Special Libraries Association:Side Trips
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Side Trips
Exploring Southern Metro Cenver via Light Rail
The Light Rail provides service to some outlying areas of Denver: Littleton to the south and the Denver Tech Center to the southeast. You buy your validated ticket at the station where you board using the ticket vending machines. You may be asked for your ticket at any time during your trip. If you don’t have one, you may be issued a citation with a fine of $50.00.
Driving in the Mountains
Don't worry, you don't need a 4-wheel drive SUV to visit most places in Colorado. Regular passenger vehicles will be fine on paved roads in good or moderate weather. Snow or ice is unlikely, but not unknown in early June, though usually only a problem at higher altitudes. All-wheel drive sedans and wagons, e.g. Subarus, are very popular with Colorado residents, because they handle well in bad weather or on dirt roads. If going to remote locations, verging on an off-road experience, high clearance is just as important as 4-wheel drive. So don't feel it is essential to rent a large SUV. It may actually be more of a liability if you are not used to handling one on hairpin turns, rough roads or in windy conditions. (Check your agreement with the rental company, as that may limit the roads you can drive with your vehicle anyway.) Careful driving is important no matter the type of vehicle. Four wheels can hydroplane, slide on ice or get stuck in mud as easily as two.
Roads vary greatly. Roads to popular communities or attractions, such as ski towns or resorts, are generally wide, paved and well-maintained. Steep climbs are usually direct ascents and curves and turns are gradual. Drop-offs are usually minimal and guard rails are present. As you go to more remote communities, roads are usually just two lanes wide. You may have more and sharper curves, and climbing over a mountain pass may require hairpin turns (switchbacks). Scenic routes in particular may go above treeline - the altitude at which the climate does not support tree growth (around 11,000 ft). At that point you have grand vista views, and become very aware of how high you are traveling. There may or may not be guardrails. Roads into forest or wilderness areas are often not paved and may not be maintained. Good maps will indicate the type of roads, and will mark notable high points on the route.
When climbing steep roads, monitor your engine temperature. You may want to shift into a lower gear to reduce strain on the engine. (Check the vehicle manual for guidance.) You may also need to turn off air conditioning for the same reason. (You may even need to turn on the heat temporarily to help cool the engine.) When descending steep roads, also shift into a lower gear to slow the engine and need the brakes less. Do not ride your brakes as they could overheat and fail. Maintain a safe speed going downhill, especially as vehicles traveling uphill have right-of-way on narrow roads.
Before starting any trip into the mountains, check your vehicle's fluid levels and tire pressure. Fill your gas tank. Carry water bottles with you because it is important to keep hydrated at altitude. The scenery is still beautiful because there aren't gas stations or convenience stores every mile or two to clutter the view!
Within a one hour drive
Foothills
Lariat Loop drive
Follow this 40-mile Scenic Byway from Golden to Buffalo Bill’s Grave on Lookout Mountain, across I-70 to the Hiwan Museum in Evergreen, then down Colorado Highway 74 to Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge. Note: Acrophobics probably should not drive the portion up Lookout Mountain from Golden.
The Genesee Overlook
The Genesee Overlook at Exit 254 on I-70 provides a sweeping view of the Continental Divide, and a chance to see the City of Denver’s buffalo herd.
Golden
The #16 /Golden via W Colfax bus will take you from downtown Denver to Downtown Golden
You can catch the bus at Champa Steet & 14th St (N Corner of Intersection).
In approximately 46 minutes you will be in Golden.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
NREL Visitors Center
Address: 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401-3393
Phone: (303) 384-6565
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday
Admission: Free
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Visitors Center is open to the public and includes a public reading room with current information on renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as energy-related videos for on-site viewing.
Buffalo Bill's Grave, Museum, and scenic overlook
Museum Address: 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden CO 80401
Phone: 303-526-0747
Hours: 9 - 5, daily (May - Oct)
Museum Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors (65+), $1 children 6 - 15, free children under 6
Visiting Buffalo Bill's grave and the scenic overlook are free
For a view of Denver and points east, follow the signs up U.S. 40 to Buffalo Bill's Grave at the top of Lookout Mountain.
Coors Brewery Tours
Address: 13th and Ford Street, Golden, Colorado 80401
Wheelchair accessibility available at 12th and Ford Streets
Phone: 866-812-2337 or 303-277-BEER
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays.
Admission: Always free, always interesting and samples are available at the end of the tour.
Astor House Museum
Address: 822 12th Street, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 278-3557
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm; Sunday, 1 - 4 pm
Admission: $3 for adults, youth $2.00 (6-16 years old), Seniors $2.50 (65+), 5 and under are free
A sweet little museum in an 1867 boarding house/hotel. Walk a couple of blocks north to the Clear Creek History Park as well. Then consider lunch at the Golden Hotel and watch the kayakers on Clear Creek from the patio restaurant.
