Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 24) Road Trips and Natural Attractions Photography (left to right): Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway ©Denise Chambers/Weaver; Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway ©Branson Reynolds/NSBO; Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway ©Richard Smith/©1998. Santa Fe Trail/NSBO; Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway ©Sally Pearce of CDOT/NSBO 10. Guanella Pass (Front Range) The Experience: This route is a great introduction to the Colorado Rockies. Climbing to timberline, the byway takes in views of 14,060-foot Mt. Bierstadt and the alpine tundra before descending into cool groves of aspen and pine. The History: Much of this route’s heritage attractions lie at the beginning of the route, in the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District. Ride the narrow gauge railroad that connects the two, and take a tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine. Four-wheel drive required? No; dirt road for portions Portions closed in winter? No Distance: 22 miles • Allow 1 hour ©Sally Pearce/CDOT The History: Taking its name from the historic Lariat Trail, this route connects two roadways on the National Register of Historic Places (Lariat Trail and Bear Creek Canyon) and includes a stop at Hiawatha Homestead and Buffalo Bill’s Museum and Grave. Four-wheel drive required? No Portions closed in winter? No Distance: 40 miles • Allow 2 hours Mining Museum and the Idaho Springs Heritage Museum. Four-wheel drive required? No Portions closed in winter? Yes (from Echo Lake to the Mount Evans summit) Distance: 49 miles • Allow 2 hours 15. Pawnee Pioneer Trails (Northeast) The Experience: It won’t take you long to be moved by the Pawnee National Grassland. Meadowlarks sing from their perches, antelope graze and the twin mesas of the Pawnee Buttes jut up from seemingly nowhere. The History: Gain an in-depth understanding of the plains and their pioneering past at the Overland Trail Museum in Sterling. Probe the past even more at the Fort Morgan Museum, where you can learn about a famous resident of yesteryear — big band legend Glenn Miller. Four-wheel drive required? No Portions closed in winter? No Distance: 128 miles • Allow 3 hours ©Sally Pearce/NSBO 13. Los Caminos Antiguos (South Central) The Experience: Los Caminos Antiguos (“the Old Paths” in Spanish) traverses the cradle of the San Luis Valley, the largest intermontane basin in North America. To the east, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains cradle the tallest sand dunes in North America. Birdwatching at the nearby Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is superb. The History: This byway is exceptionally rich with history. Visit the Fort Garland Museum, the town of San Luis (Colorado’s longest continuously settled town) and hitch a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito. Four-wheel drive required? No Portions closed in winter? No Distance: 129 miles • Allow 3 hours ©Denise Adams/NSBO 11. Highway of Legends (Southeast) – See image above The Experience: Circumnavigating the Spanish Peaks, this byway affords grand views of some often-overlooked backcountry. The volcanic walls emanating from the peaks are by far the most stunning sight of the drive. The History: The coke ovens once used by coal mining operations near Cokedale are a must-see for history buffs and photographers alike. The Trinidad History Museum offers engaging tours of two stately residences — the Baca House and Bloom Mansion. Four-wheel drive required? No Portions closed in winter? No Distance: 82 miles • Allow 2 hours 16. Peak to Peak (Front Range) See image above The Experience: The name says it all. As the highway skirts the lower ridges of the Front Range, make sure to pull out and take in views of the craggy Indian Peaks and the hulking mass of Longs Peak near Allenspark. The History: The Central City Opera House is a jewel to behold. Along the way, make a detour to see the historic and still functioning Moffat Tunnel. You can also check out the Mining Museum in Nederland. Four-wheel drive required? No Portions closed in winter? No Distance: 55 miles • Allow 2 hours 14. Mount Evans (Front Range) The Experience: As you would expect with the highest paved road in North America, the views are breathtaking. Alpine lakes, massive granite walls and stands of twisted, ancient bristlecone pine can be enjoyed. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The History: Idaho Springs — a former mining town nestled in the Clear Creek Valley — offers numerous heritage attractions, including a tour of the Argo Gold Mill and ©Sally Pearce/CDOT 12. Lariat Loop ©NSBO (Denver/Front Range) The Experience: On this byway just west of Denver you’ll find rolling hills of evergreen, the curious crimson formations at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and even dinosaur tracks in the uplifted hogback at Dinosaur Ridge. 1-800-Colorado | www.colorado.com 24 http://www.colorado.com
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