Drives Colorado Denver, Boulder and the Front Range
Peak to Peak Highway
CO 7, CO 72, CO 119 · Estes Park → Black Hawk
The drive
The Peak to Peak Highway was established in 1918, and CDOT calls it Colorado's oldest scenic byway. This drive follows CO 7, CO 72 and CO 119 south from Estes Park to Black Hawk, a 59-mile run with the Continental Divide and the Indian Peaks Wilderness off to the west.
Along the way are the Chapel on the Rock at St. Malo, the mountain town of Ward, and Nederland. Side roads lead to Rocky Mountain National Park, Eldora and Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and the ghost towns of Hesse and Apex are along the route. The road is mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches, the second in the descent toward Black Hawk.
It joins other drives at either end. Estes Park is where US 34 from Big Thompson Canyon arrives, and Black Hawk is close to Golden Gate Canyon Road and Clear Creek Canyon.
Along the way
- Estes Park
- Chapel on the Rock
- Ward
- Nederland
- Black Hawk
Good to know
- Some side routes off the byway are gravel, so check before turning off.
- Check COtrip for winter conditions.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check CDOT COtrip.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Peak to Peak Highway take to drive?
Estes Park to Black Hawk on the Peak to Peak Highway is 59 miles and takes about 1 hr 35 min.
What is the Peak to Peak Highway?
The Peak to Peak Highway is Colorado's oldest scenic byway, established in 1918. It follows CO 7, CO 72 and CO 119 along the edge of the Continental Divide.
Is the Peak to Peak Highway open in winter?
Yes. The Peak to Peak Highway is open year-round, though snow can slow the drive, so check COtrip.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.