Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways - 2024/2025

America’s great canyon-carver — the Colorado River — has its humble beginnings high in the mountains of its namesake. This route traces the upper reaches of the river and connects a series of ranching communities. Grand Lake takes its name from Colorado’s largest natural lake, where residents have been holding an annual sailing regatta since 1912. To the north of Grand Lake, in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado River begins as a stream of snowmelt, but by the time the byway crosses it near Hot Sulphur Springs, the river has gained considerable size. As the Grand County seat, Hot Sulphur Springs has played a big role in the area’s history, much of which can be discovered at the Pioneer Village Museum. Farther downstream lies Kremmling, which serves as a gateway to Gore Canyon, a stretch of the Colorado that is legendary among kayakers and rafters. The byway eventually merges with a maintained dirt road that follows the river through an arid valley to State Bridge.

Distance: 80 miles • Allow 2 hours

Total elevation gain: 7,050–8,369 feet