FEATURED AREAS
LOVELAND PASS
HERMAN GULCH
BAKERVILLE
SILVER PLUME
GEORGETOWN
GUANELLA PASS
EMPIRE
JONES PASS | BERTHOUD PASS
LAWSON | DOWNIEVILLE | DUMONT
ST. MARY’S GLACIER | ALICE
IDAHO SPRINGS
MOUNT EVANS RECREATION AREA
HIDDEN VALLEY
CENTRAL CITY
CLEAR CREEK CANYON
BLACK HAWK
FLOYD HILL | BEAVER BROOK
EL RANCHO | EVERGREEN
MOUNTAIN Summer/Fall 2022 DININGGUIDE LODGINGGUIDE SHOPPINGGUIDE RECREATION MAPS CAMPINGINFO CLEAR CREEK COUNTY FREE Mount Bierstadt 14,065-feet INTERSTATE EXIT INFO & GUIDE
GUIDE
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
ALL EMERGENCIES: CALL 9-1-1
STATE/FEDERAL
State Highway Conditions
303-639-1111 • cotrip.org
Colorado State PatrolGolden Post
1096 McIntyre St., Golden
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-273-1616
www.colorado.gov
Forest Service Information
970-295-6600
fs.usda.gov/arp
SILVER PLUME
Silver Plume Town Hall
710 Main St • 303-569-2363
silverplumeco.com
GEORGETOWN
Gateway Visitor Center
1491 Argentine Street
303-569-2405
georgetowntrust.org
Georgetown Community Center & Visitor Info.
613 6th St. • 303-569-2888
town.georgetown.co.us
GEORGETOWN POLICE
& Georgetown Town Hall
404 6th Street
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-569-2555
town.georgetown.co.us
EMPIRE
EMPIRE POLICE & Empire City Hall
30 E. Park Avenue
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-569-2281
Town Hall: 303-569-2978
empirecogov.us
Empire Visitor Center
30 E. Park Avenue
IDAHO SPRINGS
Idaho Springs Heritage
Museum & Visitor Center
2060 Miner Street
303-567-4382
historicidahosprings.com
Idaho Springs City Hall
1711 Miner Street
303-567-4421
colorado.gov/idahosprings
IDAHO SPRINGS POLICE
3000 Colo. Blvd.
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-567-4291
colorado.gov/idahosprings
CENTRAL CITY
CENTRAL CITY FIRE DEPT.
116 Lawrence Street
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-582-3473 centralcityfire.com
Central City Hall
141 Nevada St. 303-582-5251
centralcity.colorado.gov
Central City Visitor Center
103 Eureka St.
303-582-3345
BLACK HAWK
BLACK HAWK POLICE
221 Church St.
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-582-5878 cityofblackhawk.org/ police-department
Black Hawk Town Hall
201 Selak St. • 303-582-2221 cityofblackhawk.org
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY
Clear Creek County Bus
Transit - RoundAbout
303-679-2552
www.co.clear-creek. co.us/857/RoundAbout-Bus-Service
Clear Creek County Government
405 Argentine Street, Georgetown
303-679-2300
co.clear-creek.co.us
Clear Creek County
Open Space
401 Argentine Street, Georgetown • 303-679-2305
co.clear-creek.co.us
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY SHERIFF
405 Argentine Street, Georgetown
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-679-2376
clearcreeksheriff.us
CLEAR CREEK EMS & AMBULANCE
405 Argentine Street, Georgetown
Non-Emergency
Phone: 303-679-4215
co.clear-creek.co.us
CLEAR CREEK
FIRE AUTHORITY
681 C.R. 308, Dumont
Non-Emergency Phone: 303-567-4342 clearcreekfire.com
Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District
98 12th Ave., Idaho Springs 303-567-4822
clearcreekrecreation.com
EVERGREEN/ JEFFERSON COUNTY
JEFFERSON CO. SHERIFF, MOUNTAIN PRECINCT
4990 County Hwy. 73
Non-Emergency Phone: 720-497-7850
jeffco.us/sheriff
EVERGREEN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
1802 Bergen Parkway
Non-Emergency Phone: 303-674-3145
evergreenfirerescue.com
Jefferson County Government
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden 303-271-6511 • jeffco.us
Evergreen Area
Chamber of Commerce/ Visitor Information
1524 Belford Ct. 303-674-3412
evergreenchamber.org
Downtown Evergreen 303-670-9207
downtownevergreen.com
GILPIN COUNTY
GILPIN COUNTY SHERIFF
2960 Dory Hill Road
Non-Emergency Phone: 303-582-5500 or 303-582-5511
gilpincountysheriff.com
CONTENTS
2 Clear Creek County
3 Summer and Fall Activities
5 Back Country Safety
7 National Forest Camping
7 Know Before You Go
11 Mining Attractions
14 Jones Pass / Berthoud Pass
16 Whitewater Rafting
17
PUBLISHER
Wideawake Media, Inc.
