Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in Colorado. Within Colorado it covers roughly 120 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
This byway follows US-24 and State Route 91 through the highest country in Colorado, around Leadville — at over 10,150 feet the highest incorporated city in the United States. The road runs beneath Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two tallest peaks in the Rockies, and crosses Tennessee Pass and Fremont Pass near the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Old mining works and the World War II training site at Camp Hale line the route.
- Leadville (10,150+ ft)
- Mount Elbert & Mount Massive
- Tennessee Pass
- Camp Hale
- Arkansas River headwaters
Designated for its scenic qualities
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Places to stop along Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
Leadville's big museum of American mining, with a walk-through replica mine and a gallery of gold nuggets and crystals.
WebsiteHealy House Museum and Dexter Cabin
An 1878 Greek Revival house and a deceptively plain log cabin with a luxurious interior, from Leadville's silver-boom days.
WebsiteTennessee Pass
A 10,424-foot pass on the Continental Divide near Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained for World War II, now a national monument.
Fremont Pass
An 11,318-foot pass beside the vast Climax molybdenum mine, with views over the headwaters of the Arkansas.
Independence Pass
A 12,095-foot crossing of the Continental Divide toward Aspen, with an alpine tundra walk at the top. The road closes in winter.
Where to Stay along Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
29 campgrounds and RV parks sit within about 5 miles of Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.
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Photos of Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.