The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway, one of twenty-six scenic byways in Colorado, showcases the rugged beauty and history of Colorado. Over 130 miles connects Florissant, the Royal Gorge, Canon City, Cripple Creek, Victor and more communities.
Recognizing the growth, demand and population changes Colorado has faced within the last several years, CDOT awarded the Gold Belt Tour Scenic & Historic Byway, Assn. a grant to conduct a feasibility study for additional trails primarily in the area along Shelf Road.
In 2023 NES was tasked to explore the possibility of adding, connecting, altering, or any combination of trails from Cripple Creek to Canon City. Once NES assembled an expert team including ERO Resources, Tony Boone Trails, and Palmer Land Conservancy, the team went to work exploring this beautiful region.
The team combined research, GIS analysis, stakeholder committee meetings, stakeholder one-on-one’s, trail reconnaissance, public meetings and much exploration of the possibilities and/or constraints of the area. The final conclusion was that adding or connecting existing trails is technically feasible; however, due to the current state of resources within the region, building new trails is not feasible at this time.
This might not seem like a happy ending in a trail master planning process; however, NES believes this process authentically captured the objective data and true parameters of the communities involved. And for that, NES and the team are pleased to have been a part of this process with our Teller and Fremont County neighbors!
Click HERE to view the final plan.
