Over the past 30 years, the Scenic Highway of Legends has produced a handsome collection of multimedia marketing materials that pairs the stunning views of the Spanish Peaks with the authentic charm of the cities and towns that are the gateways to the Byway. Without a doubt their most popular marketing piece has been the colorful, informative, 20-page booklet with map. This markeitng piece enjoys high demand from visitor centers and a warm appreciation from local businesses. The Colorado Welcome Center in Trinidad tells us, it is consistently, the #1 piece that is handed out by their volunteers. The Scenic Highway of Legends would use the funds raised for them during the Twelve Days of Giving, to reprint these sought-after tourism marketing brochures, which would then be re-stock at all visitor centers and businesses in the Spanish Peaks region.
Scenic Highway of Legends
The Scenic Highway of Legends (SHOL) has been an integral part of Huerfano and Las Animas County’s tourism for more than 30 years. It was announced on February 16, 2021, that The Scenic Highway of Legends was one of 34 new designations selected by the Secretary of Transportation to be designated a federal scenic byway.
America’s Byways are a distinctive collection of American roads that demonstrate certain unique, intrinsic qualities identified as archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and/or scenic. To be awarded as one of America’s Byways, a byway must demonstrate that it is more than a scenic drive. It must be regionally unique in one or more of those six intrinsic areas, have a unique story, be a hidden gem. In addition to providing exploration opportunities for travelers, this designation brings increased awareness and additional economic benefits to the region.
In addition to providing exploration opportunities, the state’s byways are an important asset for economic development. The most recent analysis shows a cumulative statewide economic impact of nearly $4.8 billion over a six-year period, with the Scenic Highway of Legends providing nearly $180 million in economic benefit for the region.
“The National Scenic Byways Program brings new jobs, tourism and other benefits to communities along these scenic roads, which are often located in parts of the country where such resources are desperately needed and harder to come by,” says Scenic America president, Mark Falzone.