coloradoadventure.net

Gold Belt Tour

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:52:25 +0000

The Gold Belt Tour’s 131 mile scenic adventure will take the traveler to the heart of
the 1890′s gold rush. Placed in the shadow of Pike’s Peak this scenic
byway will take you through historic Cripple Creek, Florence, Mc Court,
Adelaide, Wilbur, Victor, and other former mining camps.

These roads are narrow and rugged, there is one stretch that is called
the Shelf Road. It clings to the side of a cliff 200′ above a
magnificent canyon. Outstanding scenery will be the reward for the
adventurous traveler.

Hornbek House at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Along the way be sure to visit the Beaver Creek Wilderness Study Area, the spectacular Royal Gorge, and two major dinosaur fossil areas, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the Garden Park Dinosaur Fossil Area.

Note: Be prepared!

On the Golden Belt Tour, Four Wheel Drive is recommended on the
Upper Shelf Road. No viehicles longer than 25′ are allowed on the
Phantom Canyon Road. For more information contact: Bureau of Land
Management-Royal Gorge Resource Area, 3170 E. Main Street, Canon City,
CO 81212 (719) 275-0631

Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:27:04 +0000

Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway follows the footsteps of notable figures such as, Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike, who during the winter of 1806-07 while within sight of the mountain bearing his name, nearly froze to death in the Wet Mountain Valley. This valley became a destination for many early settlers. Sheltered by the mighty, snow capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 19th century homesteaders flocked to the furtile soil and good climate of this treasure in the rockies.

View From Pikes Pike

Today the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway valley boasts one of the finest collections of vintage farms and ranches, some dating back to the 1840′s. You will see abandoned Trading Posts and old Stage Coach Stops, let your imagination run wild in the old west atmosphere. Colorado Pioneer history showcased by fabulous scenery reward the traveler on this 2 hour 103 mile journey into colorado’s wild west past.

Visit the San Isabel National Forest, Lake Pueblo State Park and the El Pueblo Museum, for more information contact: Greenhorn Valley Chamber of Commerce, P.O.Box 125, Colorado City, CO 81019 (719) 676-3000

Flat Tops Wilderness

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:07:29 +0000

Flat Tops Wilderness scenic byway is 82 miles of Colorado’s unspoiled wilderness. The White River Plateau Timberland Reserve was the second unit of what became Americas National forest system. The areas century long preservation and multiple use land management makes for an unsullied environment in which wildlife abounds.

Bring your camera to capture Colorado’s wild life in it’s abundance. Elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and antelope are the primary grazers, while preditors like mountain lion, black bear, bobcats and coyotes balance the cycle of nature.

The prepared traveler will take extra food and water, keep in mind the weather can change dramatically any time of the year. Be sure to fill your tank in Meeker, Yampa or Buford.

For more information contact: United States Forest Service – Yampa Ranger District, PO Box 7, 300 Roselawn St., Yampa Co 80438 (970) 638-4516

Flat Tops Wilderness In Red

Click On Map

Note: Help us keep this environment pristine, if you pack it in, please pack it out!

Colorado River Headwaters

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:55:56 +0000

The 80 miles of the Colorado River Headwaters scenic byway usually takes 2 hours and is gravel surfaced from Kremmling to State Bridge. It is well worth the effort to be rewarded by this Rocky Mountain water way. Starting as a clear brook that crosses beautiful green meadows,and growing with each tiny tributary, the mighty Colorado River is born in the splendor of our Rocky Mountain National Park, tumbling down granite gorges at it’s birth. Farther down stream the stretch between Grand Lake and State Bridge offers legendary trout fishing, canoeing , white water rafting , and hiking trails without end.

Enjoy wildlife viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park the crown jewel of the National Park system. Wind your way through the Arapahoe National Recreation Area, Be sure to bring your camera to catch the vistas at Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake.

The Colorado River Headwaters scenic byway is perfect for those looking for more than just a scenic drive… Hint…water,water everywhere!

For more information contact: Grand County Historical Society, PO Box 165, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451 (970) 725-3939

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:57:46 +0000

Take the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, leave the pavement and enter a Colorado adventure, crossing the remote and spectacular San Juan Mountains. Cinnamon and Engineer Passes, both over 12,000 feet, require a high clearance 4 wheel drive, but the prepared visitor will receive dramatic rewards! Unparalleled mountain views, hiking trails, great camping opportunities, and above all pristine solitude.

The passes were built during the “Gold Rush” for the ore wagons from seven nearby ghost towns to take gold and silver ore to the smelters in Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Explore the abandoned buildings, town sites, and old mining districts.

Due to the “unimproved” nature of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway one must be prepared! The drive is 63 miles and usually takes 4 – 6 hours. Be sure to have a full tank of gas, extra food and water, and warm clothing. The roads can be muddy in summer and the road is closed during the winter months.

Note: !!! Old mine shafts are dangerous!!! Please Keep Out! For more information contact the Bureau of Land Management Office, Gunnison Resource Area, 216 N. Colorado, Gunnison, Colorado 81230 (970) 641-0471