Wideawake Media, Inc.
P.O. Box 99, Rollinsville, CO 80474 OFFICE: (720) 443-8606
CELL: (720) 560-6249
issuu.com/wideawakemedia
mtnadventureguide@gmail.com
We regret any mistakes, typos or incorrect information. If you find a mistake, let us know so we do not make it again. All information in the Mountain Adventure Guide is subject to change.
©2022 Wideawake Media, Inc.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 1
High Altitude Tips
County Recreation Map
Scenic Drives 34 Casino Gaming 37 Fishing 39-40 Lodging Guide 41-45 Food & Drink Guide 45-48 Shopping Guide
AREAS
Loveland Pass | Exit 216
Herman Gulch | Exit 218
Bakerville | Exit 221
Silver Plume | Exit 226
10 Georgetown | Exit 228
Guanella Pass Area | Exit 228
Empire / U.S. 40 | Exit 232
Lawson | Exit 233
Downieville | Exit 234
Dumont | Exit 235
Fall River Road/St. Mary’s | Exit 238 18 Idaho Springs – West | Exit 239
26 Idaho Springs – Historic District | Exit 240 22 Mount Evans Recreation Area 26 Idaho Springs – East | Exit 241 28 Hidden Valley / Central City | Exit 243 30 Clear Creek Canyon / U.S. 6 | Exit 244 32 Black Hawk | Exit 244 35 Floyd Hill | Exit 247 35 Beaver Brook | Exit 248 36 El Rancho | Exit 251 36 Evergreen Parkway | Exit 252 38 Evergreen – Downtown | Exit 252
Jeffrey V. Smith ADVERTISING SALES Jennifer Smith
24-25
27
FEATURED
4
4
5
6
8,
12
13
14
15
16
17
20,
EDITOR/DESIGNER
WELCOME TO CLEAR CREEK COUNTY
For anyone looking for a mountain adventure, Clear Creek County has a lot to offer. Its unparalleled, year-round outdoor recreational opportunities and historic, Victorian-era towns featuring popular restaurants, bars, stores and lodging help make it the best of Colorado in one place.
Although many people first discover the county’s offerings while driving through it on Interstate 70 to points further west, once they experience its significant world-class amenities and abundant, easy-to-get-to, year-round recreation opportunities, Clear Creek County soon becomes the destination.
Made up of more than 75 percent public land — including four 14ers, more than 100 miles of some of the state’s best multi-use trails and almost 200,000 acres of federal forest land — Clear Creek County offers an unequaled variety and quality of outdoor recreation.
In summer, choose from activities including adventure parks and zip lines, ATV tours, bicycling, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, hunting, mine tours and
KYGT RADIO 102.7/103.9 FM
Clear Creek County community radio station KYGT, known as "The Goat," provides broadcast entertainment, news and information with a laidback Clear Creek attitude. Volunteer DJs play what they like and everything goes. Listen while in the county or stream online. For a schedule and information, visit clearcreekradio.com.
MAPS
The maps in this guide are for general reference only and to help navigate Interstate 70 exits in Clear Creek County. Consider a smartphone map app, Forest Service maps — available online at fs.usda.gov/main/arp/maps-pubs — or maps found at local outdoor stores and the Visitor Center in Idaho Springs for more precise information. A reliable topographic map and compass should always accompany anyone on any trip to the backcountry. Keep in mind, cell phones and GPS receivers rely on technology that is subject to failure in the mountains including dead batteries and limited cell service.
gold panning, mountaineering, leaf viewing, OHV driving, picnicking, rafting, scenic driving, wildlife viewing and more.
This guide is filled with as much information and destination suggestions as space allows, but it only scratches the surface. Use the information provided here as a starting point for discovering all Clear Creek County has to offer.
To learn more about the businesses, places and attractions mentioned here, call or visit the listed websites. Also, the Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau website, visitclearcreek.com, and county trail site, co.clear-creek.co.us/884/Trails, provide additional information including maps, trail descriptions and more.
AVENZA MAPS
Avenza Maps is a mobile map app that allows users to download maps from all over the world for offline use on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets. Clear Creek County maps and information are available. Track locations on any map. Plot and record information about locations, import and export place marks, measure distance and area, and plot photos.
COTREX:
COLORADO TRAIL EXPLORER APP
Available for free at trails. colorado.gov, COTREX offers the most comprehensive trail maps available for the state and is built with data from over 230 trail managers. Clear Creek County maps and information are available. View trails by uses, browse featured routes, download off-line maps and more. Visit cpw.state.co.us/CTS for more information.
