As you travel the Gold Belt Tour, notice the changing scene. The diversity of terrain coupled with large elevation changes give you the opportunity to observe many different plant and wildlife species along the Byway.

At the lowest elevations near Florence and Cañon City, notice the semi arid grasslands covered with perennial grasses and shrubs. Look here for scaled quail, western meadowlarks, and mountain bluebirds. Prairie dog colonies are often home to the secretive, ground nesting burrowing owl. Jackrabbits, coyotes, and kangaroo rats may cross your path.

The rugged rocky canyons and rolling hills between the grasslands and the mountains support pinon pine and juniper woodlands. The abundance of mule deer here make these areas prime habitat for mountain lions. Although you're not likely to see a mountain lion, you may see a roadrunner, relatively rare this far north.

At higher elevations, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and white fir grow on cool, north facing slopes in the canyons. Look for golden eagles, prairie falcons, and red tailed hawks riding the air currents above the rugged cliffs along Shelf and Phantom Canyon Roads. These cliffs are also home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
 

Blue Grouse

In the high country surrounding Cripple Creek and Victor, you encounter subalpine forests of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and quaking aspen. Notice bristlecone pine in windswept areas. Elk, black bears, and marmots are found here, along with the broadtail hummingbird, blue grouse and evening grosbeak. Along the Byway, look for "green ribbons" of cottonwood, willow, shrubs, and grasses bordering streams. These riparian areas provide a valuable combination of food, water and shelter for wildlife  and nearly 75% of wildlife depend, to some degree, on riparian areas.

To optimize your wildlife viewing, be very quiet and avoid sudden movements. Binoculars are very helpful. Early morning and evening are the best times to observe wildlife.