Highway 50 Colorado Map
Highway 50 is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, stretching over 300 miles from the state’s eastern border to its western edge. This iconic highway offers a wide range of attractions, from breathtaking natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Highway 50 has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your next road trip.
Top Attractions
There’s no shortage of must-see attractions along Highway 50. Some of the most popular ones include:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Located in Montrose, this stunning national park boasts some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rocks in North America. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Located in Alamosa, this unique park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, towering over 750 feet high. Visitors can go sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing.
Colorado National Monument
Located in Grand Junction, this breathtaking park offers panoramic views of canyons, cliffs, and rock formations. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic drives.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are worth visiting, Highway 50 also has its fair share of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Here are a few to add to your itinerary:
Ouray Hot Springs
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, these natural hot springs offer a relaxing and rejuvenating soak after a long day of hiking or skiing.
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch
This historic ranch in Gunnison County has been welcoming guests since the early 1900s. It features natural hot springs, horseback riding, and rustic cabins.
High Alpine Brewing Company
This family-owned brewery in Gunnison offers a variety of craft beers, as well as tasty pub fare and live music.
Food Scene
Highway 50 is home to some of the best food in Colorado, ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to roadside diners. Here are a few must-try spots:
Bin 707 Foodbar
This farm-to-table restaurant in Grand Junction offers creative and delicious dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
This iconic chocolate shop in Durango offers a wide variety of handcrafted chocolates, candies, and fudge.
Little Market on Main
This cozy café in Cañon City offers homemade pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, as well as a small market with local goods and gifts.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? Highway 50 has plenty of affordable and free activities to enjoy. Here are a few tips:
Visit Free Museums
Many museums along Highway 50 offer free admission, including the Montrose County Historical Museum, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, and the Museum of the Mountain West in Montrose.
Go Camping
With so many parks and public lands along Highway 50, camping is a great way to save money on lodging. Some campsites are even free, such as the dispersed campsites in the Uncompahgre National Forest.
Take a Scenic Drive
Highway 50 itself is a scenic drive, but there are also many other beautiful routes to explore, such as the San Juan Skyway, the Alpine Loop, and the Million Dollar Highway.
Outdoor Adventures
From hiking and biking to fishing and skiing, Highway 50 offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few ideas:
Hiking the Colorado Trail
This 486-mile trail crosses Highway 50 near Monarch Pass and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can choose from day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips.
Mountain Biking in Fruita
This small town near Grand Junction is a mecca for mountain bikers, with over 18 miles of trails in the 18 Road area. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, and rock climbing.
Skiing in Crested Butte
This charming ski town is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as its vibrant arts scene and colorful Victorian architecture.
Historical Landmarks
Highway 50 has a rich history, dating back to the days of the Wild West and the gold rush. Here are a few landmarks to explore:
Ute Indian Museum
This museum in Montrose showcases the history and culture of the Ute tribe, who have lived in the region for over 1,000 years.
Old Hundred Gold Mine
This historic gold mine in Silverton offers guided tours that take visitors 1/3 of a mile into the heart of a mountain.
Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum
This museum in Delta is a replica of a fur trading post that operated in the early 1800s. Visitors can watch demonstrations of blacksmithing, hide tanning, and other pioneer skills.
Family-Friendly Activities
Highway 50 is a great destination for families, with plenty of fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. Here are a few ideas:
Boating on Blue Mesa Reservoir
This massive reservoir near Gunnison offers boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as scenic drives and hiking trails.
Rocky Mountain Mini Golf
This outdoor mini golf course in Salida features 18 holes of creative and challenging fun, as well as a snack bar and arcade.
Montrose Water Sports Park
This urban park in Montrose offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubing in a man-made whitewater course.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for unique and unusual experiences, Highway 50 has plenty to offer. Here are a few ideas:
Ghost Towns
There are several ghost towns along Highway 50 that offer a glimpse into Colorado’s mining history, such as St. Elmo, Animas Forks, and Ashcroft.
Art Installations
Highway 50 is home to several outdoor art installations, such as the Prada Marfa sculpture near Montrose and the Ute Indian Prayer Tree in Gunnison.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Several towns along Highway 50 offer hot air balloon rides, including Canon City, Durango, and Grand Junction. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and valleys from above.
Natural Wonders
From majestic mountains to sparkling lakes, Highway 50 is full of natural wonders. Here are a few to add to your itinerary:
Maroon Bells
These iconic twin peaks near Aspen are some of the most photographed mountains in North America. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
This massive reservoir near Gunnison offers boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as scenic drives and hiking trails.
Mount Sneffels
This towering peak near Ouray is a popular destination for experienced hikers and climbers, offering stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
Vibrant Nightlife
Highway 50 may be known for its natural beauty, but it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are a few hot spots:
The Historic Brown Palace Hotel
This elegant hotel in Denver offers live jazz music and cocktails in its iconic bar, The Churchill.
The Balcony Bar & Grill
This rooftop bar in Durango offers stunning views of the city and the mountains, as well as tasty drinks and snacks.
The Goat Soup & Whiskey
This quirky bar in Keystone offers a diverse selection of beers, as well as hearty soups and stews.
Local Markets
One of the best ways to experience local culture is by visiting farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and artisanal shops. Here are a few to check out:
The Durango Farmers Market
This lively market offers fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music every Saturday from May to October.
The Gunnison Farmers Market
This small market in Gunnison offers local produce, honey, meats, and crafts every Saturday from June to October.
The Salida Art Walk
This annual event in Salida showcases the work of