Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway
Places to Visit

  • Gunnison River (CO)

    From its headwaters high in the San Juan Mountains, The Gunnison River greets you as you begin your UTBW adventure. Some argue that the ancient path of the Gunnison River left behind the large deposits of gravel that still provide a livelihood for Canyon residents today.

  • Hanging Flume Turnout (CO)

    Clinging to the massive Wingate Sandstone cliffs some 100-150 feet (31-46 meters) above the Dolores River Canyon, you can see remnants of the Hanging Flume. Built from 1888-1891, the 17 mile-long flume delivered 23 million gallons of water per day from the San Miguel River to operate the hydraulic mining equipment at the Bancroft Placer site. Even though the site was only 40 feet (12 meters) above the Dolores River, the technology was not yet available to pump the water directly from the river at the necessary volume and pressure to wash the gold from the gravel.

    Location on Byway: Located on Hwy. 141 near mile marker 81.6.

  • Nancy Hanks Gulch Bridge (CO)

    During a copper boom which lasted from 1897 to 1912, the communities of Copper City and Pearl City were founded in this area.

    Location on Byway: Located along the byway near mile marker 142.1.

  • Nature Conservancy San Miguel Canyon Preserve (CO)

    Established in 1989, this two mile (279 acre) preserve in San Miguel Canyon protects a rare riparian plant community, including narrow leaf cottonwood trees, blue spruce and thin leaf alder. This area is open to day use activities such as catch and release fishing with artificial flies and lures. There are no well established trails, but foot traffic is allowed.

  • Nature Conservancy’s Tabeguache Creek Preserve (CO)

    This preserve, sitting along the San Miguel River, also serves as a rest stop along the way. While here, learn more about the conservation efforts to preserve the riparian habitat.

  • Naturita/Nucla (CO)

    Naturita was established in1882 and developed primarily as a business district for local ranching and mining interests. Stop by the Visitor Center to find out more about the area and its attractions. Nucla, founded in 1896 was home to the West’s first experiment in communal living.

  • Nine Mile Hill (CO)

    Traces of the old wagon road can be seen on the north side of East Creek. Area cattle ranches also use Nine-Mile Hill and Cactus Park areas surrounding UTBW for winter grazing. This area is “open range,” so travelers should use caution and watch for cattle on the road.

  • Norwood (CO)

    Norwood: As you approach Norwood, the area opens up to majestic San Juan mountain panoramas. Surrounded by forest, Norwood is great for accessing quiet lakes, streams, aspen groves, towering spruce, and great trails. Looking south, you will see Lone Cone which rises to an astonishing 12,000 ft. (3656 m). Lone Cone is the Rocky Mountains most westerly peak in Colorado.

    Location on Byway: Located along Hwy. 145 near mile marker 101.

  • Placerville (CO)

    Named after the placer gold mines, Placerville is the southern end of the UTBW. Founded in 1877, it began as a gold mining town and later became a shipping center for the area, but when mining in the area slowed, Placerville became a supply center for ranchers. It was also a very important livestock shipping center. Today, the old post office, which was built in 1933, is now a historical exhibit.

  • Powerplant (CO)

    This powerplant, located just outside of Nucla, produces 100 megawatts of generating capacity and is the world’s first utitlity-scale power plant to utilize circulation fluidized-bed combustion. Stop by the Naturita Visitor Center to learn more.