2 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 EXIT SERVICES & AMENITIES GAS FOOD LODGING BAR BREWERY DISPENSARY PICNIC AREA VISITOR CENTER DOG FRIENDLY PLAYGROUND MUSEUM LIBRARY RANGER STATION SCENIC OVERLOOK ATM/BANK BOAT ACCESS CHARGING STATION MEADERY
2 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
Clear Creek County
SUMMER & FALL RECREATION
Clear Creek County features a wide range of summer and fall recreation options from quiet backcountry trails to active adventure parks, many of which are among the state’s more popular due to easy access and options for all abilities. World-class hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, camping and more can be found throughout the county. While this guide points out many things to do and see, it should be considered a jumping off point for discovering all the activities the region has to offer. Look for these symbols on exit information pages to locate activities.
ADVENTURE PARKS/ZIP LINES
Several businesses offer adventure parks, zip lines, via ferrata and various aerial attractions in the county and within easy access of interstate exits.
ATV TOURS/OHV DRIVING Enjoy
the mountains and views on a guided ATV tour from local outfitters or visit trails with your equipment. All ATVs, UTVs and unlicensed dirt bikes must remain on designated roads and trails. Travel is prohibited off route or in wilderness areas and is NOT permitted on ANY county road. Use of OHV vehicles on public lands or trails requires a permit from Colorado State Parks. Out-of-state residents must purchase a Colorado Non-Resident permit. Visit parks. state.co.us for information. Motor Vehicle Use Maps, online at fs.usda.gov/main/arp/ maps-pubs, designate where driving is legal. Keep in mind, forest roads are shared with bikers, hikers and others.
BICYCLING Hundreds of miles of single-track trails in the National Forest are accessible by mountain bike. Bike-only trails are available at Floyd Hill Open Space at Exit 247 or 248 and in Black Hawk at Exit 244. The county also has excellent biking on former railroad grades and mining roads as well as paved frontage roads, scenic routes and recreation paths.
CAMPING Clear Creek County is home to five developed National Forest campgrounds open until early October. With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest lands except at trailheads, picnic areas or in day-use areas. Fire bans may limit camping. Find more information on pages 7 and 40.
CLIMBING The county’s most popular areas for rock climbing can be found in Clear Creek Canyon at Exit 244. Individual areas tend to be specialized by route type and difficulty, but the canyon offers a variety of ratings and accessible sport climbs. Via Ferrata climbing using cables, rungs or ladders can be found at Lawson Adventure Park at Exit 233 or 234 and AVA Rafting at Exit 240.
FISHING Clear Creek County’s waters offer outstanding fishing and many locations along Clear Creek and Georgetown Lake can be accessed easily. Fishing platforms overlooking Clear Creek can be found at Philadelphia Mill Open Space, Courtney Riley Cooper Park and in several locations in Clear Creek Canyon. State laws and regulations apply everywhere, so check with Colorado Parks & Wildlife at cpw.state.co.us for details. More fishing information is on page 37.
FITNESS/POOL Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District’s Idaho Springs Recreation Center, 1130 Idaho St., at Exit 240, offers day-use passes. Call 303567-4822 or visit clearcreekrecreation.com for information. Evergreen Park & Recreation District also offers day passes to its Buchanan Park Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, and Wulf Recreation Center, 5300 S. Olive Road, at Exit 251 or 252.
GOLF Denver operates Evergreen Golf Course, 29614 Upper Bear Creek Road, at 7,220 feet at Exit 251 or 252. The 18-hole, public course has a pro shop and restaurant. Visit cityofdenvergolf.com/evergreen or call 720-865-3430 for details.
HIKING/BACKPACKING Hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and backpacking — from gently sloping paved trails to steep, rocky slopes and tundra — can be found throughout the county. National Forest hiking guides are available online at fs.usda.gov/main/arp.
HORSEBACK RIDING Clear Creek Ranger District and local land management agencies maintain many miles of trails accessible to equestrian uses including Bard Creek Trail (#83), Captain Mountain Trail (#46), Cub Creek Trail (#40), Hells Hole Trail (#53), Jones Pass Trailhead. Pack animals are not allowed in most developed campgrounds, or where posted.
HUNTING A range of hunting is available in select areas of the region during open seasons, which is mostly in fall. Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, cpw.state.co.us, for complete information.
MOUNTAINEERING There are four 14ers in Clear Creek County including Mount Bierstadt (14,060’), Mount Evans (14,264’), Grays Peak (14,270’) and Torreys Peak (14,267’). Trailheads at each of these locations are extremely over-crowded and have limited parking on weekends. Visit during weekdays. Be aware of quickly changing weather and lightening. Find updated information at fs.usda.gov/main/arp.