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
Address: 1111 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-277-0377
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 - 4
Admission: Adult $5, Senior $4, Children 6-12 $3, 5 and under free
Began with a gift of 100 quilts from Eugenia Mitchell, who wanted her quilt collection seen and preserved. The two galleries of ever-changing fabulous quilts are worth a visit.
USGS National Earthquake Information Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus
Address: 1711 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado, 80401
Phone: 303-273-8420
Admission: Free tours, reservations required
You might even get to observe an earthquake being recorded.
Geology Museum at the Colorado School of Mines
Address: Corner of 13th and Maple St., Golden
Phone: (303) 273-3823
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday
Admission: free
All your favorite rocks, minerals and fossils are on display in an extraordinary new building.
Golden Pioneer Museum
Address: 923 10th Street, Golden, Colorado, 80401
Phone: 303-278-7151
Hours: 10am - 4:30pm, Monday through Saturday
Admission: Adults: $3, Seniors: $2, Children (6-18 yrs): $2, Children under 5: free
Located right next door to the Golden Public Library, this museum has lots to offer about the settling of the American West and Golden history.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Address: 17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403
Phone: 800-365-6263; 303-279-4591
Hours: Daily from 9 to 5
Admission: Adults: $8.00, Seniors (over 60): $7.00, Children (2 yrs to 16 yrs): $5.00, Children (under 2 yrs): Free
The library is particularly wonderful, but if you love trains, this is the place to visit.
Evergreen
Hiwan Homestead Museum
Address: 4208 S. Timbervale Drive, Evergreen, Colorado 80439
Phone: 303-674-6262
Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Hiwan Homestead has a direct link with the Denver Art Museum: Frederic Douglas of Camp Neosho (now Hiwan) started the Native American Collection at the Denver Art Museum with the Four Corners artifacts he and his father collected when he was a boy.
Historic El Rancho
Address: I-70 west, at Evergreen exit, 29260 U.S. Highway 40, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-526-0661
Hours: open daily for lunch and dinner
Have a buffalo burger while you enjoy an unbeatable view of the Continental Divide, and it's less than 40 minutes from downtown.
Morrison
Morrison Natural History Museum
Address: 501 CO Hwy 8
Phone: 303-697-1873
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday
Admission: $4
This museum offers a nice complement to the Dinosaur Ridge driving tour.
Dinosaur Ridge
Address: 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy. (Visitor Center)
Phone: (303)697-3466
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Free
See dinosaur footprints.
Red Rocks Amphitheater and Visitor Center
Address: 18300 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison CO
Visitor Center Hours: 8 am - 7 pm, May-Sept
Admission: Free (restricted access on event days; check website for schedule)
The Trading Post features photos of the 1964 Beatles concert at Red Rocks. Many hiking trails are available and the amphitheater itself is not to be missed. The Ship Rock Grille offers lunch and dinner; call for reservations (303-697-4939).
Idaho Springs
You’ll need a car to travel west on I-70 to Idaho Springs (exit 241A) , but it’s worth the trip. A funky little downtown offers shopping and restaurants. Ask at the Idaho Springs Visitor Center and Museum (2200 Miner Street) for directions to the Underhill Museum, Argo Mill, Mine and Museum, Charley Tayler Water Wheel and Edgar Mine (run by the Colorado School of Mines; call ahead to schedule a tour: 303-273-3700).
Return to Denver via the Mount Evans Scenic Byway (access fee charged for road maintenance). Drive the highest paved road in North America. Visit the Mount Goliath Alpine Gardencreated by the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Boulder
The city of Boulder lies directly at the base of the Rocky Mountains and is known as “the city nestled between the mountains and reality”. Boulder is a direct 35 miles northwest of Downtown Denver and boasts of being the hometown for the University of Colorado’s Buffaloes. The town offers a blend of urban living with a love of the outdoors and beautiful landscape. Please view website for specifics: Boulder
You don't need a car at all to get to Boulder -- just walk or take the 16th Street Mall Shuttle to Market Street Station and catch the B bus (usually Gate 8). On a Saturday this runs every half hour. You will take it to the end of the line at the Boulder (Walnut St.) Station, and walk up a block to the Pearl Street Mall and exhale. Walk either direction on the pedestrian outdoor mall for a funky good time of shopping, eating, street performers, and people watching. If it's Saturday anytime or Wednesday late afternoon, walk to 13th St and 3 blocks south to Arapahoe for our absolutely bustling (and delicious) Farmer's Market. You'll see the Boulder Creek Path at this point -- a delightful place to stroll, run, play Pooh sticks by the bridge near the Boulder Public Library near 10th St., and get run over by Pearl Izumi-clad bicyclists. Walk west up into Boulder Canyon, or east just to explore the town along the creek.
