LEAF PEEPING ALONG COLORADO'S SCENIC BYWAYS
You’ve probably seen the quaking leaves of Colorado’s aspens change from vibrant green to golden hues. It’s an annual rite of passage for the state, where summer fades into the yellow and orange mountainsides of fall. While this spectacle never gets tiring, a different perspective for aspen viewing is always welcome. For spectacular scenic drives through aspen country, take a few hours to explore one of Colorado’s 25 Scenic and Historic Byways.
While nearly every byway provides prime viewing, think of the following as merely a starting point:
Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic and Historic Byway
The Experience: Follow the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River, to Cameron Pass for views into the broad basin of North Park, which has changed little in the last 115 years since the town of Walden was established. Look for bighorn sheep on the rocky faces along the idyllic, crystal-clear Cache la Poudre River.
The History: Begin in the city of Fort Collins, where the Avery House and Fort Collins Museum provide insight into the city’s agrarian past and present. The byway ends in Walden, where you can visit the North Park Pioneer Museum.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed after Labor Day? No
Distance: 101 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Walden, Gould, Fort Collins
Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
The Experience: Engage your four-wheel drive and savor the rugged scenery of Phantom Canyon, situated along a former railroad bed. Enjoy the frequent glimpses of Pikes Peak along the four-wheel-drive middle route, or stay in two-wheel drive for the unpaved segment between Cripple Creek and Florence.
The History: This Byway traverses where the nation’s greatest gold boom took place. More than 500 mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining Districts produced more than 21 million ounces in gold.
Four-wheel drive required? Yes, for portions.
Portions closed after Labor Day? No
Distance: 113 miles (one way); Allow 5 hours
Towns: Florissant, Cripple Creek, Victor, Florence, Cañon City
San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway
The Experience: As the road rises near the clouds, it reveals magnificent vantage points of the multi-hued San Juan Mountains. Stop atop Lizard Head Pass, where a 400-foot-tall volcanic formation resembles its name.
The History: This byway passes through the National Historic Landmark Districts of Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. Historic downtown Durango is well preserved, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the finest historic trains in the nation.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed after Labor Day? No
Distance: 236 miles(loop); Allow 7 hours
Towns: Placerville, Telluride, Cortez, Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway
For more information on these and other scenic and history byways, visit Coloradobyways.org or Byways.org
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