Can I go hiking along the byway?

Hiking opportunities abound along the Gold Belt Byway, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging wilderness treks through diverse elevation zones. Hikers can explore the 27,000-acre Beaver Creek Wilderness Study Area on several miles of trail, experiencing varied terrain and ecosystems. The Trails of Gold near Victor and Cripple Creek offer excellent hiking and horseback riding opportunities through historic mining areas with interpretive signs explaining the region's gold rush heritage.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provides well-maintained trails with educational opportunities to view petrified redwood stumps and learn about ancient ecosystems. Garden Park Dinosaur Quarry features accessible trails to historic paleontological sites where visitors can walk to quarry locations and understand the scientific significance of this area. Palmer Land Trust conserved lands along High Park Road offer scenic open space for hiking across impressive topography spanning elevations from 6,900 feet to 10,000 feet, with views of Pikes Peak's western slopes and diverse habitat types supporting abundant wildlife.