We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information . Scenic Drives. Discover the remote wilderness of northwestern Colorado. Can be combined into a loop with the Williams Fork Yampa River drive below. The daily vehicle park pass costs $7, unless you have already bought an annual Colorado State Parks pass for $70. But, with all the region has to offer, the curse is more like a blessing. The 82 mile This off-the-beaten-path adventure begins in Yampa and travels to Meeker through the White River National Forest. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway. Flat Tops Wilderness, Routt National Forest, White River National Forest. Try one of these . Before you head out, be sure your gas tank is topped off. Massive, and on our personal favorite the San Juan Skyway. This diverse combination of wilderness is a truly remarkable getaway for hunters, anglers, and outdoor adventure seekers. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Let's Go Camping! It sits at an elevation of 8,600 feet. ), is located in the heart of the White River Valley in Northwestern Colorado. Trail Overview. The landscape provides refuge for coyotes, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, pronghorn antelope, and hundreds of bird species. The Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is as unassuming as the father of the Flat Tops Wilderness area, Arthur Carhart. Stop by the Meeker Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for info! After driving along through scenic yet isolated terrain, it is a pleasure to drive into this lively town. Deadhorse Loop is open mid-June to mid-November . The byway leads you to the aptly-named town of Skyway (elevation 10,500 feet) and the popular Grand Mesa Lakes. The overnight camping fee is $10.00 per site. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway Sink into nature on this 82-mile byway in northwest Colorado. Camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of the Overlook. After spending last weekend on the San Miguel River and then in the Lizard Head Wilderness, I was looking forward to spending some more time in the high country to get away from these 100 degree days in the Grand Valley.Originally, I was planning to hike in the La Sal Mountains this weekend, since . Spend 4 days and 3 nights exploring the best that Colorado has to offer, Trophy trout fishing, wilderness camps, remote trail riding and enchanting landscapes encompass this adventure and incredible ride. From Steamboat Springs take Highway 40 east toward Grand County in order to approach another scenic byway — Trail Ridge Road — from the . The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway joins Colorado Hwy 13 approximately one mile east of Meeker at Rio Blanco County Road 8. Approximately 50 mile loop from the parking lot. Take a scenic drive, fish in the reservoir (boats with internal combustion engines prohibited) or access hiking nearby. It is surrounded by the Colorado towns of Meeker, Yampa, Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Craig, Rifle, Hayden . County Road 8 - Flat Tops Scenic Byway Visitors can enjoy the slower pace of life and some peace and quiet while embarking on some fun adventures. Old Folks Flat Campground is nestled in beautiful Huntington Canyon along the Huntington Canyon National Scenic Byway on Utah Highway 31. Scenic Drives. The Flat Tops Scenic Byway crosses the Routt National Forest and the White River National Forest and comes pretty close to the Flat Tops Wilderness. It is fairly open with aspen trees and an excellent view of Vaughan Lake.Take a scenic drive on the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, access area trailheads or enjoy on-site lake fishing (no boat ramp). This high-elevation trail is narrow and fun for ATVs and UTVs and has great camping options. You will begin at the Flat Tops Scenic Byway and climb to the base of Sand Peak with excellent views. Flat Tops Byway stretches from Meeker, Colorado following the White River Valley and then over Ripple Creek Pass at the 10,343 feet and down the eastern side to Yampa., Colorado. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway; Meeker, Trappers Lake; Yamcolo and Stillwater reservoirs. Get your provisions in Meeker and travel to Yampa for an 82-mile spectacular road trip! Sign Up. Enjoy the beauty of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway The byway is open all year round, and offers fishing along the White River, camping, hiking, and horseback riding in the various ranches that are still in operation. It endures today as a working byway, speckled with timber-producing woodlands, active mines, and ranches. