Byway History & Knowledge
Follow These Tips For Your Comfort And Safety
Tips for Travelers
Gold Belt Scenic & 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 to flash flooding from heavy rainfall. If you anticipate a flash flood, climb high to stay dry. Avoid abandoned mine...
Starting With The Legendary Cripple Creek Gold Rush
Byway History
Gold Belt Scenic & Historic Byway
In 1890, cowboy and prospector Bob Womack discovered 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, forever changing the landscape and communities of the region. 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, ore, and people to and from the District. In 1892, Cañon City completed the Shelf...
A Statewide Partnership to Promote Colorado
History and Purpose of the Byway Program
Gold Belt Scenic & Historic Byway
The Byway Program was created in response to President Bush's Commission on Americans Outdoors (1986). The report revealed that 43 percent of American adults consider driving for pleasure a favorite pastime, second only 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 to Coloradoans and visitors through designation, interpretation, promotion, and infrastructure development of outstanding touring routes in Colorado." The Gold Belt Byway Nomination In 1989, the Bureau of Land Management...
How Railroads Shaped Our Success
Cañon City's Early Commerce
Gold Belt Scenic & Historic Byway
Settled by the 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 south to the silver mines near Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, and northwest to the silver and gold mines in Alma, Fairplay, and...
Colorado Mountain Towns
Communities Along The Byway
Gold Belt Scenic & Historic Byway
The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway connects you to five vibrant Colorado communities, each offering unique experiences, local hospitality, and rich heritage. Whether you're planning your route, researching attractions, or looking to extend your adventure into neighboring regions, these resources will help you make the most of your byway journey. From chamber of commerce visitor guides to national park information, you'll find everything you need to explore the communities along the Gold Belt Tour. Along the Byway Cañon City Chamber of Commerce City of Cripple Creek City of Florence Florence Chamber of Commerce Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument...
Protecting One Of The World's Richest Fossil Deposits
The Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument
Gold Belt Scenic & 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 be foreign to us in today's world. So what exactly did the Florissant Fossil Bed Area look like 34 million years ago? Florissant As...
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Thirty Millionaires from One District
The Cripple Creek gold rush created more than 30 millionaires, though Bob Womack—the man who started it all—was not among them. Womack died in 1909 in poor health and far from wealthy, having sold his original claim for a mere $300.
The Carlton Tunnel Engineering Feat
Completed in 1941, the Carlton Tunnel stretches over six miles from Vindicator Valley to Marigold to drain water from deep mines. The tunnel was dug so precisely straight that workers could see a tiny pinpoint of light from the opening more than six miles away. This engineering marvel allowed mines to reach depths of 3,000 feet below the surface without flooding.