Is the byway ADA accessible?

Accessibility along the Gold Belt Byway varies significantly by location and attraction, with some facilities offering excellent ADA-compliant access while others present challenges due to historic infrastructure and rugged terrain. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provides ADA-accessible facilities including paved trails, restrooms, and the state-of-the-art visitor center designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. The Petrified Forest Trail offers accessible viewing of massive petrified redwood stumps, allowing all visitors to experience this remarkable paleontological treasure.

Major attractions like Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Cañon City offer accessible parking, restrooms, and viewing areas, though some portions of these sites involve uneven terrain or stairs. Museums in Cripple Creek and Victor maintain accessible entrances and facilities in many historic buildings, though some older structures present architectural barriers typical of gold rush era construction. The byway roads themselves vary widely in accessibility, with Teller County Road 1 and paved portions of High Park Road providing smoother surfaces, while Phantom Canyon Road and Shelf Road feature narrow, unpaved sections with steep grades challenging for any vehicle. We recommend contacting specific attractions in advance to discuss accessibility needs and determine which portions of the byway best accommodate individual requirements for an enjoyable and safe visit.