COLORADO SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAYS PROGRAM Invites you to join us for the National Scenic Byways Conference Pre-Conference Tours August 21-23, 2009 Conference Hotel: Denver Marriott Tech Center 4900 S. Syracuse Street Denver, CO 80237 1-303-779-1100 Two Pre-conference field sessions will be leaving from the conference hotel in Denver on Saturday morning, August 22 and will return to the conference hotel on Sunday afternoon, August 23. The cost for these tours is $100 and includes transportation and some meals. A third pre-conference field session begins in Grand Junction on Friday, August 21 and will return to the conference hotel in Denver on Sunday, August 23. Cost this tour including lodging, transportation and meals is $400. Trips are limited to 30 participants each. DESTINATION #1: The Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway tour will focus on their award winning Interpretation and Preservation Planning. Note: Lodging is included in the cost of this trip. The second day will find the group touring some of the amazing scenic vistas and ranch land that have been preserved through partnerships. Speakers will share information on producing an effective Preservation Plan, highlight the partnerships formed to accomplish the plan goals, and the methods used for preservation projects. As we always say, all work and no play is boring, so be ready to enjoy some fun with choices including a float down the Arkansas River, museums visits, a show at the historic Butte Opera House or some gambling in the World’s Greatest Gold Camp. DESTINATION #2: The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, including the Climax Mine, Hayden Ranch, Independence Pass and an overnight in Aspen. Note: cost of lodging is not included in this tour. Hotels in Aspen range from $139 to $159 per night. Workshop Description: The Top of the Rockies Byway Tour winds through the heart of Colorado’s historic high country mining districts with expansive views including Colorado’s two highest peaks and numerous other 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks. Come experience the beautiful scenic vistas and rousing history on one of Colorado’s highest byways. The first stop is the Climax Mine Interpretive Site at the top of Fremont Pass sitting directly across from the Climax Molybdenum mine. Participants will experience a unique look at mining and Climax history. The tour will continue through the City of Leadville, the highest incorporated City in the nation, once Colorado’s richest mining town, the place where Horace and Baby Doe Tabor passed into legend, and the home of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. The tour will then stop at the historic Hayden Ranch in the Arkansas Valley to hear the remarkable story of this ranch and its preservation. Next the tour will stop for lunch at Twin Lakes, a tiny community at the base of Colorado’s highest peak, Mt. Elbert. DESTINATION #3: Colorado Canyon Floors to Alpine Heights - Grand Junction, Montrose, Cedaredge. This three day tour starts in Grand Junction on the morning of Friday, August 21 and ends at the conference hotel in Denver on Sunday August 23. It features the San Juan Skyway All American Road, Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway, Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado's Wine Country, The Ute Indian Museum, and the orchards and vineyards of Delta County. The cost of $400 includes all meals, three nights lodging, and transportation back to Denver. Workshop Description: Join us on the Other Side of the Divide for a pre-conference tour that will provide an opportunity to enjoy this learning experience. You will travel three distinct Byways, known for their geographic diversity and beauty. You will begin your tour in Colorado's Wine Country and as the tour progresses you will traverse through mining country, agricultural landscapes, canyons, alpine meadows, former Ute Indian lands, and the World's Largest Flat-top Mountain. This tour features the lessons learned about wayfinding, interpretation, marketing, promotion and preservation. You will have an opportunity to see some of the best sites in Colorado and experience first hand the approaches these byways used to accomplish their goals. You will fly into Grand Junction, take a luxury motor coach on the tour and then be returned to Denver by motor coach in time to begin the full conference. Remember, seats are limited so sign up early! COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 4201 EAST ARKANSAS, DENVER, CO 80222 * 303-757-9786