Phantom Canyon
This is a narrow, winding and potentially dangerous mountain road. However, it is also one of the most awe-inspiring roads in Colorado. It rises from cholla grassland outside the canyon to lowland riparian forest, soaring canyon walls with pinyon-juniper forest along the fringe, and eventually mixed-conifer woods with aspen groves and mountain meadows. Along this road you might find birds including Canyon and Rock Wrens, American Dipper, Pinyon Jay, Green-tailed Towhee and Virginia’s Warbler, and animals ranging from deer to elk to bobcat. There are a few pullouts with restrooms along the way.
Restrictions: Road is winding and potentially dangerous
County: Fremont
Attractions: Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
Directions: Head east on US-50 for 3.5 miles past McKenzie Road at the east end of Canon City, and turn north on CR 67 (Phantom Canyon Road). From here it is 22 miles to the Teller County line.
Alternate Directions: Wetmore is along CO-96, 27 miles west of Pueblo. Two roads of east of town are worth a look, CR 29.5 (0.6 miles) and CR 29.7 (1 miles), both on the north side of CO-96.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Lowland Riparian, Mixed-Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Spring through fall
Hours: 0
Ownership: US Forest Service/BLM
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Free primitive camping
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 62 C2-D2
ROC: 104 C2-C4
Latitude: 38.55348
Longitude: -105.09322