Framed by the dramatic Flatirons, the eco-conscious city, Boulder, is both burgeoning university town and springboard for year-round outdoor activities.
The Gold Belt Tour offers an interesting combination of natural wonders, history, and adventure. Views from this area of central Colorado include the famous Pike's Peak and pristine pine and aspen forests. Travelers have several options to choose from when navigating this byway, including several alternate routes through twisty canyons and mountain passes providing for some of the funnest driving in the region. Other attractions along the way include Florissant Fossil beds, which preserves thousands of fossils in a park and museum, and the nearby historic town of Cripple Creek, an intriguing glimpse back into early Colorado life.
Details
Location:
Between Florissant and Canon City, southwest of Colorado Springs
Setting:
Flat to Hilly
Surface:
Maintained Dirt or Gravel
Length:
135 miles total
Time:
2 to 8 hours One route of the trip will take 2 - 3 hours to drive; allow a full day to drive all three.
Main Roads:
CO-67 S
Season:
Year-round
Camping Info
Shelf Road Climbing Area, Red Canyon
Additional Details:
Certain routes along this byway may become impassable to two-wheel-drive vehicles in wet weather. No vehicles over 25 feet long are allowed on Phantom Canyon Road. Four-wheel-drive is recommended on Upper Shelf Road.
There are several routes possible along this byway. All routes head south from Florissant and split near the south end of Mueller State Park. Passenger vehicles without four wheel drive should take the paved High Park Road (Highway 9). Shelf Road heads south from Cripple Creek and a 4WD vehicle is recommended. Phantom Canyon Road heads southeast from Cripple Creek through Victor, and vehicles longer than 25 feet are not permitted. The south end of the routes is near Canon City and Florence.
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Colorado Springs. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Chaffee County Central Colorado
Chaffee County
Central ColoradoMore than 100 miles of the Arkansas River and her tributaries flow through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National ParkAt the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Grand Lake connects with Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Northwestern ColoradoWelcome to Colorado’s Great Northwest, Moffat County has nearly 2 million acres of public lands to explore. Experience places like Dinosaur National Monument, the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area and free flowing rivers including the mighty Yampa, last of the wild ones! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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