The Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway, designated in 1993, offers excellent access to recreational opportunities in vast mountains, streams and lakes of the Central Rockies. At altitudes that seldom drop below 9,000 feet, the Byway boasts exceptional scenery, crisp mountain air, and pleasant summer temperatures.

The Top of the Rockies Byway passes through the towns of Leadville and Twin Lakes, where visitors see two commerce centers for the 19th century industrial west. Some of the highlights of the byway include Camp Hale and Ski Cooper,home to the 10th Mountain Division; Climax Mine, early molybdenum mine; and the Sawatch mountain range, which harbors 15 of Colorado's 54 fourteeners.

Elevation: 9,600 Feet

Ending elevation: 9,300 Feet

Elevation Gain: 600 Feet

Distance: 82 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From Buena Vista, Drive north on Highway 24. When you reach the junction for Highway 82 Top of the Rockies Byway begins. From this point you may travel west on 82 to Twin Lakes and Independence Pass or north to Leadville.

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