Top of the Rockies
Details
- DesignationNational Scenic Byway (1998/2009)
- Intrinsic QualitiesScenic
- LocationCO
- Length83 miles

Overview
This 83-mile byway connects several southern Colorado towns and areas steeped in frontier legend and folklore.
-
Care for Colorado Coalition
Story of the Byway
Top of the Rockies lives up to its name—surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks on all sides. From Aspen, this three-pronged byway extends through Independence Pass on the left fork, Tennessee Pass in the middle fork, and Fremont Pass on the right fork. Independence Pass starts at 9,200 feet and climbs to 12,095 feet at the summit, which is ringed with peaks of 13,000 feet including Mt. Champion, Geissler Mountain, Twining Peak, Grizzly Peak and Casco Peak. Tennessee Pass, with an elevation of 10,424 feet, was named after the native state of a group of early prospectors. And Fremont Pass, at 11,318 feet elevation, forms the continental divide on the border between Lake County and Summit County. In fact, this 82-mile route crosses the Continental Divide twice and winds with the Arkansas River, arriving near its source on the final pass.
Situated in the middle, Leadville is the highest incorporated community in the United States with two mountains—Elbert and Massive—towering nearby. In the 19th century, miners extracted extravagant amounts of minerals from these grounds. So abundant was the yield that it made one miner in particular, Horace Tabor, a titan of the silver industry. Leadville is home to the Healy House Museum, a home built in 1878 by mining engineer and city father August R. Meyer. The National Mining Hall of Fame is also in Leadville and dedicated to commemorating the work of miners and people who work with natural resources. Nearby communities of Redcliff, Minturn and Twin Lakes offer temporary respite from the mountainous drive. Three national forests also reside within the area—Pike National Forest, Arapaho National Forest and White River National Forest. The byway was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 1998 and given a 40-mile extension in 2009. This addition begins at Twin Lakes and extends over Independence Pass into Aspen.
Driving Directions
From Aspen, take CO-82E for 43 miles to US-24W, and continue on this road through Leadville and onward to Mintern.
Points of Interest
-
Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is one of the United States' most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River.
-
Tennessee Pass
Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft), Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), and Independence Pass (12,095 ft) are all located in the Rocky Mountains of Central Colorado.
-
Pike National Forest
The Pike National Forest is located in the Front Range of Colorado, United States, west of Colorado Springs including Pikes Peak.
-
Arapaho National Forest
Arapaho National Forest is a National Forest located in north-central Colorado.
-
White River National Forest
White River National Forest is a National Forest in northwest Colorado. It is named after the White River that passes through its northern section.
-
Healy House Museum
Healy House Museum was the Leadville, Colorado home built in 1878 by mining engineer and city father August R. Meyer for his bride, Emma.
-
National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Mining Hall of Fame is a museum located in Leadville, Colorado, United States, dedicated to commemorating the work of miners and people who work with natural resources.
-
Fremont Pass
Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft), Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), and Independence Pass (12,095 ft) are all located in the Rocky Mountains of Central Colorado.
-
Independence Pass
Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft), Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), and Independence Pass (12,095 ft) are all located in the Rocky Mountains of Central Colorado.
Itinerary
-
A Day in Leadville
Starting from Aspen, head east along the byway on CO-91, traveling among scenic peaks toward Leadville. Stop at Twin Lakes for a picnic lunch and a quick dip in the water. Continue to Leadville, where you can spend the remainder of your day exploring town. Among attractions are the Camp Hale Memorial and the Tabor Opera House. Settle in town for the night, or leave before sunset to set up camp in nearby San Isabel National Forest.
Update this byway information today!