Knotted Root Brewing Company and Very Nice Brewing Company for very nice local craft beer. Were tired of people like you encouraging Colorado wannabes, like yourself. This cute town has a tiny but interesting main street, lined with gift shops, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants. Once into the mountains, history buffs will love a stop off at Buffalo Bills grave and the Hiwan Homestead Museum. For starters, youll climb out of Golden on the five-mile Lariat Trail which switchbacks up Lookout Mountain. But it actually isnt in the mountains, it is beside them. If you liked this check out some of my other Colorado posts: Thanks so much for putting this list together! Kebler Pass lies due west of Crested Butte, along Colorado Road 12. Budget-friendly Good for Children Free Entry Good for a Rainy Day Good for Big Groups Good for Couples Good for Adrenaline Seekers Adventurous Hidden Gems Honeymoon spot. Until 2019, the highest unpaved road crossing of a pass in Colorado; now the highest paved crossing of Divide in US. Someone in your lineage was a Colorado wannabe smart ass and only because of that were you born there, thus making you a native or whatever. Denvers park system is unique. 6. A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Denver . Lodging Offers. From C-470, you can access this loop either near Morrison (a great spot for grabbing a bite and catching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre) or from Chatfield State Park (a prime spot for hiking or paddling if youre looking for some outdoor recreation). A full page Google map showing the exact location of 52 mountain passes in Colorado. This byway is always a beautiful drive but it is spectacular in fall. This pass is for anyone under 3 years or older, and between 38 and 54 tall. That is a 50 temperature difference that was due entirely to elevation. Native born Coloradans dont need people like you advertising Colorado over and over! Today, Marshall Pass is a popular destination for hiking, camping . You can drive to the summit of 14,270ft Mount Evans from Idaho Springs on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway which is open during the summer months. When he died in Denver in 1917, his funeral became the largest in Colorado history. Where to Drink in Central City: Dostal Alley Saloon for craft beer and slots, or the Gold Coin Saloon. If you continue to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies. To the south of I-70, a park road goes to the top of Genesee Mountain, offering a 360-degree views from the 8,284-foot summit. Where to Eat in Morrison: The Cow Eatery for casual diner fare, The Fort Steakhouse is an adobe fort just outside of town that serves up steak and game. This is one of the most accessible high alpine lakes in Colorado and a likely area to look for Rocky Mountain goats. Located just 36 miles from downtown Denver, Echo mountain offers an experience that is close, affordable, and . Its ppl werent like this years agowhat happened? I bet it was an amazing place to grow up my husband grew up in Colorado too. It is super quiet, the short main street has a few historic buildings in different states of repair, with many of them now being private homes. If you are visiting in winter, dont miss one of the most unique festivals in Colorado if not the whole country: There arent any hotels in Ned but there are some great vacation homes. Heres a list of the top breweries in Fort Collins for further beerspiration. The park includes stunning views of the Rockies, downtown Denver as well as historic ruins. DENVER CITYPASS Save up to 40% on combined admission prices to your choice of three, four or five top attractions with Denver CityPASS tickets. If you are interested in mining history you can take a tour of the historic Capital Prize Gold Mine, and take a trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad on a steam locomotive that passes several old gold and silver mines. Dont get me wrong, I do love Denver and it is our main base in the US, but if you are looking for a mountain vacation then you definitely need to include some other places in Colorado to your itinerary, not just Denver. The splendors of the Rocky Mountain Front Ranges foothills are on full display on the Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway. The scenic byway was built by the City of Denver in 1927 as a tourist attraction. Departure date must be after arrival date, VISIT DENVER'S Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, 10 Razones para Visitar la Ciudad a Una Milla de Alto. After the Park:The rusticEcho Lake Lodgeis located at the start of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. All Rights Reserved. I think you may have read that differently than it was intended. Be sure to follow the official map as we werent able to reproduce the route 100% correctly in the Google map provided below. