Colorado City, south of Pueblo along I-25, anchors the southern leg of the Frontier Pathways National Scenic and Historic Byway. The road, 104 miles along the splendid Sangre de Cristo Mountains, travels through the San Isabel National Forest, by Hardscrabble Canyon and by the 40-acre Lake Isabel, an ideal spot for fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Colorado City provides access to popular hiking areas such as Bartlett, Camp Crockett and the San Carlos trails. Set up your tent at the KOA in Colorado City or at the Greenhorn Meadows Park Campground.

24 miles west of Colorado City along State Highway 165 lies Bishop’s Castle, billed as the Largest One Man Construction Project in the United States, or quite possibly the world. Started in 1969, this 160-foot high stone castle boasts several towers, a grand ballroom, stained glass windows and even a fire breathing dragon – all constructed by area resident Jim Bishop. Self-guided touring is easy: the Bishop Castle is always open and always free during the day. Try to catch Jim working on the weekend…you might get a guided tour.