bosoxfan

Hello,
I will be in Colorado at the end of next week. Which scenic drive is more "scenic?" Top of the Rockies or Peak to Peak? I am flexible enough that I can do either one, but I can only do one. Is one of them more "not to be missed" than the other? Thanks!

tekwriter

Both are spectacular, particularly this time of year. The weather forecast looks great through next week, so I don't think snow will impede either drive. PTP is closer to Denver and an easier commute and offers wonderful views of the fall colors, but is often congested for just that reason, especially on a Saturday or Sunday. TOTR goes over Independence Pass into Aspen, which is one of the most amazing spots in Colorado, but it's more remote and longer to get to from Denver.

You could do either of them as a long day trip out of the Denver if you have the whole day. A nice circle trip would be to go through Clear Creek Canyon on Hwy 6, through the casino town of Black Hawk to reach PTP, and eventually end up in Estes Park and do a quick tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, then return to Denver via Hwy 36 through Boulder. If the weather holds out and you have a sunny day, it would be a an amazing trip!

(PS, sorry, Bosoxfan, about you-know-what. I'm originally from Boston too!)

bosoxfan

Thanks for the tip. I ended up setting out on the Peak to Peak after I landed, but I got altitude sickness and only got as far as Nederland before returning to lower altitude. Next time, I'll make sure to drink more water!

spirobulldog

I think slow acclimation is probably the key. Like after about 6000 feet, allow a day per each 1000 feet in elevation gain. It hasn't really ever bothered me yet, other than heavier breathing(knock on wood).

guilherme_maranhao

Hi, I have this same doubt. I'll be in Denver next Wednesday, 10/26, and was planning to make Peak to Peak in the first day, finishing my route in late afternoon at Boulder and return in the evening to Denver.
On the second day, I am planning to make a round trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park, coming back in the end of the day.
Do you consider instead of doing this trip around Denver on the first day, would you consider visiting Boulder during the morning and part of the afternoon and go to Estes Park at around 3 pm to spend the night there. On the second day, I will already be in the RMNP. If I skip the trip around Denver, would I miss too much?
Considering the very short time I will have, I think I should decide among Peak to Peak and RMNP.
What do you think?

thanks