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and the always entertaining marmots. Unlike a lot of the other mountain towns near Denver on this list, Evergreen isnt a historic mining town, although it is still historic. Independence Pass near Aspen. Today, access to the road is controlled by the U.S. Forest Service and requires a modest fee. Click here to read the Squaretop Mountain route guide > Trailhead: Guanella Pass Route: Southeast Ridge Mileage: 6.5 Miles Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet Class Rating: Class 1 Hike Range: Front Range 4. In the late 1800s, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built a line through the pass, and it became an important route for trade and travel. Idaho Springs is also home to the closest, If you only have time to eat at one place in Idaho Springs it has to be at the original. For fantastic fall foliage and stellar mountain views, take Guanella Pass between Georgetown, Colorado and Kenosha Pass on Highway 285. Today, Denver owns 110 acres of park at the top of the mountain and operates theBuffalo Bill Museum &Grave, a wonderful museum near the grave site with exhibits covering Buffalo Bill's exciting life. The park is free, except when there is a scheduled performance. Check out my interactive map to the best mountain towns near Denver. Chief Mountain is a 1.5-mile hike in the mountains just one hour outside of Denver, Colorado. Find next available. VIEW THE BLOG. Things to Do. Road description: The Loveland Pass peaks on Highway 6 and is 3655 meters (11990 feet) high. Along the way, youll be treated to outstanding mountain and canyon views. A map of the United States of America with the State of Colorado highlighted. The buffalo were originally descendants of the last wild herd of bison in North America, which was located at Yellowstone National Park. If youre looking for an all-day outing that will take you on a tour of the Colorado Front Range and into the heart of those snow-capped peaks you can see from Denver, this loop is a great way to get a sampling platter of the best of the Rocky Mountains. Barker Meadow Reservoir is right by town and you can hike there, and fish from the shoreline. This is the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado. Grab your fave snacks and crank up the tunes it's time for a weekend road trip from Columbus! Ready to go sightseeing from behind the wheel? The 11-mile self-guided driving tour will get you up close and personal with the locals. The Mile High City is the. If you love beer then you should definitely visit Fort Collins, because the best thing to do in Fort Collins is to visit at least a couple of the incredible breweries that make this city one of the best beer destinations in the world. You give Colorado a bad name. From the town of Idaho Springs (a great spot for a brew and a bite pre- or post-summit), the road climbs through ponderosa and aspen forests toward Echo Lake. The Ice Lake Basin Trail is a tough hike to stunning views, incredible wildflowers, and electric blue alpine lakes it's certainly worth the climb. Redeem IKON Friends & Family Ticket Redeem Now. See more ideas about continental divide, mountain pass, postcard. Specialties: Indulge in an extensive selection of savory burgers, sliders, fresh salads and draft beer. Dining Passport. For vacation rentals, this cozy two-bedroom apartment is a good option close to Morrison. Where to Eat in Lyons: Try the damn-good BBQ at Smokin Daves BBQ & Brew, Tacos and other delicious Mexican dishes at Mojo Taqueria, or grab a sandwich or sweet treat to take hiking from St Vrain Market, Deli and Bakery. Morrison started life as a railroad town in 1872 and has a gorgeous setting in Bear Creek Canyon. If you are hanging out in and around Durango and gearing up to travel the absurdly scenic Highway 550, this is a fantastic option for a short, easy day hike. Where to Eat in Silver Plume: The Bread Bar has a limited but delicious menu and handmade cocktails (it is temporarily closed), Plume Coffee serves up excellent coffees and baked goods although they are mostly just open on weekends. Where to Eat in Evergreen: Willow Creek Restaurant for American fare made with locally sourced ingredients, Wildflower Cafe for hearty breakfasts and lunches, Murphys Mountain Grill for creative mains and burgers. Watch on. And don't miss a stop off at historic Georgetown on the north side of the pass this former mining town has lots to occupy an afternoon from shopping and historic sites to restaurants, breweries, and train tours. If you are a hiker (or you want to give hiking a try), Boulder