Scenic Drives USA

Alpine Loop Back Country Byway is in southwest Colorado about 100 miles southeast of Grand Junction. The byway forms a loop drive between Lake City and the towns of Ouray and Silverton. Alpine Loop is 65 miles long and is generally open late June through October.

Flat Tops Trail is in northwest Colorado about 100 miles northeast of Grand Junction. It crosses the White River and Routt National Forests between Meeker and Yampa. The byway follows CR 8 and FSR 16 over a combination of paved and gravel-surfaced roads. Most vehicles are able to complete the entire 82-mile route. Flat Tops Trail receives two to ten feet of snow in winter and is not maintained for automobile use. It is open for snowmobile and cross-country ski use.

Frontier Pathways is in south-central Colorado near Pueblo. The byway follows CO 96 between Pueblo and Westcliffe and CO 165 between Colorado City and Rockvale. Both state highways are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Portions of the 103-mile byway may close in winter, otherwise it usually remains open year-round.

Gold Belt Tour is in central Colorado about one hour's drive from either Colorado Springs or Pueblo. The byway follows a series of roads between Cripple Creek and Canon City. From Colorado Springs, the byway is reached by following US 24 west to CO 67, then south to Cripple Creek. The southern end of the byway is off US 50, about 50 miles west of Pueblo.

Grand Mesa is 22 miles east of Grand Junction in west-central Colorado. The byway follows CO 65 and Lands End Road (FSR 100). Travelers can access the byway from I-70 at Exit 49 or in the town of Cedaredge. Colorado Highway 65 is a two-lane paved road that is suitable for all vehicles. Lands End Road is a maintained gravel road that is closed in winter. Although most passenger cars and RVs can complete this portion of the byway, it is best to inquire locally about current road conditions. Colorado Highway 65 is usually open year-round.