It’s called a “working byway” traveling through the White River National Forest providing access to public lands as well as rangeland for sheep and cattle ranchers. The Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is the backbone road through the Flat Tops Wilderness, one of the largest wilderness areas in the world, with 350,000 acres of public land. In addition to the White River Plateau Reserve and other vast public lands, the towns of Meeker and Yampa also contain a cache of interesting history. Both towns have enjoyable museums with old photos and antique possessions, clothing ranging from wedding gowns to soldiers’ uniforms and a variety of Ute Indian artifacts, making this a unique drive with both natural beauty and interesting heritage.