Colorado roads offer motorists unique challenges
By Kyle L. Haas
Colorado offers some of the most diverse roads to be found in America.
From the twisty scenic mountain roads to the straight tarmacs found sprawled across the open plains, Colorado is a haven for the motoring enthusiast. Here are three roads worth trying.
The Twister – State Highway 7 from Lyons to Estes Park
This 34-mile stretch of road connecting the small towns of Lyons and Estes Park provides a challenge for those willing to tempt fate. Traffic is often minimal as a more direct route exists along U.S. 36.
But don’t let its beauty deceive: this road is a devil in disguise. With an average speed limit of 40 mph and rocky terrain the road provides a challenge for sports car enthusiasts. Finesse is preferable to speed as cliffs drop off only feet away from the asphalt.
For those willing to risk their lives in the pursuit of neck-breaking g-forces, the rewards are worthwhile. Feeling the car tear in to hairpin turns gives whoever is behind the wheel the true feeling of a Le Mans driver.
The Launch Pad – U.S. Route 36 from Byers to Anton
For the laterally challenged vehicles adept at straight road domination, this 55-mile road resembles more of a ruler than an actual highway. Just east of Denver, the asphalt beckons to all muscle car owners eager for a chance at the land speed record.
"The road is straight. It's very very straight. I don't encourage racing, but the road is well, very straight."
-resident Tom Malcolm
It was once the primary interstate connecting Colorado to Kansas, but was virtually abandoned upon completion of Interstate 70. The scenery isn’t impressive, but at 125 mph does it need to be?
The Scenic Route – U.S Route 285 from Bailey to Fairplay
This relaxing drive tests the comfort of a driver’s vehicle while occasionally throwing in a sharp curve to keep the trip exciting. Southwest of Denver, the 41-mile drive combines the scenic pleasures of Colorado with a fairly simple road.
That combination makes for a pleasurable Sunday drive for those less enthusiastic about high-speed racing. At a leisurely pace of 50 mph admire the route of the original narrow gauge transcontinental railroad and majestic high-altitude mountain passes.
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Notes:
For the purpose of this Web story, interactivity could be easily utilized in a creative manner. In writing this article, I made great use of Google Maps and pictures. Maps showcasing the routes along with user uploaded pictures could provide a better understanding for readers. I would also include a comment section that would allow readers to suggest their own routes and drives. If time was available, some video might also come in handy as you actually drive one of the listed roads.
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