On may 18, 1995, fhwa specified the intrinsic qualities that would serve as criteria for designating road as national scenic byways or allamerican roads. All 26 of colorado s scenic and historic byways 11 of which are also designated americas byways, and countless other scenic drives that crisscross the highest and lowest altitudes of colorado, welcome motorcycle riders, leisure drivers and all others hungry for a taste of colorado s history and scenic beauty. This handbook was prepared for scenic byways 88, a national conference to map the future of americas scenic roads and highways. Stop at the visitor center for maps, books, and camping and hiking information. The law temporarily reopens the federal scenic byway program to accept nominations for roads to be designated as national scenic byways or allamerican roads. All 26 of colorados scenic and historic byways 11 of which are also designated americas byways, and countless other scenic drives that crisscross the highest and lowest altitudes of colorado, welcome motorcycle riders, leisure drivers and all others hungry for a taste of colorados history and scenic beauty. Each twopage document includes information about that states scenic byways program, in addition to a listing and map of all state and national scenic byways within its borders.
Alpine loop national back country byway collegiate peaks scenic and historic byway colorado river headwaters scenic byway dinosaur diamond prehistoric highway flat tops trail scenic byway frontier pathways scenic and historic byway. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. There are 26 scenic and historic byways in the state to choose from, on top of an endless amount of mountain passes and 4x4 roads. Colorados scenic byways program is a statewide partnership intended to provide recreational, educational and economic benefits to coloradans and visitors.
The 26 byways have been carefully selected by the colorado byways commission to awe, instruct, delight, inform, physically challenge, soothe, and bolster the physical and spiritual health of the thousands of travelers who traverse. Not every scenic byway in colorado is filled with mountain roads and switchbacks. State of colorado designated by the colorado scenic and historic byways commission of the colorado department of transportation for their scenic or historic values. Nov 23, 2010 for nearly a century, travelers have admired the peak to peak highways forested slopes, snowdusted mountains and sweeping vistas. There is no greater pleasure, especially in winter, than opening a book to a field of flowers. It was designed as a conference guide and reference for participants. At 14 by 48 feet, the intrusive proposed billboard will be a huge 672 continue reading. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every. A national scenic byway is a road recognized by the united states department of transportation for one or more of six intrinsic qualities.
This small intimate community is nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks of the rockies. Whether you plan on touring the entire loop or just visiting the area for a quick trip, a new adventure is always right around the corner. Forest service, bureau of land management, local byways organizations and public and private resources to serve as a resource in the development of both infrastructure and byway management plans, including interpretation, promotion, and protection of distinctive byway characteristics. New york scenic byways adirondack trail state landmarks.
Take a look at some of the scenic byway connections just a tank away. Scenic byways new york state department of transportation. May 16, 2016 these 12 beautiful byways in colorado are perfect for a scenic drive. The unaweeptebeguache scenic byway travels through an array of plateaus and mesas as it winds its way through unaweep canyon on its way to the heart of the uncompahgre plateau. The colorado scenic and historic byways commission and state agencies will work in partnership with the u. This system of outstanding touring routes in colorado affords the traveler interpretation and identification of key points of interest and services while providing for the.
Slow down and take the scenic route to exciting attractions, activities, and events. Stunning scenery and abundant recreation opportunities await in this road to riches drive through five fascinating byway communities. March 20, 20 scenic colorado suggests northglenn extend consideration of led billboards the city of northglenn is considering allowing one of the largest electronic or led billboards in the state of colorado. Colorado scenic and historic byways commission colorado. Notable attractions include blue ridge and byers peak 12,804 ft. Set at the narrow head of a valley at 7,792 feet and surrounded on three sides with,000 foot snowcapped peaks ouray has been eloquently nicknamed the switzerland of. Review of colorado scenic byways, taking the other road.
Drive over berthoud pass and make a grand entrance into the country, ride along the mighty colorado river or climb over trail ridge road in rocky mountain park. Southwest ouray has been a special destination of world travelers for more than 100 years. The formerly comprehensive federal roads website was shut down unexpectedly in september 20 due to funding cuts. Colorados scenic and historic byways has been around since 1989. Colorado scenic byways eleven of colorados 26 byways are designated by the u.
