Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway
Connecting the towns of Meeker & Yampa, the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway is one of 26 of the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways. It showcases the White River National Forest’s long history of multiple-use land management and remains a “working byway” providing access to public lands as well as rangeland for local sheep and cattle ranchers. The 82 mile drive is accessible with any passenger vehicle (during summer) and is an ideal location to view pristine scenery and wildlife. Begin the Byway at CO Hwy 13 and turn right onto County Rd 8.
The Byway is the backbone of access to the Flat Tops Wilderness and over 350,000 acres of public land managed by the US Forest Service (Blanco Ranger District). The White River National Forest is the country’s foremost Forest for recreation, offering visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Visitors to the area can embark on motorized, hiking or horseback riding trips and excellent hunting and fishing access is available throughout the area. In the winter months, snowmobile riders and cross-country skiers will find access to groomed trails and powder from the Lost Creek trailhead at mile marker 30. The byway is not maintained past Lost Creek in winter months and is not accessible by means other than over-snow travel.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Flat Tops Byway is approximately 82 miles long. Only about half of this distance is paved. No gas or amenities are located on the Byway. Please be sure to fuel up in Meeker or Yampa before heading out. Meeker has an EV CHARGING STATION in the parking lot of Bank of San Juans at the corner of Market Street (Hwy13) and 5th Street.
* Weather conditions can change quickly in the Rocky Mountains. While the Byway is accessible to passenger vehicles, excess rain or snow can make travel more difficult or hazardous.
* Much of the area is open rangeland. Keep an eye out for cattle, sheep, or horses that may have wandered into travel corridors.
Deer and Elk are abundant in the White River Valley so please consider wildlife when driving, especially on curvy mountain roads.
Traveling Tips: Allow 2.5 hours to travel the byway and fuel up in Meeker or Yampa before you travel. Be sure to stop at the Ripple Creek Overlook for interpretive signage, views, restrooms and picnic tables. The Byway is closed to automobiles in the winter due to snow.
