Top of the Rockies

High on snow-dotted Independence Pass, two hikers overlook Highway 82 and the Roaring Fork Valley while to the west the peaks of the Elk Mountains pierce the horizon.

The Dexter Cabin Museum offers visitors a chance to peek in on what it would have been like to live in a luxurious cabin of Leadville's early days.

The Twin Lakes Historic District has many remaining structures from the early mining days in the area, September 2002

The mountains and area surrounding Climax yield many minerals.

The impressive Twin Peaks overlook Twin Lakes and the Twin Lakes Historic District, Sept. 2002.

This woman stops to read an interpretive kiosk about Camp Hale.

These fields, part of Camp Hale, were used during the WWII training grounds for the 10th Mountain Division.

The sky, though cloudy, adds to the beauty that surrounds Camp Hale Memorial.

The soft mountain hills and cloud-scattered sky create the perfect atmosphere at Camp Hale Memorial.

This biker rides along US Highway 24, climbing up Battle Mountain from Minturn.

Historically a railroad town, Minturn serves as the western gateway to the Top of the Rockies.

Small shops are a popular feature in the small town of Minturn.

The highest peak in Colorado at 14,433 feet above sea level, Mount Elbert forms a backdrop against and a reflection in Turquoise Lake on a cloud-free day.

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

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

The area above Leadville was historically mined for its gold and silver. The hills can be seen between the trees and next to the road ahead.

This view from the mining area reveals the peaceful landscapes below.

South of Leadville, Hayden Meadows Pond ripples in the soft breeze of a spring day.

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

This snow-capped mountain peak hovers over Twin Lakes.

The town of Twin Lakes boasts quaint little shops popular since the 1890s.

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

Looking down from Highway 91, colorful soil sets the foreground for sloping green hills.

The hub of Leadville is Harrison Avenue with its many historic buildings.

Snow covers this popular cross-country skiing location along Top of the Rockies.

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

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.

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

Aspen trees flourish in the summertime along Highway 82 in Colorado.

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

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

Vehicles wait at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, which stands in grand stature against a piercing blue sky.

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.

As summer turns to fall, vibrant fall foliage lights up the entire valley below Shimer Peak.

Driving along Highway 82 between Weller and Lost Man, a glimpse of the Roaring Fork River cascading over the rocks below becomes visible.

As Highway 82 winds up to the summit of Independence Pass, the Roaring Fork River and beaver ponds meander around the deserted buildings of the Independence Ghost town.

Winding through the Narrows, Highway 82 clings to the cliff as low lying clouds allow a glimpse at a peak near the Independence Pass ridgeline and the vibrant blue Colorado sky.

In this panoramic view, Highway 82 crosses the summit of Independence Pass at an elevation of 12,095 feet, one of the highest paved roads in the US. Stretching off to the west from the summit is the Roaring Fork River valley leading to Aspen, and to the east, the South Fork of Lake Creek leading to Twin Lakes and beyond.

Directional signage featuring the state scenic byway logo guides visitors along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.

A blue sky and a beautiful pine forest greets visitors to the Ski Cooper Resort in Colorado.

This is a representation of the badge used by the United States Army mountain soldiers of the historic 10th Mountain Division.

At the entrance to Ski Copper is this memorial to the 10th Mountain Division who trained and camped in the area.

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

Signage at the start of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway in Colorado consists of four parts: a "begin" sign, a Colorado State Scenic Byway sign, an America's Byways sign, and a sign with the name of the byway.

Roadside signage in a mountain valley on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway in Colorado consists of three parts: a Colorado State Scenic Byway sign, an America's Byways sign, and a sign with the name of the byway.

The Delaware Inn is only one of the many historic buildings located along Leadville's Harrison Avenue.

A mountain lake is concealed among the thick stands of pine trees in the Arapaho National Forest.

The building which now houses the Leadville City Hall was once the town's post office.

Early morning light hits the slopes of Copper Mountain, located just off I-70.

This town shows the impact mining had on the region.

Many shades of green characterize the mountainside along SR 91.

Many of the mountains along the Top of the Rockies stand above the tree line.

Early morning mist rises from a roadside pond along SR 91.

Mining equipment and interpretive signs tell the story about the Climax Mine, which is just across the road.

This lake near Camp Hale is only one of the many lakes and reservoirs that dot the area around the byway.

The towns of Kokomo, Recen, and Robinson were established in this valley that is now characterized by mine tailings.

Bright colors and distinct color schemes characterize many of the houses in Leadville.

The peaceful banks of the small Clinton Reservoir provide a nice rest stop for the traveler.

The Clarion Hotel is one of the finely preserved structures at the Twin Lakes Historic District.

Camp Hale was the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division who saw action during WWII in Italy.

The field house at Camp Hale was once the gathering place for hundreds of soldiers.

The B-Slope is where the 10th Mountain Division trained for combat.

The valley that once housed thousands of soldiers now accommodates a few campers and picnickers.

The Annunciation Church stands on the corner of this quaint Leadville street.

The Annunciation Church spire, a landmark of Leadville, points sharply into a rich azure sky spotted with puffy clouds.

Wildflowers grace this roadside stream located along SR 91.

The Red Rooster Tavern in the Twin Lakes Historic District was known as being "a place of ill repute."

Twin Lakes, located along SR 82, lies under a vast blue sky on a sunny day.

The open valley outside of Leadville is flanked by the Sawatch Mountain Range on the west.

US 24 from Leadville leads the traveler over the top of the Rockies.

From the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, you can look over the rooftops of Leadville.

Bright white clouds cast shadows over a valley filled with lush greenery in the Colorado Rockies along US Highway 24.