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The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway boasts beautiful vistas, cool mountain air, and the fresh scent of pine trees. Towering peaks flank the highways, and open lowlands give you a rest from steep mountain passes.
However, don't be fooled by these "lowlands" because Leadville, the hub of the byway, is the highest incorporated community in the
Mining shaped a way of life along the Top of the
In 1860, the mountains and hills came alive as gold was discovered in California Gulch. Soon, silver was also discovered in the area, bringing individuals such as Horace Tabor, David May, J.J. and Margaret Brown, the Guggenheims, and the Boettchers.
Fortunes were made, and communities soon developed to meet the needs of the growing mining populations. Many of these towns, such as
While mining brought many people to the area, when fortunes were harder to come by, many residents turned to farming, and thus the boomtowns remained lively communities. Leadville today maintains the Victorian charm and influence that kept people in town after the mining boom was over.
Time to allow: 2.5 hours to 1 day States it runs through: Colorado Cities it runs through: Dowd, Climax, Leadville, Twin Lakes Considerations: The only part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway that ever closes is the Vail Pass segment of I-70; bypass it by taking Highways 24 and 91, which take a little more time. Wildfires are an ever-present danger in the summer months; follow posted signs regarding campfires, and do not throw cigarettes out the car window. Abandoned mines are extremely dangerous -- look but do not explore. High altitudes bring increased sun exposure and reduced oxygen so wear sunscreen and sunglasses and don't overexert yourself. |
Other factors contributed to this area's historical development. The 10th Mountain Division, which trained at
The 10th Mountain Division saw action during the war, and a memorial to those who lost their lives in this campaign stands at the entrance to Ski Cooper.
Natural Qualities of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
The many impressive peaks along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway combined with the national forests in the area give the byway a wealth of natural features. The byway threads through three national forests: the
In all, six wilderness areas cover about 900 square miles, which are being protected to ensure that future generations will be able to explore and experience this rugged and pristine wilderness.
The Mount Massive Wilderness Area in
Recreational Qualities of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
Recreation along the Top of the
The
 Drive to the highest and some of the most beautiful altitudes in the country following this map of Colorado's Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. |
These lakes and rivers are set among and near some of the highest mountains in the
Wilderness areas are the perfect place for extensive rugged outdoor adventure, such as backpacking, camping, hunting, horseback riding, four-wheeling, and climbing. You can visit more than 300 miles of hut-to-hut trails associated with the 10th Mountain Hut and Trail System, one of the most extensive backcountry hut-to-hut systems in
World-class skiing facilities along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway also make this one of the major recreational draws for the area. Both Copper Mountain Ski Resort and Ski Cooper provide opportunities to ski. Other wintertime activities include backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Find more useful information related to Colorado's Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway:
- Colorado Scenic Drives: The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway is just one of the scenic byways in Colorado. Check out the others.
- Leadville, Minturn: Find out what there is to do in these cities along the Top of the Rockies Scenic 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.
