| By Diana Rowe
Spring and summer might seem a distant memory, but it'll be here again before we know it. Take some time when the snow flies to plan your Colorado road trip now.
One way to learn about Colorado's past is by hitting the open road. Colorado is home to 25 scenic and historic byways that weave in and out of cities and town, making their stories come to life. Along their varied course, these highways and back roads reveal historic tales of Ute Indians, silver seekers, opportunistic settlers, ambitious entrepreneurs and crafty engineers. They also tell the story of the creation of the Rocky Mountains and how today, much of this landscape is still untouched.
Let's take a look at just one of the ten America's Byways located in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway. Colorado.com describes this 236 mile byway as including:
"the fabled 'Million Dollar Highway' between Ouray and Silverton, an improbable route that teetered on cliff edges and united two Victorian towns during their mining heyday. Latter stretches skirt the edge of Colorado's largest wilderness area-The Weminuche-and pass such historically rich places as Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez and Telluride. The byway continues to be an ongoing catalyst for $30 million in conservation and preservation for these communities and the surrounding environment. And that's just one of America's Byways in Colorado."
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| In addition to the 10 nationally designated byways, Colorado also boasts 15 Scenic & Historic Byways recognized by the state for their historic, cultural and scenic value. Here are two of my Colorado favorites:
Lariat Loop (Denver/Front Range)
The Experience: On this byway just west of Denver you'll find rolling hills of evergreen, the curious crimson formations at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and even dinosaur tracks in the uplifted hogback at Dinosaur Ridge.
| The History: Taking its name from the historic Lariat Trail, this route connects two roadways on the National Register of
Historic Places (Lariat Trail and Bear Creek Canyon) and includes a stop at Hiawatha Homestead and Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 40 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Golden, Bergen Park, Evergreen, Idledale, Morrison
Peak to Peak (Front Range)
The Experience: The name says it all. As the highway skirts the lower ridges of the Front Range, make sure to pull out and take in views of the craggy Indian Peaks and the hulking mass of Longs Peak near Allenspark.
The History: The Central City Opera House is a jewel to behold. Along the way, make a detour to see the historic and still functioning Moffat Tunnel. You can also detour to the ghost towns of Hesse and Apex.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 55 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Estes Park, Allenspark, Nederland, Black Hawk, Central City
All told, the byways make Colorado the ultimate road trip destination in America. These byways are more than just a chance to take your scoot out. They are all about preserving what we love to see from our panoramic view atop our bikes -- Colorado's culture, history and natural wonder. We live in one of the few states in the nation with more nationally designated scenic byways than any of the others.
Plan your Colorado road trip by acting like a tourist in your own backyard. Even if you've already scooted and seen these great views, look at the scenery around you with fresh eyes. Request one or both FREE guides to Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways give visitors virtually all of the information they need to prepare for a trip along Colorado's Byways, whether it's a simple two-hour loop or a longer trek along one of the state's 10 nationally-designated America's Byways®.
For more information or to plan your drive, visit www.coloradobyways.org - where you'll also find printable maps! To pick up the smaller, detailed guide to all 25 of Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways, visit one of Colorado's 10 Welcome Centers and for the expanded virtual guide and more information on Colorado, visit https://www.colorado.com/ColoradoGuide.aspx
Originally Printed in the January 2010 Issue |