November 7, 2022

2022 Photo Competition Winners

Treasures of the Goldbelt Byway

Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway recently conducted a Photo Contest to celebrate 33 years of being designated a state byway. Gold Belt Tour was one of the first five byways designated by the state of Colorado back in 1989. The byway is 131 miles long and features amazing scenic vistas and fantastic historical features. The route travels through...

Welcome to the Gold Belt Byway

Welcome to the Gold Belt Tour, a 131-mile journey through Colorado's richest gold rush history and most breathtaking mountain scenery. Designated as both a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway and a National Scenic Byway, this route connects five historic communities - Florissant, Cripple Creek, Victor, Cañon City, and Florence—along winding mountain roads that once carried fortune-seekers to America's greatest gold camp.

Just one hour from Colorado Springs or Pueblo and two hours from Denver, we invite you to experience authentic Colorado heritage where rugged canyons, pristine forests, and small-town character await around every curve.

Plan Your Adventure

Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping outdoor recreation, fascinating mining history, or simply spectacular Rocky Mountain views, the Gold Belt Tour offers carefully curated experiences for every type of traveler. Our four historic roads—Phantom Canyon, Shelf Road, High Park Road, and Teller County Road One—each provide distinct scenery ranging from rolling mountain parklands to dramatic rocky canyons, with over 42 attractions along the way.

Curated Itineraries
Explore our expertly designed one-day and two-day routes that guide you through gold mining heritage, outdoor adventures, and scenic vistas, with insider recommendations from locals who know these mountains best.
Historic Attractions
Discover world-class rock climbing at Shelf Road, walk among 35-million-year-old fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and experience authentic gold rush towns where fortune and tragedy shaped the American West.
Local Experiences
Support the communities along our byway with locally-owned restaurants, unique shops, and lodging options that reflect the genuine character of Colorado's mountain heritage.

Start Your Journey

Access the northern end of the byway from U.S. Highway 24 or approach from the south via U.S. Highway 50. Each community offers convenient services including diverse dining options, comfortable accommodations, distinctive shops, and year-round entertainment. Browse our travel itineraries to plan your perfect Gold Belt Tour experience, or simply hit the road and discover why this route has captivated travelers for over 35 years.

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The Shelf Road Toll

When Shelf Road opened in 1892, travelers paid tolls ranging from 30 cents for a horse and rider to $1.75 for a six-horse stagecoach. The dramatic five-mile stretch called "The Shelf" was carved into a canyon wall 200 feet above the stream bed. A trip along Shelf Road took six hours to travel upgrade and four hours to descend.

Ancient Redwood Giants

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument contains petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide that are 34 million years old. These trees were estimated to be over 230 feet tall and between 500 to 750 years old when volcanic mudflows buried them. The monument also contains the world's only known petrified redwood trio, three interconnected trunks that grew as one plant.