Episode Details

Gary Mantz sits down with Adam Ducharme, the tourism director for Colorado's Lake County, to explore the breathtaking Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. Road trippers are invited to journey through Leadville and Twin Lakes, discovering a route rich with both historic artifacts and pristine natural beauty. Ducharme highlights a variety of must-see destinations along the drive, including the WWII training grounds of Camp Hale, the historic Silver Dollar Saloon, and accessible ghost towns like Independence and the Interlaken Hotel. Whether visitors are navigating the stunning elevations of Independence Pass or taking in the area's towering 14,000-foot peaks, they are also encouraged to embrace responsible destination stewardship to protect the region's returning wildlife and fragile ecosystems.