Denver Mountain Area - North Central Colorado

Includes Black Hawk, Central City, Empire, Evergreen, Genesee, Georgetown, Golden Mountains, Idaho Springs, Idledale, Morrison

Denver Mountain Area, Colorado, Colorado Vacation Directory

I-70 Between Idaho Springs and Loveland Pass, Colorado -- Easy Mountain Driving -- Well Plowed

ATV Mine Tour in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Photo Courtesy of ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting

Adventure Awaits -- ATV Along Historic Trails -- Amazing Views of Continental Divide and Mt Evans

Idaho Springs was named after Chief Idaho and the natural mineral hot springs nearby, which were considered sacred to the Indians. The first major gold strike in Colorado was on January 7, 1859, in Idaho Springs by George Jackson. The gold strike brought many miners to the area, all in search of gold. The population boom caused many towns to be established, and many of these towns are still in existence today, making up the Denver Mountain Area.

Today you can discover this Victorian era mountain town where you can still explore working mines and pan for gold and gemstones. Central city, along with it's neighboring town of Black Hawk, they are two of only three Colorado towns which offer legalized gambling at over 25 casinos to choose from. And don't overlook the famous Central City Opera House and it's world-renowned summer performances.

Kids on a tour at Hiwan Homestead Museum and Heritage Park in Evergreen, Colorado

Photo Courtesy of Hiwan Homestead Museum and Heritage Park

Hiwan Heritage Park -- Rustic Log Lodge Museum -- In Evergreen -- Hands on Historical Experience

Whitewater Rafting down Clear Creek, Idaho Springs, Denver, Colorado

Photo Courtesy of Clear Creek Rafting Co

Raft Clear Creek -- In Mountains Near Idaho Springs -- Kayak at Clear Creek Whitewater Park

With mountains, lakes, and historical sites, you will never be bored in this area. Popular recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing and cross-country skiing. Drive Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway 14 miles to the summit of 14,264'. All 14 miles of the road from the entrance station to the Mount Evans summit parking area (14,130') are paved. From there, you can hike the last 130 feet (about 1/4 mile walk) to the top at 14,264 feet. For another fascinating drive, take the Peak to Peak Byway from Black Hawk to Estes Park. Or, take a drive up "Oh My Gawd Road," the hair-raising shortcut to nearby Central City, another historic gold rush town known as the "richest square mile on earth."

Clear Creek Whitewater Park was built to recreational canoeing and kayaking. A quarter mile long course along Clear Creek in Golden is challenging and fun! The course is divided into three sections; the top has a series of drops, pools, and fast eddies; the middle has flat, shallow waves with huge boulders; the bottom has more extreme surf and wave drops.

Water Wheel at Bridal Veil Falls, Idaho Springs, Colorado

Bridal Veil Falls -- 600 feet into Clear Creek -- 120-year-old Water Wheel

The Hamill House Museum Built by the Silver Baron William Arthur Hamill

GEORGETOWN is your base camp for amazing hiking trails, mountain biking terrain, Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, peaceful lakes, the Georgetown Loop Historic Railroad, and the Hamill House Museum. Enjoy great shopping and restaurants on 6th Street in the National Historic Landmark District. SILVER PLUME and Georgetown where mining camps in mid 1800s The Hamill House Museum is the former home of silver baron William Arthur Hamill. Be sure to be in Georgetown the first Friday in June, July, August and September for an old fashioned lawn party complete with croquet, badminton, hors d'oeuvres, and free face painting for the kids. The Georgetown Loop Historic Railroad runs year round with a special Polar Express every December, be sure to Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause. The Georgetown Loop Railroad brings history to life in a fun adventure that will thrill the entire family.

The Denver Mountains also boast amazing places to downhill ski, including Berthoud Pass Ski Area & Loveland Ski Area.

Denver Mountain Area is near: Bailey & Pine Area, Denver Area & Nederland

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Premium Denver Mountain Area Businesses

Argo Mill and Tunnel: Museum and Tours Web page link icon

A National Historic Site in Idaho Springs the Argo Mill and Tunnel. Gold and Gem Panning! On tours see how GOLD ORE was processed at the turn-of-the-century. Museum and Mercantile. West of Denver.

ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting Web page link icon

30 miles west of Denver a Mile Hi Scenic Mountain experience: RZR or ATV Tours all year. May-August exciting Whitewater Rafting on Clear Creek 5 miles west of Idaho Springs. Family, Expert. Free Gear use!

Echo Lake Lodge - Wildlife Watching, Restaurant, Gift Shop Web page link icon

Above Echo Lake the lodge restaurant is a must STOP for the DESSERTS and WILDLIFE watching from a window seat. Gift Shop on scenic Hwy 103 at Mount Evans Road near Idaho Springs and Evergreen.

Hitch Corner Inc, The Web page link icon

Your one-stop Shop: Trailer Hitch and Hitch Accessory for your Vehicle and RV in Littleton and Denver. Installation on-site! Vacation with ADVENTURE TOYS: Boat, ATV, travel trailer, 5th wheel, snowmobile!

