Click here for ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting in the Denver Mountain Area of Colorado

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

A Raft Masters Adventure Web page link icon

Rafting adventures on either The Arkansas River, 45 miles from Colorado Springs in Canon City; or, Clear Creek, 30 miles from Denver in Idaho Springs. Raft Masters FREE use of wetsuit and river-boots.

ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting Web page link icon

Fun professionally guided rafting tours on Clear Creek near Idaho Springs. Play along Clear Creek, experience scenic ATV and RZR Adventure Tours. Mile Hi is 30 miles west of Denver in the Mountains.

Colorado Trout Hunters Fly-Fishing Guide Web page link icon

Calling all trout hunters your personal guide is ready! The 2 best times to fish in Colorado; when it's rainin' and when it ain't. Guided fly-fishing trips in Denver public & private mountain trout water. Success!

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

Above Echo Lake the lodge restaurant is a must stop for the pie alone! Enjoy wildlife watching from a window seat. Gift shop. Scenic Hwy 103 at Mount Evans Road between Idaho Springs and Evergreen.

Phoenix Gold Mine Tour - Catch Gold Fever Web page link icon

CATCH GOLD FEVER at working gold mine -- A great day trip for folks in the Metro Area, a short drive from Denver, in historic Idaho Springs mining district. The Phoenix Tour seen on the Discovery Channel!

Featured Denver Mountain Area Businesses

A Raft Masters Adventure Web page link icon

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

Metro Area base in Morrison! Geo Tours is Whitewater RAFTING. Experienced staff, owners since 1981. Clear Creek mini-trips; closest to Denver, perfect family outing. GOLD MEDAL waters FISHING trips.

Allenspark Lodge - Classic Mountain B&B Email link icon

Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12-romantic rooms for retreats, getaways, scrap-booking. Come, unhook and unwind: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing.

ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting Web page link icon

Bailey Lodge On the South Platte River Web page link icon

Lodging in the mountains along the river in Platte Canyon, Bailey, CO is on Highway 285, close to Denver. Comfortable two-room lodge-suites with fireplaces, WiFi, views, fishing. Heated swimming pool!

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!

Clear Creek Rafting Co. Email link icon

Something for everyone! Whitewater trips on 2 GREAT RIVERS: The Arkansas River and Clear Creek. 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Royal Gorge and Idaho Springs! From 2 hours to multi-day rafting tours.

Colorado Bear Creek Cabins in Evergreen Web page link icon

Hello cabin, mountain lovers and WiFi users! Comfortable rustic log cabins: wood-burning fireplaces, kitchens and private bathrooms in Evergreen, Colorado. Along Bear Creek River -- On-site fishing.

Colorado Trout Hunters Fly-Fishing Guide Web page link icon

Comfort Suites Golden West at Evergreen Parkway Web page link icon

A spectacular log and stone hotel above Denver in the mountains at Evergreen Parkway west of Golden. Relax in your luxurious suites, some private balconies and hot tubs. PACKAGES for Loveland Ski Area.

Deer Creek Cabin - Secluded Mountain Vacation Web page link icon

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

Easter Seals Colorado-Rocky Mountain Village Email link icon

Easter Seals Colorado is 40 miles west of Denver, exit 232 off I-70. Near Loveland Ski Area, Winter Park, 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

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!

High Country Stampede Rodeo Web page link icon

2018 Saturdays: July 7th - August 18th in Fraser Colorado's High Country. Stampede RODEO: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronco, Bull Riding, Pole Bending, Team Calf Roping, 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.

Phoenix Gold Mine Tour - Catch Gold Fever Web page link icon

Rocky Mountain Adventures: Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, ATVing Tours Web page link icon

WILDERNESS ADVENTURES: trout fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking on the Upper Colorado River, Clear Creek, Cache la Poudre River. Side-By-Side ATV Tour in the Rocky Mountains. HQ Fort Collins.