Colorado’s Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway A Journey Through Mountain History and Natural Beauty
Get ready for a breathtaking journey along the central stretch of Colorado’s Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. This driving tour weaves through historic mining towns, offering spectacular mountain views and small-town charm. Travel between Minturn and Leadville, with stops in Red Cliff, Camp Hale National Monument, and more for an unforgettable adventure. To enhance your tour and learn more about the stops along the journey, check out the Minturn & Red Cliff Visitor’s Guide online.
Minturn, Colorado A Historic Mountain Railroad Town with Foundational Roots in the Vail Valley Journey through Minturn, a picturesque railroad town in the heart of Eagle County, where historic buildings, artistic charm, and outdoor adventure converge. As the northernmost town on Highway 24, Minturn marks the perfect spot to begin or end your journey along the Top of Rockies Scenic Byway.
Minturn’s Backcountry Wilderness, Adventure & Scenic Beauty Nestled at the southern tip of Minturn, at the base of Battle Mountain Pass, this scenic stretch of Highway 24 opens doors to wilderness recreation. The area is surrounded by the White River National Forest and Holy Cross Wilderness, providing access to breathtaking trails via Tigiwon Road. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mount of the Holy Cross and participate in year-round recreation from hiking to snowshoeing.
Battle Mountain Pass Gilman Mine Ghost Town and Scenic Vistas This remarkable section of the Scenic Byway offers views across ancestral lands of the Ute tribe, surrounded by aspen trees, canyons and watched over by Notch Mountain. The haunting mining ghost town of Gilman stands as a testament to the area’s rich mining heritage. This stretch of road is truly a must-see for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike, with panoramic vistas that capture the essence of Colorado’s rugged beauty.
Red Cliff, Colorado A Hidden Gem Beneath the Iconic Green Bridge Founded in 1879 during Colorado’s silver boom, Red Cliff was one of Eagle County’s first mining towns, serving as a vital hub for prospectors seeking fortune in the Rocky Mountains. Nestled beneath the striking Red Cliff Bridge, the town blends rich mining history with modern adventure opportunities. Visitors can tour the town’s historic buildings and local museum, or take off on a scenic trail for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and more.
Camp Hale National Monument 10th Mountain Division, World War II and the Birth of Colorado’s Ski Industry Explore Camp Hale National Monument, where mountain views surround the remnants of rich military and skiing history. This historic site served as the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, training soldiers for battle in Italy’s Apennine Mountains. Many of those soldiers returned home to found iconic ski resorts like Vail, Aspen and Arapahoe Basin. Today, the monument offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and mountain biking in summer, and backcountry skiing and snowmobiling in winter.
Tennessee Pass A High-Alpine Gateway to Adventure Tennessee Pass marks Highway 24’s stunning summit along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. Once a vital railroad route during the Leadville Silver Boom, it now offers breathtaking views along the Continental Divide and access to hiking and skiing trails. Visitors can pay respects at the historic 10th Mountain Division Memorial while enjoying the rarified air at over 10,000 feet above sea level.
Travel Information This tour is brought to you by the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and the Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways Commission. This central section of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway stretches approximately 21 miles and can be enjoyed in as little as 30 minutes or extended to a full day of exploration.
Listeners are welcomed to drive the tour in either direction. Coming from the north, we recommend starting the tour at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 24 on the north side of Minturn. If you are arriving from the south, you'll start your tour at the summit sign of Tennessee Pass, located at the entrance of Ski Cooper.
There are many scenic views along the tour. Please take care to pull completely off the road in designated pull-offs only. Respect local wildlife by keeping a respectful distance between you and the animals, do not feed them, and make sure to practice Leave No Trace.
The road is well-maintained year-round but is subject to winter closures during adverse weather. All-wheel drive and snow tires are recommended for winter travel. Given the high elevations, we recommend staying hydrated and traveling with plenty of water and snacks. Should you feel any light-headedness or discomfort during your travels, we recommend returning to lower elevations, avoiding alcohol, and getting plenty of rest.
If you are interested in exploring the rest of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway or exploring the other scenic byways in Colorado, learn more at www.COdot.gov.
To support your continued journey through Colorado, we encourage you to check out these other great nearby tours: Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Pike’s Peak, and Silver Thread Scenic Byway (coming soon). To find more tours in Colorado — or wherever your travels may take you — visit TravelStorys.com. Every place has a story! Thank you for visiting!
Location: Colorado
Travel Type: Driving
Tour Duration: 1 hour
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