Attractions (in category: Driving Tours)

Explore the magnificent scenery all year long at 10,022 ft. elevation on Cumbres Pass in the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest, Cumbres Pass is the southern gateway to the San Luis Valley and to Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway. Forest Service roads branch off of CO Hwy 17 and lead to many trailheads. Trace the paths of generations of game, Native Americans, settlers, and miners who traversed this treacherously steep slope. Cumbres and nearby La Manga Pass offer access to excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Trace a route to 22 heritage sites in the upper Rio Grande region along "Los Caminos Antiguos" ("The Ancient Roads") and let the history of this northern outpost of sixteenth-century Spanish territorial expansion unfold before you. "Los Caminos Antiguos" Scenic Byway allows visitors to explore the rich culture and traditions of some of Colorado's oldest communities. Discover the panoramic views of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges; the high, fertile San Luis Valley; the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve; the Rio Grande National Forest; and state parks and federal wildlife areas.

The Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway winds through the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests, connecting the towns of South Fork, Creede and Lake City and ending at Blue Mesa reservoir. You'll encounter astounding geological formations, abundant wildlife, and much of Colorado's early history along the way. The Silver Thread Interpretive Center in South Fork will give you all the information you need for this journey on one of Colorado's most fascinating historic byways.

As you drive south on US Hwy 285 from Poncha Springs you'll cross Poncha Pass, the northern entrance to the San Luis Valley. As the valley begins to open before you, breathtaking views of the near vertical Sangre de Cristo Mountains stretch out to the south on your left. Mount Ouray and the northern reaches of the San Juan Mountains tower on your right. The valley begins at the headwaters of San Luis Creek, and its expanse gradually spreads out like a huge fan. The 9,010 foot high pass marks the watershed for the drainages of the Arkansas and the Rio Grande rivers.

Travel through historic southern Colorado gold mining country on this scenic route over Stunner Pass. Dazzling aspens, columbines, and blooming gentian greet the summer visitor along the U.S. Forest Service roads through the San Juan and Conejos Mountains. Historic gold mining camps include Jasper, Stunner, Platoro, and Summitville, where thousands once rushed to seek their fortune, and a few became millionaires overnight. Elk, deer, bear, big horn sheep, and game birds populate the surrounding Rio Grande National Forest and San Juan Wilderness Area. From fly-fishing to backpacking, outdoor activities abound in this beautiful high country mountain terrain.

The old mine structures and shafts of the Creede Mining district will fire your imagination about the struggle of miners digging ore in the steep cliffs above Creede. The Bachelor Historic Loop Tour takes you by 17 mine sites that brought wealth to some and hard, dangerous work for many others. Sites are interpreted by a booklet available at museums and the Creede Chamber of Commerce. There is also an interpretive marker near site #17, the underground firehouse, on the north end of Creede. Stop and explore the history of this once bustling area.