How long is the Gold Belt Scenic Byway?
Usa, north-america
210 km
8 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure through Colorado's historic gold mining territory on the Gold Belt Scenic Byway! This 131-mile loop winds through breathtaking landscapes, from dramatic canyons to majestic mountains, offering views you won't find anywhere else.
Set aside 5-6 hours for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to make it a weekend trip to really soak it all in. Along the way, you'll be transported back in time as you pass abandoned mines, buildings, and towns that boomed during the Colorado Gold Rush. Keep your eyes peeled for archaeological sites scattered throughout the byway!
Be warned: some stretches are narrow, rugged, and unpaved, so a 4x4 vehicle is a must for certain sections. RVs and trailers might want to skip the full route.
The Byway itself is comprised of five distinct roads:
* **Phantom Canyon Road**: This is a wild ride between Canyon City and Victor! Expect one-way tunnels, tight squeezes, an iconic red curved bridge and some hair-raising moments. It’s unpaved and needs 4x4. Leave the long vehicles at home – nothing over 25 feet allowed!
* **Fourmile Canyon Road**: Carved into a cliffside, this road is just wide enough for one car, even though it should be two. 4x4 is a must here too!
* **Shelf Road**: All paved and connects historic gold mines with the Arkansas Valley.
* **High Park Road**: A totally paved route with diverse and stunning views.
* **Old Stage Road**: Following the old railroad route from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek, this unpaved road is said to be haunted!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 210 km
- Max Elevation
- 8 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Santa Fe Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Santa Fe Peak in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there in Summit County, clocking in at a whopping 13,149 feet. Trust me, getting there is an adventure in itself! You'll find it west of Denver, smack dab in central Colorado's eastern Summit County. The route, aka Santa Fe Peak Road (#264), kicks off from Montezuma and stretches for about 4.7 miles. Don't let the short distance fool you, though — you're climbing over 2,800 feet with an average gradient of 11.3%. Get ready for a workout for your rig! Speaking of rigs, you NEED a 4x4 with high clearance. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive! It’s a narrow, old mining road clinging to the mountainside, so expect switchbacks galore right from the get-go and some serious drop-offs. Most of the switchbacks are wide enough to pass, but the whole thing can get a little hairy. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You're in the White River National Forest, and the views from the top are insane: Gore, Tenmile, and Front Ranges stretching out as far as the eye can see. Just a heads up: winter hangs around this high, so your best bet is a mid-summer trip. Trust me, the views are a reward that's worth every bump and turn!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Peerless Mountain in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Peerless Mountain! This beast sits right on the Park and Lake county line in Colorado, topping out at a staggering 13,195 feet. It's one of Colorado's highest roads, and trust me, you'll feel it! The road, known as County Road 18 (or 4 Mile Creek Road), is a completely unpaved, bumpy adventure. Think historic mining sites galore – seriously cool remnants of Colorado's past. Just be warned, there's often a massive snowdrift blocking the main road until late summer! Get ready for some serious steepness – we're talking gradients up to 16%! The climb starts near Fairplay and stretches for about 13 miles, gaining over 3,300 feet in elevation. It averages around a 5% grade, but those ramps are killer! The trail is narrow with limited passing spots, so heads up! Keep an eye on the sky, thunderstorms can roll in fast. While you're near the summit, check out the remains of those old mining operations! This is doable in many stock SUVs with 4x4 and decent clearance, but be prepared for rocky terrain that will test your vehicle. This trail is a total package deal: challenging rocks, jaw-dropping scenery, a dose of Colorado history, and awesome hiking and fishing opportunities. Get ready for an epic adventure!
hardWhere is Trout Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Trout Creek Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Colorado, clocking in at a cool 9,501 feet. You'll find it nestled right on the border of Park and Chaffee counties, smack-dab in the middle of the San Isabel National Forest. Good news for everyone: the road is fully paved! You'll be cruising along on U.S. Highway 24 and US 285. The north side is a gentle climb, but the south side kicks it up a notch with a moderate 5% grade. How long is the adventure? It's about 26.4 miles from Hartsel to Johnson Village. And the best part? You can usually drive it year-round. Just keep an eye on the weather, because it might close during heavy winter storms. Get ready for some seriously stunning Rocky Mountain scenery!
moderateWhere is Lost Trail Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for Lost Trail Pass! This epic paved stretch of U.S. Highway 93 straddles the Idaho/Montana border, clocking in at around 26 miles (42 km). You'll be cruising at a cool 7,030 feet (2,143 meters) above sea level, starting near Sula, Montana, and winding your way down towards Gibbonsville, Idaho. The name? It comes from way back when Lewis and Clark got a little turned around in these parts – hence, "Lost Trail." This beauty is usually open year-round, but heads up: winter can throw some serious snow and ice your way, buried deep in the Bitterroot Mountains. Always check conditions before you go. And keep your eyes peeled – this area's packed with incredible mountain views!