Cañon City

Skyline Drive near Cañon City, CO
Skyline Drive near Cañon City

Highlights:

  • Scenic vistasSkyline Dr is unique; a must see.
  • WildlifeShelf Road – High Park
  • Historical Site or BuildingsHistorical mining remnantsin Victor on the Phantom Canyon Rd.
  • Fall ColorsEspecially around Cripple Creek.
skyline drive canon city 105090210

Skyline Drive

A unique driving experience with incredible views.

Looking down the narrow ridge of Skyline Drive near Cañon City, CO
The narrow ridge of Skyline Dr.

How to get there:

Skyline Drive is located on the west edge of Cañon City , across from the turn to the Royal Gorge.

  • From I-25/C470 to US-50/Skyline Dr
  • 102 miles 2 hrs
  • GPS
  • US-50/Skyline Dr
  • 38.4721 -105.2581

In General:

  • Length: 3.5 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 20 mins

This route winds its way along the top of an extremely narrow ridge overlooking the surrounding area.

Photo Ops:Vistas

Many areas are marked “No Stopping” but you can still get some terrific vistas of the road. Great overlook of Cañon City.

Phantom Canyon

Gold Belt Tour SB – Phantom Canyon America's BywayScenic BywayNational Forest Byway

Phantom Canyon Road near Cañon City

How to get there:

Connecting Florence and Victor, I start the route on US 50, north of Florence.

  • From I-25/C470 to US 50/Phantom Canyon
  • 91 miles 1 hr 40 mins
  • GPS
  • US50/Ph Canyon
  • 38.4374 -105.1135

Phantom Canyon Road is unpaved and narrow; vehicles over 25 feet are not permitted.

This road is one of the most scenic and historic drives in Colorado. The route increases in elevation from 5,500 to 9,500 feet and follows the route of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad built in 1894 as a connection from Florence to the goldfields of Cripple Creek and Victor.

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Shelf Road

Gold Belt Tour SB – Shelf RdAmerica's BywayScenic BywayNational Forest Byway

Shelf Road on the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

How to get there:

Travels between Cañon City and Cripple Creek.

  • From I-25/C470 to Cañon City
  • 96 miles 1 hr 45 mins
  • GPS
  • US 50/Raynolds Ave
  • 38.4481 -105.2069

In General:High Clearance Requiredrock climbingCampgroundHiking

  • Length: 26 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 2 hours

Shelf Road is unpaved and in places very narrow and winding with steep drop offs. Four wheel drive is recommended and may be required for travel through this area when the road is wet.

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High Park Road

Gold Belt Tour SB – High Park Rd America's BywayScenic BywayNational Forest Byway

Vista along the High Park Road near Cañon City

How to get there:

Two lane paved road between Cañon City and Cripple Creek.

  • From I-25/C470 to Cañon City
  • 96 miles 1 hr 45 mins
  • GPS
  • US 50/Raynolds Ave
  • 38.4481 -105.2069

In General:

  • Length: 51 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 1/2 hours

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Florissant Fossil Beds

A National MonumentNational Park

Twin Rocks formation at Florrisant Ntl. Mon.
Twin Rock by Gregory Kats

How to get there:

On CR 1 about 16 miles north of Cripple Creek, or 2 miles south of US 24.

  • From I-25/C470 to the Monument
  • 88 miles 1 hr 40 mins
  • GPS
  • Parking Area
  • 38.9135 -105.2844

In General:

Individual Entrance Fee: $10 (Good for 7 Days)

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