GOLD PANNING/MINE
TOURS Guided mine tours for a fee include Capital Prize Gold Mine and Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Everett and Lebanon Mines at Exit 228; the Phoenix Gold Mine at Exit 238 and 239; the Edgar Experimental Mine at Exit 239 and 240; the Argo Mill & Tunnel in Idaho Springs at Exit 240 and 241; and the Hidee Gold Mine near Central City at Exit 243. Gold panning (no sluice, dredge or pumps) is allowed on Clear Creek County Open Space land, Forest Service land and Clear Creek Canyon Park at Exit 244. Be positive you don’t trespass.
RAFTING/KAYAKING Clear Creek offers unmatched whitewater rafting during spring and summer runoff. Go on your own or pick from a range of trips offered by commercial rafting companies. Easy river access can be found at Lawson Whitewater Park at Exit 233 and points along Clear Creek throughout the county. Licensed outfitters are listed on page 16.
WILDFLOWER/LEAF VIEWING
Wildflowers can be found on most backcountry hikes and along scenic drives all summer. Leaf viewing in September is spectacular. Fall color lasts about a week, so it’s difficult to predict when leaves will turn in a given location. Select travel dates, but not destinations. Guanella Pass at Exit 228, Fall River Road at Exit 238 and Hwy. 103 south of Idaho Springs at Exit 240 all showcase amazing fall color.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
A wide variety of wildlife can be seen in their natural habitat throughout the county and at Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Station at Exit 228. Avoid unwanted encounters by never approaching or feeding any wild animal.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 3
LOVELAND PASS
Loveland Pass is located on the Continental Divide along U.S. 6 — a scenic alternative route to Summit County and the towns of Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco and Breckenridge — at an elevation of 11,990 feet. This boundary between Summit and Clear Creek counties is a popular destination for high-elevation hiking. Trails leading from the Loveland Pass parking lot range from easy to difficult and head to mountain peaks or an alpine lake. Wildflowers, wildlife and scenic views above treeline are abundant. Leashed dogs are allowed.
CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY:
BAKERVILLE TO LOVELAND TRAIL (#60)
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Continental Divide
Loveland Pass
Summit County Access
TRAILS
Clear Creek Greenway:
Bakerville-Loveland Trail l
Grizzly Peak Trail u
Loveland Pass Lake Trail l
Mount Sniktau Trail u
West Ridge Trail n
216 218
This 9.8-mile, lightly-trafficked, out-and-back paved trail parallels the interstate and Clear Creek as it goes through the forest. The trail, a segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and Clear Creek Greenway, has an easy grade and connects to nearby Herman Gulch and Watrous Gulch trails. The trail entrance is east of the Loveland Valley Ski Area parking lot.
ARAPAHOE BASIN - SUMMER
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area offers summer activities from June 24–Sept. 5. Adjacent to the Continental Divide, it has incredible views, cool temperatures, limited crowds and offers a big-mountain experience. 6th Alley Bar & Grill is open all summer. Paid activities — including scenic lift rides, via ferrata, aerial adventure park and dinner events — require online reservations. Hiking, biking, disc golf, yoga, concerts and more are also available.
HERMAN GULCH
Herman Gulch exit provides access to a few private homes and the popular Herman Gulch Trailhead. Head to the north side of the interstate and turn right on Watrous Way and head to a well-marked parking area with vault toilets. All trails begin at the parking lot.
HERMAN GULCH TRAILHEAD
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Herman Gulch Trailhead
Herman Lake
TRAILS
Bard Creek Trail u
Continental Divide Trail n u
Herman Gulch Trail n
Watrous Gulch Trail u
A short frontage road on the north side of the interstate leads to a parking area and Herman Gulch Trailhead. Expect heavy use in the area during summer weekends. Hiking conditions are best July-September. Motorized use is prohibited. Herman Gulch Trail (#98), a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, is an intermediate 6.4 mile out-and-back former saw mill road ending at Herman Lake with access to the 5.8-mile Watrous Gulch Trail and Bard Creek Trail. Enjoy the forest, wildflower meadows, mountain creeks and views. Primitive camping, horses and leashed dogs are allowed. Watrous Gulch Trail (#95) begins in the trees but climbs above tree line in the first mile. Winding through fields of wildflowers and aspen groves, Bard Creek Trail (#83) — also suitable for horseback riding and biking — is a 9.6 mile trail offering scenic views of the Continental Divide that ends off Forest Service Road 777.1 near Empire.
4 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
NO ROAD CONNECTIONS OR SERVICES AT THIS EXIT • VAULT TOILET AT TRAILHEAD
NO SERVICES AT THIS EXIT 4
Herman Gulch
218
218 Watrous Way Herman Gulch Road
Herman
216 EXIT216 EXIT 216 ClearCreek
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 Colorado alpine wildflowers
Exit
EXIT
Clear Creek
Gulch Trailhead Loveland Pass Exit
To Continental Divide, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area & Summit County
Bakerville to Loveland Trailhead
BAKERVILLE
Bakerville provides access to the backcountry, two popular14ers and a paved outand-back recreation trail to Loveland Ski Area. It also connects to a frontage road leading to Silver Plume. Trailhead parking is on the south side of the interstate. Grizzly Gulch and Grays Peak trails begin further down Steven’s Gulch Road, C.R. 321, but parking near the exit may be necessary. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails.
