From the September 2022 issue of Car and Driver.
Colorado may be reminiscent of full-time four- and four-wheeler wagons, but when we were there recently, we appreciated how much the mountain’s winding bends begged for gearshifts. of the above six-speed manual transmission 2023 Acura Integration We are driving. Its small dimensions, comfortable rear seats and large cargo space make this vehicle perfect for transporting holidaymakers and their luggage to a big city. So we picked up an adventure in and around Denver, Colorado.
Maybe you stop there, but the mountains and cities of the Denver area are full of automotive delights. From scenic drives that will test your courage and braking to all sorts of traffic museums, here are the best roads and places to visit.
Illustrated by Anthony CalvertCar and Driver
Big and small
Scale it down and take part in the remote control race at the MHOR R/C Raceway in Aurora. Or explore a collection of trains (including the Union Pacific Big Boy), planes, cars and bicycles at Denver’s Forney Transportation Museum.
Get dirty
Rent a Jeep, an ATV or even a scooter and enjoy some beautiful off-road trails just outside of Denver. Check out Yankee Hills and Estes Park.
Vista Cruising
Colorado is very famous for its winding roads with beautiful views. The Mount Evans scenic walk rises above Denver, and the Emergency Loop runs west. Established in 1918, the famous Peak to Peak Scenic Route near Boulder is Colorado’s oldest scenic route. Note that on some routes, access to the summit requires a timed entry permit.
Elana Scherr
Top notch experience
If you can wait that long, the trip in June could overlap with Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, America’s second oldest auto race (Indy 500 beat it by 5 years). It can sell out, so plan early and dress warmly. Teams practice weeks in advance, and early risers can purchase tickets from designated areas. During inactive hours, the mountain is open to everyone, with a museum and great donuts at the top. Again, getting to the 14,115-foot summit may require a reservation.
Elana Scherr
- Penrose Heritage Museum: You’ll find cars that span the climb’s centuries-old history, including Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima’s wild twin-engine Suzuki Cultus from the 1993 event.
- Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum: Located above a food court in downtown Colorado Springs, the attraction features a series of tightly lined two-wheeled machines.
- Bandimere Expressway: At a hillside road near Denver, I hear the sound of the NHRA nitro fun car coming from a canyon. On a night of hatred, for $40, see what your rental car can do.
- Pikes Peak International Raceway: For more traditional car races, this Fountain track offers race days, auto sprints, and drags – no oxygen tank required.
