Carson Pass Highway

Posted on June 17, 2015 by siteadmin

Carson Pass Highway is in east-central California, approximately 60 miles east of Sacramento. The byway travels between the Dew Drop Ranger Station, near Pioneer, and Woodfords. Carson Pass Highway follows CA 88, a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles, for 58 miles. The highway is usually open all year. Occasional closure is possible in the winter for snow and ice removal.

Carson Pass Highway winds through Eldorado and Toiyabe National Forests. From the Dew Drop Ranger Station, the byway climbs the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, crosses 8,573-foot Carson Pass, and descends the eastern slope into Woodfords. The road follows one of the first trans-Sierra routes into California. The area was first explored in 1844 by John Fremont and mountain main Christopher “Kit” Carson.

The byway presents a variety of recreational opportunities. Many beautiful mountain lakes invite boaters and anglers. Several national forest campgrounds and picnic areas are along the byway. Winter brings recreation in the form of cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. The Mokelumne Wilderness attracts hikers and backpackers as does the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

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Mount Evans

Posted on June 12, 2015 by siteadmin

Mount Evans is approximately 30 miles west of Denver in central Colorado. It begins near Idaho Springs and travels south through Arapaho National Forest to the summit of Mount Evans. The byway follows CO 103 and CO 5, which are two-lane paved roads. Colorado Highway 103 is suitable for most vehicles including those pulling trailers 25 feet long or less. Colorado Highway 5 is not recommended for large RVs or vehicles pulling trailers. The byway is 28 miles long. Highway 5 is usually open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Traveling through the Arapaho National Forest, Mount Evans scenic byway rises nearly 7,000 feet in elevation to 14,150 feet. The byway is the highest paved road in North America. The view from the summit is simply incredible. Hundreds of miles of Rocky Mountain peaks lie north, south, and west; the plains can be seen in the east. Surrounding the summit is preserved wilderness, known as the Mount Evans Wilderness. Trailheads along the byway provide access to this large wilderness area.

As you climb the byway you’ll pass two scenic alpine lakes, both containing trout. Echo Lake and Summit Lake have park areas managed by the city of Denver. A campground is located at Echo Lake and has a total of 16 campsites. Another campground with 11 sites is but a short drive off the byway on FSR 188.

A visitor center is located at the start of the byway in Idaho Springs, just off I-70. The center offers educational and interpretive exhibits, nature and historical literature, guidebooks and reference books, and a self-guided tape tour of the Mount Evans scenic drive.

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Mesa Falls

Posted on June 12, 2015 by siteadmin

Mesa Falls is in eastern Idaho about 50 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. The southern terminus is in Ashton off US 20. From there, the byway travels north back to US 20 near Harriman State Park. It follows ID 47 and FSR 294 for a total of 28 miles. The roads are narrow and rough in some places but can be negotiated by all types of vehicles. Snow closes portions of the byway from November to mid-May.

The Mesa Falls scenic drive travels across the Targhee National Forest, winding through scenic farmland before entering Three Rivers Canyon and climbing to a mixed forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and aspen. Views of the west slopes of the Tetons, the Mesa Falls, and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River are but a few of the highlights found along the byway.

The Mesa Falls are the last undisturbed major waterfalls of the Columbia River system, with the Upper Mesa Falls plummeting 100 feet and the lower falls dropping 70 feet. The Lower Mesa Falls were chosen as the site for a Civilian Conservation Corps project. CCC crews constructed a stone overlook that provides a panoramic view of both falls.

The Three Rivers area is a popular spot for camping, fishing, inner tubing, and hiking. The rails of the Yellowstone Railway, which once operated as a passenger railroad through Idaho to Yellowstone National Park, have been removed and it is now used for hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

The national forest offers several developed campgrounds along the byway as well as throughout the national forest. The Warm River Campground is a popular spot that offers 12 units, drinking water, and restrooms. Henry’s Lake State Park is located north of the byway and has 50 campsites. Other facilities found in the state park include drinking water, showers, and recreational vehicle hookups.

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Peak to Peak

Posted on June 11, 2015 by siteadmin

Peak to Peak is in north-central Colorado about 30 miles west of Denver. The byway’s northern terminus is in Estes Park. It travels south through Roosevelt National Forest and ends at the junction with US 6. The byway follows CO 7, CO 72, and CO 119; all are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Peak to Peak is 60 miles long and usually remains open year-round. Delays are possible during winter for snow removal.

Views of the snow-capped Continental Divide and high mountain valleys are offered to travelers along this route. Relics from the late 1800s mining boom days are scattered throughout the area. Central City and Blackhawk are two examples of the history of the area. These communities were established in the late 1800s as mining towns and are now historical districts with much of that period’s architecture preserved. Today, within these structures of historical architecture, one will find casino-style gambling establishments.

Just a short drive west of Nederland takes you to the ghost town of Caribou. The mines here produced an estimated eight million dollars worth of silver, making it one of Colorado’s greatest silver mines. Silver bricks from Caribou were laid in a side-walk in Central City for a visit by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. When the bottom fell out of the silver market in 1893, Caribou was left to become a ghost town.

In the charming mountain village of Estes Park you’ll find the historic Stanley Hotel, built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley. Mr. Stanley would transport guests from the Lyons rail station in Stanley Steamers along the very roads now known as the Peak To Peak scenic byway.

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Huntington Canyon

Posted on June 10, 2015 by siteadmin

Huntington Canyon travels between Fairview and Huntington in central Utah. It follows UT 31, a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is 48 miles long and remains open year-round. Snow tires or chains may be required at times from October through April.

Beginning in Fairview, the byway climbs through Fairview Canyon with Cottonwood Creek flowing nearby. Cottonwood Creek accompanies you until it passes beneath the byway through the Narrows Tunnel. Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, and patches of aspen cover the steep slopes. The byway turns south and skirts the shores of three picturesque lakes; good trout fishing may be found here. The byway continues its descent through Huntington Canyon and is now accompanied by Huntington Creek. You’ll end your scenic journey across the Wasatch Plateau in the community of Huntington.

There are several camping areas along the byway, many situated on the banks of bubbling creeks. Gooseberry is a short drive north of the byway and offers eight campsites. Old Folks Flat also offers eight sites set among spruce and fir trees. The campsites can accommodate tents or recreational vehicles up to 30 feet. Forks of Huntington Campground lies on the banks of Huntington Creek and has six tent-only campsites. A hiking trail accessed here will take you along Left Fork Creek. Bear Creek is a county-maintained campground with twenty sites for tents and recreational vehicles. Two miles east of Huntington is a state park with twenty-two sites, some with hookups.

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