GRAYS PEAK NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL (#54)
Summit Grays Peak (14,270’) and Torreys Peak (14,267’), the two highest points on the Continental Divide, in a single day from this trail. The trailhead is 4 miles south of the exit on Stevens Gulch Road, C.R. 321. This area is extremely over-crowed with limited parking on weekends. Users should try to visit during weekdays. Due to high elevation, the area is not generally snow-free until late June or July. The road is rough and high-clearance vehicles are suggested. Parking is also available at the exit.
CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY: BAKERVILLE TO LOVELAND TRAIL (#60)
This paved multi-use recreational path parallels the interstate and Clear Creek. An underpass connects to the Herman Gulch and Watrous Gulch trails. The Bakerville trailhead can be crowed and has limited parking on weekends. Consider parking at Loveland Valley Ski Area near Exit 216.
GRIZZLY GULCH TRAIL
The Grizzly Gulch Trail is a 7.9 mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as moderate and featuring beautiful wildflowers. The trail is primarily used for hiking and horses and is best used from June-October. Dogs must be on a leash.
EXIT221
STATE TRUST LAND: FISH & HUNT
The Bakerville State Trust Land, 320 acres 1.25 miles east of the exit to the north of I-70, is accessible only by hiking. It is open for cold-water stream fishing all year and for hunting bighorn sheep, deer, elk, lion, bear, dusky grouse, ptarmigan, rabbit and snowshoe hare, Sept. 1- Feb. 28. A valid hunting or fishing license is required to access the area.
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Fishing and Hunting
Grays Peak & Torreys
Peak (14ers)
TRAILS
Bakerville-Loveland Trail l
Grays Peak National Recreation Trail u
Grizzly Gulch Trail n
Always be prepared for sudden weather changes and begin hiking early to avoid afternoon lightning.
BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY
Much of the Clear Creek Ranger District is remote and medical assistance may not be readily available. Take adequate food, water, first-aid supplies and other equipment appropriate for the conditions and expected weather. Keep in mind, cell phones can be used to track a location and may provide a signal to emergency personnel.
To avoid problems in the backcountry, never travel alone and never separate from your group, wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated and know the weather. Always let someone know where you are going and when you’ll return, no matter how short the trip. If a problem occurs, the Clear Creek County Sheriff has authorized Alpine Rescue Team to fulfill its search and rescue duties. Call 303-5262417 or visit alpinerescueteam.org for information.
All backcountry users should know how to extinguish a campfire and be aware of how to handle issues involving elevation, altitude sickness, hypothermia, lightening, fallen trees, burned areas, streams and waterfalls, fast-changing mountain weather, wildlife encounters and more.
BACKCOUNTRY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Clear Creek County’s Backcountry Survival Guide includes key items everyone should have when traveling in the Clear Creek County backcountry including a first aid kit, map and compass, GPS or cell phone, knife, flashlight, non-cotton warm clothing and rain gear, hiking boots, emergency food and water, sunscreen, COSAR card and more. There is also a form to leave in the car so rescuers know where to look if something goes wrong. Download the guide at clearcreekcounty.org or alpinerescueteam.org
OUTDOOR RECREATION SEARCH & RESCUE CARD
Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams. Purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card to contribute to the state’s Search and Rescue Fund, which reimburses search and rescue teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the state, and provides funding for the purchase of search and rescue equipment. Purchase a COSAR Card $3 for one year, $12 for five years at www.Colorado.gov/dola/search-and-rescue-fund.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 5
221
NO SERVICES AT THIS EXIT
Bakerville Exit 221
Clear Creek Silver Valley Road
Stevens Gulch Road
To Silver Plume
Mountain Adventure - Clear Creek County Summer/Fall 2022 5
Bakerville to Loveland Trailhead
SILVER PLUME
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Dinger Park, Playground and Picnic Shelter
George Rowe History Museum
National Historic District
Georgetown Loop Railroad - Silver Plume Depot
Griffin Monument TRAILS
7:30 Mine Trail n u
Argentine Central Railroad Grade Trail n
Clear Creek Greenway: Silver Plume to Georgetown Express Paved Trail l
Silver Plume is a former silvermining camp on Clear Creek at 9,116 feet with a current population of about 200. Incorporated in 1880, the town now features historic buildings and Victorian-era homes, a public park, history museum, post office, public restrooms, hiking and biking trailheads and a few businesses. The federally designated, well-preserved Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic District comprises Silver Plume, Georgetown and the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park between the two towns.
