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Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway Map

 

Collegiate Peaks Map Symbols, The CVD Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, Colorado Map, The CVD Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

Colorado's newest scenic byway, the Collegiate Peaks Byway, was designated in November of 2005 in order to connect several important cities in South Central Colorado, while providing scenic vistas, undeveloped ranchlands, and recreational activities such as skiing, fishing, mountain climbing, rafting and kayaking. The byway stretches 57 miles north to south connecting Granite, Buena Vista, Salida and Poncha Springs. This byway also connects to the nearby Top of the Rockies and West Elk byways.

The byway provides many opportunities to explore the past. Scattered with many historic buildings, such as the Old Nathrop Schoolhouse, built in 1881, or the Gas Creek School built in 1890 and used till 1942. Be sure to also visit the Hutchinson Ranch, an 1870's homestead registered with the National Historic registry. The Buena Vista Heritage Museum, completed in 1883, gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about Buena Vista.

The Midland Tunnels are also worth your exploration. The tunnels are the remains of the Midland Railroad, the area's first standard gauge railroad. The Midland Railroad Company had to dig into the hillside, creating a series of short tunnels for the train to pass through. These tunnels offer an enjoyable hike for deep exploration.

The byway runs through the Collegiate Peaks wilderness area, so named because of the many nearby fourteeners of the Sawatch Range named after prestigious universities: Mt. Oxford, Mt. Harvard, Mt. Yale, Mt. Princeton and Mt. Columbia. Also explore the area by traveling along the Clear Creek Canyon Road (CR 390), the Chalk Creek Road (Highway 162) and Cottonwood Pass (Highway 306). Also worth your time is the Highway of the Fourteeners, a 19 mile stretch of highway with views of 10 of Colorado's fourteeners. From this highway you can view Mounts Princeton, Yale Columbia, Harvard, Belford, Oxford, Huron, La Plata, Elbert and Missouri Mountain, and the area is filled with many lakes, scenic overlooks and the 13,000' Buffalo Peaks. Explore these roads off the Collegiate Peaks byway to discover the wilderness area in more depth.

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Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

Antero Hot Springs Cabins photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Historic creekside cabins each have a PRIVATE NATURAL HOT SPRING pool out your backdoor. They are in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks Colorado's fourteener region, near Buena Vista and Salida.
Arkansas River Rim Campground & RV Park email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Walk to river fishing! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". RV & tent sites. On-site trailer, 5th wheel & cabin rentals.
Chalk Creek Campground, Cabins & RV Park photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Some RV & tent sites are along Chalk Creek, near Buena Vista. Large full hookups for Big Rigs. Cabins with kitchen & bathroom, sleep 6. Close to fishing, rafting, off-roading, hiking & hot springs pools.
Snowy Peaks RV Park book online from advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
BIG RIGS & tenters! On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. Campfires & live music. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft & fish.

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More Activities & Information

Leadville & Twin Lakes Area - includes Granite
Buena Vista Area - includes Johnson Village, Nathrop & St. Elmo
Salida - includes Howard, Monarch & Poncha Springs

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