Updated: April 13, 2023
The road remains unpaved and the cliffs in the area offer some of the best sport climbing in the state.
Shelf Road is the most adventurous and rugged drive on the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, crossing over limestone cliffs with twists and turns through the area.
The road gets its name because it’s carved out of canyon wall and goes up more than 100 feet in some places. Shelf Road is a rough and mountainous but any vehicle can withstand the drive; however, vehicles with all-wheel drive are probably best.
Camping is allowed in designated areas and the road also provides access to rock climbing areas near the famous Garden Park Fossil Area.
Originally, Shelf Road was a stage coach route that delivered goods to and from Cripple Creek and Canon City. It was one of the first roads from the Arkansas Valley into the Cripple Creek Mining District. Drivers along Shelf Road can still see the toll keeper’s cabin at the bottom of the canyon.
Get ready for a bumpy ride down this backcountry drive!
View more scenic drives near Colorado Springs.
The Colorado Springs area encompasses a wide variety of scenic drives in the region from pristine pine and aspen forests…
Posted: March 8, 2022
The Gold Belt Scenic Byway is a national scenic byway running through Colorado’s gold country.
Welcome to Cañon City, home of the Royal Gorge Bridge — the highest suspension bridge in America.
From Colorado Springs, take a 45-minute, beautiful drive to the mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado.
Outdoor rock climbing in Colorado Springs is world renowned, as the area is home to some of the most beautiful…
Get Your FREE Official Vacation Planner for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.
Request A Vacation PlannerThis website uses cookies to enhance your user experience on our website. Learn More