Drives worth the gas in Colorado:

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway: Experience a Western Slope sunset while tracing the largest mesa in the world from Mesa to Cedaredge, where apple orchards and fruit stands lure curious travelers. Visitors also can take in spectacular views of forests and lakes. More info: grandmesabyway.com

Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway: This 115-mile stunner near Leadville twice traverses the Continental Divide. Wildflowers and wildlife abound on this journey over 12,095-foot Independence Pass. Stop and savor the experience. More info: topoftherockiesbyway.org

Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway: Glimpse the boisterous Clear Creek Falls on this drive between mountain towns Creede and Lake City in the Rio Grande National Forest. The byway traces the routes of old toll roads, stagecoach lines and railways. More info: southfork.org/silver-thread-scenic-byway

Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway: Follow the trail early pioneers used heading west over the Wet Mountains. The road climbs from Pueblo through pine forest and into Hardscrabble Canyon as it enters San Isabel National Forest. More info: tinyurl.com/p992bnv

Gold Belt Scenic Byway: Consisting of portions of Teller County Road 1 and Colorado Highway 67, this drive has scenic views, historic towns and crumbling mine works. Enter from Florissant to the north or via U.S. 50 east of Cañon City. More info: goldbeltbyway.com

Trail Ridge Road: Those heading into Rocky Mountain National Park are well-advised to check out the 48-mile drive that spans the mountains between Grand Lake and Estes Park, cresting at 12,183 feet. It’s not uncommon to see elk, marmots and even moose or bear. More info: nps.gov/romo

Cache le Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway: Head to Fort Collins to enjoy a tour of the rugged Cache la Poudre River Canyon by way of a route once used by early settlers. Towering canyon walls, dense forests and sun-dappled meadows predominate. More info: tinyurl.com/nl57zbp

South Platte River Trail: At 19 miles, this drive through Julesburg near the Wyoming border is the shortest of Colorado’s 23 scenic and historic byways, but it’s packed with significance for amateur historians, following a route once traveled by the Pony Express. More info: rivertrailonline.org

The Gazette