Scenic byways and scenic inns - Colorado offers picturesque places and comfortable B&B spaces

March 16, 11:16 AMDenver B&B ExaminerSallie Clark

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B&Bs are a perfect Byway vacation

by Sallie Clark, Marketing Chair of Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado, the Colorado Association of B&B Inns and Owner of Holden House Bed & Breakfast Inn in Colorado Springs

Living in Colorado, each time I travel around the state I’m reminded why this is such a great place to visit. It’s no wonder Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write the words to America the Beautiful from atop 14, 110 foot Pikes Peak, just one of the fifty-eight 14,000 foot mountain peaks, known to us locals as “fourteeners”. Colorado offers scenery that is unsurpassed in its variety and beauty. From our purple mountain majesties to our amber waves of grain, Colorado’s 25 scenic byways provide the perfect opportunity to pack up the car and seek out our spectacular hidden gems and experience friendly B&B lodging.

And what better way to make that Rocky Mountain getaway more special than to plan your trip around Colorado’s Scenic Byways while stopping for a restful and hospitable stay at one of Colorado’s quality bed and breakfasts. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado (BBIC) inn, you’ll find great locations which embody the impression of Colorado…western heritage, mountains, plains, ranching, agriculture and most of all, homespun hospitality.

The website at www.byways.org/explore/states/CO/ lists the many byways throughout Colorado and along the way, you’ll find a warm welcome with great accommodations to make your exploration both adventurous and comfortable. In 1998, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater stated, “the current administration believes that transportation is more than concrete, asphalt, and steel: it is about people, and about providing them with the opportunity to lead safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives”. Here in Colorado, inns are standing by to fulfill your lives with vacation hospitality to restore your personal relaxation “tank” with an enjoyable stay.

The Colorado Byways offer you a chance to see our fabulous scenery and a sampling of some terrific B&Bs. The Colorado River Headwaters Byway drops from 1,700 feet to the past reservoirs and lush ranchlands, then continues to Grand Lake on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting or ending in Estes Park, bed and breakfasts including The Anniversary Inn, Black Dog Inn, Sonnenhof, Quilt House or Taharaa Mountain Lodge will help you start your day drive to Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremmling.

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway mirrors the paths of Zebulon Pike, Charles Goodnight, Juan Bautista de Anza and showcases rugged mountains, wildflowers, foothills and aspen trees. A stop at B&Bs in Pueblo at the Abriendo Inn or Jewel of the Canyons in Canon City would be an excellent choice stay after a two-hour drive or a full day tour which might include Bishop’s Castle, El Pueblo Museum, and Lake San Isabel.

Take in the San Juan Skyway Byway and travel the “road to the sky” which offers views of the towering San Juan Mountains to rolling hillsides speckled with ancient Indian pueblo ruins. Victorian towns also offer excitement and charm. You’ll want to schedule your overnight accommodations in one of the many towns close by or along the route. Hot Springs will soak away troubles while visiting Elkwood Manor in lovely Pagosa Springs or Spangler House in Ouray. The little town of Ouray is known fondly as the “Switzerland of the Rockies” because of its winding roads and picturesque overlook. Be sure to plan extra time when in the Durango area to stay in nearby Hesperus at Blue Lake Ranch where you can catch the Durango-Silverton narrow gauge train or see Mesa Verde National Park just to the west. Arbor House Inn B&B in South Fork sits on the river bank forks of the Rio Grande to the east of famous Wolf Creek Pass and offers a peaceful setting after a busy day of traveling.

To top off the selection of byways, the Gold Belt Tour follows historic railroad and stagecoach routes leading to North America’s greatest gold camp, three world-class fossil sites and Phantom Canyon Road (cut along unpaved routes through winding canyons). Five byway areas allow a glimpse into rich heritage. Starting in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region, which boasts one of the largest B&B communities, Crescent Lily, Holden House 1902, Hughes Hacienda, Old Town GuestHouse, Our Hearts Inn, St. Mary’s Inn, Summit House Inn, A Rocky Mountain Lodge, Eastholme in the Rockies, Chipita Lodge, 1892 Victoria’s Keep, Avenue Hotel, Blue Skies, Two Sisters Inn, Pikes Peak Paradise, Pikes Peak Resort, Woodland Inn, Stonehaven Inn, Carr Manor and Whispering Pines are all close by; offering varied architectural and decorating styles in urban, small town or mountain settings and each sure to appeal to any Colorado visitor.

While only four of the 25 Colorado Scenic Byways have been featured here with just a sampling of great B&Bs along the way, your exploration opportunities are endless. For more information on the Scenic Byways program, visit: www.byways.org/explore/states/CO/ and for general Colorado visitor information, check out www.Colorado.com.

Visit our www.InnsofColorado.org website or call 800-265-7696 for “inspected and approved” bed and breakfasts throughout Colorado, order a free B&B state guide, and sign up for our free Colorado Inn-Spirations e-newsletter. Our Colorado BBIC member B&Bs are waiting to make your scenic road trip enjoyable and adventurous. So give us call now—the coffee’s on and the cinnamon rolls are baking...