by Michele Kadison

Frequently overlooked due to its location, this magnificent byway will take you through the forested Wet Mountains and then the serene Wet Mountain Valley where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains stand tall against the sky.  On this route you will start in the city of Pueblo, which was the home of the Ute Indians and an exploration point for the Spanish conquistadores looking for precious minerals.  Fur trappers and traders met in Pueblo to exchange goods and information, and to make their homes there.

The byway itself contains a deep history, starting with the Native Americans, and in particular the Utes, who were the first residents in the region.  Later came the Spanish, French, and American fur trappers who found that the abundant wildlife in the area was perfect for their profession.  Then in the 1800s the gold rush became the reason to stay in Colorado, and the area teemed with prospectors looking for their fortunes.  Ranches were created and small Victorian-style towns were erected in the valleys beneath the majestic mountain summits.  Go to the El Pueblo Museum before you set out to learn about the early days of the region.

You will begin your trip in Pueblo on Highway 96 West.  Within the first five miles the byway follows the south side of Lake Pueblo State Park.  Stop here to enjoy all the outdoor activities you could desire on these 4,646 acres of water.

Within the first 20 miles of the route, you will see expansive plains with occasional outcroppings of buttes and flatlands.  Standing tall in the distance are the pines that mark the beginning of the San Isabel National Forest, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as the final backdrop.

After 25 miles you will come to the town of Wetmore, which separates the western portion of the Great Plains from the edge of the Rocky Mountains.  The forests deepen as the mountains get closer, a truly breathtaking view.

Just 35 miles into your vacation journey, where Highway 96 meets Highway 165, the byway veers to the west as well as the southeast.  Stay west along Highway 96 for 15 miles until you get to Silver Cliff and Westcliff.  These lovely towns are a part of the San Isabel National Forest and are ideal places to visit for their views and for enjoying some refreshment before you continue on.

Head back to the junction of Highway 165 south and continue on.  You will pass Bishop Castle, a fantastic modern-day castle that is more a work of sculpture than anything else.  The castle, according to its creator Jim Bishop, is in a constant state of completion as long as he has the energy to continue working on it.  Standing 160 feet high, this amazing structure includes a grand ballroom and a fire-breathing dragon!  The castle has been under construction since 1969 and is open all year round with free admission, though donations are happily accepted to assist with further construction.

Pitch a tent along the route through the Wet Mountains to enjoy the grandeur of the region.  With a plethora of wildlife to watch, including gray fox, mule deer, elk, and pronghorn, you can take some great photos to bring back to the folks at home.  As there are no formal camping facilities available, bring everything you need for a comfortable stay.

As you finish up your trip, you can enjoy the majesty of the plains as you approach Colorado City.  Take some time here to enjoy the local eateries as you think about all you have seen on this beautiful vacation travel.

A 4 hour, 103 mile drive.
Landmarks:  Crestone Needle, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lake Pueblo State Park, Lake Isabel, San Isabel National Forest, Beulah

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