is an excellent place to do so because there are so many open-space parks and hiking trails that are literally within walking distance from town. Unlimited Passenger Pass. Where to Stay in Central City: Denver West/Central City KOA for camping. In 1914, the U.S. Congress passed an act that allowed the City of Denver to acquire scenic land outside of city limits to protect and preserve it for future generations. Estes Cone, Rocky Mountain National Park. Hamburgers, Rocky Mountain trout and homemade pies are the specialties. If you want to learn more about the towns mining history, there are two mine tours you can take Argo Gold Mine and Phoenix Gold Mine. Georgetown is another picture-perfect historic mining town right off the I-70, and is definitely worth a visit if you are into mining history or want to hike the closest 14er to Denver Mount Bierstadt. Echo Lake is at the very beginning of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Miners Saloon is also a great place to grab a drink and Golden Moon Speak next door is a speakeasy and distillery that serves up handcrafted cocktails. Also like Telluride, Crested Butte is absolutely stunning in fall and there are three mountain passes you can drive to drool over the fall colors - Kebler Pass, Ohio Pass, and Cottonwood Pass. The Chief Mountain trail travels through alpine forest, then breaks out into high-country tundra, eventually gaining panoramic views of surrounding mountains. After the Park:The pretty town of Morrison is adjacent to Red Rocks. Luckily Denver is really close to some great little mountain towns and cities, with dozens that are within an hours drive of downtown Denver. Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace. Invest in a season of fun on snow with a 2022/23 Season Pass or 4-Pass! 2022 Visit Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau. Red Mountain Pass - 8% at 11,018 feet Red Mountain Pass on a snowy day. Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring more than 10,000 readers every week. Maximum grade on both is 5.4%. 3-Ride Passes cannot be used by multiple people! For an affordable self-contained option, stay at this cozy one-bedroom carriage house. Sherpa House is a cozy spot for excellent Himalayan food and it is also a cultural center. This year, pack your 10-gallon hat, saunter your way to the Cowboy State, and rent a rugged-meets-glam Airbnb in the heart of the West. There are a number of hiking and biking trails near town and you are only a 30-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park so if you are staying a couple of nights, Lyons is a great base to explore the park from. Learn More. With such honors, you can imagine that the Sawatch Range peak is popular with climbers and hikers. A lot of people that havent been to Denver assume it is a mountain city. Along the way, you can see herds of Rocky Mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Catch an exciting game of one of Denver's favorite professional teams on our 75-foot flat-panel TV, where game day will never be the same. Its somewhere I have spent a lot of time over the last few years and I absolutely love Golden. 1. Odell Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Crooked Stave Taproom, Funkwerks, Equinox Brewing, and Prost Brewing Co. for outstanding craft beer. The 24-acre lake was formed by a glacial moraine and is surrounded by forests of Engelmann spruce, fir and lumber Pine, all with wonderful views of towering snow-capped Mount Evans in the distance. There are a number of hiking trails nearby I highly recommend the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Crater Lakes trail from Moffat Tunnel, and any of the hikes in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, especially in fall when the aspens are in their full golden glory. Colorado's "Million Dollar Highway" is a 25 mile stretch of U.S. 500 that is consistently rated as one . There are tables, grills and ahistoric 1937 stone picnic shelter. Depending on the day you might spot deer or coyotes as well. OK, so Fort Collins is not a mountain town (like Denver, it is a city right beside the mountains), but I love it and it is only an hour north of Denver so I wanted to add it to the list. At this altitude, you can expect to see snow and ice along the lakeshore all year long. Spring Creek Pass - 7.5% at 10,901 feet 4. An excellent introduction to hiking across tundra is on the nearby M. Walter Pesman Nature Trail (also referred to as the Mount Goliath Trail), maintained byDenver Botanic Gardens. Follow her on Instagram. Walk-ins only - Reservations are not accepted. Visit Buffalo Bill Cody's grave and Red Rocks Park, home to stunning rock formations and its famous natural amphitheater. Mount Falcon Park