Lake City, Colorado is a hub for some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country, accessible by passenger car, motorcycle, 4-wheel-drive, bicycle, and/or off-highway vehicle (OHV).  Always check on conditions before heading out on your journey.

American Basin, on the Alpine Loop, near Lake City, Colorado. Photo by Greg Ochocki.

Alpine Loop
National Back Country Byway

Colorado's Alpine Loop Byway sits like a crown upon the San Juan Mountains.  Its gravel roads lead you through high alpine meadows and forests, up above timberline and into the tundra, and over two high-elevation passes.
North Clear Creek Falls, on the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, near Lake City, Colorado. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Silver Thread
National Scenic Byway

Named for the silver mining era of the late 1800s, the Silver Thread Byway highlights a time in the region when ranching and mining were the main industries, and the western expansion was just reaching the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
Lake Fork Spur scenic drive. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Lake Fork Spur

Following an old railroad bed, the Lake Fork Spur scenic drive is an easy, 7-mile side trip off of the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway.  The road end at the Curecanti National Recreation Area, and offers access to camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Wupperman Campground at Lake San Cristobal. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Lake San Cristobal

Over 340 acres in size, Lake San Cristobal ranks as the second-largest natural lake in the state of Colorado.  Paved and gravel roads encircle the entire lake, making an excellent scenic drive or bicycle ride.
Ghost town of Carson. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Carson & Old Carson Ghost Towns

The road to Carson and Old Carson ghost towns is a side spur off of the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway.  This 4x4 road makes many switchbacks up as it follows the Wager creek.

View from Round Top. Photo by Greg Ochocki.

Round Top Mountain

The road up Round Top Mountain is short but very scenic, offering nearly 360 degree views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains around Lake City, and a view of the Slumgullion Slide.
Big Blue Creek scenic drive. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Big Blue Creek

The road to Big Blue Creek rises steadily above the Lake Fork Valley in twists and turns.  Each switchback brings you higher, until the road brings you to the  Big Blue Trail, campground, and the Uncompahgre Wilderness.


Cebolla Creek Scenic Drive. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Cebolla Creek

The gravel road along Cebolla Creek drops gently from the top of Slumgullion Pass, and offers access to two National Wilderness areas, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

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