Seven Passes, One Weekend: The Rockies by Grand Tourer
Leila Haddad••9 min read
Independence, Loveland, Trail Ridge and four more. A loop out of Denver that favours early starts, light luggage and a car that enjoys corners.
The high passes of Colorado open in late spring and close with the first serious snow. Between those dates, a long weekend out of Denver can take in seven of them without ever feeling rushed.
Pacing
Two passes a day is the right rhythm. Each one deserves a stop at the summit, and altitude slows everyone down a little.
Fuel and range
Fill up in Leadville and again in Estes Park. Services are sparse in between, and the climbs ask more of the car than the distances suggest.
