Is the byway open year-round?

While the Gold Belt Byway is technically accessible year-round, winter conditions may close or make certain roads impassable due to snow and ice accumulation at higher elevations. The roads surrounding Cripple Creek, Victor, and Florissant are particularly susceptible to winter weather due to their elevation, which reaches over 9,600 feet in some areas. Phantom Canyon Road and upper portions of Shelf Road may become difficult or impossible to navigate during winter months even with four-wheel drive vehicles.

Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable access to all byway roads and attractions, with summer months providing the most consistent conditions for travel. If you plan to visit during winter, we strongly recommend checking current road conditions before departure and being prepared with appropriate equipment including chains, emergency supplies, and cold-weather gear. Many visitors find that winter visits to the lower elevation areas near Cañon City and Florence remain accessible while offering unique perspectives on the byway landscape, though the full 131-mile route may not be safely navigable during this season.