville is famous for its single-item menu—filet mignon—and its beautiful turn-of-the-century granite building.

This concludes our motorcycle journey through Colorado, a state that offers every type of ride one could dream of, from high mountain passes to historical mining towns. We hope you’ve found inspiration for your next motorcycle adventure. Stay tuned as we continue exploring the best motorcycle destinations in the US.