Scenic Drives
Make Frisco your base camp when adventuring out on scenic drives of the area. By starting in a central location you can view most of the beauty that the mountains have to offer. Popular scenic drives in our area take you through old mining towns, over mountain passes, past ski resorts, and offer spectacular leaf peeping opportunities (in the fall of course). Be sure to watch for wildlife and be respectful of other drivers.
Copper-Leadville-Minturn Loop
From Frisco, go west on I-70 for 6 miles to the Copper/Leadville exit. This is CO-91. Take 91 past Copper Mountain (a great place to stop for lunch or take a scenic chair lift ride) on towards Leadville. Just before Leadville, exit on HWY 24 towards Minturn. You can detour to Leadville and get some great views of 14,000 foot mountains and enjoy the town’s unique history. Once on 24 after you pass Ski Cooper and start descending Tennessee Pass you can see the remains of Camp Hale, a military training camp from days gone by. Pass Minturn and turn on to I-70 east which will bring you past Vail back to Summit County and Frisco. Give yourself a good half a day for this drive.
Loveland Pass Loop
From Frisco take I-70 east to the next exit 205 (Silverthorne/Dillon) and exit to the right towards Dillon. This road is HWY 6 which will lead you past Keystone, past A-Basin, to the top of the Continental Divide. This is a great spot to park, take a short walking trail and get some pictures on top of the Divide. From the top, follow the road down Loveland Pass back to I-70. Head west to bring you back to Summit County and Frisco. This drive is less than half a day.
Independence Pass Loop (summer only)
From Frisco, head west on I-70 and exit at HWY 91 for Copper/Leadville. Follow 91 through Leadville which continues as HWY 24. Enjoy views of 14,000 foot mountains as you leave Leadville. Next look for the right turn on to HWY 82, you will see signs for Twin Lakes which is a great photo opportunity. Follow 82 to Aspen by going over Independence Pass. It is a little windy and steep so be sure you are not in a hurry and not afraid of heights! Around Aspen are great views of the Maroon Bells and other mountain peaks. When you leave Aspen follow 82 to I-70 where you will intersect with Glenwood Springs. This is a good place to relax and soak in a natural hot spring. After your soak, drive east an hour and a half back to Summit County and Frisco. This is an all day driving tour after you take in stops for pictures, meals, and hot springs.
Come by the Information Center at 3rd and Main Street for your free state map.