Motorcycle Rider News Road Trips

One of my first scoots ever was to Central City from Golden, on Clear Creek Canyon. You know the spot -- where U.S. Highway 6 merges into CO Highway 119 (part of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway). It's a beautiful windy road running parallel to the rushing waters of Clear Creek. This is the perfect time of year along Colorado's oldest byway to get a great glimpse of the golden marvels of the changing of the aspens.

Less than 30 miles from downtown Denver, Central City offers one of the best nearby options for fall travel, whether the goal is a half-day break from the city or an indulgent weekend getaway. Stay at any number of hotels including Fortune Valley Casino.

It's not the destination, it's the journey. From now on, every sunny day is a blessing in Colorado, so don't forget to enjoy the view along the way.

The short drive on 119 is often busy, but the scenery is worth the traffic. Westbound U.S. 6 approaches its junction with Colorado 119, which travels northwest to Blackhawk and Central City in Gilpin County, then turns north into Boulder County. Continue to Nederland (Junction Colorado 72) via Colorado 119 abruptly turns east, serving the city of Boulder, then follow the Diagonal Highway from there northeast to Interstate 25 east of Longmont.

There were many gold mines along Highways 72 and 119. The mine tailings (scrap rock from the mines that was dumped down the side of the mountain) are visible from the small town of Ward down past Blackhawk. Weekend prospectors still dredge for golden flakes in the creeks. There are a few old mines along the way that allow the public to pan for gold in the creek---for a price, of course. Who knows - you might spot a ghost or two here as well!

If you prefer a more direct approach, the Central City Parkway is a drive that will take you to another time. Central City is only 35 miles west of Denver, and you can reach Central City 12 minutes after exiting off of I70 at exit 243. A fairly easy, incredibly scenic drive to a historic destination.

As you travel the wide open Central City Parkway from I-70, you're transported back to the Old West, where you can walk the historic streets of Central City, take in a museum, some music or have dinner, or even partake in more exciting pursuits of Black Jack, poker or slots. Just 30 minutes from Denver, but centuries back in time, Central City is a fitting end to eight miles of scenic views along the Central City Parkway. For more information, visit www.centralcityparkway.com.

Getting here:
Scenic Routes:

Through Historic Central City from Denver take Interstate 70 West I-70 exit 243 to Central City/Hidden Valley take Central City Parkway to Black Hawk and Central City

For fun mountain driving from Denver from Denver take U.S. Highway 6 West

U.S. Highway 6 merges into CO Highway 119 (Peak to Peak Scenic Byway) follow CO Highway 119 to Black Hawk

Boulder and the Peak to Peak from Boulder take Boulder Canyon Dr. West to Nederland in Nederland turn South on CO Highway 119 (Peak to Peak Scenic Byway) continue on CO Highway 119 to Black Hawk

Scenic Summer Drive from Denver take U.S. Highway 6 West turn North on CO Highway 93 North turn West on CO Highway 46 follow CO Highway 46 through scenic Golden Gate Park turn left at CO Highway 119 (Peak to Peak Scenic Byway) continue on CO Highway 119 to Black Hawk

Ride the entire 55-mile Peak to Peak Highway, a designated Scenic Byway, from Estes Park to I-70 is about a 2 hour drive . It includes spectacular views of snow-capped peaks along the Continental Divide and access to historical mining communities with architecture from the late 1800s, such as Black Hawk and Central City. It begins as CO Highway 7 in Estes Park, passes Lily Mountain and Twin Sisters, then turns south just past Allenspark on CO Highway 72, goes to Nederland where it continues south on CO Highway 119, through Blackhawk, through Clear Creek Canyon and down to I-70.