Most are free, while some including mt evans, pikes peak and trail ridge rd, charge a fee. Prior to visiting a byway, we recommend the following. Gold belt tour scenic byway is a scenic drive in colorado. Thirty years ago, colorado set up a program to preserve and promote the states best drives. The silver thread scenic byway takes you past five of colorados fourteeners mountains that are over 14,000 feet tall and from the windy point overlook you can see them all. Colorado has 26 designated scenic byways that connect historic sites to areas of breathtaking beauty. From cool alpine vistas to slickrock expanses, utah has something for all travelers. Americas byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. This page is dedicated to giving you snippets of the scenery, history, restaurants, lodging, activities, and more along the colorado byways. Whether you plan on touring the entire loop or just visiting the area for a quick trip, a. Lupines lance towards the sky, opening their purple cups to the paintbrush clouds. That wonderful time of year where the sun stays out late, the weather is finally warm and the sky is clear and blue is finally here, which means its time to get outside and enjoy this gorgeous state. In addition to these federal routes, there are many picturesque maine state byways as well.
For nearly a century, travelers have admired the peak to peak highways forested slopes, snowdusted mountains and sweeping vistas. Colorado scenic byways colorado department of transportation. Trail ridge road is a scenic drive in colorado, with stunning views of rocky. The tour spans approximately 24 miles and takes around two hours. Take the long way home with these 4 scenic drives across. Visitors drive the 29mile route through small fishing towns, sheltered harbors and dramatic coastline. Amish animals arizona armed forces benson bisbee brush with death bryce canyon national park buckhorn lake california cape cod colorado colorado river colorado river connecticut deerhorn valley eateries florida florida gulf shores history holidays idaho jeep kansas kentucky. Collegiate peaks scenic byway starting in fort collins, this 101mile. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. Whether you prefer a quick drive or longer, breathtaking journey, grand county has the a aweinspiring scenic drive for you. Colorado is home to 26 scenic and historic byways, which take you from the eastern plains up through the rocky mountains, including mt. In new york state, there are several types of corridors that fall under the scenic byways program.
State scenic byways are transportation corridors that are of particular statewide interest. The upper section of this road is the highest paved highway in north america. On september 22, 2019, president trump signed into law public law 11657 the reviving americas scenic byway act of 2019. Dont miss three lakes reservoir, fishing on the rivers gold medal waters near kremmling and soaking in the therapeutic hot sulphur springs. The trail ridge road scenic byway us highway 34 runs through rocky. Maines byways feature outstanding yearround recreation opportunities, wellpreserved rural character, traditional arts and culture, abundant. They are representative of a regions scenic, recreational, cultural, natural, historic or archaeological significance. At the summit, the entire front range and continental divide sprawls at your feet. The mount evans scenic byway climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,264 feet. The south platte river trail is all about the colorado prairie.
Scenic byways in colorado colorado forum tripadvisor. Colorado river headwaters scenic byway travel alongside the roaring colorado river on this 80mile byway from grand lake to state bridge, colorado. Descriptions, maps and links to related information for over 800 americas most scenic roads. View the colorado scenic and historic byways virtual guide. Click on the individual byway links in the map below for major features and local chambers. Some require highclearance 4wd, while others are fine for nearly all 2wd vehicles.
Colorado scenic byways road atlas and travel guide angus. High road to taos scenic byway new mexico the 67milelong scenic byway takes drivers through several small spanishinfluenced towns that are home to historic buildings, beautiful artwork and astounding natural sites. These 12 beautiful byways in colorado are perfect for a scenic drive. The program was established by congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nations scenic but often lesstraveled roads and promote tourism and economic development. Unaweeptabeguache scenic byway colorado scenic drives. Colorado scenic byways road atlas and travel guide. Silver thread scenic byway southern colorado guide. Follow utahs scenic byways to some of the most spectacular places in the world. Colorado s scenic and historic byways has been around since 1989. More than 20 state and national scenic byways in new york highlight landmarks, natural wonders, history and a variety of themesfrom dude ranches to olympic sites.
