Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway

Colorado's Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway is rich in history and beauty. During the winter of 1806, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike nearly froze to death in the Wet Mountain Valley within sight of the peak bearing his name. Nevertheless, this valley and its mountain became a beacon to 19th-century settlers, who came to take advantage of the good soil and climate.

Today, the valley boasts one of the state's finest collections of historic ranches and farmsteads (some dating to the 1840s), trading posts, and stagecoach stops. Also, this pastoral paradise contrasts with the severe looking Hardscrabble Canyon, the white-capped Sangre de Cristos, and the sharp mesas and hogbacks that flank the Arkansas River.

In this article, you'll learn about the road that takes you through all these historic sights -- the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway.

Cultural Qualities of the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway chronicles the joys and sorrows that its early residents experienced while breaking in the land. It is a living showcase of the evolution of architecture, transportation, and agriculture that you can experience by visiting the byway's old homesteads, cabins, barns, stagecoach stops, and settlements.

This landscape hasn't changed much in the last 100 years, so you can still see how different groups of people used their ingenuity to harness the land. Evidence of their resourcefulness is found in the area's nationally important high-country homesteading.

Frontier Pathways
Scenic Byway Information
Length: 103 miles
Time to allow: Four hours
States it runs through: Colorado
Cities it runs through: Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, Pueblo, Colorado City
Considerations: Be aware that wildfires are an ever-present danger in the dry summer months; follow all posted signs regarding campfires, and do not throw cigarettes out the car window. Abandoned mines are extremely dangerous -- look and take pictures but do not explore. The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway traverses high mountain passes; be prepared for all types of weather. High altitudes bring increased sun exposure and reduced oxygen, so wear sunscreen and sunglasses and don't overexert yourself.

Historical Qualities of the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway is seeping with nationally significant history. For example, some of the first high-country homesteads, ranches, and farms were developed here.

In 1779, the Spanish Governor De Anza, with the help of the Utes, defeated Comanche Chief Cuerno Verde (Greenhorn) right in this very valley. Also, German and English colonists settled here in the mid-1800s, and their heritage still pervades this area.

Natural Qualities of the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

The Wet Mountains and Greenhorn Valleys are not well known, even to long-time Coloradoans, making the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway an excellent getaway.

Home to a remarkable number of diverse species of plants and animals, this area attracts naturalists, nature lovers, and botanists. (Note that the Wet Mountains are neither an extension of Colorado's Front Range -- the mountains immediately west of Denver -- nor are they part of the Continental Divide.)

As the only trout native to Colorado, the greenback cutthroat trout was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in a stream near the Frontier Pathways and successfully reintroduced statewide.

Recreational Qualities of the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

Year-round opportunities at this recreational mecca include climbing 14,294-foot-high Crestone Peak, shopping and dining in Pueblo's Union Avenue Historic District, and playing in the Wet Mountain Wilderness.

You can also fish for trout on the banks of Lake Isabel, backpack on the nationally renowned Rainbow Trail south of Westcliffe, and hike the Sangre de Cristos Mountains or Greenhorn Wilderness.

While the summer sun is out, you may enjoy fishing for trout in streams, mountain biking, and horseback riding. You can also get in some sailing, power boating, or water-skiing at the Lake Pueblo State Park. Consider taking time to discover Pueblo Mountain Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the winter, be sure to cross-country ski, downhill ski, or ice fish on the Pueblo Reservoir.

Map of Colorado's Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway
View Enlarged Image
Enjoy the view as you follow this map of the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway.

You can also discover other intriguing photographic subjects among the shops and streets of Pueblo's Union Avenue Historic District or during your descent into dramatic Hardscrabble Canyon.

Find more useful information related to Colorado's Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway:

  • Colorado Scenic Drives: The Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway is just one of the scenic byways in Colorado. Check out the others.
  • Pueblo: Find out what there is to do in this city along the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway.
  • Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Colorado? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
  • How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.