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Address: 1770 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: 303-442-4993
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday 8am – 9pm
Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for “high tea”
This authentic teahouse, donated to the city of Boulder by several sister cities in Tajikistan, is an exceptional experience and a wonderful excuse to escape a hectic day. The hand carved and hand painted ceiling are truly inspirational as well as the menu and tea selections.
Chautauqua Park & Auditorium
Address: 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: 303-442-3282
Hours: Open all year round; please call for dining reservations and cultural activities.
Chautauqua Park & Auditorium has been part of Boulder’s history since 1898; specifically as a gathering place and platform for educational and cultural forums. The association presents year round musical, theatrical, lectures, storytelling and all artistic mediums venues for the public. The area also boasts of the best hiking to be found. The year 2006 designated the Chautauqua Park & Auditorium to be a national historic landmark. There is something here for everyone.
Celestial Seasonings Tea Company
Address: 4600 Sleepytime Dr. Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303-581-1202
Tour Hours: Monday thru Saturday: 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Sunday: 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Closed major holidays.
Tours are on a first arrival basis. Groups of 8 or more, please call for a reservation.
Visit and learn the history of the beginnings of the world renowned Celestial Seasonings. Enjoy viewing the Art Gallery showcasing the many illustrations presented on Celestial Seasonings packaging. During the tour you can sample old favorites and new tea flavors. The gift shop offers many gourmet selections in teas and foods.
Downtown Boulder – Pearl Street
Address: Boulder, CO 80302, see website for directions
Phone: 303-449-3774
Hours: Open Every day; Dining includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
more info
Downtown Boulder lies in the heart of the city and includes the Boulder Creek and well as the four-block pedestrian mall. Sights include shopping, dining, street entertainers, galleries and wonderful gardens. Stroll down these blocks and you will be amazed at the varying sights.
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Address: 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO 80307
Phone: 303-497-1174, group reservations 303-497-1173
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 5:00
Weekends and Holidays: 9:00 – 4:00
Wheel-chair accessible.
Free admission and open year round, tours are available.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is a working laboratory which focuses on the atmosphere and its relationship to our environment. It includes hands-on educational exhibits, self-guided audio tours and introduction to the other related division, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
For movie aficionados, the NCAR building (designed by I. M. Pei) was included in the filming of Woody Allen’s movie “Sleeper”.
Fiske Planetarium and Science Center/Sommer Bausch Observatory
Address: University of Colorado, Boulder Co 80309; for specific directions visit: Directions
Phone: 303-492-5002
For Recorded Show Information 303-492-5001
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 - 5:00
Admission:Live Talk/Star Shows
Adults: $6.00
Students: $5.00 (must present Student ID)
Seniors/Children: $3.50
Laser Shows (Fridays):
All ages: $5.00
Family Shows (Daytime):
Adults: $5.00
Seniors/Children: $3.50
Lobby (Daytime) - FREE:
Adults: $3.00
Seniors/Children: $2.00 Suggested donation for all-day admission
The Fiske Planetarium is not only a first class observatory lab but offers much more than a typical planetarium. Start with witnessing laser shows to the tune of the Beatles, Pink Floyd or the Dave Matthews Band or the audience may customize music to their liking. Attend the weekly shows, special concerts, oral presentations by world renowned scientists, special planned events and the famous star shows. Schedules are updated frequently, please check website for current events. Current schedule
Open Space and Parks
Denver Mountain Parks extend the city's park space into true open space not far from its borders. The most notable parks for visitors are: Genesee and Daniels, for their bison herds; Red Rocks for its geological formations and famous amphitheatre; Lookout Mountain for its scenic views of Denver and the plains and Buffalo Bill's gravesite; and Echo Lake and Summit Lake on the road to the top of Mt. Evans.
Jefferson County Open Space Taxpayers in Jefferson County pay one-half of one percent on sales to fund Open Space lands and waters for outdoor recreation, education and conservation. There is no fee to use Open Space lands. List of Open Space parks and maps From an easy stroll around Crown Hill lake, to the dramatic rock formations of South Valley, to the more strenuous Table Mountain trails, Jefferson County Open Space has something for everyone.
Boulder County Open Space Boulder County has a similar Open Space program. Maps Boulder Open Space activities fishing and hiking on the many dog-friendly trails.
