Denver to Beaver Creek - July

Question

Hello! We will be driving from Denver to Beaver Creek in July. We've never been here before.

We'd like to see as much as we can on our drive. Which of these options would you say is best to see?

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

Loveland Pass

Any cute/quaint towns we should stop by, too?

Thanks!

Answer

Driving from Denver to Beaver Creek in July offers a wonderful opportunity to explore some of Colorado’s most scenic byways and charming mountain towns. While you can’t see everything in one drive, prioritizing a few key stops will make the trip memorable.

Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Red Rocks Amphitheater: Located just west of Denver, this iconic open-air amphitheater is surrounded by striking red sandstone formations. Even if you don’t catch a concert, the short hiking trails and visitor center are worth a quick stop. It’s a relatively minor detour if you start your drive early.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Blue Sky): This is one of the highest paved roads in North America, leading up to the summit of Mount Evans at over 14,000 feet. The views are breathtaking, with mountain lakes, alpine tundra, and wildlife. Note that it’s a significant detour from the direct route to Beaver Creek and can add several hours, but it’s a unique experience.
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway: This route connects Georgetown and Grant, winding through high alpine forests and offering spectacular views of Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. It’s a beautiful, less-traveled scenic byway that’s easier to fit into a drive than Mount Evans summit.
Loveland Pass: Offers panoramic views of the Rockies, with an elevation of over 11,900 feet. It’s a great stop for photos and short walks, and you can avoid the Eisenhower Tunnel toll if you’re taking I-70 over the pass. The pass is particularly impressive for dramatic mountain scenery.

Given your route from Denver to Beaver Creek, a suggested combination would be:

Start with a quick stop at Red Rocks for photos and a short walk.
Continue west on I-70, and consider taking Guanella Pass if you want a scenic detour that’s not too extreme.
Drive over Loveland Pass for panoramic mountain views, especially if you want to avoid tunnel tolls.

As for quaint towns to stop by along the way:

Georgetown: A historic mining town with charming architecture, antique shops, and cafes. Great for a coffee or quick lunch stop.
Dillon or Breckenridge: Both are slightly off I-70 but worth visiting. Breckenridge has Victorian-style buildings, local shops, and restaurants. Dillon has the large Dillon Reservoir with easy access for a picnic or short walk.
Frisco: A smaller, picturesque town with shops and lakeside views, a good midway stop before continuing to Beaver Creek.

Overall, for a July drive with limited time, prioritize Red Rocks, Loveland Pass, and one scenic byway like Guanella Pass. Stop in Georgetown or Breckenridge for a meal or stroll. Mount Evans is spectacular but would be best for a dedicated day trip if you have extra time, as the summit road can be slow and weather-dependent.