No
matter where you begin your tour of the Collegiate Peaks Byway, you
will be ushered into one of Colorado's most scenically spectacular,
historically rich and recreationally diverse areas. This paved 57-mile
route parallels the Continental Divide at the foot of the Sawatch
Range, the highest concentration of 14,000+ foot peaks in the country.
The greater part follows the Arkansas River, the most commercially
rafted river in the nation, a world-class kayaking destination, and one
of the state's premier trout fishing resources.
The constantly unfolding views of impressive peaks, intermittent
stretches of lush riverside, numerous fishing and boater access points,
extensive national forest and other public lands, active high altitude
ranches and an variety of commercially developed natural hot springs
together define the amazing scenic, recreational and geological
contrasts that are the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Nowhere else in
Colorado is found the state gemstone, the aquamarine, mined on Mt.
Antero. The classic mining towns of Vicksburg, Winfield and St. Elmo
are accessible from the byway, the communities of Poncha Springs and
Buena Vista are historically rich and vibrant, while the town of Salida
boasts the largest historic district in the state.
