Strike Gold (and Outdoor Adventure!) on Colorado’s Gold Belt Tour Byway
Mine and Trails along the Gold Belt Tour
Ready for a journey that has equal parts breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and family-friendly fun? Look no further than Colorado’s Gold Belt Tour National Scenic and Historic Byway! This incredible route, recognized as one of America’s Byways® and a Bureau of Land Management Back Country Byway, promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Spanning 131 miles and taking approximately 6-7 hours to traverse (allow extra time for stops!), the Gold Belt Tour offers a diverse landscape with elevation gains ranging from 5,187 to 9,695 feet. A quick note for adventurers: a four-wheel drive is suggested for the Upper Shelf Road section when it is wet, so plan accordingly!
Unearthing the Gold Standard of History: Cripple Creek & Victor
Prepare to step back in time to the “greatest gold camp in the world” as you explore the towns of Cripple Creek and Victor. This region, a National Historic Landmark District, yielded an astonishing 23.5 million ounces of gold between 1891 and 2005!
In Victor, don’t miss the historic Gold Coin Mine, offering a glimpse into the arduous yet rewarding lives of miners. In Cripple Creek, the Cripple Creek District Museum, Old Homestead House Museum, and Cripple Creek Heritage Center provide a deeper dive into the area’s rich past. And for those feeling lucky after a day of exploration, Cripple Creek also offers vibrant casino gaming!
Cañon City & Florence: Beyond the Gold Rush
Main Street Canon City
A visit to Cañon City isn’t complete without a stop at the magnificent Royal Gorge. Here, the Arkansas River has carved a dramatic 1,200-foot chasm into the plateau, creating one of America’s most impressive canyons.
Cañon City is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a wide array of recreational activities. Get your adrenaline pumping by rafting on the Arkansas River, the country’s most popular whitewater rafting destination. For a scenic tour, hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Tourist Train or take an off-road adventure with Colorado Jeep Tours. Experience the thrill of the Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours or explore the beautiful landscape through hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, or camping.
For a more relaxed pace, consider a visit to The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Pack a picnic and savor local wines amidst beautiful surroundings. And for a truly timeless experience, the historic Hotel St. Cloud, established in 1883, offers luxurious lodging and dining that transports you to a bygone era.
Don’t miss the charming town of Florence, a popular destination for antique lovers. Its historic main street, featuring buildings from the 19th-century oil boom, is now home to numerous vintage dealers. It’s the perfect place to hunt for unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds.
Figure 3 Ranching continues along conserved properties.
Ranching continues along conserved properties.
A Journey Through Time: An Area Rich in Fossils
To complete your circuit of wonders, head north along High Park Road to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, Colorado. This site is a true paleontological treasure trove! Marvel at petrified sequoia trees and an incredible fossil record of over 1,700 different organisms, including an astounding 1,500 species of insects. This makes it one of America’s most significant fossil beds.
Bringing the family? Kids will love the Junior Explorer Program, Geology of the Gold Belt Byway, where they can learn about earth science and even earn a special badge! It’s an engaging way to connect with the planet’s ancient past.
Your Adventure Continues…
Two children earning their Jr. Ranger Badge from a Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument ranger.
The Gold Belt Tour National Historic Byway is just the beginning of your Colorado exploration! From its southern end, you can easily connect through Florence on CO67 to the Frontier Pathways National Scenic Byway, or head west on US50 to the majestic Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway.
So, pack your bags, fire up your 4×4, and prepare to be amazed by the diverse landscapes, captivating history, and unforgettable experiences that await you on the Gold Belt Tour. We thank you for traveling along these treasured and designated roads, and encourage you to learn more at https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/gold-belt-tour-scenic-and-historic-byway/. Happy trails!