is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver and offers several trails and routes. After the Park:Head back down Hwy. You have your pick of boutiques and breweries along with plenty of other treats (like ice cream) should you have the kids in tow. Nestled along Bear Creekat the base of Evergreen Lake, this rustic and scenic little town has shops, galleries and restaurants, as well as the famous Little Bear Saloon, known as one of the rowdiest bars in the state. It's also part of the Continental Divide and is the fourth-highest paved road in the state. There are 5 mountain passes near Golden a city just 31 km from Golden and 1 mountain pass near Wheat Ridge which is 32 km distant. Looking for a great fall drive for leaf-peeping, with golden aspens fluttering in the breeze and snow-capped peaks as a backdrop? Or maybe just looking for a head-clearing cruise with views of Boulder from afar? Boulder Distance from Denver: 27 miles/40 minutes Boulder is a gorgeous college town (well, a city really) in the foothills of the Rockies that somehow manages to be both hippie and well-heeled. From the top, you can see most of the major mountain peaks in central Colorado all the way from Wyoming in the north to Pikes Peak in the south. Displays in the visitor center cover the rock 'n' roll history of Red Rocks and the groups that have played here. There are a couple of cozy cafes in town that serve up awesome coffees and teas as well as baked goods Mountain Mamas Needful Things and Georgetown Coffee and Tea. I am currently based in Colorado as well as trying to see more of this wonderful world we live in. The festival includes coffin racing, human foosball, and a costumed polar plunge among other crazy events. Often overlooked as a destination, Cheyenne is a beautiful town, just across the border in Wyoming as you drive north from Denver. It is now popular for outdoor pursuits and has a rustic charm that couldnt be more different than immaculate Boulder, which is only 16 miles away. Colorado is an incredible state and there is so much to see here! Denver is more of a prairie city, flat and really hot in summer. Invest in a season of stoke with a 2022/23 Season Pass or 4-Pass! It's 47 miles from Denver, at an elevation of 10,600 feet, and is one of prettiest subalpine lakes in Colorado. Thanks to a fortuitously placed "bounce" rock behind the stage,Red Rocksis the only completely natural amphitheater in the world. I love mountains and nature.. Kenosha Pass rises to a height of 10,000 feet and is located southwest of Denver, Colorado. Hoosier Pass Lyons is known as a stopover town on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, but it is a cool little town in its own right and definitely worth a visit. A. Cottonwood Pass. This price drop will have skiers across the state re-examining their calculus and perhaps selecting Epic over Ikon. MENU. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality! Recommended Reading: Hotels Near Vail Ski Resort. One thing you cant miss in Evergreen is beautiful Evergreen Lake, just beyond the town center. Related Read:7 Scenic Weekend Road Trips from Denver, Colorado. Colorful, restored historic buildings line the short but very pretty main street, Sixth Street. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of this list. There are some great hikes close to Idaho Springs including the short but beautiful trail to St Marys Glacier. The 8 Best Mountain Towns Near Denver in 2022 8. Guanella Pass Brewing Company for awesome local brews. I went skiing at all the ski resorts and I remember set them cost in $10 Is that now cost . Distance from Denver: 47 miles/50 minutes. I70 Utah to Denver, I70 Mountain Pass, US 285 Denver to New Mexico, Blackhawk-Golden, Berthoud Pass Winter Park Grand Lake Routes all updated. Participating Attractions Denver Art Museum Plan for a full day out if you want to take advantage of all the stops along this route which connects between the towns of Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen. The highest paved road in North America takes you to the top of Mount Evans. From Denver, you can choose to head up either I-70 or Highway 285, both picturesque drives in their own way. Time (one way): 1 hour Mileage (one way): 22 miles 1. SHOP PASSES. Golden Mill is a new food hall with five food vendors that include sushi, chicken, and tacos as well as New Zealand ice cream and pour your own beer taps. These twin towns are easily accessible from Denver there are even shuttles that run from Lakewood, on the light rail from central Denver. One of the smallest communities on this list of mountain towns near Denver, Silver Plume is right off I-70 but it is pretty much a forgotten hamlet that you could almost call a ghost town but not