Colorado Scenic Byways Map
Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

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Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway, Colorado Vacation Directory

Goldbelt Tour Scenic Byway near Cañon City, Cascade, Chipeta Park, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Cripple Creek, Deckers, Divide, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Florence, Florissant, Green Mountain Falls, Guffey, Lake George, Manitou Springs, Penrose, Pikes Peak Area, Pikes Peak West, Royal Gorge, Tarryall Reservoir, Texas Creek, Victor, Woodland Park

Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

The Wild West brought a new culture to the frontiers of Colorado. When people headed west, they contributed new organization of towns, roads, and mines, but also gun fights, saloons and hangings. Force, not reason, was the decision maker, and everything that the land provided was used with no restraint. The most prominent mining towns populated the central region of Colorado. These included Florissant, Victor, Cañon City and Florence. Also in this region is Cripple Creek, once the center of mining activity. With gold discovery in 1890, this town was soon a booming city with three railroads, two electric trams, and a modern water and sewage system. These towns create what was once the most productive area for mining in North America. The 135 mile Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historical byway travels through these towns and brings the West of the past back to the present. Be sure to give yourself at least 8 hours to see everything.

For beautiful scenery, the Skyline Drive has the best views in the area. Also be sure to drive Shelf Road, built in 1892 as the first district route from Cripple Creek to the Arkansas River Valley. Now as thrilling as a roller-coaster and perched above Fourmile Creek, this narrow shelf road provides some of the most adventurous driving ever! The Royal Gorge Park has the longest suspension bridge in the area as well as fine dining and shopping.

Before the West was won, there were others that populated the area. Look for these blasts from the past in any of the three fossil sites in the area. The Garden Park Fossil site once contained dinosaur bones of the stegosaurus and brachiosaurus, now residing at Denver's Museum of Natural History. The Florissant Fossil Beds have fossils of plants and small animals that lived over 35 million years ago. Last, the Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site boasts 460 million year old tracks of arthropods. Internationally recognized by paleontologists as having the most diverse and complete collections, these three sites make the area unique.

For outdoor recreation, this trail also flaunts outdoor activities. Known as home to some of the best rafting and fly fishing, the Arkansas River between Leadville and Cañon City provides activities for old and young alike. On the lower shelf road, picnicking, camping, hiking and photography are common past times.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad Web page link icon

A 4-mile round-trip ride on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad from our 1894 vintage depot and gift shop. Enjoy rich gold mining history a short drive from Colorado Springs and Cañon City.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions - Day Trips Web page link icon

Arkansas River Family and Adventure rafting trips with Echo Canyon, an hour from Colorado Springs, near the Royal Gorge Bridge. 45 years of whitewater experience. Afterwards eat at 8-Mile Bar & Grill.

Floyd's RV Park - Camp in the Pines
Classic CO RV Park; camp in pines! Floyd's is 25 miles E of Royal Gorge Bridge; 40 miles NW of Cripple Creek Gaming on Phantom Canyon. BIG RIG FRIENDLY! 15 miles to Pueblo Reservoir: fish, boat, hike.

Indian Springs Ranch, LLP and Campground Web page link icon

Unique, family friendly and Geological destination Campground. A NATIONAL NATURAL LANDMARK FOR FOSSILS - Tours by Appointment! Working Cattle Ranch 10 miles to Cañon City. We LOVE Groups!

Royal Gorge Cabins - Family Vacation Homes and Deluxe Glamping Cabins Web page link icon

Vacation near Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge, and Salida in a modern vacation home or chic canvas glamping cabin. Incredible mountain views! Onsite: 8 Mile Bar Grill and Echo Canyon River Expeditions.

Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance Web page link icon

The Royal Gorge Region offers year-round family activities: fishing (best fly fishing in the nation), rafting. bicycling, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, ATV trips, mountain climbing, shopping, dining in Cañon City.

The STCFG - Trails of Gold - Gem and Mineral Show - Pack Burro Race Web page link icon

STCFG Annual Events: Victor Gem-Mineral Show, Pack Burro Race, Gold Camp Adventure, Sunnyside Cemetery Tours. Trails of Gold System: mountain bike or hike. Victor is along the Goldbelt Scenic Byway.

Victor Lowell Thomas Museum - Experience Gold Rush History Web page link icon

Along the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway near Cripple Creek is the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum: explore gold rush history past and present. TOURS: working gold mine and cemetery walk. Pan for real gold!