Experience the scenic beauty of Colorado Highway 82 as we travel 40 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, passing through Snowmass, Basalt, and Carbondale along the Roaring Fork Valley.
Colorado State Highways
Discover the Colorado State Highways network—key routes, scenic drives, and connections to mountain towns and major interstates. Explore the Centennial State by road.
Colorado’s state highway system serves as a vital web of transportation corridors stretching across the Rocky Mountains, open plains, and vibrant cities of the Centennial State. Managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), these highways link rural communities to urban centers like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins while supporting commerce, tourism, and emergency response across diverse terrains. Numbered routes from SH 1 to SH 470 include both short connectors and major throughways that supplement the federal interstate and U.S. route systems.
Many Colorado state highways are renowned for their scenic beauty, with portions designated as scenic or historic byways. Routes such as State Highway 82 (home to the high-altitude Independence Pass), SH 133 through the Crystal River Valley, and SH 145 on the San Juan Skyway offer unforgettable drives through alpine passes and red rock canyons. These corridors often follow historic rail beds or mining routes, adding a layer of cultural richness to their natural appeal.
From high-mountain passes to desert canyons, Colorado’s state highway network accommodates a wide range of driving conditions and experiences. While snow and elevation are frequent challenges in the high country, CDOT maintains extensive winter operations to keep mountain corridors open. Whether you’re exploring ghost towns, heading to a ski resort, or traveling cross-state for work or adventure, Colorado’s state highways offer access to the heart of the American West.
Tour Colorado State Highways