Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway

Byway Details

Designation

National Scenic Byway

Length

89 mi in Colorado

About Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway is an 89.2-mile drive in southern Colorado, designated both a National Scenic Byway and a Colorado State Scenic Byway. The route links Pueblo with Colorado City and Rye, and passes through Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. That makes for a long day of driving with several towns along the way to stop in. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. A nearby weather station in Pueblo, at about 4,650 feet, records typical averages of about 77°F highs in May and 83°F in September. Midsummer highs there typically reach the low 90s. The station sits low on the route, so temperatures on the higher stretches toward Westcliffe run cooler. Plenty of outdoor stops sit close to the road. Ophir Creek and the Snowslide Trail offer hiking. Hardscrabble Pass is a climbing area. Lake Isabel is the place for fishing, and Lake Isabel Cabin is an option for an overnight stay.