Peak to Peak, Mount Blue Sky
The Colorado Department of Transportation has installed electric charging stations along 17 out of 26 scenic and historic byways, as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and make electric vehicles more practical and appealing. (Photo Courtesy Colorado Tourism Office)
The adventure no one needs this summer is having their car run out of gas — or battery charge for hybrid and electric vehicles. As the state adds more charging stations strategically placed along scenic byways, electric vehicle drivers have more chances to see Colorado scenery.
As of February, 65% of the Centennial State’s historic and scenic byways are “electrified.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Scenic & Historic Byway Commission announced that 17 of Colorado’s 26 byways have electric charging stations within 100 miles. This effort is part of the Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap that was designed to help the state meet emissions numbers by making electric vehicles more practical and appealing.
It makes sense to be out and about appreciating nature while also protecting it from harmful fumes and pollution, and these charging stations are part of an eco-friendly initiative for tourists.
A Colorado Electric Byway must either have a dual-port DC fast charging station at least every 100 miles within the start and end of the byway or if the byway is under 100 miles long, the station needs to be available within 15 miles of the start or end of the byway.
In addition, nearby communities are being encouraged to install these charging stations at established places frequented by travelers, such as hotels, restaurants, and even trailheads.
The three newest Colorado Electric Byways are:
The Peak to Peak Highway between Estes Park and Black Hawk. This drive can take about three hours over 55 miles on Highway 7 to Highway 72 and then Highway 119. This mountain drive offers views galore including the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Along the way, travelers can stop in charming towns with distinct character, including Estes Park, Nederland, Allenspark, Ward, and Black Hawk.
The Mount Blue Sky Road, which despite a recent name change, is still billed as the highest paved road in North America where it tops out at 14,130 feet above sea level. This road is subject to seasonal closures and there are reservations required in summer to minimize impact (go to recreation.gov for fees and details). Along the way, you can visit Mount Goliath Natural Area, a high alpine garden managed by Denver Botanic Gardens. The byway is 28 miles long and very curvy as you ascend over 7,000 feet in elevation, so plan for at least one hour to go one way.
The Gold Belt Tour Byway is also a National Scenic Byway that takes road trippers through 131 miles of former mining camps and towns. Along the way, the road cuts through Cripple Creek, Victor, Florence, and other spots, as well as gives some stunning views of Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Check road conditions ahead of time as some stretches will require a 4 x 4 vehicle to safely pass.
The remaining nine byways will also be “electrified” in the coming years.
For a complete list of Colorado’s scenic and historic byways, go to ColoradoByways.com, and for a full list of charging stations, try Plugshare.com.
