Scenic Drives
Gold Hill, Colorado
Make the journey part of the adventure with a scenic drive to historic Gold Hill. Our outing took us up Flagstaff and back via Left Hand Canyon, with time to explore along the way.
Gold Hill, Colorado 80302
At A Glance
Fred Says
“From lush greenery and open meadows to rugged, barren mountains, this drive gave us plenty of reasons to slow down and take it all in.
The mountain views were breathtaking, and arriving in Gold Hill felt like stepping back in time.
I grabbed a coffee at the Gold Hill General Store and sat out back with Zero, enjoying a little time together.
Sometimes a good adventure is a scenic road, a place with a “rich” history and your best buddy beside you.”
Why You’ll Love This Scenic Drive
The scenery makes the journey to Gold Hill as memorable as the destination. Lush greenery and open meadows contrast with rugged, barren mountains, giving you plenty to take in along the way. On our outing, we headed up Sunshine Canyon Dr. and returned via Left Hand Canyon, enjoying breathtaking mountain views throughout the adventure.
Arriving in Gold Hill feels like stepping back in time—a chance to slow down and appreciate a place with a different pace. Our stop at the Gold Hill General Store for coffee, followed by a quiet break out back with Zero, was a highlight. It’s the combination of scenery, small-town character and simple moments that makes this adventure worth remembering.
Scenic drive information—including road access, closures, conditions, fees, business hours and visitor rules—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the responsible road agency and individual destinations before your visit.
Stops Along the Way
Make time for a little explorin’ along the way. Include Sunshine Canyon in your route if you want to visit the stops below, and allow extra time for any hikes.
Bald Mountain Scenic Area
Stretch your legs on the easy, 1-mile Pines to Peaks Loop, or take a picnic break at the tables near the trailhead. This stop gives you a chance to trade time behind the wheel for time outdoors. Dogs must remain leashed.
Bald Mountain Scenic Area Information
Sunshine Canyon Road Viewpoint
Pause for mountain views framed by wind-shaped pine trees. This roadside viewpoint looks west toward Sawtooth, Red Deer Mountain and other Indian Peaks summits—a place to slow down and appreciate the scenery. Use the pullout only where parking is permitted, and keep the roadway clear.
Sunshine Canyon Road Viewpoint Information
Lion’s Lair & Sunshine Canyon Trails
Add a walk to your scenic adventure on Sunshine Canyon Trail, which climbs gradually into the canyon from Centennial Trailhead. For a longer hiking outing, Lion’s Lair winds through ponderosa forest toward the Mount Sanitas summit. Choose your route based on your available time and hiking ability.
Explorin’ with a dog? Dogs are prohibited on Lion’s Lair. Sunshine Canyon Trail allows dogs; check current leash requirements before visiting.
Lion’s Lair Trail Information
Sunshine Canyon Trail Information
Mount Sanitas Trailhead
Consider this stop if you want to make a hike part of your day. Review the trail map and choose an outing that fits your group, leaving enough time and energy for the rest of your Gold Hill adventure. Bring water and hiking shoes if you plan to explore beyond the trailhead.
Mount Sanitas Trail Information
Take In the Scenery
The mountain views, lush greenery, open meadows and barren slopes were highlights of our drive. Leave time to appreciate the changing scenery, using designated overlooks or legal parking areas whenever you stop for photos.
Explore Gold Hill
Make Gold Hill the centerpiece of your adventure. Arriving felt like stepping back in time, and taking a break here gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy the town’s character. Respect private property and keep roads and driveways clear while exploring.
Gold Hill General Store
This was our coffee stop. We grabbed a cup and settled out back with Zero—a simple, memorable break in the middle of our scenic adventure. Check the store’s current hours before planning your visit.
Visit the Gold Hill General Store website
The Drive Back via Lefthand Canyon & Lee Hill Drive
Our outing continued with a return via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill Drive. Give the journey home its own time, leaving room to enjoy the scenery and reflect on your favorite moments along the way.
General Information
Road access, weather conditions, business hours, parking restrictions and visitor facilities may change. Confirm current details with the responsible road agency and individual businesses before visiting.
Before You Go
Plan your route before heading out, and review the roads your navigation app selects. Our adventure included Flagstaff and Left Hand Canyon, but directions to Gold Hill may take you a different way. Download your map before leaving so you can refer to it without a cell signal. Check the weather and current road conditions, and allow extra time for mountain driving. Review your chosen route for unpaved sections, steep grades and closures. Bring water, snacks and an extra layer, and use designated overlooks or legal parking areas when stopping to enjoy the scenery. Check business hours before planning a meal or coffee stop. We enjoyed coffee out back at the Gold Hill General Store with Zero; if you’re bringing your own four-legged explorer, confirm current pet rules at each stop and bring water and waste bags. Explore respectfully when you arrive. Keep roads and driveways clear, stay off private property and take your trash with you. Gold Hill Location & Approach Information Gold Hill General Store & Pub
Road conditions and business schedules can change. Confirm current details before visiting.
Check pet rules at individual stops.
Fred’s Photo Gallery
Double-tap a photo for a slideshow with a description. Mouse over the photo for a description
THE SCENIC DRIVE
GOLD HILL GENERAL STORE
GOLD HILL MUSEUM
Museum is Temporarily Closed
Fred’s Gear Picks
Your Explorin’ Journal
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
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