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Scenic Byways for a Rocky Mountain Fall Road Trip

These routes showcase autumn landscapes, cultural landmarks and memorable roadside stops

Gigi Ragland,

AARP

Published August 31, 2026

a road winding through the Rocky Mountains

A drive along the scenic byways through the Rocky Mountains offers a chance to see dramatic mountains, natural beauty, wildlife, mining towns and national parks, such as Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Key takeaways

Scenic byways in the fall offer colorful foliage, cooler weather and lighter traffic.
Ten routes span six Rocky Mountain states with parks, wildlife and local history.
Lodging options range from historic hotels to riverside lodges and resorts.

This fall, experience the vibrant natural beauty and dramatic terrain of the Rocky Mountains with a drive along the scenic byways. These designated routes are recognized for their scenic, historical, cultural and recreational attributes. Fewer crowds, cooler weather and quieter roads offer a chance to take it slow, while you enjoy dramatic mountains, alpine valleys, ranchlands and mining towns from the comfort of your car.

Thirty-one percent of travelers 50-plus planned a trip to the West this year, according to the AARP 2026 Travel Trends survey. Fall is a special time to see whole mountainsides transform into an array of colors. Set against a backdrop of green pines and blue spruce, aspen, cottonwood, oak and willow trees put on quite a show, glowing in golden hues. Traveling during the fall is a great way to see several of the West’s famous national parks, such as Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, along some of the byways. Many U.S. national parks require a $20 to $35 entrance fee per vehicle for a seven-day pass.

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Colorado

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway

48 miles

The highest paved through-road in the U.S. crosses the Continental Divide, topping out at 12,183 feet. The route, open from the end of May to late October, traverses Rocky Mountain National Park between the gateway towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.

There are plenty of panoramic views of soaring peaks, lakes and glacier-carved valleys. Stop and take a breather (literally) at the highest-elevation visitor center in the national park system, Alpine Visitor Center (11,796 feet).

Clusters of golden aspens zigzag across the slopes. Look for elk, bighorn sheep and moose. Elk rut — a.k.a. mating — season runs from September to October, when large groups gather in mountain meadows. Park in designated areas along the road to hear elk bugling and see massive bulls duel for females.

Estes Park hosts Elk Fest, an annual celebration the first weekend in October. A timed-entry pass is required to drive Trail Ridge Road in the park. Make a reservation through recreation.gov.

Stay: Murphy’s River Lodge in Estes Park. A locally owned motel set next to Fall River and two blocks from downtown. Rates are from $135 per night.

The “Million Dollar Highway” portion of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway runs between the mining towns of Silverton and Ouray, Colorado.

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San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

236 miles

This is a journey that combines cloud-skimming alpine passes, Western mining-era lore, railway history, Victorian towns and a national park with UNESCO-recognized Indigenous archaeological sites.

In Durango, hop aboard a steam locomotive, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a national historic landmark, for a fall foliage day trip. Continue along the “Million Dollar Highway” portion between the mining towns of Silverton and Ouray. Pull over at the “Switzerland of America” sign for a photo op of Ouray from above. Take a walk in downtown Telluride. Head south to explore Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site, and an International Dark Sky Park.

Stay: The River’s Edge Motel Lodge & Resort in Ouray. A pet-friendly lodge with mountain and river views, it’s a two-minute walk to the “Switzerland of America” town. Rates are from $119 per night.

New Mexico

Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

84 miles

Wheeler Peak, at 13,161 feet, is the star of this 84-mile loop that circles the state’s highest mountain. Drive the enchanting route for peak leaf-peeping, particularly the shimmering golden aspens. Start with a visit to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years.

Head to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to walk along one of the highest bridges in the country and peer at the river 650 feet below. Pass the mountain towns of Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire, home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In mid-October, Red River hosts an annual three-day Oktoberfest.

Stay: Best Western Rivers Edge in Red River. Great for an overnight stop with free breakfast. Rates are from $111 per night.

the exterior of el santuario de chimayó,

While traveling the High Road to Taos in New Mexico, you should stop at El Santuario de Chimayó, a national historic landmark and popular pilgrimage site.

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The High Road to Taos

105 miles

This picturesque route connects Santa Fe to Taos. Small villages reveal hints of Spanish heritage along two-lane roads flanked by juniper, cottonwood and piñon trees. Strings of red chile ristras hang from the portals of homes. Centuries-old adobe churches, artists’ galleries, santos carvers and textile weaver studios dot the route.

Stop at El Santuario de Chimayó, a national historic landmark and popular Catholic pilgrimage site. End the journey in Taos, a hub of Southwestern art. Attend the 52nd annual Taos Fall Arts Festival (Sept. 18 to Oct. 4).

Stay: Hotel Willa in Taos. A newly restored adobe boutique property that reflects the artistic spirit of the region, with free parking, restaurant and bar. Rates are from $229 per night.

