Embark on an exhilarating journey along Skyline Drive in Canon City, Colorado, a truly unique and breathtaking 2.6-mile stretch of road that promises unparalleled panoramic vistas. This historic byway is not just a scenic route; it’s an adventure perched atop a narrow razorback ridge, offering a heart-pounding experience for drivers and passengers alike, all while providing magnificent views of Canon City and the sprawling Arkansas River Valley.
Known for its one-way, winding path and dramatic drops of up to 450 feet on either side, Skyline Drive is certainly not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. However, for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts, this remarkable road offers an unforgettable glimpse into Colorado’s past, present, and even its prehistoric heritage.
The Audacious Origins: Built by Inmates, Imagined by Visionaries
The vision for a road traversing the Hogback Hills west of Canon City began to take shape as early as 1900. Local newspapers quickly picked up on the excitement surrounding the proposed “Alta Vista Drive,” a testament to the community’s desire to showcase the region’s natural beauty. A crucial decision was made to leverage inmate labor from the Canon City Territorial Prison, making this scenic route a unique civic project.
A dedicated local committee successfully raised $2,000, funds which were allocated to provide essential tools and supplies for the construction. In 1905, under the supervision of Warden John Cleghorn, 60 inmates commenced the arduous task of carving out the single-lane road from the rugged terrain. As an incentive for their demanding work, each inmate earned 10 days off their sentence for every 30 days worked, transforming penal labor into a pathway for community benefit and personal redemption.
Naming the Landmark and Early Vehicular Debates
As the road neared completion, a contest was held in the fall of 1905 to bestow a fitting name upon this engineering marvel. The Cañon City Record invited readers to submit their ideas, ultimately settling on “Skyline Boulevard.” Yet, despite the official designation, the name Skyline Drive quickly became the popular and enduring moniker, perfectly encapsulating the essence of this high-altitude route.
Upon its grand opening in 1906, the city council initially imposed a surprising restriction: automobiles were banned. The council, fearing that the noisy and unfamiliar vehicles would spook horses, reserved the drive exclusively for horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and foot traffic. This decision, however, sparked considerable protest from the community, who were eager to experience the drive in their nascent motorcars. By 1907, the council relented, cautiously allowing vehicles on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. The Cañon City Record highlighted the council’s reservations, citing “horse and car conflicts [that] have resulted in the narrow escape of topple over the mountain.” As automobiles gained widespread popularity, the restrictions gradually faded, and Skyline Drive embraced its destiny as a scenic route for motor vehicles.
A Flourishing Tourist Attraction and Ambitious Endeavors
Word of the stunning 360-degree views offered by Skyline Drive spread rapidly, garnering attention in newspapers and magazines as far afield as New York. Its growing reputation as a premier destination spurred local entrepreneurship, further solidifying its place in Colorado tourism.
- Tally Ho Tour Company: In 1910, local businessman Bill Garton launched the Tally Ho Tour Company, offering horse-drawn buggy excursions along Skyline Drive. With 14 teams of horses, the company provided tours from major hotels and train depots, charging a modest 25 cents per person for a memorable ride.
- Summit Snack Shop: Another entrepreneur, Allen Bowen, capitalized on the drive’s popularity by operating a quaint snack shop from a small stone pavilion at the very summit of Skyline Drive, providing refreshments to weary travelers and sightseers.
- Iconic Stone Arch: In 1932, another significant structure was added: the impressive stone archway at the entrance to Skyline Drive. This architectural addition also benefited from inmate labor, with the arch constructed using native stone sourced from all 48 states then in the Union, creating a unique monument to American unity and ingenuity.
Perhaps the most ambitious project was the construction of the Skyline Bowl amphitheater in 1934. Inmates, using only picks and shovels, meticulously excavated a 200-foot area on the east side of the ridge to create a 1,400-seat outdoor venue. Dedicated with an opera performance attended by over 700 people on June 12, 1934, the amphitheater was a grand vision. Tragically, a violent storm just a few years later washed the structure away, and it was never rebuilt, leaving behind only the lore of its brief, spectacular existence.
Experience Skyline Drive Today: A Journey Back in Time
Today, Skyline Drive remains a captivating destination, merging historical significance with natural wonder. As you navigate the asphalt road, its narrowness and steep sections serve as a constant reminder of its early 20th-century construction and its inherent thrill. Crucially, there are no guardrails along some parts of the route, and no opportunities to turn around once you begin the ascent – a true commitment to the adventure!
As you near the top, the landscape dramatically drops away hundreds of feet on both sides, offering truly magnificent vistas of the surrounding plains and mountains. Several pullouts provide safe spots to pause, breathe, and soak in the expansive beauty. Towards the ridge’s apex, interpretive signs mark a truly extraordinary discovery: dinosaur footprints. These ancient tracks, discovered by a paleontology student in 1999, have been visible for years but were often overlooked by the untrained eye, providing a fascinating link to a primeval past.
The drive continues along the spine of the ridge before gracefully descending via two switchbacks into a residential area. This street soon intersects with 5th Street, with clear signage directing visitors south towards U.S. 50 and the vibrant, historic Downtown Cañon City. The entrance to Skyline Drive is conveniently located on the western edge of Canon City, just off U.S. Highway 50, making it an accessible yet uniquely isolated experience.
Final Thoughts on Canon City’s Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is more than just a road; it’s a testament to ingenuity, a portal to dramatic landscapes, and a thrilling historical landmark. From its origins as a prison labor project to its role as a premier scenic attraction featuring ancient dinosaur footprints, it offers a multi-layered experience. For those ready to embrace the challenge of its narrow ridge and towering heights, the reward is an unparalleled perspective of the Arkansas River Valley and an indelible memory of one of Colorado’s most iconic and audacious drives. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking a true blend of history, adventure, and awe-inspiring natural beauty in Canon City.