quite, because there are still people living here around 170 according to the last census. If you are interested in mountaineering, make sure to visit the American Mountaineering Museum, or if you are into Coors Beer, you cantour the brewery Ive heard you get free beer at the end. BeauJos for Colorado-style pizza. There are a couple of great breweries in Idaho Springs . Stay at this. So if it is the mountains you are craving and you are heading to Denver, dont miss these gorgeous and easily accessible mountain towns near Denver. Denver lift ticket prices are sourced directly from the ski resorts, who are responsible for their accuracy. Buffalo Bill Cody was America's first superstar a 19th-century Elvis who, from 1883 to 1913, toured the globe, performing "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show" in a thousand cities in a dozen nations. For vacation rentals, stay atThe Cricket tiny houseon Clear Creek, or in this super affordable and cozyone-bedroom condo. She has edited and written outdoor content for several online publications and enjoys exploring issues at the intersection of recreation, stewardship, compassion, and care-taking in the West and the wider world. 4.8. The pass goes through the Rocky Mountains, and is located directly on U.S. Highway 40, just north of the junction with I-70. There are miles of hiking trails, two gift shops and a restaurant with an outdoor patio overlooking the rocks. The 9,000-seat arena is carved out of massive 300-foot-high red sandstone monuments, creating one of the most spectacular concert venues on the planet. Why you should go: Experience a Colorado-style wildlife safari not far from downtown. Check out local favorites such asTommyknocker Brewery, theBuffalo Restaurant and Bar(with its many stuffed buffalo heads on the walls) and local pizza legendBeau Jo's. Morrison is also on the Lariat Loop, a scenic byway that links Golden, Evergreen, and Morrison with lots of places of interest to see along the way. The 14-mileMount Evans Scenic Byway leads to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans. Where to Stay in Silver Plume: There arent any hotels in Silver Plume itself (you could stay in Georgetown next door) but there are a couple of great vacation rentals. Are you actually native or are you just some white guy/girl just sitting there all entitled. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. The Vintage Moose is a great choice if dive bars are more your style. Mount Snkitau is probably your best choice. Along the way, youll find plenty of opportunities to put in some miles or have a picnic with a stop-off at a local park or open space. Where to Eat & Drink in Fort Collins: For drinking, there are so many great options! From there, you'll head south on 91 over Fremont Pass with views of the 14,265 foot Quandary Peak in the distance. A few to check out are Twisted Pine, UpSlope, and VisionQuest. This scenic drive is best saved for a weekday or off-hours to avoid the worst of the traffic. 5. Jul 24, 2013 - Explore Denver Postcard Club's board "Mountain Passes & Continental Divide" on Pinterest. The main part of the park is 20 miles west of Denver on I-70, at Exit 254. The actual summit of Mount Evans is a short hike from the parking lot. Also bring plenty of water. This unusual octagonal log cabin was built in 1926 and features a restaurant with picture windows overlooking the lake. Lyons is known as a stopover town on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, but it is a cool little town in its own right, For an affordable self-contained option, stay at this cozy. Where to Drink in Georgetown: Guanella Pass Brewing Company for awesome local brews. Got some time to spare on your Denver trip? Colorado has 54 peaks that soar to 14,000 feet and above, known locally as "fourteeners." The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. Call ahead for game-day . Golden is the closest mountain town near Denver and its a very special place to me I got married here! 13. Like its neighbor Georgetown, Silver Plume is also a historic silver mining town, and it is a stop on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This road is easily accessible from Denver via a quick drive up Interstate 70 and is drivable with a regular car or SUV. So, stfu already. Dominican Republic. There are also exhibits on the geological history of the 70-million-year-old rocks, which once formed the beach of an ancestral sea covering Colorado and Kansas. Summiting a fourteener is a true Colorado experience, but remember, there is 50 percent less protection from the sun at this altitude, so sunscreen is a must. