Great Divide Highway

Posted on January 10, 2015 by siteadmin

Great Divide Highway is about 40 miles south of Ashland in northern Wisconsin. It begins about 13 miles south of Mellen and travels west across Chequamegon National Forest. It officially ends at the national forest boundary. Great Divide Highway is 29 miles long and follows WI 77, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway is generally open year-round.

Great Divide Highway travels through forests of northern hardwoods and mixed conifer. It also treats travelers to meadows filled with wildflowers and wetlands where waterfowl congregate. The byway winds through the hills of the Penokee Range, its ridgelands forming the Great Divide that separates water flowing north to Lake Superior from water flowing south to the Mississippi River. White-tailed deer, black bear, and timber wolves inhabit the forested regions while loons, beavers, and bald eagles can be seen around the byway’s many lakes. Scenic overlooks along the route provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding highlands.

The numerous lakes and rivers surrounding the byway make for great muskellunge, northern pike, bass, walleye, and trout fishing. Portions of the Namekagon River flowing from Namekagon Lake are part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The river provides some Class II and III rapids for those wishing to tackle the river.

Side roads may tempt you to do some exploring. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with many beautiful “hidden” lakes, rivers, and streams. You’ll find campgrounds on the shores of many lakes and perfect places for pulling over and enjoying a picnic. This vast network of forest roads also makes for good mountain biking. In winter you’re likely to see cross-country skiers and snowmobilers utilizing the miles of groomed trails.

There are two national forest campgrounds along the byway. Day Lake is the largest and is about one mile north of Clam Lake. It has 66 campsites for tents and recreational vehicles. The Chippewa River camping area offers 11 sites and boat access to the river. There are no hookups at either campground.

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Unaweep – Tebeguache

Posted on January 9, 2015 by siteadmin

Unaweep/Tabeguache is in western Colorado and begins about ten miles south of Grand Junction. The byway follows CO 141 and CO 145 for 133 miles and ends in Placerville. Both state highways are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is usually open year-round but snow removal in winter may cause delays.

The byway circles the Uncompahgre National Forest, traveling through 1,200-foot granite walls rising above lush green fields. This area was once the home of Ute Indians and a hideout for Butch Cassidy. Structures built by Native American hunters and gatherers, petroglyphs, geological formations, and waterfalls are some of the highlights of the byway.

A variety of wildlife inhabits this region of Colorado including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyotes, and various rodents and reptiles. The large meadows and south-facing canyon slopes provide winter habitat for mule deer and elk. Wild turkeys and pheasants may also be spotted in the meadows. During the winter months, the watchful eye may catch glimpses of bald eagles perched in the cottonwood trees along West Creek or the Dolores and San Miguel rivers.

Abandoned mines and mills quietly testify to the mining history of this area. Attached to the sheer canyon walls above the Dolores River are portions of the Hanging Flume, which was built in the late 1800s to carry water from the San Miguel River to placer mines in the canyon.

The many side roads found along the byway lead into the Uncompahgre National Forest and offer challenges to four-wheel drive and mountain bike enthusiasts. The national forest also has several developed camping areas available.

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Gold Belt Tour

Posted on January 8, 2015 by siteadmin

Gold Belt Tour is in central Colorado about one hour’s drive from either Colorado Springs or Pueblo. The byway follows a series of roads between Cripple Creek and Canon City. From Colorado Springs, the byway is reached by following US 24 west to CO 67, then south to Cripple Creek. The southern end of the byway is off US 50, about 50 miles west of Pueblo.

Much of the 122-mile route follows two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Phantom Canyon road is a rough, gravel-surfaced road. Vehicles over 25 feet should not attempt this segment of the byway. The upper portion of Shelf Road is also a gravel-surfaced road; it requires the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle. All the roads are usually passable year-round; heavy snow can close portions of the route. Phantom Canyon Road and the upper portion of Shelf Road should be avoided in wet weather.

In the 1890s, mining towns of the region enjoyed the greatest gold boom Colorado has ever known. The back country byway is named for the historic Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad, the “Gold Belt Line,” which linked the gold camps with Florence and Canon City. Phantom Canyon Road follows the old railroad grade.

Shelf Road is so named for the narrow “shelf” on which it rides. At one point on the upper portion, the road clings to the canyon wall 200 feet above the stream bed. Climbers come from around the world to scale the limestone walls of Shelf Road. South of the rock climbing area is Red Canyon Park, a 500-acre park containing unusual red rock formations. Some spires reach heights of 100 feet.

High Park Road is an alternate route to the narrow confines of the others. It travels across wide open meadows with scenic mountain vistas.

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Spearfish Canyon Highway

Posted on January 7, 2015 by siteadmin

Spearfish Canyon Highway is in west-central South Dakota approximately 47 miles northwest of Rapid City. It begins in Spearfish and travels south to US 85, a distance of 20 miles. The byway follows US 14A, which is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles. Spearfish Canyon Highway is generally open year-round.

Crossing the Black Hills National Forest, the Spearfish Canyon Highway takes you through a narrow canyon created by the tumbling waters of adjacent Spearfish Creek. The byway twists and turns, following the path dictated by the creek. Spruce, pine, aspen, birch, and oak trees cover much of the hillsides, with limestone cliffs piercing the sky above the forested slopes. In fall the canyon explodes with color as the aspens, birch, and oak prepare for the coming of winter.

Wildlife observers will want to be searching the canyon for white-tailed deer or mule deer. Occasionally raccoons can be seen climbing or wandering among the trees. Overhead, eagles or hawks may be seen riding on the wind currents. Numerous songbirds fill the canyon with their music.

Outdoor recreational opportunities are bountiful along the byway. Spearfish Creek and its tributaries provide anglers the opportunity for catching brown, brook, or rainbow trout. Bridal Veil Falls can be seen from the road as the water plummets 40 feet into the creek from the cliffs above. Many side canyons invite hikers to explore the scenic treasures hidden within.

There are two national forest campgrounds located off the byway down FSR 222. Rod and Gun has seven campsites scattered along the banks of Little Spearfish Creek. Timon Campground also has seven sites situated along the creek. Near the byway’s southern end is Hanna Campground, which has 13 campsites.

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Red Rock Canyon

Posted on January 4, 2015 by siteadmin

Red Rock Canyon is in southern Nevada about 20 miles west of Las Vegas. It can be reached from Las Vegas by traveling west on NV 159. The byway is 13 miles long and follows Red Rock Canyon Road, which is a one-way, paved road suitable for all vehicles. Red Rock Canyon remains open year-round.

Red Rock Canyon Back Country Byway traverses the arid desert landscape, passing rock formations that rise 2,000 feet above the valley floor. The sheer cliff walls are cut by deep canyons where hidden desert springs provide water that supports the diversity of wildlife inhabiting this area. Bighorn sheep can be seen by the watchful eye of the wildlife observer. Cougars, kit fox, coyotes, bobcat, and birds of prey also inhabit the area. Wild horses and burros can also be seen.

This scenic byway travels through 67,500-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. A variety of activities can be enjoyed in the area including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. You’ll most likely encounter many mountain bikers on the byway, be cautious and share the road with them.

A visitor center is located at the entrance of the byway. It has information and exhibits on the area and its recreational opportunities. For example, a brochure is available that lists and briefly describes 15 hiking trails. Other materials provide information on the plant and animal life of this rugged desert area.

One site of interest you’ll encounter along the byway is Sandstone Quarry. A short walk takes you to the historic quarry dating from the turn of the century. Trails here will take you farther into the conservation area.

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