Unlock History: See Colorado’s Original Paved Highways

In Colorado, we got really lucky. Some of our state's first modern highways still rank near the top of the Centennial State's most scenic drives even today.

Which roads in Colorado were the state’s first paved highways? Explore five must‑travel routes—discover each one’s start and end points, total mileage, elevation highs, and nearby must‑see attractions, all while soaking up a bit of Colorado history.

See Some Of The Earliest Paved Roads Across Colorado

We’re exploring Colorado’s original highways—from the state’s first concrete pavement to its inaugural Continental Divide crossing. How many of these historic routes have you driven?

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Jim Glab

Colorado's First Paved Highway

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The original twelve miles of Colorado's Santa Fe Drive (US 85) are generally believed to represent the first concrete pavement in the state of Colorado. This was laid in 1918 as a result of the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916.

Colorado's First Continental Divide Crossing

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Colorado's Berthoud Pass was built in the early 1930s, extending 24 miles along US 40 between I‑70 at Empire and US 40 at Winter Park. It represents the first concrete pavement crossing of the Continental Divide.

Colorado's First High-Alpine Paved Road

The recently re-named Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (Mount Evans) highway took over seven years to build, completed not long after 1930. The road was then paved and opened to the public in 1931. Echo Lake Park is a great place to enjoy the views if staying on the summit isn't your thing.

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MORE: 11 Historic Places Found On Colorado’s Longest Continuous Street

Colorado's Colfax Avenue is America's longest and most continuous street. At nearly 50 miles in length, Colfas runs East-West from Golden to Strasburg, Colorado. Along the way are some of Colorado's coolest historic places. Keep going to check out what you'll find along one of Colorado's most popular roads.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

NEXT: Colorado Street Named One of the Most Beautiful in the World

Every state in America is home to at least one beautiful street. Architectural Digest recently released a list of the most beautiful streets in the world, including one street in Colorado. Keep reading to learn some cool facts about the Colorado town home to one of the best streets anywhere.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Source: See the Highways that Unlocked Colorado’s Scenic Mountain Towns

Filed Under: Around Colorado

Categories: Colorado News, Colorado Travel