Many Colorado roads are known for their million-dollar views, but while some are heavily trafficked, other lesser-known gems fly under the radar. One of these hidden treasures is U.S. Route 34 through Big Thompson Canyon, a stunning 25-mile journey from the foothills of the Colorado Front Range to one of the most iconic mountain towns in the state. The Big Thompson Canyon scenic route begins in Loveland, an artsy town full of outdoor fun just over 50 miles north of Denver, and leads to Estes Park, a historic gateway to the Rockies used by locals and visitors for over 150 years. The two-lane highway weaves its way through towering granite cliffs dotted with cottonwood trees and pristine Ponderosa pine forests. Running through the canyon is Big Thompson River, a 78-mile waterway with a storied past. After catastrophic flooding in the Big Thompson River in 1976, the highway was raised by 4 feet to protect nearby communities and allow cars to pass safely…