Colorado State Parks There are several State Parks within the Denver Metro area, or within easy driving distance, including Barr Lake for eagle watching, Castlewood Canyon for hiking, Chatfield and Cherry Creek for boating, Roxborough for wildlife watching and tranquility, and Eldorado Canyon for rock climbing on sheer canyon walls above a cascading mountain stream. A daily fee or pass is required for entry.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers hiking, camping, and unrivaled Rocky Mountain scenery at elevations ranging from 8,000 to over 14,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake is the highest paved continuous highway in the United States.
Mountain Summits
There are over 50 peaks above 14,000 feet in Colorado. All of them can be hiked or climbed with varying degrees of difficulty, and dedicated mountaineers make it a life's goal to climb them all. (I think you get a t-shirt!) For the less hardy among us (or for those new to the mountains' altitude and sudden weather changes) it is probably best to use the roads that allows you to drive to the top of two of them. Getting to the entrance to these roads from Denver takes about 1 to 1.5 hours; it will take at least 2-3 hours to drive to the top and back down.
Mount Evans, at 14,264, is the highest paved road in North America but reaches a dead end at the summit. (So Trail Ridge Road gets to brag about being the highest through road.) It is part of the Scenic Byways system, has an access fee, and is accessible from I-70, west of Denver (see Idaho Springs above). The road is closed in the winter, but usually reopens (i.e. is plowed) by Memorial day. Which means that in early June you are likely to encounter snow piles on your way up. Hopefully, you'll also encounter fauna like mountain goats, or big horn sheep. And if you see a quick flash of fur from the corner of your eye, it is probably a marmot. Also, though the road is safe and popular, if you are acrophobic, you should probably not be the driver once above tree line.
Pike's Peak, at 14,110 feet, is famous for inspiring Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" and for an annual motor race each July. Though in the Colorado Springs area, its rounded peak is easily visible from Denver on a clear day. There is a fee to use the road, which begins off Hwy 24, in the town of Cascade, just west of Colorado Springs. The road is not paved the whole way, but is well-maintained. The mountain is accessible most of the year. For acrophobics, though driving above tree line is probably not recommended, it is probably better than Mt. Evans. Discount coupons are available at this site - http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com/. You can also take a cog railway to the top from Manitou Springs.
Within a two hour drive
Cheyenne, Wyoming
About
Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming and its largest city (2005 pop. 55,731). Cheyenne was founded in 1867 by Major General Grenville Dodge, the chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1869, Cheyenne became the capital of the Territory of Wyoming. It became the state capital in 1890.
How to Get to Cheyenne from Denver
The fastest and easiest way to get to Cheyenne from Denver is to get on Interstate-25 heading north. Cheyenne is 90 miles directly north of Denver. The trip takes approximately 1 ½ hours, depending on Denver traffic. Cheyenne has none.
For the adventurous, small 15-seat prop planes do fly from Denver International Airport to the Cheyenne Regional Airport. The flight is not recommended for those with weak stomachs or those who hate roller coaster rides. Great Lakes Airlines operates the 40 minute flights (about 20 minutes of actual flying time) and code shares with Frontier and United.
Things to Do in Cheyenne
State Capitol Building
2301 Central Avenue
(307) 777-7220
Completed in 1888 before Wyoming was a state, the Wyoming State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark. The Capitol is open to the public 8am-5pm Monday – Friday.
Union Pacific Railroad Depot
121 W. 15th Street
(307) 632-3905
A recently renovated National Historic Landmark, home to the Cheyenne Depot Museum, a visitor center, and the Snake River Pub & Grill. The plaza in front of the depot hosts concerts and other events during the summer.
Historic Trolley Tours
121 W. 15th Street
(800) 426-5009
Narrated, 90-minute tours of historic Cheyenne. Purchase tickets in the Depot and tours leave from the Depot Plaza. $10 adults/$5 children. There is also a horse-drawn carriage tour option.
Old West Museum & Store
4610 North Carey Avenue
(307) 778-7290
Located in Frontier Park on the grounds of Cheyenne Frontier Days, the historic rodeo called the “Daddy of ‘em All”®. Includes a large display of horse-drawn carriages and exhibits on the history of the CFD rodeo which was established in 1897.
Historic Governor’s Mansion
300 East 21st Street
(307) 777-7878
Home to Wyoming governors from 1905 to 1976. Open 9am-5pm Tuesday – Saturday. No charge.
Terry Bison Ranch
51 I-25 Service Road
(307) 634-4171
Located 7 miles south of Cheyenne off I-25, this ranch is home to more than 2,000 bison. Take a tour through the herd from the safety of a vehicle. The ranch also has “horses, longhorn steer, camels, llamas, ostriches, emu, chickens, turkeys, turkins (1/2 turkey-1/2 chicken), peacocks, donkeys, goats, and beefalo (1/2 buffalo-1/2 steer).”
