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Which communities does the byway connect?

The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway connects five vibrant Colorado communities, each offering unique experiences, local hospitality, and rich heritage. On the northern end of the byway, you will find Florissant, home to the renowned Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, along with the historic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor. These mountain communities preserve the legacy of the world's greatest gold rush.

On the southern end, the byway connects to Cañon City and Florence, both situated along the Arkansas River valley. Cañon City serves as the commercial hub of Fremont County and gateway to the Royal Gorge, while Florence charms visitors with its antique stores and art galleries housed in historic buildings. Together, these five communities span two counties and represent over a century of Colorado heritage, from gold mining and railroading to agriculture and tourism.

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When was the Gold Belt Byway designated as a scenic byway?

The Gold Belt Byway received its first designation as a BLM Backcountry Byway in 1989, marking the beginning of its recognition as an outstanding touring route. That same year, it became one of Colorado's first five State Scenic and Historic Byways, earning approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation on... Read The Rest

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What are the four main roads that make up the byway?

The Gold Belt Byway consists of four main roads, each with distinct character and historical significance: Phantom Canyon Road, Shelf Road, High Park Road, and Teller County Road 1. Phantom Canyon Road follows the historic Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad grade through rugged canyon terrain, offering dramatic scenery and remnants... Read The Rest

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How long is the Gold Belt Byway?

The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway spans 131 miles of diverse Colorado terrain, offering one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the state. The byway features four distinct roads that wind through varied landscapes ranging from rolling mountain parklands to deep rocky canyons. Each route provides unique... Read The Rest

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First Oil Well in Colorado

In 1880, a grain miller named Gabriel Bowen filed a claim to an oil spring along Fourmile Creek on the Shelf Road route. Within two years, A.M. Cassidy and his partners drilled Colorado's first oil well on this site. This discovery led to the Florence Oil Field in 1881, which transformed Florence into a major oil production and refining center.

The Arkansas River's Ancient Path

The Arkansas River near Cañon City carved through 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian rock to create the dramatic canyons visible along the Gold Belt Byway. The river offers world-class whitewater rafting just minutes from the byway's southern routes.