Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
Gold Belt Must See Tour

Departure: Cañon City, Colorado
Destination: Florissant, Colorado
Time to allow: 2 days

This tour showcases the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational qualities abundant on the Gold Belt Tour. Count on natural wonders, historical landmarks, and spectacular views as you make your way through this eclectic area in central Colorado.

Day 1

  • Start: Cañon City

    Settled in 1860, Cañon City is located along the Arkansas River. Begin your journey here.

  • Stop 1: Royal Gorge Bridge

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 8.5 mi (13.6 km)
    Directions:

    Travel south out of Cañon City on High Park Road for about 8 miles. Turn right and you'll come to the bridge (and Royal Gorge Bridge and Park) in about a half mile.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    The world's highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge spans the Arkansas River 1,053 feet above the water. Walk or drive the bridge, have a picnic in the surrounding park, or take the world's steepest incline railway to the bottom of the Royal Gorge.

  • Stop 2: Dinosaur Depot

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 17 mi (27.2 km)
    Directions:
    • Drive about half a mile from the bridge, and turn left onto High Park Road, and follow it for about 8 miles.
    • From High Road, go west on CR-68 toward CR-143.
    • After 1.3 miles, turn slight right onto CR-143.
    • Drive for 1.4 miles, then turn left onto S 4th St.
    • After 1 mile, turn left onto W Royal Gorge Blvd/ US-50.
    • Follow US-50 for 3.3 miles.
    • Turn right onto Skyline Dr.
    • Dinosaur Depot is 1.1 miles ahead.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    The Dinosaur Depot is a small museum dedicated to interpreting the rich history of the Garden Park Fossil Area. Take a guided tour of the museum that includes an informative video showing the removal of famous dinosaur fossils, and set up a tour of Garden Park Fossil area, located just north of Cañon City.

  • Stop 3: Garden Park Fossil Area

    From previous stop: same location
    Directions:

    Garden Park Fossil Area is just north of Cañon City.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Take a tour of the Garden Park Fossil Area and see where some of the most important dinosaur discoveries in North America have been unearthed. This is the last stop for Day One of the itinerary; lodging is available in Cañon City.

  • End: Cañon City

    From previous stop: same location

    Lodging is available in Cañon City.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 25.5 miles / 40.8 km
Total Travel Time: 45 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Cripple Creek

    From previous stop: 50 minutes / 27.9 mi (44.6 km)
    Directions:
    • Start on US-50 [W Royal Gorge Blvd], driving east for 1.6 miles.
    • Turn left onto Greydene Avenue, then immediately turn right onto Fremont Dr.
    • Turn left onto Field Avenue and drive for 2.9 miles.
    • In 13.6 miles, the road name changes to CR-9.
    • In 7.9 miles, the road name changes to CR-88/Shelf Rd.
    • In 1.4 miles, the road name changes to CR-881
    • Turn left onto SR-67.
    • Keep driving straight on SR-67/S 2nd St for 0.3 miles.
    • Keep driving straight on CR-1/N 2nd St.
    • Turn left onto CR-1/E Carr Avenue.
    • Drive straight to stay on CR-1/E Carr Avenue until you arrive in Cripple Creek.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    On your way to Cripple Creek, a perfect vista of Pikes Peak is visible. Once you get to Cripple Creek, explore buildings that were built during the early 1900s. This is a great place to stop and have lunch and see a true piece of American history.

  • Stop 2: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    From previous stop: 19 minutes / 11.6 mi (18.6 km)
    Directions:
    • Start on Midday Circle, and bear left onto Bennett Drive.
    • After 0.2 miles, turn right onto Portland Drive.
    • Drive for 0.5 miles, then turn right onto CR-1/Cripple Creek-Florissant Road.
    • Follow CR-1 for 10.2 miles.
    • Turn right onto CR-42/Lower Twin Rock Road.
    • After 0.5 miles, you'll arrive at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    The last stop on your tour, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers walking and guided tours. These fossils are renowned for their variety of species. There are over 80,000 fossilized specimens of tree stumps, insects, seeds, and leaves. The historic Hornbek Homestead is here also.

  • End: Florissant

    From previous stop: same location

    This small town, the ending point for this tour, began as a stopover for travelers and traders in 1870.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 39.5 miles / 63.2 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 6 hours