7:30 MINE TRAIL
Hike this challenging, narrow mining road with historical markers leading to the Griffin Monument — a memorial to Clifford Griffin, co-owner of 7:30 Mine — two miles up. Enjoy views of the valley or continue a quarter mile further to the mine. The challenging grade varies from 10-15 percent. Limited parking is available at the trailhead. Be respectful of private property and do not block driveways.
ARGENTINE CENTRAL RAILROAD TRAIL
This former railroad grade passes old mining sites and connects to the Silver Dale Trail System via a non-motorized, 2.4-mile segment beginning in Silver Plume that winds uphill to Pavilion Point, which offers outstanding views, and an OHV section accessed via Guanella Pass Road. The Notch Trail connects to Guanella Pass Road near Georgetown. It is excellent for hiking and biking with a maximum grade of 7.5 percent. The trailhead is a half mile west of Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Silver Plume Depot. CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY: SILVER PLUME TO GEORGETOWN EXPRESS
Hike or bike this segment of the Clear Creek Greenway, a 1.5 mile, all-season, paved path featuring an easy to moderate grade between Silver Plume and Georgetown with views of the valley and railroad. The trail begins at the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Silver Plume Depot and continues to its Devil Gate’s Depot in Georgetown. The trail may also be used uphill beginning in Georgetown.
GEORGE ROWE MUSEUM AT SILVER PLUME SCHOOLHOUSE
The museum, 315 Main Street, is in a 1894, five-room, Romanesque-style brick schoolhouse and displays artifacts highlighting the history of Silver Plume, the memory of its pioneers and the town’s mining history. There is also a reproduction of a 19th century school room. It is open daily, noon5 p.m., through Labor Day then it open weekends only through Oct. 1. There is a small fee. Call 303569-2562 or visit facebook.com/GeorgeRoweMuseum for more information.
NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
Silver Plume has a town-wide speed limit of 10 m.p.h Respect everyone’s safety and drive slow in town.
850 Main St., Silver Plume 303-569-3121
Mon-Fri: Noon-2 p.m. Sat: 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District conserves and interprets the architecture, lifestyles, and setting of two of the best-preserved 19th century silver mining towns. The district recalls the Colorado Silver Boom from 1864-1893 and includes historic buildings, mining remnants and unique structures.
6 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
226
George Rowe Museum
EXIT226 EXIT 226 Water St Mountain St Mountain St PaulSt Water St Woodward St SilverSt MainStreet MadisonSt 7:30 Mine Trail Argentine Central RxR Grade Trail MainStreet Clear Creek Dinger Park George Rowe Museum Silver Plume Exit 226 Silver Plume to Georgetown Express Trail Garland St
Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith
NATIONAL FOREST CAMPING
Camping opportunities abound in Clear Creek County. There are developed campgrounds and dispersed camping options on public lands as well as private campgrounds, cabins, yurts and more. Before building a campfire, check for restrictions or bans with local officials first, as they can occur any time of year. If you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it. Always keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby.
DISPERSED CAMPING
Free dispersed camping is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites and in some of the most visited places. Check for regulations in advance and look for signs to indicate if camping is allowed. Some areas allow camping in designated sites only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location within any continuous 30-day period. After 14 days, campsites must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Many lands within the national forest are private. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land. Camping may be limited during certain fire bans. Dispersed camping areas include Beartracks Lake Trail, Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop, Devil’s Canyon, Fall River Reservoir, Kingston Peak, Loch Lomond, Saxon Mountain, Argentine Central Railroad/ Waldorf Road and Yankee Hill. Be aware, new regulations are in effect along Guanella Pass limiting camping and parking to designated sites. Find dispersed camping accessible by road with a Motor Vehicle Use Map available online at fs.usda.gov/main/ arp/maps-pubs or through the Avenza app.
FIRE BANS/SAFETY ALERTS
Visit clearcreekcounty.us/992/Public-Safety for current fire ban information and other alerts.
DEVELOPED CAMPGROUNDS
Campground camping is available in the National Forest at five developed campgrounds for a fee. All are accessed from Guanella Pass Scenic Byway at Exit 228, Highway 103 at Exit 240 and Central City Casino Parkway at Exit 243. Make reservations for campgrounds with the National Recreation Reservation Service at 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov. All campgrounds offer sites for first come, first served. Open campgrounds are listed on page 37. Contact the Clear Creek Ranger District at 303-567-4382 to learn more. Private campgrounds include Cottonwood RV Campground, 1485 Highway 103, at Exit 240 and KOA Denver West/Central City, 605 Lake Gulch Road, on the Central City Casino Parkway at Exit 243.
