Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway

In the 19th Century, millions of dollars in gold and silver were mined in central Colorado. The Leadville area was home to many of the big names of mining, such as Horace Tabor and his wife "Baby Doe," and J.J. and (the Unsinkable) Molly Brown. Though fire or other natural disasters have destroyed many of the once booming mining towns, both Leadville and Twin Lakes still stand today as centers of mining. The Top of the Rockies Byway travels 75 miles starting in Twin Lakes, traveling through Leadville to either Midturn or Copper Mountain, literally at the Top of the Rockies. Be sure to give two and a half hours to one day to see everything this byway offers.

The road seldom drops below 9,000' along the Top of the Rockies byway. Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, each over 14,000' and the two highest points in Colorado, are visible from the byway. You can also drive over Tennessee Pass or Freemont Pass, each over 10,000'. This is truly the Top of the Rockies! There are many clear mountain lakes and streams to enjoy as well.

The Top of the Rockies byway also runs through three National Forests. You can visit Pikes National Forest, San Isabel National Forest or White River National Forest. Each of these sites provides beautiful scenery and many recreational activities. The Camp Hale Memorial is also along the byway. Here, soldiers trained on skis to fight in the Apennine Mountains of Italy during World War II. Standing there now is a memorial commemorating their service. Nearby, the Tabor Opera House stands as a memory of the mining boom. Horace Tabor built the theater in 1879. It took 100 days and cost $40,000. The house has welcomed many well known personalities over the years, including Houdini, John Philip Sousa, Oscar Wilde, and Anna Held. Today, visitors can enjoy the preserved Opera House.

The mountainous terrain also provides many recreational activities such as biking, four wheel driving, camping, hunting, and horseback riding. During the winter, don't miss back country skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and downhill skiing at Copper Mountain Resort or Ski Copper. Be sure to visit the "top" golf course in the nation, Mount Massive Golf Course. Just don't miss the fairway... it's a long way down!

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

Arkansas River Rim Campground & RV Park
Walk to river fishing! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". RV & tent sites. On-site trailer, 5th wheel & cabin rentals.

Comfort Suites - Dillon
An all-suite hotel in the heart of Summit County with free WI-FI and continental breakfast. Amenities are indoor pool, hot tub, microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, meeting room. 100% Smoke Free!

Eagle's Rest Lodge
Comfortable cedar log home with fantastic views of Colorado's highest peaks between Leadville and Twin Lakes. 3 Bedrooms with a loft and covered wrap-around porch. Stay here; play in the Vail Valley!

Frisco Lodge
An ongoing lodging establishment since 1885. Everything is an easy stroll down Frisco's Main Street. Featuring full breakfast, afternoon snacks, outdoor hot tub, ski tuning and storage room.

Leadville CO & Southern Railroad Co
Discover Leadville's a hidden gem high above the clouds in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Passengers ride along the old Denver, South Park/Pacific and Colorado/Southern lines to the Continental Divide.

Twin Lakes Roadhouse Lodge
Unspoiled beauty of ancient Twin Lakes makes THIS part of Rocky Mountains unique. ONLY AAA rated lodging in area offers elegant comfort, WI-FI and crisp Rocky Mountain air dried sheets. New Art Gallery.

Twin Season Vacations
Quality and Affordable condos and townhomes in Silverthorne, Dillon and Frisco. Fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, pools, hot tubs and saunas. Within minutes to 7 different ski areas.

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