Places to Eat in the Downtown Cheyenne Area
Capitol Grille
1600 Central Avenue
Gourmet restaurant located in the historic Plains Hotel, not a budget choice.
Snake River Pub & Grill
115 W 15th Street
Located inside the historic Union Pacific Depot, includes microbrewery.
Poor Richard’s
2233 E. Lincolnway
Fine dining specializing in steaks and seafood.
Sanford’s Grub & Pub
115 E. 17th Street
Eclectic décor with a huge menu. Look for the back-end of a pickup truck hanging over the entrance.
Sagebrush Sandwich Co
102 E. 19th Street
Small shop, great chili.
The Egg & I
2300 Carey Avenue
Regional chain serving breakfast and lunch.
Taco John’s
2220 Carey Avenue
Why fast food? The chain is headquartered in Cheyenne.
See http://www.cheyennenetwork.com/entertainment/dining/ for more dining options.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
United States Air Force Academy
A trip to the United States Air Force Academy, located just north of Colorado Springs and 59 miles south of Denver, is a great opportunity to visit one of the country’s four military training academies in a gorgeous mountain setting. Visitors are allowed in certain parts of the academy, such as the beautiful Cadet Chapel, Field House, Honors Court, and Visitors Center. There are some hiking trails open to the public. Visitors must enter through the North Gate, 14 miles north of Colorado Springs, at Exit 156B off of Interstate 25.
Free Admission.
Visitors Center hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Cadet Chapel hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
For more information, call the Visitor’s Center at 719-333-2025.
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods Park, located 70 mi. (1hr./15mins.) South of Denver, it is a Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the summer and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the winter.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter months and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Both the Park and Visitor Center are Free and open to the public.
1805 N 30th Street (at Gateway Rd.) Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.634.6666 Directions
A visit to the web site Garden of the Gods provides a video, “Gateway to the Park,” which is almost like being there in addition to links to information such as: Picnics, Biking, Guided Tours, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing Regulations, Trails and Hiking, and Park History.
Pikes Peak
See entry for Pikes Peak above under Mountain Summits.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is located between the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, 65 Miles south of Denver. Nine named mineral springs throughout town are fed by the snows of Pikes Peak. Manitou Springs has many unique Victorian bed & breakfasts, dozens of artisans and galleries, and more. The Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway will take you to the top of Pikes Peak, elevation 14,110. At the Cave of the Winds, you will descend "into the colorful depths of Colorado." The Flying "W" Ranch Chuck Wagon Cowboy Show will is a fun western treat for the family.
http://www.manitousprings.org/
Estes Park
Estes Park, a small mountain town of 5,400 people, sits at 7,522 feet elevation. It is a charming little mountain town that serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is on the scenic Big Thompson River (great fishing), and Lake Estes offers fun paddle boats and pontoon boat rentals, weather permitting. Horseback riding is also available. The picturesque and infamous Stanley Hotel, rumored to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining overlooks the town. Wander along the town’s Main Street, filled with shops including outdoor sporting goods, t-shirt shops, art galleries, and homemade candy. The Salt Water Taffy shop on Main Street is a tradition for families who return to Estes Park year after year. Estes Park is an hour and a half hour drive from Denver. Plan on a whole day trip, especially if including Rocky Mountain National Park. Directions from Denver: drive north on Interstate 25, go west on Highway CO66 to Lyons, then continue west on Highway CO36 into Estes Park. Highway 66 and 36 are two-lane highways, easy to travel on, although Highway 36 has some minor mountain driving (winding curves - but not bad). Once in Estes Park, follow the signs for Rocky Mountain National Park, there are two entrances accessible from Estes Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The National Park service website has the best information on the park.
http://www.nps.gov/romo/
We have learned that there will be some road work on Trail Ridge Road:
"from May 29 through June 29, construction work from Deer Ridge to Rainbow Curve could have some motorists seeing 20 to 30 minute delays.
The National Park Service says it is possible several stretches of Trail Ridge will be under construction simultaneously, but the worst delays will not exceed one hour.
"We don't expect to do that often, but there may be several areas under construction at the same time," said Arnold."
Vail
Vail is about a two hour drive away, via I-70 West. The ski town is a lot of fun in the summer also. You can ride the gondola up the mountain for a great view and some fun hikes.
http://www.vailsoft.com/vail/summer.html
http://www.mtvacations.com/SummerVail.html
Within a three hour drive
Royal Gorge
The world's highest suspension bridge is a true Rocky Mountain High! Add in a theme park, world's the longest single-span Aerial Tram, the world's steepest Incline Railway and now , the world's highest Skycoaster®.
http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/
Southeastern Colorado
Southeastern Colorado
Big Timbers Museum
Address: Hwy 287 and Hwy 50 one mile north of Lamar Colorado.
