The length of the byway is 75 miles long and takes
approximately two hours to drive, although you may allow more time
for stops and photo opportunities. The entire route is a paved, two
lane highway with access to 4WD and hiking trails as well as the
Mineral Belt Bike Trail. You may start the drive from Copper Mountain
on Highway 91, from Leadville at the juncture of Highways 91 and
24 or from Minturn on Highway 24.
The Columbine is Colorado’s state flower. The Colorado Scenic
and Historic Byways Commission has adopted the Columbine as its logo.
As you tour the byway, the Columbine signs will identify your route.
Don’t forget you camera breath taking view and abundant wildlife life all along the byway. Please pull of the road safely when taking pictures.
Plan your “peak” touring times around peak commuting times. Many locals of the communities on the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway work in outlying resorts and commute during the early morning and evening hours.
Don’t forget to carry water with you; Altitude sickness is sometimes a problem at these heights. Symptoms include nausea, lightheadedness, headaches and shortness of breath. In case of emergency, call 911. Drinking lots of water may prevent Altitude sickness.
Please help us keep the byway clean, carry out what you carry in, and stay on marked paths.
Remember to keep your distance from wildlife; they are not pet, and not friendly. Please don’t feed the wildlife. It is harmful to the birds and other animals; they may carry ticks and fleas that can carry diseases.
Take advantage of travel information, and when traveling in the winter it may be good to call road condition for road closure and condition information.
Beware of changing weather conditions. You may wish to bring along warm clothes and rain gear as it is cooler at higher elevations, thunderstorms, or snow showers, are not uncommon, even in the summer months.
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