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Goldbelt Tour Scenic Byway

 
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Gold Belt Tour Map - Image, Graphic, Picture, Illustration Map Symbols Image, Picture, Graphic, Illustration Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

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, Canon 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 Canon 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 and Fun Things to Do

3B Historic Cabins & Ranch email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page location map sub-page available on business page
Year 'round "There's something for everyone!" Cabins, suites, lodge rooms & tent village. Horseback riding & wrangler meals in the Pikes Peak Region. Ask about our romance packages.
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Aspen Grove Chalet email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
An affordable mountain getaway with an outdoor hot tub. This cozy chalet backs to Pike National Forest. Near Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, US Air Force Academy and Garden of the Gods. Amazing Fishing!
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Cactus Rose email link button on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Southern Colorado's Old West Inn located 10 minutes from historic Downtown Canon City, Great views, cool evening breezes, near the Royal Gorge Bridge. Indoor hot tub! Plus a Vacation Home for families.
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Goldfield RV Park & Camper Cabins mutual link button on advertiser page
Many discount programs. Between Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs. Near all Pikes Peak attractions. Shaded level full hookup sites with pull-thrus, cable TV and WI-FI. Plus camper cabins. Open all year.
cabins rv parks pets ok scenic byway
Indian Springs Ranch email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
A Registered National Natural Landmark for fossils - take a Fossil tour. 2,100 secluded, peaceful acres. 5 miles east of Canon City. A unique, accessible, destination campground - great for groups & reunions.
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Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, The email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
Tours, tasting & gift shop near Canon City. The Abbey was established in 1926; the winery in 2002. Award winners include our Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Merlot. Plus fanciful fun wines.
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More Activities & Information

Cripple Creek - includes Divide, Florissant & Victor
Pikes Peak Area - includes Cascade, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs & Woodland Park
Royal Gorge Area - includes Canon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Florence, Guffey, Penrose & Texas Creek


Alpine Scenic Loop • Cache La Poudre Scenic Drive • Colorado River Headwaters • Collegiate Peaks Byway • Dinosaur Diamond • Flat Tops Trail • Frontier Pathway • Goldbelt Tour • Grand Mesa Scenic Byway • Guanella Pass • Highway of Legends • Lariat Loop • Los Caminos Antiguos

Mount Evans • Pawnee Pioneer Trail • Peak to Peak Highway • Pikes Peak Road
• San Juan Skyway • Santa Fe Trail • Silver Thread Scenic Byway • South Platte River Trail • Top of the Rockies • Trail of the Ancients • Trail Ridge Road • Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic Drive • West Elk Scenic Loop
 

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