Featured Denver Mountain Area Businesses

Agate Dog Inc dba Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips Web page link icon

RAFT TRIPS. Clear Creek mini-trips; closest to Denver. In the heart of the Rockies, One-day and Multi-day; Arkansas and Upper Colorado rivers. Family to Advanced. Est 1981. Metro based in Morrison.

Allenspark Lodge - Classic Mountain B&B Email link icon

Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12 rooms for romance, scrap-booking or a getaway. Near Estes Park: shop and dine. Unwind: hike, site-see, winter snowshoe.

Argo Mill and Tunnel: Museum and Tours Web page link icon

A National Historic Site in Idaho Springs the Argo Mill and Tunnel. Gold and Gem Panning! On tours see how GOLD ORE was processed at the turn-of-the-century. Museum and Mercantile. West of Denver.

ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting Web page link icon

Bailey Lodge On the South Platte River Web page link icon

Mountain Lodging along the river in Platte Canyon, Bailey, CO is on US HWY 285, close to Denver. Lodge suites: comfortable, two-room, fireplaces, WiFi, fishing. Heated swimming pool! Romantic in Winter!

Bauer's Spruce Island Chalets - Stay in Evergreen Web page link icon

Relaxing gardens with picnic area and pond 2 miles from Evergreen, in the mountains above of Denver. Bauer's Spruce Island Chalets has vacation home living with extended stay discounts. Full kitchens!

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours Web page link icon

Fun for the whole family in Georgetown! Visitors to the Capital Prize will walk through an authentic underground 1800s gold mine. During the tour, "mine" an ore specimen we open to see gold and silver.

Clear Creek Rafting Co. Email link icon

Something for everyone! 1/3-day to multi-day CO rafting tours. Whitewater trips on 2 GREAT RIVERS: Clear Creek and The Arkansas River. 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Idaho Springs and Canon City!

Colorado Bear Creek Cabins in Evergreen Web page link icon

Hello Family Vacation! Cabins! Mountains! Free WiFi! Cozy log cabins in Evergreen, Colorado: wood burning fireplace, full kitchen, private bathroom, BBQ grills. Along Bear Creek River -- on-site fly fishing.

Comfort Suites Golden West at Evergreen Parkway Web page link icon

A spectacular log and stone hotel west of Denver in the mountains at Evergreen Parkway near Golden. Relax in your luxurious comfort suites, some private balconies, hot tubs. PACKAGES: Ski or Romance.

Deer Creek Cabin - Secluded Mountain Vacation Web page link icon

Log cabin 45 miles from Denver off US 285 near Bailey in the Rocky Mountains. A secluded vacation, outdoor hot tub, watch for deer. Romantic woodburning stove heating. Secluded fishing along Elk Creek.

Denver Climbing Company - Outdoor Rock Climbing Web page link icon

Experience real outdoor rock climbing with your Colorado mountain guide. 4-hour course: all levels and ages. 20 minutes from Denver at North Table Mountain Golden Cliffs Trailhead. Equipment included.

Easter Seals Colorado-Rocky Mountain Village Email link icon

Easter Seals Colorado is 40 miles west of Denver, exit 232 off I-70. Near Winter Park, Loveland Ski Area, Idaho Springs. Group lodging in Fall, Winter, Spring at our Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, Colorado.

Echo Lake Lodge - Wildlife Watching, Restaurant, Gift Shop Web page link icon

Above Echo Lake the lodge restaurant is a must STOP for the DESSERTS and WILDLIFE watching from a window seat. Gift Shop on scenic Hwy 103 at Mount Evans Road near Idaho Springs and Evergreen.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park Web page link icon

30 miles from Denver in the mountains! 12,000 acre state park awaits you at Golden Gate Canyon: camp sites, yurts, vacation home, fishing, nature programs, mountain trails. Horses Welcome - stall available!

Grand Adventures Outdoor Activity Center: Snowmobiling, ATVing, Rafting Web page link icon

Grand Lake, Fraser Valley, Winter Park, Idaho Springs Adventures: Snowmobiling, ATVing, Rafting. Outdoor Activity Center: guided tours and self guided rentals. OUR TOURS go to the Continental Divide!

High Country Stampede Rodeo Web page link icon

2022 Saturdays: July 2nd-August 13th in Fraser: Colorado High Country Stampede -- Voted Best New CPRA Rodeo in 2021! Roping, Breakway, Bull, Barrel and Bareback Riding, Saddle Broncs, Pole Bending, Steer Wrestling.

High Country Tours: Snowmobile Tours, Snow Tubing and Unguided Rentals Web page link icon

The memory of a lifetime! Snowmobile tours, guides will take you through Colorado's high country, see awesome views of the majestic Colorado Rockies. Snowmobile Rentals and Tubing in Summit County.

Hitch Corner Inc, The Web page link icon