In the 1840's, easterners made their way across the Appellation mountains to settle down in the West. Here, ranches, farmsteads, trading posts, and stage stops established the culture of the West. The Frontier Pathway boasts a rich history of the early years of Colorado. As you travel along the byway, you can experience some of the joys and sorrow that people of the 1800s also encountered. Starting in Pueblo, you can travel through the San Isabel National Forest and head down toward Colorado City. Allow a little over 4 hours to see everything there is on this 103 mile byway.

Some of the joys from the 1800s still exist today in the scenery of the area. The pastoral scene along the Frontier Pathway includes the 100 mile long Sangre de Cristos mountain range. Also along the pathway are sharp mesas, hogbacks, the Hardscrabble Canyon and the Arkansas River. In the San Isabel National Forest are the Wet Mountains and Greenhorn Valley. Since these attractions are not a very well known area, here you can escape to solitude and see diverse plants and animals. In the Wet Mountains is the 40 acre Lake Isabel, a perfect place to spend time fishing, hiking, or picnicking.

If you enjoy historical monuments, there are many along the Frontier Pathway. Be sure to visit the Bishop Castle, built in 1969 entirely with a wheel barrel and shovel. The town of Rosita is also along the byway. This old ghost town has buildings dating as far back as the 1800s. Visit the Westcliff School House, built in 1891. To this day, no one is sure why the 'e' is not at the end of the name Westcliffe.

If activity is more your style, there is fishing available in both the Arkansas River and Lake Isabel. Also, you can back pack, hike, and technically assault the 14,295' Crestone peak. In the winter, you can ice fish, cross-country ski, and downhill ski. Along parts of the byway are also 4 foot paved shoulders for bicyclers to travel on the byway.

Cripple Creek - includes Victor
Pikes Peak Area - includes Black Forest, Cascade, Colorado Springs, Divide, Florissant, Fountain, Green Mountain Falls, Lake George, Manitou Springs, Monument & Woodland Park
Pueblo - includes Colorado City & Pueblo West
Royal Gorge Area - includes Canon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Penrose & Texas Creek
San Isabel Area - includes Beulah & Rye