Stunning Scenic Drives Within an Hour of Shoshana Ranch
The Colorado mountains are the perfect place for a scenic drive. You’ll see everything from rolling hills, blue skies, wildflowers, and teeming plant life. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful morning drive or an afternoon adventure, the landscape surrounding Shoshana Ranch offers some of the most breathtaking routes you’ll find anywhere. Within just sixty minutes of our community, you’ll find some truly stunning scenic drives. Here’s what you need to know before setting off on a road trip.
Choose From Our Favorite Scenic Drives in Colorado
This part of Colorado is perfect for relaxing mountain drives. The well-maintained mountain roads wind through diverse landscapes, and the relatively low traffic means you can drive at a comfortable pace and pull over for photos. These are some of our favorite routes:
- Poudre Canyon Road—Just south of Shoshana Ranch, this makes the perfect weekend scenic drive. You’ll see remarkable rock formations as you drive along the babbling river. Keep heading west to see more beautiful trees and greenery.
- CO-14—If you continue on Poudre Canyon Road into Gould (after it just becomes CO-14), you’ll have the chance to see some truly beautiful scenes. The rolling hills are immaculate, and as you get further west, you’ll start to see snow-capped mountains in the distance.
- Horsetooth Reservoir (County Road 38)—Take this winding path past Horsetooth Reservoir and back down into the mountains. You’ll love the lush, green views coming your way as you round the reservoir.
- Trail Ridge Road—If you’re okay with going a bit out of your way, Trail Ridge Road doesn’t disappoint. Just over two hours from Shoshana Ranch, this route features lots of opportunities for wildlife sightings and wildflower viewing. This road is closed during the winter.
Tips for a Memorable Scenic Drive
While you can certainly hit the road whenever you like, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are our quick tips for any scenic drive:
- Start early or plan for late afternoon drives to take advantage of the best lighting conditions. The golden hours just after sunrise and before sunset create the perfect photo ops.
- Fill up your gas tank before heading out. Some routes pass through remote areas with limited services.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks to munch on along the way.
- Check road conditions before departing, particularly during winter months or after heavy rains. While most routes are accessible year-round, others are closed in the winter.
- If you decide to stop for photos, pull off the road completely. Better yet, stop at designated viewpoints to be safe.
Don’t Miss the Hidden Gems Along the Way!
You could drive straight through on these scenic routes, but why not make your road trip near Livermore a bit more exciting? Look for hidden gems along the way. You’re certain to find some stunning hiking paths, and maybe a waterfall or two if you’re lucky. Some routes take you past charming small towns, while others show the ruins of homesteads since abandoned. Oftentimes, the best road trips are about more than stepping on the gas!
Make Your Next Adventure Unforgettable
When you make your home at Shoshana Ranch, you’ll have some of the best scenic drives in Colorado right on your doorstep. If you want to trek even further, we also recommend checking out scenic drives near Estes Park and Breckenridge. There is no shortage of options for an unforgettable trip! Contact us today for details about how you can become part of our community.