The Gold Belt Byway Association

The Gold Belt Tour Association stands as guardians of one of Colorado's most treasured scenic routes, working tirelessly since 2000 to preserve the cultural heritage, natural beauty, and rural character that make this 131-mile byway special.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we bring together individuals, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations in a shared commitment to protecting the landscapes and stories that define Colorado's gold rush legacy while supporting the people who call these mountain communities home.

Our History & Mission

The journey began in 1989 when the Gold Belt Byway earned dual designation as both a BLM Backcountry Byway and one of Colorado's first five State Scenic and Historic Byways. A dedicated steering team spent eight years establishing the vision and community partnerships that would shape our work, completing their planning in 1997. The smaller group that emerged from this effort incorporated the Gold Belt Tour Association in 1999, secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2000, and celebrated National Scenic Byway designation that same June.

• Preservation Through Action
  We have completed over two million dollars in conservation and educational projects, from helping landowners protect their properties to creating interpretive signage that brings byway history to life for residents and visitors alike.
  
  
• Community Partnership
  Our collaborative approach unites Florissant, Cripple Creek, Victor, Cañon City, and Florence with county agencies, land management organizations, and local businesses in shared stewardship of the byway's future.
  
  
• Education & Outreach
  Through programs, events, and resources, we share the byway's remarkable geology, paleontology, mining heritage, and natural ecosystems with the world while fostering appreciation for rural Colorado lifestyles.

Our Vision For The Future

We envision a byway where healthy natural environments thrive alongside vibrant communities, where open space and rural lands remain intact for future generations, and where tourism enriches local economies without compromising the privacy and character of mountain living.

From the broad open plains to rugged canyon walls to clear mountain streams, we work to preserve the diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats that make the Gold Belt Tour a journey through authentic Colorado. By carefully guiding growth and celebrating the cultural traditions of the people and places along these historic roads, we ensure that the Gold Belt Byway continues to inspire wonder and respect for decades to come.