Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway
The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway showcases the White River National Forest's long history of multiple-use land management, making the byway a paragon of pristine scenery and excellent wildlife viewing. Lying at the heart of Colorado's "rugged individualism," visitors to this byway can embark on thrilling adventures while exploring forests, meadows, rivers, and a museum.
Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway is not an ordinary recreational vantage point. It endures today as a working byway, speckled with timber-producing woodlands, active mines, and ranches. Offering an original museum and an unlimited array of outdoor diversions and charming landscapes, this byway is a pleasing trek into the remarkable world of the regal Rocky Mountains.
This byway cuts through the heart of the original White River Plateau Timberland Reserve, set aside in the late 19th century as the second unit of what eventually became the National Forest system. Two decades later, in a foreshadowing of the 1964 Wilderness Act, development of any kind was banned around Trapper's Lake (the "Cradle of Wilderness"). The area's long-standing history of preservation and multiple-use land management makes for pristine scenery and superlative wildlife viewing. Yet this remains very much a "working" byway, dotted with active mines, ranches, and timber-producing woodlands. Meeker and Yampa, the route's two endpoints, embody the rugged individualism that lies at the heart of western lore.
Sitting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the White River National Forest is the country's top recreation forest, offering visitors a variety of activities. From vigorous hiking to relaxing fishing, visitors appreciate the energetic atmosphere and gentle serenity of the White River National Forest.
Snowmobile riders and cross-country skiers seeking winter sport find delight and perfect powder along the Flat Tops Trail. Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy eleven ski resorts located within the forest's boundaries. World-renowned resorts, such as Aspen and Vail, offer fantastic winter recreation with Colorado's famous powder snowfall and challenging slopes.
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