---
id: "2106"
name: Colorado River Headwaters Byway
distance: "69"
duration: 90 minutes to drive or three to six hours to enjoy this byway
description: Dropping 1,700 feet in elevation from end to end, the Colorado River Headwaters Byway follows the Colorado past reservoirs and lush ranchlands, and through narrow canyons flanked by the railroad. Wildlife abounds and access to miles of public land offers year-round recreation and views of mountain landscapes and geology.
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organization:
  - url: https://www.blm.gov/visit/colorado-river-headwaters-byway
    name: Bureau of Land Management
websites:
  - url: https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways/northwest/colorado-river-headwaters
    name: Colorado Byways
  - url: https://www.colorado.com/byways/colorado-river-headwaters
    name: Colorado Travel Guide
  - url: https://www.coloradodirectory.com/maps/coriver.html
    name: Colorado Vacation Directory
  - url: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/colorado-river-headwaters-byway/
    name: National Scenic Byway Association
  - url: https://www.americanlegacytours.org/colorado/colorado-river-headwaters-road-trip/
    name: National Travel Center
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/colorado/colorado-river-headwaters-scenic-byway.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer
attractions:
  - url: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/arapaho
    name: Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge
  - url: https://www.northernwater.org/deliver-water/colorado-big-thompson-project
    name: Colorado-Big Thompson Project
  - url: https://grandcountyhistory.org/museums/
    name: Grand County Historical Association
  - url: https://www.blm.gov/visit/upper-colorado-river-recreation-area
    name: Upper Colorado River Recreation Area
designations:
  - National Scenic Byway
  - Colorado State Scenic Byway
states:
  - CO
ll:
  - -105.83563200000003
  - 40.25064100000003
bounds:
  - - -106.65136000000001
    - 39.85660900000005
  - - -105.83563200000003
    - 40.25064100000003

---

Dropping 1,700 feet in elevation from end to end, the Colorado River Headwaters Byway follows the Colorado past reservoirs and lush ranchlands, and through narrow canyons flanked by the railroad. Wildlife abounds and access to miles of public land offers year-round recreation and views of mountain landscapes and geology.