In the 1840's, easterners made their way across the Appellation mountains to settle down in the West. Here, ranches, farmsteads, trading posts, and stage stops established the culture of the West. The Frontier Pathway boasts a rich history of the early years of Colorado. As you travel along the byway, you can experience some of the joys and sorrow that people of the 1800s also encountered. Starting in Pueblo, you can travel through the San Isabel National Forest and head down toward Colorado City. Allow a little over 4 hours to see everything there is on this 103 mile byway.
Some of the joys from the 1800s still exist today in the scenery of the area. The pastoral scene along the Frontier Pathway includes the 100 mile long Sangre de Cristos mountain range. Also along the pathway are sharp mesas, hogbacks, the Hardscrabble Canyon and the Arkansas River. In the San Isabel National Forest are the Wet Mountains and Greenhorn Valley. Since these attractions are not a very well known area, here you can escape to solitude and see diverse plants and animals. In the Wet Mountains is the 40 acre Lake Isabel, a perfect place to spend time fishing, hiking, or picnicking.
If you enjoy historical monuments, there are many along the Frontier Pathway. Be sure to visit the Bishop Castle, built in 1969 entirely with a wheel barrel and shovel. The town of Rosita is also along the byway. This old ghost town has buildings dating as far back as the 1800s. Visit the Westcliff School House, built in 1891. To this day, no one is sure why the 'e' is not at the end of the name Westcliffe.
If activity is more your style, there is fishing available in both the Arkansas River and Lake Isabel. Also, you can back pack, hike, and technically assault the 14,295' Crestone peak. In the winter, you can ice fish, cross-country ski, and downhill ski. Along parts of the byway are also 4 foot paved shoulders for bicyclers to travel on the byway.
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Places to Stay & Fun things to Do
In downtown Westcliffe with phones, satellite TV & WI-FI. Along the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway. In the winter cross-country ski and snowshoe. Special rates during hunting season!
BIG RIG friendly: pull thrus & long pads. Between Pueblo & Canon City on Highway 50, near the Frontier Pathway Scenic Byway. Groups welcome. 10 minutes to Pueblo Reservoir with fishing and swim beach.
A Registered National Natural Landmark for fossils - take a Fossil tour. 2,100 secluded acres. 5 miles east of Canon City. A unique, family friendly, accessible, destination campground - We LOVE groups.
Ask about off-season discounts. Within walking distance of beautiful Lake Isabel in scenic San Isabel. Just sit back and relax in our cozy cabins. Attractions: mountain gazing, hiking, biking, boating, & fishing.
It is a full day of family fun near Canon City! World's Highest Suspension Bridge, Incline Railway, Aerial Tram, Skycoaster, Wildlife Park, Carousel, Petting Zoo, Burro Rides, Restaurants & breathtaking views.
Greenhorn Creek borders the property & provides trout fishing, 5 minutes to Highway 165 the Frontier Pathway Scenic Byway near Rye. Cozy 1-bedroom modernized cabin.
More Activities & Information
Pueblo - includes Colorado City & Pueblo West
Westcliffe - includes Rosita & Silver Cliff
San Isabel Area - includes Beulah & Rye
Royal Gorge Area - includes Canon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Florence, Guffey, Penrose & Texas Creek
Pikes Peak Area - includes Chipita Park, Cascade, Deckers, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs & Woodland Park
Mount Evans Pawnee Pioneer Trail Peak to Peak Highway Pikes Peak Road
San Juan Skyway Santa Fe Trail Silver Thread Scenic Byway South Platte River Trail Top of the Rockies Trail of the Ancients Trail Ridge Road Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic Drive West Elk Scenic Loop




