Scenic Drives in the Pikes Peak Region
Gold Belt Tour
 Winding
and twisting through the mining history that shaped the region at
the turn of the century, one section of this drive is a 64-mile
loop that follows Shelf Road (County Road 88) north from Cañon
City to Cripple Creek, then turns south on Colorado 67 to Victor
and continues south down Phantom Canyon Road (County Road 86) until
it hits U.S. Highway 50 near Florence. Another section can be driven
from Cripple Creek north on Teller County Road One to Evergreen
Station where High Park Road (County Road 11) meets Teller County
One. Here you turn southwest and follow the road as it bends south
into Fremont County and meets up with Colorado 9. You continue south
to Highway 50 and the Royal Gorge and then east to Cañon
City.
Much of this drive is on gravel roads, and winter conditions can
temporarily close the roads. The Phantom Canyon and Shelf roads
are quite narrow with tight turns. Large vehicles like motor homes
and large camp and travel trailers should avoid this drive. Services
along the drive are available in Cañon City, Cripple Creek
and Victor.
Pikes Peak Highway
 This
19-mile toll road takes you to the summit of 14,110 foot Pikes Peak.
The first half of the road is paved, giving way to gravel higher
up. There are numerous pullouts to stop and look. The road is usually
open year-round, weather permitting. The highway is patroled regularly,
providing roadside assistance. The Pikes Peak Highway begins off
of Highway 24 in the little town of Cascade.
South Platte River Drive
A 72-mile route running north from Woodland Park to Deckers. There
it tees into a loop that hugs the South Platte River on 67 going
north, changes to a gravel road where 67 turns back west. The road
follows the North Fork of the South Platte to the historic town
of Buffalo Creek. There you can go on to Pine Junction or loop back
south to Deckers. You can find several national forest campgrounds
along the route. Services are available in Woodland Park, with limited
services available in Deckers, Buffalo Creek and Pine Junction.
Rampart Range Road
 Sixty
miles of gravel road take you from the Garden of the Gods north
along the Rampart Range to where it meets up with Colorado 67 between
Sedalia and Deckers. There are numerous campgrounds and picnic areas
along the route. No services are available along the route.
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