Phone: 719-336-2472
Summer Hours:Monday through Saturday 9a.m.-5 p.m. (June 1 through Sept 1) The museum features artifacts and exhibits of the history and legacy of the High Plains of Eastern Colorado.
Kit Carson Museum
Address: Bent Avenue and 9th Street, PO Box 68, Las Animas, CO,
Phone: 719-456-2507
Hours: From Memorial Day to Labor Day the museum is open from 12:00PM - 4:00PM, 7 days a week.
The Kit Carson Museum opened in 1961 and operates mostly on private donations from visitors.
Bents Fort National Historic Site
6 miles east of La Junta
Summer hours: (June 1 through August 31): 8:00 A.M to 5:30 P.M.
Living History Tour $3.00 per adult, $2.00 for children 6 to 12 years of age with children under 6 years of age free. The National Park, Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle passes are accepted.
Originally constructed in 1893, this adobe fort was reconstructed in 1976. If you can’t make it to the original, you can visit The Fort restaurant outside of Denver and enjoy a delicious western meal in 21st century luxury.
Koshare Indian Museum & Kiva in La Junta
On the Campus of Otero Junior College
Address: 115 West 18th Street
Phone: 729-384 4411 or 800-693-5482
Boy Scout Troop 232 reenacts Indian dancing every summer Sunday at the museum.
Picketwire Canyonlands
35 miles south of La Junta
See the longest mapped site of dinosaur tracks in North America 1,300 dinosaur prints in a quarter mile.
Junkrassic Park
Address: 355574 County Road JJ, Cheraw Colorado
Phone: 719-853-6519
Jonnie Allen, a retired farmer, has created over eighty junk sculptures including a 12 foot giraffe; John L Weigh; the “Duke” Jon Way-In; and a 15 foot Statue of Liberty.
Petrified Wood Gas Station
Address: 501 N Main St, Lamar Intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and 287.
Built in 1933 out of petrified trees and featured in Ripley’s believe it or not column. No museum, just a really interesting gas station. It no longer operates as a gas station, and holds the offices of a used car lot.
Other interesting ideas
Colorado Ghost Towns
Colorado has a long history of boom-and-bust in the mining industry, even to modern times. When a strike occurred, settlements would quickly appear, only to disappear almost as quickly when the strike panned out. Other towns played important roles in the early settlement of the West, but faded as times changed. While some towns have been able to find other sources of riches, such as skiing or gambling, the Ghost Towns of Colorado are remnants of those heady frontier times.
The towns are preserved to varying degrees, from recreated tourist attractions to a few walls and boards that seem to have defied wind and gravity for decades. Visiting these towns can give you a sense of the isolation and hardship faced by residents, while surrounded by great natural beauty.
Colorado Wineries
Yes, Colorado has wineries! In recent decades, vintners have taken advantage of modern techniques in winemaking to make the most of Colorado soil and weather to produce quality wines.
Colorado viniculture originated in Western Colorado, around Grand Junction. Not surprising, as that Grand Valley area is also the home of many fruit orchards. More recently, a number of wineries have been established along the Front Range from Denver to Fort Collins.
For a quick trip, the Front Range wineries are your best bet, as they can be combined with a tour of the eastern face of the Rockies. If you are planning a longer tour to our western border, consider visiting the wineries in the Grand Valley AVA or West Elks AVA. Tour maps are available at http://www.coloradowine.com/
Hike the Colorado Trail
Check out this article about some of the most popular segments of the trail.
Foothills geology and fossil sites
The Denver area is known for geology and accessible fossil sites. From Denver, you can see the Foothills and the Rocky Mountains; a short drive takes you to rocks that are millions (or even billions) of years old, and fossils from the age of the dinosaurs. Want some background? Starting points include Ancient Denvers and Ancient Colorado online exhibits from the Denver Museum of Science and Nature, and the Colorado Geological Survey link to Colorado Geology. Also see Open Space and Parks; many were created or preserved because of their interesting geology.
Dinosaur Ridge and Virtual tour
Address: 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: (303) 697-3466
Hours: Visitor Center: Monday – Saturday 9 – 5; Sunday 11 – 5; interpretive trail sunup to sundown
Admission to Visitor Center and interpretive trail: Free, donations appreciated
Trackways of several dinosaurs are preserved on the east side of the Dakota Hogback; 150 million year old dinosaur bones can be seen in the rock on the west side, overlooking Red Rocks Park.
