Denver Mountain Area - North Central Colorado
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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.
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.
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
Premium Denver Mountain Area Businesses
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.
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!
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.
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
Metro Area base in Morrison! Geo Tours is Whitewater RAFTING. Experienced staff, owners since 1981. Clear Creek mini-trips; closest to Denver. GOLD MEDAL waters FISHING trips. Perfect family outing.
Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12-romantic rooms for retreats, getaways, scrap-booking. Mountain Cabins. Unwind: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
Something for everyone! 2-hours 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!
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.
A spectacular log and stone hotel above Denver in the mountains at Evergreen Parkway west of Golden. Relax in your luxurious comfort suites, some private balconies, hot tubs. PACKAGES: Loveland Ski Area.
Log cabin 45 miles from Denver off Hwy 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.
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 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.
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.
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 Lake, Fraser Valley, Winter Park, Kremmling, Idaho Springs Adventures: Snowmobiling, ATVing, Rafting. Outdoor Activity Center: guided tours, self guided rentals. Our tours go to the Continental Divide!
2020 Saturdays: July 4th - August 15th in Fraser -- Colorado High Country Stampede RODEO: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronco, Bull Riding, Pole Bending, Team Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling.
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.
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!
WILDERNESS ADVENTURES start in Fort Collins: rocky mountain whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Cache la Poudre River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado. Family Fun!
For more travel information contact:
Denver Mountain Area Activities & Maps
National Historic Sites and Landmarks:
Summit Lake National Natural Landmark
Red Rocks Park National Historic Landmark
Scenic Byways:
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Lariat Loop Scenic Byway
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Seasonal Attractions:
National Western Stock Show
High Country Stampede Rodeo
Rafting & Kayaking:
Clear Creek River Rafting & Kayaking
Hot Springs:
Denver Mountain Area Hot Springs
Ski Areas & Resorts:
Berthoud Pass Ski Area
Loveland Ski Area
Local Area Maps:
Denver Mountain Area Map
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