At breckenridge ski resort a2, five peaks are a snowladen playground for a full range of winter activities. High road to taos scenic byway the 67milelong scenic byway takes drivers through several small spanishinfluenced towns that are home to historic. Prior to visiting a byway, we recommend the following. Colorado scenic byways colorados most scenic drives. Colorados scenic byways by jim steinberg, hardcover. National scenic byways must contain one of the six intrinsic qualities.
Church park road scenic drive church park road connects travelers between hot sulphur springs and fraser, colorado. Copyright 2009 garna salida, colorado all rights reserved. Nevadas scenic byway program was established by the nevada legislature in 1983. Some nevada scenic byways have a historical significance others have natural attractions or access to outdoor recreation. Guide your 4wd over highelevation 1880s roads past thickwithwildflower meadows. Wherever you drive in colorado at whenever of year, the landscapes are usually stunning. Whether youre looking for a short day trip close to home or a severalweekslong vacation, youll find a host of ideas in this beautifully illustrated, detailpacked book, which celebrates americas regional diversity, rich history, and jawdropping splendor. Colorado scenic byways eleven of colorados 26 byways are designated by the u. State of colorado designated by the colorado scenic and historic byways commission of the colorado department of transportation for their scenic or historic values. Yet another ski resort lies off the byway to the east. This system of outstanding touring routes in colorado affords the traveler interpretation and identification of key points of interest and services while providing for the protection of. Collegiate peaks scenic byway starting in fort collins, this 101mile.
These byways follow existing roads or highways and are signed with a rocky mountain columbine the colorado state flower logo denoting the route. Take a look at some of the scenic byway connections just a tank away. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 5th. His latest travel book a sister book to colorado less traveled is his most extensive and comprehensive look at colorados landscapes. Many are accessible year round, while some are seasonal. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Take the long way home with these 4 scenic drives across. Eleven of colorados 26 byways are designated by the u. All year round independence pass closes in winter top of the rockies itinerary. Scenic and historic byways are nominated by local partnership groups and designated by the colorado scenic and historic byways commission for their exceptional scenic, historic, cultural, recreational, and natural features. Ship this item qualifies for free shipping buy online, pick up in store is currently unavailable, but this item may be available for instore purchase.
Alpine loop national back country byway collegiate peaks scenic and historic byway colorado river headwaters scenic byway dinosaur diamond prehistoric highway flat tops trail scenic byway frontier pathways scenic and historic byway. If you start or end the scenic byway here, youre just 1. Twentyfive routes are designated as national scenic byways, and countless other roads are worth taking. This fully updated edition of the bestselling guidebook from national geographic showcases 300 of the best scenic drives across the united states. Colorado scenic drives historic byways, mountain passes.
Colorado scenic byways, taking the other road susan j tweit. The 10 best colorado scenic drives with photos tripadvisor. The route crosses the continental divide three times and traces the arkansas river. Review of colorado scenic byways, taking the other road. With altitudes seldom dipping below 9,000 feet, this byway. In particular, it celebrates colorados extraordinarily diverse system of scenic byways, 25 routes that follow lesstraveled and more inspiring roads. Colorado is home to 26 scenic and historic byways, which take you from the eastern plains up through the rocky mountains, including mt. Click the byway name for details and suggested itineraries. Lupines lance towards the sky, opening their purple cups to the paintbrush clouds. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the. While in leadville, ride the top of the rockies scenic byway.
Some roads in colorado are designated as scenic byways and are particularly outstanding. Colorado scenic byways colorado department of transportation. Descriptions, maps and links to related information for over 800 americas most scenic roads. While tracks across borders scenic byway ends in chama, your journey doesnt have to. Top 5 scenic drives near colorado springs visit colorado springs.
This 57mile byway takes you to americas continental divide where the rockies get real. The scenic drive begins in the town of whitewater, about 9 miles south of grand junction and a few miles from i70s exit 26 or 36. Whether you plan on touring the entire loop or just visiting the area for a quick trip, a new adventure is always right around the corner. Central colorado find yourself in colorado springs at pikes peak.
Green recently published the fifth edition of his book scenic driving. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. Scenic byways in colorado colorado forum tripadvisor. Colorado scenic byways celebrates the siren call of the open road and the promise of new vistas and opportunities just over the next hill, around the next bend, or beyond the far horizon. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways. With eight national and 18 state scenic byways, your experience begins as soon as you pack up the vehicle. United states department of national forest scenic byways. Some require highclearance 4wd, while others are fine for nearly all 2wd vehicles. National geographic books, washington, dc 2007, isbn 1426200560. Like many of our drives, this can be done in either direction. Follow utahs scenic byways to some of the most spectacular places in the world. The excursion, which abounds with photoworthy panoramas, includes a stop in osier for lunch and a bus back to your car in chama. List of articles in category scenic byways of colorado.
