A Road Trip to Remember: Five Unexpected Places to Stop Between Broomfield and Arvada

There's nothing quite like a road trip to clear the mind and experience the beauty of nature. One such scenic drive is the route between Broomfield and Arvada, two Colorado cities connected by a winding road that traverses through rolling hills, meadows, and forests. Starting in the outskirts of Denver, this 27.2-mile journey takes about 45 minutes by car, but you'll want to take your time and soak in the sights. Along the way, you'll come across several hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are five unexpected places to stop and take a break on your drive from Broomfield to Arvada.

1. Colorado Hills Open Space (Broomfield)

The first stop is the Colorado Hills Open Space, a vast expanse of grasslands and wildflowers that surround the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. This 240-acre park offers several trails that are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. You'll see stunning views of the front range against the backdrop of the airport's runway and watch planes take off and land. There are picnic tables and benches along the trails, making it a perfect spot for a quick snack or lunch break. Make sure to bring your camera because the photo opportunities here are endless.

Favorite food: Sandwiches and salads from Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant or burgers from Larkburger in Broomfield.

2. Leyden Lake (Leyden)

As you cross into the town of Leyden, you'll come across Leyden Lake, a tranquil oasis surrounded by cottonwood trees and cattails. This 80-acre lake is a popular destination for fishing, birdwatching, and paddleboarding. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill, so bring your fishing gear if you're interested in catching dinner. For non-anglers, the lake's scenic trails offer opportunities to spot birds like the American coot, western grebe, and Canadian goose. You can also rent paddleboards at the lake or meditate on one of the benches along the shore.

Favorite food: Tacos and burritos from Tacos Jalisco or pizza from Proto's Pizzeria Napoletana in Arvada.

3. Indiana Street Overlook (Arvada)

The halfway point of the drive is Arvada, a bustling city with a vibrant downtown area and a slew of eateries and shops. But before you hit the town center, make a stop at the Indiana Street Overlook, a viewpoint that overlooks the valley below. From here, you can see the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city of Wheat Ridge, and the downtown Denver skyline. It's a breathtaking vista that will take your breath away. There are benches and tables to sit and eat or just enjoy the scenery.

Favorite food: Chinese food from Chef Hsu's or craft beer from New Image Brewing Company in Arvada.

4. Cussler Museum (Arvada)

If you're into classic cars, then the Cussler Museum is a must-visit destination. Founded by best-selling author Clive Cussler, this museum showcases over 100 vintage automobiles from the 1900s to the 1960s. The collection includes rare cars like a 1913 Locomobile, a 1927 Rolls Royce, and a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. The museum has a friendly staff and self-guided tours. You won't find many visitors here, so you'll have ample space to walk around and admire the cars.

Favorite food: BBQ from GQue Championship BBQ or sushi from SuWa Sushi in Arvada.

5. Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge (Arvada)

The last stop on this road trip is the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, a 72-acre habitat that's home to over 100 species of birds, several mammals, and reptiles. The refuge has several trails that wind through wetland areas, grasslands, and forested patches. The highlight of the refuge is seeing the great blue heron, a majestic bird that's abundant in the area. The refuge has several picnic tables, benches, and portable restrooms. It's a peaceful and serene spot to cap off your road trip before heading back to Broomfield.

Favorite food: Cajun food from Gumbo's Louisiana Style Cafe or ice cream from Scrumptious in Arvada.

In Conclusion

In summary, the road trip from Broomfield to Arvada is an adventure worth taking. Along the way, you'll discover hidden gems such as the Colorado Hills Open Space, Leyden Lake, Indiana Street Overlook, Cussler Museum, and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. You'll enjoy breathtaking views, opportunities for outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences that are off the beaten path. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this road trip is a perfect way to explore the beauty of Colorado. So pack your bags, grab your snacks, and hit the road!