Winding through the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway offers 57 miles of breathtaking alpine scenery along US Highway 24 and US Highway 285 between Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. This state-designated scenic route showcases some of Colorado’s most impressive fourteeners—mountains named after prestigious universities including Mount Harvard, Mount Yale, Mount Princeton, and Mount Columbia.

As you drive, the Arkansas River rushes alongside the roadway, its waters popular with rafters and anglers alike. The Sawatch Range dominates the western horizon, with snow-capped peaks rising dramatically above expansive meadows and dense evergreen forests. Pull off at numerous viewpoints to photograph these towering summits or spot wildlife including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.

Key stops include the charming mountain town of Buena Vista, the historic Mount Princeton Hot Springs for a relaxing soak, and countless trailheads leading into the San Isabel National Forest. Adventure seekers can arrange whitewater rafting, while history buffs explore remnants of Colorado’s mining heritage.

The best time to drive is late June through early October when wildflowers blanket alpine meadows and all facilities are open. Allow two to three hours for the drive itself, though a full day lets you properly explore this stunning corridor through Colorado’s collegiate high country.

Explore Nearby

• Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area — State Park in Colorado
• Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area — Public Land
• San Isabel National Forest — National Forest in Colorado
• Browns Canyon National Monument — Public Land in Colorado
• Spinney Mountain State Park — State Park in Colorado