Colorado River Headwater's Scenic and Historic Byway

This 3-hour scenic drive to State Bridge leads you past stunning mountain ranges, through rock-walled canyons and along the upper reaches of the Colorado River.  Follow the mighty Colorado River from its birthplace in Rocky Mountain National Park into Kremmling and over the scenic Trough Road to State Bridge.  Don’t forget to stop at Inspiration Point to see the spectacular views of Gore Canyon.  The scenic byway is also handicap accessible.

The Colorado River Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway begins on Highway 34 just north of Grand Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park at the headwaters and follows the Colorado River south through the towns of Grand Lake, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall and Kremmling. The drive ends with a spectacular view of the rugged Upper Gore Canyon along a portion of State Highway 1 locally known as the “Trough Road.”

Along the way, you’ll pass Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Lake Granby, all well-known destinations for great fishing and boating.  If wildlife is your interest, schedule a brief stop at the Windy Gap Reservoir, just outside of Granby, for a short self-guided walk through the waterfowl sanctuary.  Around each turn of this 80-mile drive you will find a new breathtaking sight to take in and never forget.

Colorado River Headwaters was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway in 2005. It is one of eleven America's Byways® designated in Colorado.