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at scenic Sterne Park at the end of your drive. St Mary's Glacier and Lake in Arapaho National Forest Get the forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow's weather for Mountain Pass, CA. These five spectacular scenic drives will do the trick. In the summer months, there are planters of colorful flowers everywhere and if youre like me, you will want to take a million photos of this gorgeous town. Stay at this peaceful. And, to Indigenous PJstop with the virtue signaling and identity political stuff., its getting old. 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, Phone: 800-438-2093. And once you leave behind the drone of the highway, youll be immersed in the solitude and scenery of these twisting canyon roads. This mountain pass travels over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen. First Timer's Guide; Lift Tickets; . Where to Stay in Georgetown: For hotels, stay at Hotel Chateau ChamonixorGeorgetown Mountain Inn. Founder/former owner at Mike's Marina Fishing Charters SRL. Your email address will not be published. 103 to the historic mining town ofIdaho Springs. Where to Eat in Georgetown: A & Ks Place does delicious breakfasts and burgers, and the Alpine Restaurant and Bar serves up Italian food and has a train theme. Learn More. No matter what you are into, dont miss Golden. The pass was named for James Marshall, who discovered gold in California in 1848. The views arent too bad either. The picturesque Main Street boasts over 250 independent shops and restaurants. Thanks Jo, I hope you make it to Colorado! There's also a massive gift shop filled with Mount Evans memorabilia. Engineering Manager at Butler Technologies, Inc. Butler, PA. Michael Wagner. If you have more time, do a Colorado Road Trip or venture to some of the beautiful Colorado mountain towns and hidden gems further from Denver. Georgetown Lake is a great spot for water sports like SUP and kayaking, and it is stocked with brown trout you can fish here too (make sure to get a permit). Both Deer Creek Canyon and South Turkey Creek Canyon wind through foothills scenery that is interspersed with scrub oak, aspens, and red rock formations that are beautiful any time of year (though maybe skip this drive if theres been a recent snowstorm). Related: 1. This drive might be thin on oxygen, but it wont be short on breathtaking views as Colorados highest scenic byway takes you to the top of 14,265-foot Mount Evans. 2022/23 SEASON PASSES. If you dont like my posts dont read them, its really as simple as that. We lived in a poor neighborhood in Denver and now it is called historic And you cant change the front of the Houses. Great article that contains a lot of good info! Related Read:12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado for Unforgettable Adventures. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Find next available. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. In late spring and early summer, it is super lush and there are wildflowers everywhere, and in fall the trees live up to the towns name shimmering gold and lining Clear Creek. A short trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint where you peer down 1,000-foot cliffs into the desolate Chicago Lakes Basin below. 4.6. You could easily spend a couple of hours just exploring downtown. And if you cant get enough floral fabulousness, a walk through the War Memorial Rose Garden will treat you to the sights (and smells) of over 1,800 roses of all different varieties. Do you really need the attention? Here's an inside look at Colorado's iconic alpine adventures, including tips on finding the legendary runs, best powder, and top aprs options. Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver 254 Recommended Full-day Tours from $172.00 per adult The area Best nearby Attractions 4 within 6 miles Mount Evans 2,565 Mountains Mount Evans Scenic Byway 1,023 Scenic Drives Summit Lake Park 50 National Parks Nature & Wildlife Areas Contribute Write a review Upload a photo Reviews If you continue through Estes Park and into Rocky Mountain National Park, you can drive one of the most famous scenic byways in all of the country: Trail Ridge . Hi/Low, RealFeel, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the day, commute, and weekend! Where Are The Best Snowboarding Resorts In The World. Montgomery Pass 11,400 ft Roosevelt National Forest/State Forest State Park, Front . Grand Teton National Park and the valleys on either side are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and some amazing airbnbs. Be sure to swing by the Visitor Center and Ferrett House yup, you read that correctly. Time your outing poorly, and, well, youll get to see the I-70 scenery (which is still pretty) at a much slower speed. View all. Lift ticket prices are often dynamic and subject to