Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway

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.

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

Antero Hot Spring Cabins
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
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
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.

Creek Side Hot Springs Vacation Rental
Come to the mountains and soak in magical mineral waters along the rustling waters of Chalk Creek. The vacation home is between Buena Vista and Salida providing mountain views and secluded privacy.

Granite Mountain Outfitters - Horseback & Trail Rides
Located on the top of Poncha Pass within a short drive of Salida, Buena Vista, Villa Grove and Saguache. Horseback Rides on private land in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains overlooking historic Mt Ouray.

Mountain Goat Lodge
Near Salida, a classic western lodge with all modern conveniences. FKA Colorado Crossroads B&B. Each room has high speed Internet access, satellite TV and views of the mountains. New ownership.

Snowy Peaks RV Park
On the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway amazing views, large sites with lawns, trees, WI-FI, cable TV. BIG RIGS & tenters! Campfires & live music. Near Buena Vista, hot springs, hike, ATV/4WD trails, raft & fish.

Return to the Top

More Activities & Information