View South of Peaceful Valley

Peak to Peak Byway 

The Peak-to-Peak Byway is Colorado's oldest scenic byway, established in 1918. It is aptly named, since the route traces a spectacular south-to-north path along the Rocky Mountain range from elevations of 8,000 to 10,000 feet. In addition to unparalleled mountain scenery, along the way there are the historic mining towns of Black Hawk and Central City and the picturesque town of Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The byway follows the Continental Divide and passes through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, which are popular areas for outdoor recreation in the Colorado Front Range mountains.

North Central Colorado; Black Hawk and Central City at the southern end of the byway, and the town of Estes Park at the north end of byway

57 miles

One hour and a half (no stops)

Minimum: About 2 hours, with no stops

Recommended Visit:

One day, with stops at Black Hawk and Central City, Brainard Recreation Area, and Estes Park

Always open, weather permitting

Two lane paved road

Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests: (970)295-6600

Full services at Estes Park; limited services at Black Hawk, Central City, Nederland

From I-70, take exit 244 and turn on US 6; continue for almost three miles and turn left on CO 119 and continue to Black Hawk. The byway begins at Black Hawk. On CO 119 drive 16 miles from Black Hawk to Nederland. At Nederland, turn left on CO 72 and drive 23 miles to Peaceful Valley. Turn left on CO 7 and continue 18 miles to Estes Park.