Wonderful drive along the Colorado

Friday, September 26 2026

Today was exactly what I love about road trips. The day’s plan went smoothly, the weather cooperated, the driving was comfortable with no traffic and the scenery lived up to expectations.

The journey was from Granby to Glenwood Springs, CO literally alongside the Colorado river for more than 80% of the distance as it flowed through impressive canyons and bucolic valleys.

In a way, I started yesterday while returning from Rocky Mountains NP as the Colorado Headwaters Scenic Byway I followed today starts at the west entrance of the park and passes through Granby. The most scenic sections, however, were along today’s route and I can recommend watching the road video. From Granby I followed highway 40 north to Kremmling with the river at the roadside for much of the way. From Kremmling the byway uses a dirt road to get to its end at State Bridge, CO. When I realize I have to drive a dirt road it is usually an anxiety but this road was a joy to drive and far smoother than the typical street in Washington.

This is *Gore Canyon* as seen from a roadside viewpoint. As usual, it is difficult to imagine that the Colorado carved this huge slash in the rock when looking at it today. On the left of the river is a single line railway that was considered an engineering marvel when this section first opened in 1906. It is still used today by freight trains and Amtrak’s (the US passenger railroad) daily *California Zephyr* service from Chicago to San Francisco.

When I arrived at the end of the scenic byway at State Bridge I turned north for about 8 miles to get on another dirt road called Colorado River Road. Normally I take a road’s name with a pinch of salt. I don’t know how many River View Roads, Oceanside Boulevards or Valley Drives I must have been disappointed by but this road is the real deal. For some reason it is not part of the official scenic byway but definitely should be as it was the highlight of my drive. Of the 37 miles of road only 2 are not along the river.

Here is a typical scene of the river and railroad with the road just a few yards/metres from both.

Another typical scene with the railroad on the other side of the river this time.

Again the road was smooth and uncrowded, although there was the occasional large truck. There are few people and only one small community but these people were enjoying fishing for their Friday dinner.

By far the best views are found in the road video from which this short clip is taken.

The theme continued beyond the end of Colorado River Road as the roundabout there takes you directly onto westbound Interstate 70 which traverses Glenwood Canyon to get to Glenwood Springs with the river at the side. Many people think that this section of Interstate highway is the most impressive and scenic anywhere in the country but you will need to watch the video to see this as I could not pull over to take photos.

I also love Colorado Interstate rest areas as they always seem to have scenic views or walks. This is the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon.

Overall, a day that I will remember for a long time.

Relative Rest

Wonderful drive along the Colorado

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