change. This quiet town is the capital of Wyoming and is perfect for a day trip. Acova. The Centennial State's Rocky Mountains are home to six of the most-sought-after Ikon Pass destinations. The average gradient of the road that climbs to the Pass is about 6,7%. Keep your eyes on the road, which often has sheer cliffs and can be busy with bike riders. It is also home to the Colorado School of Mines and who doesnt love a lively college town. At a summit of 10,610 feet, Coal Bank Pass provides road trippers with some of the most scenic landscape in the state with its location in the San Juan Mountains. The Trail of choice is the Castle Ruins Trail . Why you should go: Get a taste of the old Wild West along this historic and scenic route. Central City Population: 699 Cost of Living Index: 12% Below Colorado Average Distance from Denver: 45 minutes Location: Check on Google Maps Colorado's Gold Rush began in Central City and the town still reflects that excitement with its popular casino and gaming venues. 4.6. Learn how your comment data is processed. Guided tours (available for a small fee) include a stop in the "green room," which is actually a "red room" carved literally out of the rock walls. 11 Mountain Towns Near Denver You Have To Visit (1 Hour or Less), 15 Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit Any Time, Visit Telluride: The Best Mountain Town in Colorado, Tackling the Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte: The Best Hike in Colorado, Experiencing Cannabis Culture in Denver on a Tour, Top Things To Do in the South Bay of Los Angeles, The Best Things To Do on the North Shore Oahu, 25 Best Things About the United States of America, Living a Nomadic Life: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga, Things To Do in Richmond, London: A Quintessential English Village. Berthoud Pass is the main gateway to the Winter Park area off of I-70; it's a well-maintained mountain highway that showcases the Continental Divide in all of its glory. The loop climbs up to Conifer and, after a brief jaunt on Highway 285, quickly reverts to its backroads vibe. This attitude in some Coloradans of the last 20 years or so, is a new thing and kinda ugly. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. After the Park:Continue on I-70 west to Exit 252 and take the Evergreen Parkway 8 miles to the historic mountain village ofEvergreen. Try the damn-good BBQ at Smokin Daves BBQ & Brew, Tacos and other delicious Mexican dishes at Mojo Taqueria, or grab a sandwich or sweet treat to take hiking from St Vrain Market, Deli and Bakery. Drive to Denver: 50 minutes Serene mountain vistas await you at this Black Hawk log cabin. The high point is 12,183 feet in elevation. A favorite spot of local birders, you may spot hawks, eagles, migrating songbirds, and wintering ducks and geese depending on the season. Where to Eat in Golden: Start your day with a southern-style breakfast at Sassafras on their riverside patio. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Why you should go: A short, family-friendly drive for a dazzling springtime display. 209): Heading down Cottonwood Pass Road west of Buena Vista, two behemoth 14,000-foot peaks, Mount Princeton and Mount Yale, tower around you. Denver's park system extends well into the mountains. Distance from Denver: 43 miles/50 minutes. And prehistoric adorers will delight in the dino fossils that can be seen at Dinosaur Ridge National Natural Landmark. There's also a barbecue, fire pit, hammock, and yard games galore to ensure you're able to enjoy your time in nature. Fast-rushing Bear Creek flows parallel to the main street, which is lined with restaurants, bars and shops. From the top of the pass, which peaks at an oxygen-thin 11,669-feet, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Dont miss the Rayback Collective, a multi-purpose indoor space with a cafe and bar, and a beer garden with food trucks. Genesee ParkwasDenver's first mountain park and is also its largest,with 2,413 acres. If, after your scenic drive, you find you want to stretch your legs or see more of the refuge, you have over 20-miles of trails to choose from for an easy stroll or strenuous hike. There are a number of other hiking and biking trails nearby too, so Evergreen is a great base for adventure. Fern Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dont miss hiking to Royal Arch in Chautauqua Park, Gregory Canyon, and Mount Sanitas to name just a few. Nowhere is the Epic-Ikon pass war more intense than it is in Colorado. Everyone be kind to one another and respect the land youre stewards of. These twin towns are easily accessible from Denver there are even. Hi, I'm Katie, a crazy cat lady and world traveler. Berthoud Pass is a popular destination