Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways - 2024/2025

The landscape through which this byway passes once shook under the footfalls of titans. Dinosaurs were abundant in this area and have since left their mark on the land in the form of fossils and footprints. Just north of the town of Dinosaur lies Dinosaur National Monument, which was created to preserve 210,000 acres of prime canyon country, some of which is speckled with dinosaur tracks and fossils. But footprints and fossils do not comprise all of the historical evidence along this byway. Fremont Indians once settled in this arid landscape, and just south of Rangely, visitors can encounter more than 50 examples of their rock art in Canyon Pintado, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While much of this byway continues into Utah, its Colorado segment concludes in the Grand Valley, where mountain biking, vineyards and Colorado National Monument draw visitors year-round. With its sandstone mesas and canyons, Colorado National Monument is a classic slice of the Colorado Plateau — the same region that includes Arches and Capital Reef National Parks in Utah.

Distance: 486 miles • Allow 2 to 3 days

(Note: Mileage and time include Utah’s portion.)

Total elevation gain: 4,498–8,5268 feet