Shelf Road (9,494′), Fourmile Canyon
Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway is a dirt road passable with a 2WD vehicle in good weather. It follows the old stagecoach route between Cripple Creek and Cañon City built in 1892. It twists along Fourmile Creek, with long bands of limestone towering above and below the road.
The Gold Belt Tour was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway in 2000. It is one of eleven America’s Byways designated in Colorado. Fremont Peak and the Royal Gorge Bridge are located not far from the southern end of the road and are a favorite in the area.
Trail Pictures
Rock formations in Red Canyon Park
Rock formations in Red Canyon Park
Shelf Rd turnoff in Cripple Creek
Shelf Rd turnoff in Cripple Creek
Heading south down the canyon
Heading south down the canyon
Fourmile Creek carved the deep canyon Shelf Rd follows
Fourmile Creek carved the deep canyon Shelf Rd follows
View north of Fourmile Creek
View north of Fourmile Creek
Mountain and desert plants along the route
Mountain and desert plants along the route
Well maintained road all the way through
Well maintained road all the way through
Shelf Rd near Cripple Creek
Shelf Rd near Cripple Creek
Winding through the narrow canyon
Winding through the narrow canyon
The Window rock formation near the road
The Window rock formation near the road
Shelf Rd was a very scenic canyon drive
Shelf Rd was a very scenic canyon drive
The Window formation when heading south
The Window formation when heading south
Approximately 23 miles from Cripple Creek to Canon City
Approximately 23 miles from Cripple Creek to Canon City
Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway
Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway
Old mining retaining wall near Mound City
Old mining retaining wall near Mound City
Cripple Creek, Colorado
Cripple Creek, Colorado
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Weather
Route Directions
When entering the road in Cripple Creek there is a sign that recommends a 4×4 or a high clearance vehicle. The road, however, is well graded but issues could occur if snow or heavy rains hit the area. Any passenger vehicle can easily drive this road in good weather.
Trailhead Directions