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SCENIC BYWAY

Highway of Legends Scenic Drive

81.1 miles: 1 hours, 45 minutes

SR 12, the Highway of Legends, is aptly named—this part of Colorado has a rich Native American heritage, as well as a history marked by clashes with Spanish conquistadores. And the natural setting has a legendary character as well, ranging from expansive ranchland to the volcanic formations known as the Spanish Peaks, which the Indians considered sacred.

flickr/adifferentbrian

Winding, two-lane SR 12 branches off US 160, passing groves of aspen before ascending 9,938-foot Cuchara Pass high above the verdant Cuchara Valley. At Cokedale the curious-looking rows of arched structures are the remains of coke ovens once used for smelting coal from nearby mines. Historic Trinidad is a popular pit stop known for its Victorian-style architecture.

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