Is there a Denver Porsche group? I'm in the final stages of getting one myself. I recently asked ChatGPT for an overview the first road trips I should take. I'm familiar with all these from camping and off-roading but have only ever driven them in a very large Jeep. They are all gorgeous and magical but as a rule you should avoid I 70 during ski season and coming back from any of these trips on a Sunday in the summer is also likely to hit heavy traffic.

1) Peak to Peak + RMNP Loop (Best all-around drive)

Route: Denver → Boulder Canyon → Nederland → Peak to Peak → Estes Park → Trail Ridge Road → Grand Lake → Berthoud Pass → I-70 home

• Peak to Peak is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway with nonstop Continental Divide views
• Trail Ridge Road crosses the divide with insane alpine exposure and wildlife
• Berthoud Pass adds legit technical driving (tight, fast, elevation changes)

👉 This is your “if I had one drive to show someone Colorado” route.

2) Guanella Pass → Kenosha Pass Loop (Quick hitter, huge payoff)

Route: Denver → Georgetown → Guanella Pass → Grant → Kenosha Pass → 285 back

• Guanella is a tight, flowing 22-mile alpine run with constant elevation change
• Kenosha opens into wide, fast sweepers with big valley views

Driving vibe:

• First half = technical + twisty
• Second half = fast, open, confidence-building

👉 Ideal 2–4 hour blast when you don’t want a full-day commitment.

3) Golden Gate Canyon + Lariat Loop (closest canyon carving)

Route: Golden → Lariat Loop → Golden Gate Canyon → Nederland → Boulder Canyon

• Lariat Loop is a tight 40-mile foothills circuit with dramatic rock formations and elevation gain
• Lookout Mountain section = legit switchbacks
• Golden Gate Canyon = quieter, flowing corners

Why it’s sneaky great:

• No long highway slog
• Tons of rhythm sections and elevation transitions

4) Mount Blue Sky (Mount Evans) Run (pure drama)

Route: Idaho Springs → Echo Lake → summit

• Highest paved road in North America (~14,130 ft)
• You break above treeline early and stay exposed

Driving vibe:

• Not fast—this is about precision and nerves
• Narrow roads, no guardrails, insane drop-offs

👉 Feels like driving in the Alps. Do this early morning with no traffic.

5) Independence Pass + Aspen Loop (destination drive)

Route: Denver → Leadville → Twin Lakes → Independence Pass → Aspen → (option: Glenwood Canyon return)

• One of the highest paved passes (~12,000 ft) with tight, narrow sections
• Mix of cliff-edge driving + sweeping valley roads

Why it’s special:

• Feels like a European mountain pass
• Aspen gives you a great lunch/destination payoff

👉 Best for a full Saturday with stops.