Head to head
Utah red rock or Colorado altitude?
Our pick is the Utah Scenic Byway 12.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 20 April 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Utah Scenic Byway 12 | Trail Ridge Road |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.6 | 9.3 |
| Driving score | 9.3 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.8 / 10 | 9.8 / 10 |
| Length | 198 km | 77 km |
| Where | Utah | Colorado |
| Season | Snow on Boulder Mountain from November to April | Closed from mid October to late May |
Verdict
Byway 12 changes landscape every twenty minutes, from slickrock to aspen forest to the Hogsback ridge with drops on both sides. It is the most varied scenic road in the United States.
Trail Ridge is the higher, more astonishing hour, crossing the continental divide above the tree line. It is also open for a much shorter season.
The roads
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