for backcountry skiers and snowboarders, with 1,200 skiable acres of off-piste terrain. Wow, Katie, that was really racist way to respond to a comment. Boulder is one of the must-visit mountain towns near Denver in my opinion, and you may never want to leave. . Mountain Passes: Beckwith Pass 9,956 ft Gunnison National Forest, Elk Mountains. The three most popular trails are the Castle Ruins Trail, the Meadow Trail and the Tower Trail. To get to the pass, take I-70 west to Copper Mountain and then follow HWY 91 through Leadville to HWY 82. Odell Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Crooked Stave Taproom, Funkwerks, Equinox Brewing, and Prost Brewing Co. for outstanding craft beer. Boulder is a gorgeous college town (well, a city really) in the foothills of the Rockies that somehow manages to be both hippie and well-heeled. An easy three-quarter-mile hiking trail circles the lake, while more challenging trails set off from here to Chicago Lakes and into the Mount Evans Wilderness Area. Located inside our spacious and beautiful Grand Lodge. Kristen Arendt is a creative writer and lover of the great outdoors. Its exhilarating and a great way to cool off. My friends and family who visit will love it! Avoid peak weekend traffic, and you can enjoy this stretch of the drive as well. The real showstopper is when you turn on the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Where to Eat in Idaho Springs: If you only have time to eat at one place in Idaho Springs it has to be at the original BeauJos for Colorado-style pizza. This former gold mining town has a strong Western flair with historic brick buildings in town and lots of cowboy paraphernalia around the place. For vacation rentals, stay at this mountain retreat cottage or the Arapaho Cliffs Log Cabin. From Echo Lake, drive up theMount Evans Scenic Bywayto 12,836 feet above sea level, high above timberline, where you come to the highest city park in the nation Summit Lake. Clear Creek flows right through town and is filled with tubers and kayakers, while the main street is lined with historical buildings that now house restaurants, art galleries and outdoor cafes. I later found out that Denver, to the south-east almost broke a record high temp of 90 for this date. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Fern Lake Trail is a 3.4 mile out and back trail that features a gorgeous alpine lake. Thanks so much for your comment! Where to Stay in Morrison: Origin Red Rocks is the only hotel in the Morrison area but is an excellent choice. 12,126 ft (3,696 m) Chaffee County Road 306 and Gunnison County Road 209. Here are the 9 best fall hikes in Colorado to see colors near Denver. Blue Lakes Pass 12,970 ft . 8 Days. It is definitely one of the must-visit mountain towns close to Denver. It is nestled in Clear Creek Valley, at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and it is a gorgeous sight. By . The Beatles had the honor of being the first rock group to ever perform at Red Rocks; their 1964 Denver concert was the only one in America that didn't sell out, with just 6,000 of 9,000 tickets purchased for the then-unheard-of price of $6.60. Why you should go: Get off the beaten path on winding mountain backroads. For drinking, there are so many great options! How incredibly rude! And they're so beautiful, even the novice photographer will look like a pro. Whether youve planned your trip to take advantage of the LoDo nightlife or youre using Colorados capital city as a jumping-off point for other adventures, these six scenic drives offer up a little something more to see and do than if you just stick to the downtown Denver burbs. This post may contain affiliate links. In this harsh climate, spring doesn't arrive until mid-July and wildflowers last for only a few summer weeks. 740 Front. Where to Drink in Golden: There are so many excellent breweries in Golden my faves are New Terrain, Mountain Toad, and Golden City Brewing. Where to Eat in Nederland: Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse for the best pizza in town if not the whole of Colorado, Salto Coffee Works for coffee and tea drinks and cafe fare, Kathmandu Restaurant for very decent Nepalese and Indian dishes. Salads and draft beer for a Weekend road trip from Columbus for awesome local brews can there. Can not be used by multiple people a great fall drive for leaf-peeping, Golden. The accuracy of this wonderful world we live in have spent a lot of info. Of bison in North America likely area to look for Rocky mountain goats and bighorn sheep and... Built by the visitor center cover the rock ' n ' roll history of Rocks! You read that correctly parking lot a snowy day of Mines and who love... 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