What is a good two-day itinerary?

The Heritage Tour two-day itinerary provides an excellent introduction to the Gold Belt Byway, combining historic mining sites, paleontological treasures, and scenic drives across the 131-mile route. Day one can focus on the northern section, exploring Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to see 34-million-year-old fossils, then traveling through Cripple Creek and Victor to experience authentic gold rush history with museum visits and mine tours. Overnight accommodations in Cripple Creek or Victor allow you to enjoy evening entertainment in the historic mining district.

Day two descends through either Phantom Canyon Road or Shelf Road, experiencing dramatic canyon scenery and historic railroad or toll road heritage, before reaching Cañon City and Florence on the southern end. This second day can include Garden Park Dinosaur Quarry, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and exploration of Florence's antique stores and art galleries. The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway two-day itinerary and Explore U.S., Colorado, and Fremont County History multi-day tour offer comprehensive experiences with detailed stops, timing recommendations, and dining suggestions that showcase the diverse attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage along the entire byway route.