From there the road proceeds to the southeast through portions of San Isabel National Forest.

One notable attraction on the route is Bishop Castle, about 12 miles (19 km) south of SH 96.

After San Isabel, the highway turns more nearly easterly and passes out of the national forest and though Rye.

The route continues east through Colorado City before reaching its eastern terminus at exit 74 of I-25.

The highway forms part of the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway.