Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The Peak to Peak is a two-lane mountain highway running north-south below the Continental Divide. About 35 of its 55 miles are in Boulder County: Colorado 119 and 72 into Nederland, Colorado 72 past Ward, then Colorado 7 through Allenspark to the Larimer County line, between roughly 8,000 and 9,300 feet. It can be driven year-round.

It reads as high-country forest: conifers, aspen that turn gold in fall, road cuts and roadside pullouts. About 6 miles north of Ward the road swings west toward Sawtooth Mountain. The peaks lie west of the road and take direct morning light.

Established in 1918, it is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, the Colorado Department of Transportation says.

Outside town limits, filming or photography that may significantly affect traffic on these state highways needs a Colorado State Patrol special event permit; apply early. A State Trooper must supervise or conduct traffic direction. Inside Nederland or Ward, start with the town; Nederland’s special event application is due at least 30 days ahead for events over 40 people. For roadside national forest land, email the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests with your dates, details and locations.