AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway

Colorado
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Sangre de Cristos Along Highway 96 · Public Domain. Photo by Sally Pearce · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

Mirroring the paths of Zebulon Pike, Charles Goodnight, Juan Bautista de Anza, Arthur Carhart, and Cuerno Verde, Frontier Pathways showcases rugged mountains, carpets of wildflowers, piñon-dotted foothills, and clusters of golden aspen. Visitors can experience the Sangre de Cristo Mountains -- 22 peaks over 13,000 feet.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
Entering the valley on State Highway 96, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains come into view. Westcliffe sits at the end of the highway.
Sangre de Cristos Along Highway 96
Public Domain. Photo by Sally Pearce · Photo credits
A group poses in front of the Westcliffe Information Center, which serves as a visitor and interpretive center, focusing on the Byway’s railroad history.
Group at Westcliffe Information Center
Public Domain. Photo by Sally Pearce · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.