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Treasures of the Goldbelt Byway

2022 Photo Competition Winners

2022-10-07 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway recently conducted a Photo Contest to celebrate 33 years of being designated a state byway. Gold Belt Tour was one of the first five byways designated by the state of Colorado back in 1989. The byway is 131 miles long and features amazing scenic vistas and fantastic historical features. The route travels through five communities and two counties and highlights four main roads (Shelf, Phantom Canyon, High Park... Read More

A Statewide Partnership to Promote Colorado

History and Purpose of the Byway Program

2022-10-07 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

The Byway Program was created in response to President Bush’s Commission on education on Americans Outdoors ( 1986). The report revealed that 43 percent of American Adults consider driving for pleasure a favorite pastime, second, in fact, to walking for pleasure. In response, Governor Roy Romer by Executive Order, established the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway Program and the Scenic and Historic Byways Commission: “A statewide partnership intended to provide recreational, educational and economic benefits... Read More

2022 Photo Competition

Treasures of The Gold Belt Byway

2022-04-15 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

Welcome to the Treasures of The Gold Belt Byway 2022 Photo Competition, where visitors and residents of communities along the Gold Belt Scenic Byway will have a chance to win a mounted canvas of your photo or other prizes! The rules are simple, and entering is easy! Start by snapping photos, fill out the form below and attach your favorite photo(s) taken along the Gold Belt Byway! The competition runs from April 15th, 2022 through August 31st,... Read More

How Railroads Shaped Our Success

Cañon City's Early Commerce

2022-04-03 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

Settled by Anson Rudd family in 1860, Cañon City quickly became a regional center of commerce. The Arkansas River and its numerous tributaries provided ample water for agricultural, residential, and industrial uses. Farms, ranches, and orchards flourished in the fertile soils along the river. Silver and gold discoveries in the surrounding mountains provided a ready market for Cañon City farmers and merchants. Wagon roads and railroads proved critical to Cañon City’s success. Wagon and stagecoach roads stretched... Read More

Protecting One Of The World's Richest Fossil Deposits

The Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument

2022-04-02 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

The Florissant Fossil Bed fossil history dates back tens of millions of years ago. About 34 million years ago, the area that is now within Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument was a mixed-hardwood, warm temperate forest unlike today’s cool temperate forest. When seeing the Florissant Fossil Bed National Park in its present state, it can be hard to believe it was once teeming with huge mammals, a completely different landscape, and a host of insects that would... Read More

Follow These Tips For Your Comfort And Safety

Tips for Travelers

2021-01-01 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

Do not attempt Phantom Canyon Road or the upper portion of Shelf Road if you are traveling with a trailer, camper, or motor home. These routes are winding and narrow to one lane in many places. Have enough gas, water, and other necessities to make it between the Byway communities. Be prepared for changes in weather conditions. Depending on your travel route, you may experience up to 5,000 feet in elevation change. Steep canyons along the Byway are subject... Read More

Starting With The Legendary Cripple Creek Gold Rush

Byway History

2021-01-01 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

In 1890, cowboy and prospector Bob Womack discovered the rich gold ore that touched off the legendary Cripple Creek Gold Rush. The ranching country on Pikes Peak's western slopes was quickly transformed as prospectors flocked to the area. With the discovery of gold, it became a high priority to link the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining District to the cities of the Front Range and Arkansas Valley. Roads, and later railroads, carried construction materials, food, clothing, coal,... Read More

Colorado Mountain Towns

Communities Along The Byway

2021-01-01 | Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

Here are some helpful links that we are sure you will want to check out Along the Byway Cañon City Chamber of Commerce City of Cripple Creek City of Florence Florence Chamber of Commerce Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Trails of Gold Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Royal Gorge Region Victor Regional Info Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway Ute Pass Vacation Guide Other Resources BLM - Colorado State Office Colorado Byways National Byways National Forests National Parks Statewide Road Conditions Ute Pass Historical... Read More

Need Help With Ideas For Your Itinerary Of Your Tour?

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Need Help With Ideas For Your Itinerary Of Your Tour?

We Can Help! Contact Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway