The Strangest Road Names in Colorado and How They Got Them
In the mountain town of Nederland, about 16 miles west of Boulder, you can explore the curious origins of “Hobo Hill Road.” This winding lane snakes through quaint neighborhoods and dense pine forests, a reminder of the transient miners and railroad workers who once called this area home. The name pays homage to the hobos who hopped trains here in the early 20th century, seeking work in the nearby mines. Visitors can hike the nearby Mud Lake Trail, a peaceful loop of about three miles through wetlands and forest, offering prime birdwatching in the summer. The charm of Nederland’s quirky street names pairs well with its old mining town vibe, and autumn is especially magical, as golden aspens glow against the rugged terrain.
Driving west from Denver, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway reveals more than alpine vistas; it leads to the “Apex Road,” a narrow, switchback-laden route that climbs to Colorado’s highest paved summit at over 14,000 feet. The name “Apex” signifies the road’s peak elevation, but also hints at the challenging journey it took to build this engineering marvel. Along the way, visitors can stop at Summit Lake Park to spot mountain goats and marmots against a backdrop of jagged peaks. The byway is best experienced in late summer, when wildflowers bloom and the air is crisp, offering unparalleled views of the Continental Divide and opportunities for short hikes near the summit.
In historic Old Colorado City, a neighborhood just west of downtown Colorado Springs, visitors can stroll along “Tejon Street,” whose name traces back to the Ute word for “prairie fire.” This street serves as the lively heart of the district, lined with boutiques, galleries, and eateries housed in restored 19th-century buildings. The street’s name evokes the native heritage embedded in the area’s history, which visitors can explore at the nearby Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. The museum’s exhibits delve into the city’s Native American roots and pioneer era, making a walk down Tejon Street a journey through layered cultural narratives. Springtime, with its mild temperatures and blooming gardens, is an ideal moment to experience the district’s vibrant atmosphere.
In the small mountain community of Crested Butte, roughly 35 miles north of Gunnison, “Snodgrass Road” runs through some of the area’s most enchanting alpine meadows. Named after the abundant sedge grass that blankets the highlands, this road is adjacent to the Snodgrass Trailhead, a gateway to some of Colorado’s best wildflower displays. The Snodgrass Trail itself is a moderate seven-mile loop that offers sweeping views of Mount Crested Butte and wildflower-filled valleys in July and August. This area’s unique blend of colorful blooms and rugged mountain terrain sets it apart from other wildflower hikes in the state, making it a must-visit for nature lovers during the short high alpine summer.
Farther south near Durango, the “Animas River Trail” snakes alongside the river through the city and into the San Juan National Forest. While the trail itself is named for the river, the quirky “Smelter Avenue” nearby harkens back to Durango’s mining past. This street wound around the historic Durango Smelter, once a booming center for processing ore in the late 19th century. Today, visitors can explore the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum downtown, which recounts the mining and railroading history tied to these unusual names. The trail and museum are best enjoyed in fall, when the river is framed by fiery aspens and the air carries a crisp mountain chill.
In Boulder, the funky “Folsom Street” runs through the downtown core, connecting parks, shops, and historic sites. Its name might sound ordinary, but it honors a gold-mining town that once thrived nearby before vanishing into the hills. Near Folsom Street, visitors can explore the Boulder History Museum, which offers exhibits on early settlers and the mining boom that influenced the city’s development. The street’s transformation from mining route to vibrant urban artery captures Boulder’s blend of old and new. Spring and early fall are perfect times to stroll Folsom, when the city hosts outdoor markets and the weather invites lingering walks.
Just outside Steamboat Springs, about 160 miles northwest of Denver, lies the Mount Werner area, home to “Howelsen Place Road.” This road is named after Norwegian ski pioneer Carl Howelsen, who brought competitive ski jumping to the area in the early 1900s. Howelsen Hill Ski Area, accessible near the road, offers visitors the chance to see historic ski jumps and learn about the town’s winter sports heritage. The ski area remains a community hub year-round, with summer mountain biking and hiking trails. Winter, of course, is the highlight when the snow blankets the slopes and the legacy of Howelsen’s daring leaps feels palpable.
In the shadow of Pikes Peak near Manitou Springs, “Ruxton Avenue” leads you toward the Garden of the Gods park entrance, a place where strange and striking rock formations meet the history behind the name. Ruxton Avenue is named for George Ruxton, a British explorer who traveled through Colorado in the mid-1800s. Garden of the Gods itself offers miles of easy hiking and climbing routes amid towering red sandstone spires. Visitors often find inspiration in the contrast between the rugged rock and the avenue’s historic namesake. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the golden light paints the rocks in fiery hues, creating a surreal landscape.
Finally, in the town of Telluride, which lies deep in a box canyon about 330 miles southwest of Denver, the street named “Colorado Avenue” cuts through the historic district. While the name might seem straightforward, its story is woven into Telluride’s silver-mining boom and subsequent rebirth as a cultural hotspot. Strolling Colorado Avenue reveals Victorian architecture, galleries, and restaurants, serving as the spine of Telluride’s vibrant arts scene. The Telluride Historical Museum on this street offers deep dives into the town’s mining past and its colorful characters, many of whom left their marks on the local map. Visiting in early summer lets travelers enjoy both the blooming mountain scenery and the town’s lively festival calendar.
Each of these roads and trails reveals a piece of Colorado’s layered history—where mining legends, native words, pioneering spirits, and natural wonders converge to form a uniquely colorful tapestry. Traveling these routes offers more than just odd names; it’s a chance to step into stories etched into the very geography of the Centennial State.