Exploring the Northern-Most Byways of Southwest Colorado

Total Numbers of Days/Nights: Five

Itinerary Summary: Travel historic and scenic byways, marvel at geologic wonders, endless views, engineering feats and a remarkable historic timeline that begins with indigenous tribes and moves onward with early explorers, settlers and pioneers. Visit friendly historic towns where time seems to have stood still.

Day One: Gunnison

Start the adventure on the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway by heading into Gunnison on Hwy. 50.  West Elk Loop derives its name from the West Elk Mountains, which the loop circumnavigates. Major geological upheavals created the rugged landscape and rare natural beauty along the route. The Pioneer Museum in Gunnison is a great stop for train enthusiasts.

Day Two:  Crested Butte

Head north to Crested Butte, a Registered National Historic District, where in the 1860s, hopeful gold and silver miners found their way north to the valleys and gulches of the upper East River Valley, and where coke-quality coal made mining a mainstay into the 1950s. Remnants of the coke ovens are still seen on the east edge of Big Mine Park. From there, head over Kebler Pass and into Anthracite Creek drainage, meeting Highway 133 at the Paonia Dam. The Irwin Cemetery, located atop the pass, includes the grave of Mary Bambrough, who died in 1881 of scarlet fever at age 17. A poem adorns her grave marker. 

Day Three: Paonia

Head south toward the North Fork Valley of Delta County. The journey follows a route once traveled by Spanish explorers Friars Dominguez and Escalante and travels through an area once home to the Ute Indians. Later, early pioneers recognized the agricultural potential of the valley and set down roots here.  This bounty is still harvested today. The rich agricultural landscapes provide opportunities to experience wine tasting, roadside produce stands and farm tours providing modern-day agricultural experiences.

Day Four: Grand Mesa

Start in Cedaredge to enjoy the Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway and pioneer heritage.  Take a tour of Pioneer Town and learn more about the lives of settlers. A quick trip along Land’s End Road provides access to the Raber Cabins and then on to the Land’s End Observatory. Each site offers interpretation and stunning views of the valley below, including five mountain ranges. The Grand Mesa has more than 300 lakes, and a history that will be enjoyed by all ages. A feud between an English Baron and local fishermen once became an international issue ending in 1904 with U.S. Congress compensating the Baron with $25,000 to settle the matter. Connect to I-70 and go west into Grand Junction.

Day Five: Norwood

Take Hwy. 50 south out of Grand Junction and watch for the Unaweep Tabegauche Byway exit in Whitewater, then turn west onto Hwy. 141. The Unaweep Tabeguache Byway provides a journey through geological time zones and engineering wonders. The Ute Indians called the canyon “Unaweep,” a Ute word for “canyon with two mouths.” This is the only canyon on the world with a watershed divide in the middle of the canyon. Features along the Byway include Driggs Mansion, Thimble Rock and the Hanging Flume. Remnants of the wooden flume, once used to bring water to mining operations, still cling to the canyon walls today.