Top of the Rockies

National Scenic Byway • Colorado

Top Photos

  • Cross Country Skiing at Mayflower Gulch

    Crosscountry skiing is one of the winter recreation activities along the Top of the Rockies, Mayflower Gulch being one of the top destinations.

    Public domain. Photo by Sally Pearce

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  • Slopes on Mayflower Gulch

    With white in the sky and on the ground, Mayflower Gulch provides the perfect place to snow ski.

    Public domain. Photo by Sally Pearce

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  • Mountains Behind Twin Lakes

    A steep canyon between the mountains lies just behind Twin Lakes.

    Public domain. Photo by Sally Pearce

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  • Irrigation Ditch

    The road to Twin Lakes is characterized by many features, including distant mountains and this irrigation ditch.

    © August 2002 Jenette Purdy.

  • Railroad Tracks Parallel the Top of the Rockies

    Present day railroad tracks are a reminder of the early days along the Byway when the railroad played such a vital role in the economy of the area.

    © September 2002 Jenette Purdy.

  • Downtown Leadville

    The bustling, mining town of Leadville is rich in history and beautiful architecture.

    Public domain. Photo by Dennis Adams

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  • Crystal Peak

    Crystal Peak stands at 13,852 feet along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway between Copper Mountain and Leadville, CO.

    © April 2005 Terry Mathews.

  • Mount Elbert

    Clouds wrap around Mount Elbert along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.

    Public domain.

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  • Leadville

    Blue skies hover over the snow-covered city of Leadville.

    Public domain.

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  • Flowers Along Hayden Reservoir

    Vibrant violet flowers bloom along the banks of Hayden Reservoir.

    Public domain. Photo by Mike Conlin.

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  • Hayden Ranch and Mountains

    Mountains behind the Hayden Ranch and a winding stream before it complete a perfect, old-time setting in a Rocky Mountain valley plain.

    Public domain. Photo by Mike Conlin.

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  • Twin Lakes

    Clouds smear across the sky above a field of wildflowers that sits next to Twin Lakes.

    © August 2006 Neil Li.

  • Hiking Top of the Rockies

    Two hikers enjoy the wide expanse near Independence Pass along Top of the Rockies.

    Public domain.

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  • Mountain View at Twin Lakes

    A green field in Twin Lakes shares a calm day with wispy clouds hover near rocky mountain tops.

    Public domain.

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  • Tagert Lake

    Looking toward Independence Pass, travelers can see the peacefulness of Tagert Lake and mature Aspen groves beginning to show a hint of gold on the steep hillside.

    Public domain.

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View all 77 photos for this byway.