Stop in the outskirts of Denver for lunch on your way to the nice scenery. If you make it to Colorado Springs, the garden of the gods is scenic, and Pikes Peak is a must. Pikes peak is a hairy drive to the top, you will be proud of yourself if you decide to do it. Otherwise there is a cog-train that makes the trip, sit back and enjoy. As said above, Estes Park is very scenic, the drive from Loveland to Estes is nice also. We saw some big horn sheep along the road on the way. Whatever you do, Colorado is a beautiful state you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for all the comments. It sure is helping to develop my route.

I have worked on a few construction projects over the years in Colorado. In both Denver and the eastern plains. You mentioned that you were starting in the NE corner of the state. I spent a few years in the little town of Sterling working on the correctional facility. Not much to see in that part of the state i would keep on going. Stay away from Colfax Avenue and Larimer square if you go to Denver it is a freak show. The Denver Mint is Downtown and is pretty neat. Cherry creek area is nice but a little pricey the cherry cricket is a good place to eat. The old Lowry Air force base has a nice beer garden and other restaurants. You can raft clear creek in Idaho springs or go 4 wheeling for the day. All of the ski resorts will have activities going on Breckenridge and Vail are the easiest to get to. Aspen is a bit of a drive. Manitou Springs outside of Colorado Springs is a neat town. If your up for a challenge you can hike the Incline. It is 2700 steps straight up the side of the Mountain. Taylor Park near Gunnison has allot going on in the summer. The best part is that there is no humidity compared to the Midwest. Safe travels.

Great loop to drive from Gunnison to Pitkin to Tin Cup to Taylor Park to Almont then back to Gunnison. Can see Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Elk, Deer and most times a Martin. Lots of mines. The ride from Pitkin to Tin Cup not for the faint of heart but easily passable with a car (as long as the snow is gone). This loop was my trapline for 2 years in the 80's. Caught coyotes and martin.

Eric, that must of been a great trapline as I have covered most of those areas while elk hunting, Pitkin, Tin Cup, Texas creek.. You probably would not recognize it now with both sides of Cottowood pass paved. Its a busy place during elk season but unfortunately all of Colorado is now.