Traffic between horseless carriages and horses and buggies became an issue on the two-way street as hundreds of visitors flocked to the area. Shortly after its completion in the spring of 1906, a conflict quickly arose on the popular road. S.A Van Buskirk stated that the road had already been named Skyline Boulevard when he incorporated the deed to the right of way. Despite the ladies’ hard work, it would be a man who ended up getting to name the stretch of road. Cliff Drive, Long View Road, Columbia Heights, Grey Cliff Road, and Alta Vista Boulevard were all thrown into the hat for the new stretch of road winding along the hogbacks. Women’s Clubs in Cañon City decided that such a road needed a more glamorous name then the “Hogback Road” and a committee was formed to name the new scenic drive. Citizens were so thankful for Cleghorns men that a stone set along the road after completion naming the stretch Cleghorn’s scenic drive. Sixty inmates under the care of Warden Cleghorn worked on the road, for every day of labor they were given 10 days off their sentences, according to a Daily Record history article in 2000. Lewis of Florence provided the necessary manpower for the job. The Convict Labor Road Law instated by State Senator Moses E. Funds for the blasting powder and other supplies were raised by T. In October 1905, official construction finally began on the much talked about pleasure driveway on top of the hogbacks from the 5th street entrance.
Gibson hooked up a pair of horses to his homemade spreader and began work on a driveway to the top of the hogbacks, however, he soon realized he was in over his head and sought the help of others to create the roadway. Gibson decided to take it upon himself to see the dream come to fruition. Unfortunately for the folks of Cañon City, the hopes of the roadway would not be fulfilled until five years later. The proposed road would be 100 feet wide and the cost of putting it in fine shape will be very little…In a few years, it will furnish the most delightful place for driving and walking.”
20, 1900, article from the Cañon City Clipper states “ It looks as though Cañon City would have one of the prettiest drives in the Country by the time the balmy weather begins in the Spring. As early as 1900, newspaper articles in the Cañon City area started reporting on the potential of a boulevard on top of the hogbacks.Ī Nov. Greydene-Smith, a retired Army officer who moved to Cañon City for his health, has often been credited as the one who dreamed up the popular road. Running north to south, the drive, which is situated 800 feet above Cañon City and offering beautiful panoramic views, has often ranked in the top 10 best scenic drives in Colorado.Ĭol. Additional information beyond the scope of this booklet may also be found at these locations along with other tours and information.Īcknowledgements: This all volunteer booklet was researched, compiled and written by Mary Chamberlain, Dan Grenard and Jim Nelson illustrations by Mildred Wintz layout by Larry Hill for the Fremont County Heritage Commission. First published March, 2015.For more than 100 years, tourists and residents alike have made the precipitous drive along the narrow road that is now known as Skyline Drive.
CANON CITY SKYLINE DRIVE FREE
These and other tours being developed may be downloaded for free at or found at Chambers of Commerce, Museums and visitor destinations throughout Fremont County. Questions, comments and suggestions are welcome and may be conveyed to or sent to: The Fremont County Historical Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization,
CANON CITY SKYLINE DRIVE SERIES
This is the first in a series of Self-Guided Heritage Tours developed by the Fremont County Heritage Commission and Fremont County Tourism Council, with the support of a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office, to encourage heritage tourism in our area. The Drive is generally open daily during daylight hours, but may be closed for bad weather or ice. For questions if the gate is closed call the Cañon City Police non-emergency number at 71. Allow about one hour for the Skyline Drive Self-Guided Heritage Tour.
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