Triceratops Trail
Address: Highway 6 in Golden, next to the Fossil Trace Golf Course
An easy self-guided ½ mile walking trail takes you by fossils of large palm fronds and Triceratops tracks. Before reclamation, the area was a clay pit mine for over 100 years.
Morrison Natural History Museum
Address: 501 Colorado Highway 8, Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: 303-697-1873
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm; closed Sunday and Monday
Admission: Adult (13-64): $4.00; Senior (65+): $3.00; Youth (2-12): $3.00; Child (0-1): Free
Exhibits include dinosaurs and fossil digs (past and present) from the region.
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Address: On the corner of 13th and Maple St., Golden, Colorado
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am - 4pm; Sunday: 1pm - 4pm
Phone: 303-273-3823
Admission: Free
Self guided campus geology walking tour available
I-70 Roadcut
A few miles west of Denver, I-70 begins its climb into the Colorado Rockies. The I-70 roadcut on both sides of the highway cuts the Dakota Hogback, exposing rocks of the Morrison Formation and the Dakota Group.
The Santa Fe Trail: Mountain Branch
The Santa Fe Trail: Mountain Branch is a portion of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail that runs from Missouri through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado to New Mexico.
The trail commemorates a route that played an important role in the commercial and military history of the American Southwest.
Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways
The specially designated Scenic and Historic Byways are car routes that make it a lot easier to explore the history and scenery on the backroads of Colorado. They range from as short as 19 miles and 30 minutes to as long as 486 miles over 2-3 days. (That does not include travel time to the start of the byway.) Some are closed in winter, while others are open year-round, though they may shine best during certain seasons, such as during fall color. Some are entirely on paved roads, while a few recommend 4-wheel drive, or are not for the acrophobic.
Many are accessible off the major highways in the state. (If you are arriving in Colorado by car, definitely check the map on the website to see which ones involve a minor detour from your route.) For those of you planning excursions from Denver, the closest are Guanella Pass, Mount Evans, and Peak-to-Peak.
Out of the Ordinary
Do you want to see more than museums and historical sites while you are in Denver? Here is a list of some of the odder or out-of-the-way tourist attractions around the state. You will need a car to visit most of these places:
Denver area
Casa Bonita
Address: 6715 West Colfax Avenue
Phone: 303-232-5115
Hours: 10:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. Sunday – Thursday. Open until 10:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday
There are many Mexican restaurants in the Denver area with better food, but none with the entertainment excesses available at Casa Bonita . After grabbing your meal, check out the cliff divers, escaping gorillas, cowboy shootouts, puppet shows, flame jugglers, lost caves and caverns, amusement arcade and more.
Bus route from downtown:
Buckhorn Exchange
Address 10th and Osage.
Phone: 303-534-9505.
Founded by one of Buffalo Bill’s scouts in 1893, and proud holder of Colorado Liquor License Number One (check behind the bar), the Buckhorn is a local favorite. Be prepared to dine with 517 mounted animal trophies and 120 antique firearms. The menu features game in the form of buffalo, elk, rattlesnake and even yak, but also serves up some giant beef steaks. If you are feeling adventuresome, try out the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_oysters Rocky Mountain oysters; (not exactly a seafood entrée). Atmosphere is casual. Lunch Monday thru Friday 11am to 2pm. Dinner seven days a week after 5pm. Be careful at night, the neighborhood is not as safe as the downtown area. You can take the Light Rail to the Buckhorn Exchange. Both the "D" and the "C" lines stop at the Buckhorn, directly across the street from the 10th and Osage Station
Mountains
Tiny Town
An entire town of 1/6th size buildings nestled in the mountains 30 minutes from downtown Denver, complete with a operating miniature railroad. Tiny Town now has a live webcam - check it out !
Summer Hours: 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Admission: Adults $3.00 Children 2-12 $2.00 Under 2 Free TRAIN FARE $1.00
Directions: Take Hwy 285 south, toward the mountains, for 6 miles. Exit at North Turkey Creek Road. Turn left (east) and go under Highway 285 and proceed to a stop sign and turn left on South Turkey Creek Road. Go approximately ½ mile and Tiny Town is on the left. There is another exit off of Highway 285 directly to South Turkey Creek Road but you must make a left turn from 285 and cross two lanes of traffic. This exit will also get you to Tiny Town in about ½ mile from the intersection of 285 and South Turkey Creek.
Coney Island Hot Dog Stand
Have you ever eaten a hot dog inside a building shaped like a hot dog? Drive further up Highway 285 to Bailey Colorado to visit the Coney Island Hot Dog Stand. The stand was moved from Denver to Aspen Park in 1969 and was recently moved further up the road to Bailey in March 2005. This local favorite should be back in business, June 2006.
