Carbondale, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Gunnison, Crested Butte, and other towns offer a slice of Colorado's rich history, varied lifestyles, and natural beauty. The coke ovens at Redstone bear witness to the toil that built the communities of today. White settlers originally came in search of minerals and stayed to farm and ranch. This magnificent landscape has been home to uncounted generations of Native Americans, most recently the Utes. The twin summits of Mount Sopris and the incomparable Black Canyon anchor the ends of the West Elk Loop. Visit the historic Driggs Mansion or the Hanging Flume and step back into history to a much simpler time. Consisting of Highways 141 and 145, the vast scenery along this byway will keep you inspired along your journey. Unaweep / Tabeguache Scenic & Historic BywayĪ fabulous journey through history, geology, culture and nature awaits you on the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, and Four Corners Monument are highlights on the trail. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.

The heights around Creede and Lake City remain strewn with abandoned mining structures, most of them accessible via rugged backcountry roads.Įxplore the long and intriguing occupation of the Four Corners region by Native American peoples. The colorful old mining camps of the Silver Thread offer history, beauty, and authenticity. Soak in hot springs, ride the narrow-gauge railroad, and sleep under the stars or in a cozy lodge. Victorian towns offer both excitement and relaxation. Travel the 'road to the sky' which offers views of the towering 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains to rolling hillsides speckled with ancient Indian pueblo ruins. Take a side trip to Lands End Overlook where the Grand Valley unfolds below. Featured are hundreds of sparkling lakes, blossoming wildflower meadows, and shimmering aspen and pine forests. This 'playground in the sky' climbs from the rugged Plateau Canyon floor to the cool evergreen mesa forests 11,000 feet up. The tour begins at the kiosk at the fork of East and West Willow Creek in the canyon north of town and ends at the kiosk on Highway 149 in Creede. This 17 mile loop takes visitors through Creede's unique silver mining district and two ghost town sites.

The Alpine Loop also provides access to exceptional high-country hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, and other outdoor adventure. Portions of the route may be visited in normal passenger cars, but beyond these points, off-road vehicles must be used. Use our online map to find your way or request a map at the Visitor Center or call 97 and we’ll mail one to you.Įxplore 65 miles of spectacular peaks and narrow glacial valleys, including 12,000-foot passes and well-preserved remains of stamp mills, tramways and ghost towns from the mining boom of the late 1800s. There is never a wrong time of year to take in the amazing scenery while on a drive. Montrose is located in the center of some of the country's most scenic and historic drives, making it the perfect home base for all kinds of day trips.

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