Wyoming

The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway in Wyoming, which commemorates the Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph, is rich in Native American and Western history.

Courtesy Wyoming Office of Tourism

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

47 miles

Rich with Native American and Western history, this byway commemorates a Nez Perce leader, Chief Joseph. The road follows part of the route that Chief Joseph led his tribe through in 1877 in a dramatic attempt to reach Canada and escape relocation. The byway stretches between the Western town of Cody — named for William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the Wild West showman — and the Beartooth Highway.

See an array of fall colors in the Clarks Fork River area and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Stroll the Sunlight Creek Bridge pedestrian walkway overlooking Sunlight Creek Gorge, about 280 feet below.

Stay: Irma Hotel in Cody. A beautiful “Old West” hotel built by “Buffalo Bill” Cody in 1902, it’s in the heart of town, with a restaurant and bar. Rates are from $116 per night.

Montana

Catch a view of Beartooth Mountain while driving Beartooth Highway — a National Scenic Byways All-American Road in Wyoming.

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Beartooth Highway — a National Scenic Byways All-American Road

68 miles

This awe-inspiring mountain route is a high-altitude thrill that climbs to nearly 11,000 feet. From Red Lodge, Montana, the byway connects to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park and Cooke City.

Utah

Along the Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway, you’ll encounter ancient rock formations. The road also leads to views from Red Canyon Overlook.

Visit Utah

Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway

82 miles

This drive in northeastern Utah begins in Vernal, dubbed “Dinosaurland,” the gateway to Dinosaur National Monument. The stark contrasts along the byway terrain showcase a geological wonderland of ancient rock formations more than 770 million years old. It then transitions to a forested mountain drive leading to the Red Canyon Overlook for a cinematic view of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, 1,700 feet below.

Visit the Utah Field House of Natural History in Vernal to gain insight into the region’s origins. Walk outside the museum to see the Dinosaur Garden display of 14 life-size statues. As you leave town, look for the “Drive Through the Ages Geological Tour” sign. A brochure at the sign gives information about geological attractions along the route.

Stay: Dinosaur Inn & Suites in Vernal. The locally owned roadside inn is within walking distance of restaurants and museums. Amenities include guest laundry, free breakfast and parking. Rates are from $145 per night.

Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway

41 miles

Considered one of the prettiest fall drives in northern Utah, the byway runs next to the Logan River as it weaves through Logan Canyon. A palette of colors paints the trees that frame the road along the canyon as it winds to the vista point overlooking Bear Lake. This relaxing, leisurely road trip captures autumn in all its splendor from beginning to end.

Stay: Sun Outdoors Garden City, in Garden City. This beachside hotel at Bear Lake has lake and water access. Hotel room, cabins, RV and tent sites are available. Rates are from $116 per night in the hotel.

Idaho

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway

202 miles

Follow the Idaho section of the 1803 expedition route led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in search of the Northwest Passage leading to the Pacific. From Lewiston, traverse a wilderness that still amazes with its natural beauty as the byway parallels the Lewis and Clark and Nez Perce national historic trails.

Pass by rushing rivers and plunging canyons as you journey through the ancestral homelands of the Nez Perce Indigenous people, who provided aid to the explorers. Stop at Canoe Camp, where the Nez Perce helped the expedition team carve canoes. Visit Nez Perce National Historical Park to witness the tribe’s sacred sites, which offer insight into its cultural heritage.

Stay: Lochsa Lodge in Powell. This historic mountain lodge, next to the Lochsa River at the base of Lolo Pass, is pet-friendly and offers cozy lodge rooms and cabins. Rates are from $104 per night.

On a drive through the Sawtooth Scenic Byway in Idaho, you’ll see the jagged Sawtooth Mountain Range, as seen here in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

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Sawtooth Scenic Byway

116 miles

Spellbinding views accompany you on this route from start to finish. From the old rail town of Shoshone, see high desert plains mixed with volcanic rock. Admire the Wood River Valley, where yellow-leafed cottonwoods and aspens hug the road that runs alongside the meandering Big Wood River.

Continue along this stretch dotted with farms and small towns to Sun Valley, America’s first destination ski resort. Take in a bird’s-eye view of the Sawtooth Valley and the jagged Sawtooth Mountain Range upon reaching the Galena Summit. Evenings offer prime stargazing as the area is an International Dark Sky Reserve. End the route surrounded by hot springs and have a soak in the town of Stanley.

Stay: Best Western Tyrolean Lodge in Ketchum. Close to Sun Valley, this Austrian-style lodge has old-world charm, plus accessible features, free parking and a free full breakfast. Rates are from $190 per night.

The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Gigi Ragland is a Colorado–based travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Travel, Condé Nast Traveler, The Saturday Evening Post, The Denver Post and many other publications.

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