Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Recreation

Scenic Byways

The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission has designated 17 of Colorado's most spectacular roadways, considered to have exceptional scenic, historic, recreational, ecological, and cultural value, as Scenic and Historic Byways. These roads are marked by distinctive highway signs featuring a blue columbine. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests have six of the 24 byways. They are:

• Alpine Loop Back Country Byway, connecting the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. The 63-mile route winds its way to an elevation of 12,800 feet, crossing Engineer and Cinnamon Passes among five of Colorado's spectacular 'fourteeners. PORTIONS OF THIS ROUTE REQUIRE FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES.
• Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, between I-70 and Cedaredge. The spectacular 63-mile route begins in the scenic Plateau River Canyon, then climbs through forests and meadows full of wildflowers, to offer panoramic views from the top of Grand Mesa.
• San Juan Skyway, Colorado's first scenic byway and dubbed the million dollar highway, winds for 236 miles through the heart of 5 million acres on the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests offering views of spectacular, rugged, and primitive country as well as cultural and historical sites. The entire loop takes you through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Ophir, Rico, Dolores, Cortez and Mancos. An interpretive site and accessible restrooms are available on Hwy. 145 at the top of Lizard Head Pass. There is plenty of recreational activities along the way: four-wheel-driving, hiking, backpacking, bicycling, hunting, photography, fishing, kayaking, rafting, dirt biking, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycle touring. See waterfalls in spring, wildflowers in summer, golden aspen in fall or a snowy wonderland in winter. Enjoy browsing through town shops, soaking in historic hot springs, staying in a Victorian lodge, or sleeping under the stars in a Forest campground.
• Silver Thread Byway stretching from South Fork to Lake City, this 75-mile route provides countless photographic opportunities, including ghost towns, mountain peaks, and unique and unusual rock formations.
• Unaweep/Tabeguache Byway, between Whitewater and Placerville, the 138-mile byway passes through the distinctive Unaweep Canyon and the high, narrow Dolores River Canyon, opening onto the high plains of the Colorado Plateau.
• West Elk Loop, between Carbondale, Hotchkiss, Gunnison, and Crested Butte, this 205-mile route provides spectacular views along the north rim of the Black Canyon, fields of alpine wildflowers, and pastoral settings of the Crystal and Gunnison Rivers.

USDA Forest Service - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Last Modified:  Monday, 31 March 2008 at 15:55:50 EDT
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