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway Map; Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors. Get some dinner or takeout from any of our restaurants and book a stay in the area since it is a lengthy drive into the wilderness. Connecting the two towns of Yampa and Meeker near Steamboat Springs the Flat Tops Trail is an 82-mile stretch of Colorado beauty. Flat Tops Trail Winding its way through lush river valleys, the Flat Tops Trail byway skirts the bountiful Flat Tops Wilderness, climbs over two of the state's least-traveled passes and is bookended by the authentic ranching towns of Yampa and Meeker. Login. which stretches from the town of Meeker on the west end to Yampa, Colo. on the east end. Map Information The road from Yampa is 40 miles of well-maintained gravel while the entrance from Meeker is 30 miles of pavement before the last 10 miles of gravel. • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic Map. The drive goes at a leisurely pace, usually around 2.5 to 3 hours. Answer 1 of 4: My husband and I would like to drive and camp along the byway over Memorial weekend. Other than 20 miles on the Interstate, we drove quiet backroads from Lander, Wyoming to Hayden, Colorado. In the land of dinosaurs. Many dispersed camping sites are available along the Byway near the Ripple Creek Overlook. Located in Routt and White River National Forests Neighboring towns: Meeker, Yampa, Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Buford, Toponas, Burns, New Castle, Craig, Hayden, Phippsburg, Oak Creek This wilderness is unique. Limited parking on site. 3737. The Flat Tops were new territory to explore for us. By GARY WARREN Photographer Formerly of Los Alamos The Flat Tops Scenic Byway is a remote route in northwest Colorado. There is an option to connect to Ripple Pass and other trails for unlicensed vehicles. Description. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 14 scenic trails in the Gypsum area. Part of the white river plateau, the desert has an average height of 10,000 feet. This campround is along Forest Highway 16, a portion of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. There is no drinking water.The campground is along Forest Highway 16, a portion of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. Cruise down the dirt road to find some creekside spots all around Taylor Park Reservoir. Sign Up. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway. With a fantastic view of Sand Point and the Little Flat Tops, this area offers fabulous lake and stream fishing. The byway is about half paved road and about half is a maintained gravel road, which is suitable for any vehicle. A carry-on map of a byway corridor or travel region and its various attractions and amenities. The byway is rated among the best in the nation and you won't want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind trip! This particular byway is the only 4×4 (required) byway in Colorado's 25 scenic and historic byways and is one of several located in the San Juan Mountains. A Portable Map. Flat Tops is Colorado's second largest wilderness. Flat Tops Trail At A Glance Starting Point Yampa 82 miles End Point Meeker Best Time of Year It connects the towns of Yampa (to the east) and Meeker (to the west). Littered with dispersed camping along the byway, especially on the . Colorado Scenic Byway. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, County Road 8, runs through the northern portion of this area. Primitive campsites cost $10 per night while slightly more developed but still basic campsites cost $16 per . Visitors to the Flat Tops Byway go hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and enjoy the outdoors in many different ways. White River National Forest, Flat Tops Wilderness, Hardscrabble and Gypsum Hills Recreation Areas, Ripple Creek Overlook Interpretive Site provides a nice rest stop along the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, located in the White River Valley in northwestern Colorado, travels along a pristine wilderness area that is a bit off the beaten path. The Flat Tops is the second largest Wilderness of Colorado, which has a total of 235.214 acres. This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. The site provides picnic facilities and restrooms. The byway goes through several Pottawattamie County towns including Council Bluffs, Crescent, and Honey Creek. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway. National Geographic's Trails Illustrated map of Flat Tops North delivers unmatched detail and valuable information to assist you in your exploration of this scenic region of flat-topped mountains, subalpine terrain, alpine tundra, and hundreds of streams, lakes, and ponds. Visitors can enjoy the slower pace of life and some peace and quiet while embarking on some fun adventures. National Geographic's Trails Illustrated map of Flat Tops North delivers unmatched detail and valuable information to assist you in your exploration of this scenic region of flat-topped mountains, subalpine terrain, alpine tundra, and hundreds of streams, lakes, and ponds. Many recreational activities are available, including hiking, biking and fishing. Above 11,000 feet the landscape is covered with a fragile alpine tundra, in these areas you might want to stay on a trail and try not to do any more damage to the vegetation. The Flat Tops are a less popular Colorado destination with good day hiking infrastructure (campgrounds, trails, and roads between them) but are a 3-4 star destination for scenery. Offering an original museum and an unlimited array of outdoor diversions and charming landscapes, this byway is a pleasing trek into the remarkable world of the . Along the mighty Colorado River. The Flat Top Byway is one of the most a beautiful drives in Western Colorado. Some outdoor activities to enjoy include camping, hiking, fishing, biking, and animal watching. There's plenty of room for activities like biking, hiking, fishing and boating. Elevations range from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. . Elbert and Mt. 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