Bishop’s Castle
Rye Colorado
The work of one man over thirty six years, you have to see it to believe it. Jim Bishop’s modest a one room stone cottage has become a true castle with a grand ballroom, intricate ironwork and a fire-breathing dragon perched on an 80 foot tower.
May Natural History Museum
9 miles west of Colorado Springs at 710 Rock Creek Canyon Road
Phone: 719-576-0450
We just call it the Bug Museum. The first bug you will see is a 16 foot tall Hercules beetle at then entrance to the RV Park and May Museum. (Real Hercules beetles are only 8 inches long.) This family owned museum holds over 7,000 insects.
Cano's Castle
Antonito U.S. Highway 285, approximately 30 miles south of Alamosa and an hour north of Taos New Mexico.
Visit this castle, complete with king, queen and rook sculptures, made mostly of beer cans and other assorted junk yard materials. You don't need an address to find the castle, you can see it from main street.
The Worlds Largest Rocking Chair (maybe)
A 21 foot tall rocking chair outside of Doxey’s Apple Shed Mercantile and Café in Penrose. It Weighs 9,100 pounds , and measures 14 feet across. There is a big rocking chair in Texas, which is 5 feet taller, but it only measures 12 feet 7 inches across and weighs only 8,000 pounds.
Highway 115 about a mile north of the U.S. Highway 50 Intersection.
UFO Watchtower and Campground
Located 2 1/2 miles north of Hooper, CO on HWY 17 in the San Luis Valley
Primative Camping Available
Phone: 719-378-2271
The Original Hard Rock Café
Address: 18 E. Park Ave. Empire, CO 80438
Phone: 303-569-3450
Hours: Monday - Sunday ~ 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
This local café has been around since 1934. Great place for breakfast if you are headed up to the mountains for a hike.
Mt. Massive Golf Course
Play a round at North America’s highest golf course.
Address: 259 County Road 5, Leadville, CO 80461-9753
Phone: 719-486-2176
Email: info@mtmassivegolf.com
Reservations highly recommended ! Tee times may be booked up to 7 days in advance. Pre-paid groups and local lodging establishments may make arrangements one year in advance.
Eastern Colorado
Junkrassic Park
Address: 355574 County Road JJ, Cheraw Colorado
Phone: 719-853-6519
Jonnie Allen, a retired farmer, has created over eighty junk sculptures including a 12 foot giraffe; John L Weigh; the “Duke” Jon Way-In; and a 15 foot Statue of Liberty.
Petrified Wood Gas Station
Address: 501 N Main St, Lamar Intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and 287.
Built in 1933 out of petrified trees and featured in Ripley’s believe it or not column. No museum, just a really interesting gas station . It no longer operates as a gas station, and holds the offices of a used car lot.
Other Western Attractions
Moab UT: Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
Moab is near the central eastern edge of Utah, just south of I-70. It is the gateway city to two outstanding national parks, Canyonlands and Arches. Both have breathtaking formations and features from eroded sedimentry rock, especially red sandstone. It is amazing the flora and fauna that live in what appears at first to be a barren landscape.
As its name suggest, Arches is full of massive arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. It is a small park, so highlights can be viewed in a few hours, with minimal stopping and hiking. Most trails to major formations are easy or moderate.
Though it lacks the almost stunning "grandness" of the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands is another example of the power of wind and water (the Colorado river and its tributaries). It includes still impressive canyons, mesas, arches, and buttes. It is a large park. Only a small portion is paved and developed, though that is enough to occupy hours or days. A large portion of the park is left under rougher conditions and exploring those areas requires appropriate vehicles and equipment; some areas are not recommended for inexperienced wilderness novices.
Moab is primarily a tourist town and is full of hotels and services for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a pretty easy 6 hour drive from Denver (not including time to stop at scenery along the way). Take I-70 west into Utah. Take exit 214 or 204 to Route 128 south for the scenic (but slower) route along the Colorado river. Or continue on I-70 to exit 182 and take Routes 163/191 south on the faster more direct route to Moab. Main entrances to the parks are just north of the town.
Grand Canyon
It's only 12 hours away !
http://www.nps.gov/grca/
Most people visit the south side of the canyon. If you have the extra time, go to the north side instead. You will approach the canyon through a deliciously cool forest on the north mesa.
Salt Lake City
Eight hours away. Take I-25 north to Cheyenne, then head west on I-80.
http://www.slctravel.com/
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park, established in 1872. Highlights include extraordinary geysers , including Old Faithful, and a collection of amazing hot springs. A great place to see wildlife (from the road)go hiking, fishing and experience the great western outdoors. If you plan to stay in the park, make reservations as soon as you can.
http://www.nps.gov/yell/
