Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway

The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway and Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway located in the high Rocky Mountains of Eagle, Lake, Pitkin, Summit counties, Colorado, United States. The 115 mi byway showcases the two highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains: Mount Elbert at elevation 4401.2 m and Mount Massive at elevation 14428 ft. The byway connects with the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway at the junction of Colorado State Highway 82 and U.S. Highway 24.

The byway has two northern extensions. The northwestern extension extends from the historic mining town of Leadville over Tennessee Pass to Interstate 70 near Minturn. The northeastern extension extends from Leadville over Fremont Pass to I-70 at Copper Mountain. The two extensions can be driven together as a tour from I-70 to Leadville and back to I-70.

The byway crosses the Continental Divide at Independence Pass at 12095 ft elevation, Fremont Pass at 11318 ft elevation, and Tennessee Pass at 10424 ft elevation. Independence Pass is closed from October to May. The gold mining ghost town of Independence is a historic townsite 2.2 mi west of Independence Pass. The Leadville Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. History Colorado operates the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin in Leadville. The City of Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America with a downtown elevation of 10152 ft.

Route description
The byway starts in Aspen, traveling on SH 82 east over Independence Pass and near the Twin Lakes to just north of the town of Granite. The route then continues north on US 24 through Leadville to Interstate 70 (I-70). A spur of the byway continues along the entire length of SH 91 from Leadville to Copper Mountain, through Fremont Pass.