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ONE LAST RIDE BEFORE THE SNOW
Colorado Routes to Soak Up Before Winter Locks Down the High Country
If you've lived and ridden in Colorado long enough, you know the feeling. You're watching those clouds roll over the peaks, wondering if this weekend's ride might be your last before the snow settles in for good. The mornings are colder. The summits already wear that first dusting of white. And your throttle hand gets just a little more eager.
At Metier Motorcycle Lawyers, we're motorcyclists, riders just like you. Before the snow starts to fall and the roads ice over, we're squeezing in one more ride. These six legendary Colorado routes aren't just beautiful, they're the stretches of pavement that remind us exactly why we ride in the first place.
We wanted to share some of our favorite Colorado rides with you. Whether you're looking to squeeze in one last adventure before winter weather settles in, or rediscover a road you haven't ridden in years, one of these routes deserves your attention.
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SAN JUAN SKYWAY
Distance: 236 miles | Ride Time: Full day | Elevation: 6,000–11,000 ft | Vibe: High-altitude epic
This southwestern Colorado loop is pure magic in the fall. The aspens around Telluride look like something out of a movie. Then comes the Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550), jaw-dropping mountain views mixed with hair-raising curves connecting Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.
Real talk: Narrow lanes, steep drop-offs, and missing guardrails in places. This road is beautiful and brutal. Respect it.
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INDEPENDENCE PASS
Distance: ~50 miles | Ride Time: 2–3 hours | Elevation: 8,000–12,095 ft | Vibe: Seasonal and spectacular
This route closes around early October (sometimes sooner if snow moves in fast - but still worth a late mention). If you have the chance to ride it, take it.
Climbing over 12,000 feet, this road connects Twin Lakes to Aspen and delivers some of the most iconic views in the Rockies. Thin air. Tight switchbacks. Unforgettable vistas. Ride it while you can.
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TRAIL RIDGE ROAD
Distance: ~48 miles | Ride Time: 2–3 hours | Elevation: 8,000–12,187 ft | Vibe: Slicing through the sky
Riding through Rocky Mountain National Park on Trail Ridge Road feels like you're above the world. This is the highest continuous paved highway in North America. It cuts through alpine tundra where few trees grow, the views stretching forever. Elk and bighorn sheep are common sights. And when the wind picks up, it'll remind you who's really in charge.
This is the kind of scenery that sticks with you long after the season ends.
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MOUNT BLUE SKY SCENIC BYWAY
Distance: ~30 miles round trip | Ride Time: 1.5–2 hours | Elevation: 11,000–14,130 ft | Vibe: Alpine intensity
Formerly known as Mount Evans Road, this is another giant among Colorado's high-altitude routes. From the first twist to the final summit at 14,130 feet, the drama never stops. You'll feel the thin air. You'll feel the bike's response change. The elevation, exposure, and quick-changing weather demand clear days and full focus.
Ride it with caution. And bring a camera.
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PEAK TO PEAK HIGHWAY
Distance: ~60 miles | Ride Time: 2–2.5 hours | Elevation: 7,000–9,000 ft | Vibe: Front Range favorite
Short on time but still want a killer ride? The 60-mile Peak to Peak Highway from Estes Park down toward Black Hawk delivers. Forests, foothills, and open stretches that let you see the Continental Divide up close. Small towns, twisty segments, and golden fall colors, all without straying too far from the Front Range.
Perfect for a Saturday escape when the weather windows are tightening.
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UNAWEEP TABEGUACHE BYWAY
Distance: 133 miles | Ride Time: 3–4 hours | Elevation: 4,500–8,000 ft | Vibe: Remote and rugged
If you're craving a quieter ride far from the I-70 corridor, head west. This lesser-known byway near Whitewater is pure geologic drama, full of canyons, cliffs, and winding roads that feel almost untouched. You won't find much cell service. And honestly, you won't need it.
Just ride. Absorb the landscape. Let your head clear. It's the kind of place that reminds you why we fight so hard to protect our right to ride.
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RIDE SMART AS WINTER APPROACHES
Colorado's high country is unforgiving. As autumn turns to winter, conditions can change in minutes, especially at elevation.
Before you ride:
• Check weather forecasts and road conditions
• Understand that high passes close seasonally and without warning
• Inspect your tires, brakes, and fluids
• Ride within your limits, these roads demand respect
• Tell someone where you're going
• Wear all your gear, every time
The mountains are calling. Answer before the snow arrives.
Ride Smart, Stay Visible, and Watch the Weather
October in Colorado means unpredictable weather, shorter daylight hours, and wildlife activity ramping up around dawn and dusk. Make sure your lights are working, your gear’s layered, and your tires are up for mountain roads. This is the season when distracted drivers aren’t expecting to see bikes and when one mistake on a cold curve can cost you.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, whether it was this season or any ride before, don’t wait to get help. Our team at Metier knows how vulnerable it feels to go from riding free to lying in a hospital bed. We’ve been there with clients too many times, and we’re ready to fight for riders who’ve been wronged.