Unaweeptabeguache scenic byway colorado scenic drives. Hi, we are planning on touring colorado in june next year starting in durango for a few days to see mesa verde and the train, then spending a week or so driving around colorado before heading to yellowstone. Historic sites and state parks are noted on the byway maps and referenced in the back of the book. Secretary of transportation as americas byways, which gives colorado more national designations than any other state in the u. List of colorado scenic and historic byways wikipedia. Enchanted circle scenic byway starting and ending in taos, the 84mile route takes drivers through scenic ski areas, past a vietnam memorial and over winding roads seen in movies such as butch cassidy and the sundance kid and easy rider. For more information on nevadas cities and towns please visit t.
Jim steinbergs love of his adopted state and his passion for exploring its natural beauty from every angle and in every season inspired his most recent book, colorado scenic byways. Colorado book award foreword book of the year, travel local bestseller list, denver post featured in colorado getaways, pbs channel 4, 5280 magazine. This book is a guide to the open road, to the opportunities that beckon just around the bend. Notable attractions include blue ridge and byers peak 12,804 ft. Most are free, while some including mt evans, pikes peak and trail ridge rd, charge a fee.
The guide allowed us to find all the great stops along the way. Americas byways include the national scenic byways and allamerican roads. Please contact them directly to find out their exact location. We saw 3 moose, found a couple of great scenic stops. Thirty years ago, colorado set up a program to preserve and promote the states best drives. Americas byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. Feel the freedom of the wests wide open spaces and expansive vistas under endless indigo skies. The colorado scenic and historic byways are highway and backroad routes in the u. Colorados scenic and historic byways has been around for more than 25 years. Collegiate peaks scenic byway starting in fort collins, this 101mile northcentral colorado trip winds through roosevelt national forest, poudre canyon and scenic north park before dropping into the quiet town of walden. By riding the states scenic byways, visitors can view redrock canyons, snowcapped mountains, and golden prairies all from the comfort of their car.
Top of the rockies designated a national scenic byway. He has a passion for sussing out the best drives in colorado, not for the. Written by colorado outdoor photographer and writer stewart green, scenic driving colorado provides comprehensive route descriptions, including travel information on camping, services, best seasons, special attractions, and historical points of interest. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. There are 26 scenic and historic byways in the state to choose from. Drive over berthoud pass and make a grand entrance into the country, ride along the mighty colorado river or climb over trail ridge road in rocky mountain park. Heading west on co141 and then south on co145, the scenic drive ends in placerville. From cool alpine vistas to slickrock expanses, utah has something for all travelers. The nevada department of transportation is the primary agency responsible for the program, and its director has the authority to add new byways into the system as of 2015, 20 road segments throughout nevada have been designated as state scenic byways. See amazing attractions and incredible views on these beautiful scenic. This old frontier zone south of the arkansas river marked the intersection of native american, spanish, french, and american territories. These 12 beautiful colorado byways are perfect for a. Taking the other road, which he calls his love letter to colorados landscapes.
The nsb program recognizes and supports outstanding roads. The colorado scenic and historic byways program is a statewide partnership which provides recreational, educational, and economic benefits to coloradans and visitors. Colorados scenic and historic byways has been around since 1989. The tour spans approximately 24 miles and takes around two hours. Colorado has 26 designated scenic byways that connect historic sites to areas of breathtaking beauty.
Byways, state scenic byways, or indian tribe scenic byways are eligible for national scenic byways program grants. Along the way are fantastic views of the swift moving colorado as it carves its way through tall red rock cliffs. In 1989, colorado began the scenic and historic byways program to promote our exceptional travel opportunities. It follows the river northeast for roughly 30 miles. The colorado scenic byway hwy 128 begins at hwy 191 just north of moab on the eastern edge of the colorado river. There is no greater pleasure, especially in winter, than opening a book to a field of flowers. Rocky mountain national park at the edge of rocky mountain national park, grand lake is the deepest natural lake in colorado, dipping to 265 feet. This page is dedicated to giving you snippets of the scenery, history, restaurants, lodging, activities, and more along the colorado byways. The book was in great condition and shipped promptly. Enjoy plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing along the way.
Top of the rockies scenic byway colorado scenic drives. The fifth and latest edition of national geographic guide to scenic highways and byways provides more than 300 possibilities for spectacular getaways in your local area and throughout the 50 states. All 26 of colorados scenic and historic byways 11 of which are also designated americas byways, and countless other scenic drives that crisscross the highest and lowest altitudes of colorado, welcome motorcycle riders, leisure drivers and all others hungry for a taste of colorados history and scenic beauty. Colorados scenic byways program is a statewide partnership intended to provide recreational, educational and economic benefits to coloradans and visitors. Whether you prefer a quick drive or longer, breathtaking journey, grand county has the a aweinspiring scenic. A couple of new byways have been designated since i first published this list but now 2011, contemplation of new ones. These byways provide outstanding touring routes throughout colorado and give the travelers an inside look at the states magnificent views and history. This book is a guide to the open road, to the opportunities that beckon just around the bend, over the next hill, beyond the far horizon. Secretary of transportation as americas byways, which gives colorado more national designations than any other state. One thing they all share is exceptional scenic beauty.
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