These byways follow existing roads or highways and are signed with a rocky mountain columbine the colorado state. Rocky mountain national park at the edge of rocky mountain national park, grand lake is the deepest natural lake in colorado, dipping to 265 feet. The colorado scenic and historic byways program is a statewide partnership intended to provide educational, recreational and economic benefits to coloradans and visitors. Twentyfive routes are designated as national scenic byways, and countless other roads are worth taking. To view the brochure, click on the link above or on the. Americas byways include the national scenic byways and allamerican roads. List of articles in category scenic byways of colorado. These byways provide outstanding touring routes throughout colorado and give the travelers an inside look at the states magnificent views and history.
Schoodic national scenic byway explores the quieter, lessdeveloped side of acadia national park and its neighboring communities. Forest service, bureau of land management, local byways organizations and public and private resources to serve as a resource in the development of both infrastructure and byway management plans, including interpretation, promotion, and protection of distinctive. In 1989, colorado began the scenic and historic byways program to promote our exceptional travel opportunities. This old frontier zone south of the arkansas river marked the intersection of native american, spanish, french, and american territories. With eight national and 18 state scenic byways, your experience begins as soon as you pack up the vehicle. These 12 beautiful byways in colorado are perfect for a. Scenic america has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. Boasting one of the oldest scenic byway programs in the country, maine offers travelers diverse landscapes such as the western mountains and the rugged downeast coastline.
List of colorado scenic and historic byways wikipedia. In 1918, the state named the route its first scenic byway. A chilling area is the alferd packer massacre site and memorial. Wherever you drive in colorado at whenever of year, the landscapes are usually stunning. Colorados scenic and historic byways has been around for more than 25 years. He has a passion for sussing out the best drives in colorado, not for the speediest routes or the freshest asphalt, but for the most scenic views. The gold belt tour scenic byway travels through the prehistoric past of dinosaurs and follows historic railroad and stagecoach routes to gold mining towns. The colorado scenic and historic byways program is a statewide partnership intended to provide recreational, educational, and economic benefits to coloradans and visitors.
Many are accessible year round, while some are seasonal. Dont miss three lakes reservoir, fishing on the rivers gold medal waters near kremmling and. Colorado river headwaters scenic byway map colorado. The 26 scenic byways of colorado connect the dots between historic sites and acres of majestic scenery that span from redrock canyons to the peaks of the rocky mountains to sunkissed prairie. However, the independent site americas scenic byways has opened to restore the lost content from to the public domain, and it is an excellent resource for backroad riders. The handbook provides an overview of the nations scenic road programs. When the colorado scenic and historic byways program was created in 1989, the highway was selected as one of the five initial designated routes. Bulk requests are available for the official state vacation guide osvg and the official map to colorado scenery and adventure.
Colorado scenic byways colorados most scenic drives. The colorado scenic and historic byways program is a statewide partnership which provides recreational, educational, and economic benefits to coloradans and visitors. Bulk orders will be put on hold through april 17, 2020, as a precaution against covid19. Take a drive on americas national scenic byways backroad. Unaweeptabeguache scenic byway is a scenic drive in colorado. On long island, the north fork trail runs from southold to orient point. Secretary of transportation as americas byways, which gives colorado more national designations than any other state in the u. These outstanding touring and vacation routes afford the traveler interpretation and identification of key points of interest and services while providing for the protection. Colorado scenic byways map drive loop co vacation directory. A guide through scenic and historic landscapes huber, thomas on. Colorado scenic and historic byways 1,091 photos tourist.
While in leadville, ride the top of the rockies scenic byway. See the truly special landscape of the midatlantic region and gain an appreciation for the working life of marylands eastern shore farmers, watermen, and merchants. Colorado scenic drives historic byways, mountain passes. Americas byways is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the u. Hi, we are planning on touring colorado in june next year starting in durango for a few days to see mesa verde and the train, then spending a week or so driving around colorado before heading to yellowstone. The colorado scenic and historic byways program isnt just a list of roads connecting one place to another. The colorado scenic and historic byways are highway and backroad routes in the u. Sep 27, 2019 the formerly comprehensive federal roads website was shut down unexpectedly in september 20 due to funding cuts. Gold belt tour scenic byway colorado scenic drives on. By riding the states scenic byways, visitors can view redrock canyons, snowcapped mountains, and golden prairies all from the comfort of their car. Observe watermen bringing their bounty to shore, visit historic towns, and travel through scenic stretches of productive farmland.
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