Great Drives

Although we think all great drives begin and end at PPIR, we recognize our central location to some of the country's most beautiful, scenic mountain drives.  From the Pikes Peak International Raceway near Colorado Springs, there are drives ranging from short swings through the high desert to spine-tingling adventures along mountain switchbacks with nary a guardrail in sight.

For a day trip, consider a loop that includes Fairplay (setting of South Park animated TV series as well as an historic area reconstructing the days of the Colorado Gold Rush).  The route will take you through national forests and a number of small Colorado towns.

Want to keep closer to Colorado Springs?  Why not drive up to the most visited mountaintop in the United States (and the second-most-popular in the world) - Pikes Peak.  The peak is reached via a 19-mile paved and gravel toll road with numerous opportunities to take in the sights at turnouts along the way.  At 14,110-feet, it's No. 31 on the list of tallest Colorado peaks, but still only 300 feet shorter than No. 1 Mount Evans.

Set off in almost any direction and you will find not only spectacular scenery, but twisty, fun roads as well.  Be forewarned:  Check the road conditions before you take off, as some routes aren't totally paved and in some cases four-wheel drive is highly recommended.

Have a Great Drive in the area to share? 

Send us an email and we'll post you favorite road on our website.