Road Trip Ready: Western Colorado’s Best Scenic Drives for May

Scenic drives are easy to find when you live on Colorado’s Western Slope. With our milder winters and early spring, we can enjoy byways around Grand Junction in May, while folks in other parts of the state are still skiing.

Take a closer look at three scenic day trips that highlight some of the best parts of spring in Western Colorado. From blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls to a lesser-known route along the Colorado River, these drives show off some of the state’s most Insta-worthy views.

Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway

The red rock walls light up with bright spring greens as you drive toward the Unaweep Divide on Colorado 141. Unaweep Canyon is the only place on Earth where water flows in two directions at once. And with spring arriving early this year, it’s the perfect time to explore the byway before the tourists show up.

Read More: Water Flows In Both Directions: Colorado's Unique Unaweep Canyon

Watch for Great Basin Silverspot Butterflies

Silverspot (Speyeria nokomis nokomis) is only found in a couple of places on Earth, and this ancient canyon is one of them. The Unaweep Divide is estimated to be 1.7 billion years old, so the Silverspots have been thriving here undisturbed for ages. The waters of East and West Creeks provide the essential soggy meadows these butterflies love.

Directions: Unaweap-Tabeguache Scenic Byway

• Start/End: Whitewater to Placerville
• Mileage: About 130 miles (can do it in sections)
• Spring Trip Tip: Watch for rockfall and limited cell service in canyon sections. Pack snacks and water.

Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway was assigned Highway number 128 in 1933. It’s a breathtaking route along the mighty Colorado through towering red cliffs. The route features Fisher Tower (an amazing hike or a scenic pull-off), Castle Valley featuring a classic Western backdrop, and some great campgrounds without the Moab crowds.

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Directions: Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

• Start/End: I-70 near Cisco, Utah to Moab, Utah
• Mileage: About 45 miles
• Spring Trip Tip: Especially photo-worthy at sunrise or after a thunderstorm.

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway

Driving the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway in the spring is a great time to see the Alpine lakes come to life and to catch some hungry trout at some of the lower lakes. The Aspens show spring buds, and all the greenery starts coming to life above 10,000 feet. Fun events are ongoing at the Grand Mesa Lodge.

Read More: See for 100 Miles On Top of Colorado's Crag Crest Trail

Directions: Grand Mesa Scenic Byway

• Start/End: Cedaredge to Mesa (or reverse)
• Mileage: 63 miles (plus optional loops)
• Spring Trip Tip: Higher elevations may still have snowpack. Check CDOT for any lingering closures.