List of Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways
Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways are highway and backroad routes in the U.S. state of Colorado designated by the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission for their scenic and historic values. These byways follow existing roads or highways and are signed with a Colorado blue columbine (the Colorado state flower) logo denoting the route. The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Program was established in March 1989, and is one of the oldest state scenic byway programs. Since 1989, the program has designated 26 Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways with of roadway, including scenic  byway extensions in adjacent states. In addition to state scenic byway designations, four federal agencies designate specific types of scenic byways: The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission works closely with these four federal agencies to select scenic and historic byways that meet federal criteria. Of the 26 current Colorado designated byways, 21 already have a federal designation as well. These include two All-American Roads, 11 National Scenic Byways, ten National Forest Scenic Byways, and three Back Country Byways. The 13 combined All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways in Colorado are currently the most of any state. Five  Colorado byways currently have two federal designations. The San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway is both an All-American Road and a National Forest Scenic Byway. The Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway, the Highway of Legends National Scenic Byway, and the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway are both National Scenic Byways and National Forest Scenic Byways. The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway is both a National Scenic Byway and a Back Country Byway. The Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway is entirely within Rocky Mountain National Park, and thus does not have a National  Parkway designation. Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission. The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission is appointed by the governor to administer the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Program. The program is a statewide partnership intended to provide recreational, educational, and economic benefits to residents and visitors by designating, interpreting, protecting, and promoting a system of outstanding touring routes in Colorado. Proposed routes are nominated by local communities and approved by the Commission, but byway development is managed at the local level. The Commission works with: The Commission uses the following criteria to select potential byways: The Commission favors proposed  byways with both scenic and historic features. Byways with predominately scenic features are labeled a "Scenic Byway" or a "National Scenic Byway" if also an All-American Road or a National Scenic Byway. Byways with predominately historic features are labeled a "Historic Byway". Byways with both strong scenic and historic features are labeled a "Scenic and Historic Byway".