BE BEAR AWARE
It is forest visitors’ responsibility to know how to properly hike and camp in bear country. Find Colorado Parks and Wildlife bear information at wildlife.state.co.us. Forest users are required to safely store food and scented items when not in use. Approved containers include campground bear lockers, bear-resistant canisters and a locked vehicle. Food can also be secured by hanging it between trees. Report non-emergency bear encounters to 303-291-7227.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Colorado’s public land agencies remind visitors to KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, be courteous, help protect sensitive natural areas and recreate responsibly as wildfire risks continue amid rising temperatures, sustained drought and windy conditions. Plan ahead and remember essential responsible recreation guidelines, including:
ENJOY AND PROTECT SHARED PUBLIC LANDS
Visitors are reminded to do their part to help protect land, wildlife, water and plants. Numerous small disturbances can quickly harm sensitive natural resources and have a lasting impact. Remember to “Leave No Trace” and pack out all trash and dog waste.
BE COURTEOUS AND INCLUSIVE
People visit trails and public lands for many reasons, including emotional and physical well-being and spending time with others. Visitors of all identities and abilities deserve respect and courtesy.
STAY ON TRAIL AND WALK THROUGH MUD
If you step off-trail to let others pass, avoid vegetation. Step back on trail immediately. Please don’t travel off trail.
PLAN AHEAD AND KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Local public land agencies continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Look at the weather forecast and trailhead information. Bring enough food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes and pack for changing conditions. Don’t visit public lands alone or during adverse weather and tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
KNOW FIRE REGULATIONS
Officials issue citations to anyone who violates fire regulations meant to protect public lands and visitors. Know current fire risks and check all restrictions and bans instituted by local authorities.
CHARGE YOUR PHONE
Be sure your phone is charged in case you need assistance or there is an emergency. Call 911for emergencies, such as a fire or if you see smoke. Cell service may be extremely limited in mountain locations. Try to text 911 if there is not enough cell service.
DON’T PARK ILLEGALLY/FOLLOW REGULATIONS
Have alternate plans if parking lots are full. Trailhead lots are often full early on weekends. Parks and trails are generally less crowded on weekdays. Review regulations before arriving as individual areas can have special restrictions. Rangers will issue tickets.
MAKE RESERVATIONS
Mount Evans Recreation Area visitors must make a reservation unless biking and hiking into the area. Annual and lifetime passholders also need to make reservations. Those who arrive without a reservation will need to secure a timed entry ticket.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 7
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
GEORGETOWN
Georgetown, founded in 1859, was once the third-largest town in Colorado thanks to nearby silver mines. It’s now home to about 1,000 residents, but on weekends it buzzes with visitors to shop its unique stores and galleries, admire its Victorian-era buildings, dine at popular restaurants and ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. In summer and fall, incredible recreation opportunities are easily reached from the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway including camping, fishing, hiking and biking as well as viewing scenery, wildlife and colorful aspen leaves in the fall. Georgetown Lake and a trail around it offer additional opportunities for fishing and hiking. Visitor centers near the exit and downtown offer more information.
ALVARADO OPEN SPACE PARK
The newly developed 60-acre Alvarado Open Space Park is a day-use area open to walk-in visitors featuring a walking trail, pond and access to Clear Creek for fishing. Trailhead facilities are not yet built. Access the area from a metal gate with an Open Space sign about one-half mile down the frontage road north of Georgetown or at mile marker 1. Bikes are currently not allowed.
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Dog Park (Off-Leash)
Georgetown Lake
Georgetown Loop Railroad - Devils Gate Depot
Guanella Pass Scenic & Historic Byway
Historic Railroad and Mining Park
Mine Tours
Mount Bierstadt (14er)
Museums and Historic Sites
National Historic Landmark District
Open Space Park
Playground
Trailheads
Visitor Centers
Wildlife Viewing Station
700 6th Street, Georgetown, CO 80444
800-275-8777
Mon-Fri: 8-1 & 2-4:45 Sat: 9-noon
FALL ASPEN VIEWING
The month of September is the ideal time to witness an aspen spectacle on a scenic drive in Colorado, but you have to time it right as fall color lasts only about a week in most places. It’s difficult to predict when exactly leaves will turn in any given location, but Guanella Pass can be spectacular when they do. It is the go-to spot for some of the state’s best leaf peeping.
GATEWAY VISITOR CENTER
The Gateway Visitor Center, 1491 Argentine St. at Exit 228, offers real-time traffic information from CDOT monitors, access to the COTrip.org website as well as other travel and local information services. Learn about the National Historic Landmark District through interpretive displays and films. Restrooms are open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. Information services and a gift shop are open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. A picnic area and dog walk are outside. Call 303-569-2405 or visit georgetowntrust.org to learn more.
GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD & MINING PARK
The Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park, 646 Loop Dr., is one of Colorado’s most authentic living museums and historically immersive experiences. Multiple departures from Georgetown and Silver Plume occur daily all summer. Mine tours are also offered. The railroad is using all open-air, unheated cars for the majority of its 2022 season so face masks are not required. From Exit 228, take Argentine Street south from the traffic circle to a fork in the road. Stay right and follow signs. Call 888-456-6777 or visit georgetownlooprr.com to learn more.
HISTORY MUSEUMS
Georgetown has several museums that bring the town’s rich history to life. Explore the Alpine Hose #2 Firefighter Museum, 507 5th St.; an operational 1900 hydroelectric generating plant at Georgetown Energy Museum, 600 Griffith St.; a beautifully restored 19th century home at Hamill House Museum, 305 Argentine St.; and a former French inn from 1875 at Hotel de Paris Museum, 409 6th St.
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT
The Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District recalls the days of the Colorado Silver Boom from 1864-1893, and the active local historical society sees that it stays that way. The Georgetown portion of the U.S. National Historic Landmark District includes a rich variety of substantial late-Victorian buildings. Well-preserved buildings and mining structures can be seen throughout town. Visit the Gateway Visitor Center, 1491 Argentine St., for more information about the district, including interpretive displays and films.
8 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
228
Georgetown from Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 9
TRAILS
Argentine Central Railroad
Grade Trail n
Clear Creek Greenway:
Silver Plume to Georgetown Express l
Mt. Bierstadt Trail (#711) u
Notch Trail u
Rutherford Trail n
Silver Creek Trail u
Silver Dale Trails l n
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail n
Tom Bennhoff Lake Trail l
SCENIC I-70 OVERLOOK
A pull-out for eastbound vehicles at I-70 mile 226 provides scenic views of the valley between Silver Plume and Georgetown. There are no restrooms. Learn about Bighorn Sheep and wildlife from signs.
WILDLIFE VIEWING STATION
The Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Station offers a safe place to see bighorn sheep from coin-operated viewing scopes. Take Exit 228, turn left (north) on Alvarado Road and follow the binocular signs until reaching the station next to the lake.
HIKING & BIKING TRAILS
• The Tom Bennhoff Loop Trail is an easy, wide, flat gravel walking path that loops around Georgetown Lake for about 1.3 miles. It is open to hiking and biking and provides easy access for fishing. Reach the Silver Creek Trail via the Purdy and Dunbarton connector.
• The Rutherford Trail is rated intermediate and connects to the Sporting Times Trail in Silver Dale. The trail runs adjacent to South Clear Creek with steep 5-12 percent grades. The trailhead is at the eastern end of 3rd Street. QR code signs along the way mark historic locations.
• The Silver Dale Trails, two miles from Georgetown up Guanella Pass Road or the Rutherford Trail, are a 4.2-mile, easy and intermediate, non-motorized trail network in a former mining area open to hiking and biking with views and river access. Three well-marked, color-coded “loops” enable easy route navigation among six short trails while QR coded markers provide information about historic sites including the Colorado Central Mill. There are also restrooms at trailhead
• Hike or bike the Clear Creek Greenway: Silver Plume To Georgetown Express, a 1.5 mile, all-season, paved path featuring an easy to moderate grade between Georgetown and Silver Plume with views of the valley and railroad. The trail begins at the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Devil Gate’s Depot. For a more difficult hike to Silver Plume, try the new Notch Trail
• Hike to the 14,063-foot summit of Mount Bierstadt on the Mount Bierstadt Trail (#711). The 3.6 mile, one-way trip begins at the Bierstadt Trailhead about 11.5 miles up Guanella Pass Road. A mandatory free self-issuing permit, available at the trailhead, is required for the Mount Evans Wilderness.
SAXON MOUNTAIN OHV ROAD
Saxon Mountain Road is a 14.2 mile moderately used out and back former mining road with lots of switchbacks, plentiful wildflowers and great views of Georgetown, Mt. Evans and the I-70 corridor. It is rated difficult, with significant exposure and conditions that change rapidly. Call Clear Creek Ranger District at 303-567-3000 for current conditions.
10 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 EXIT 228 LoopDr Rose St Rose St Taos St ArgentineSt 15th St 22nd St Georgetown Lake 14th St 13th St 11th St Werlin Park/ Off-Leash Dog Park City Park/ Playground Energy Museum Hotel de Paris Museum Alpine Hose #2 Museum Hamill House Museum Capital Prize Gold Mine Gateway Park Greenway Park Wildlife Viewing Station Tom Bennhoff Lake Loop Trail 10th St 9thSt 8thSt 7thSt 6thSt 5thSt 4thSt 3rdSt 2ndSt Guanella Pass Road ArgentineSt Clear Creek Drive Saxon Mountain Road Argentine St ArgentineSt Main Street Main Street Griffin St Griffin St Biddle St Georgetown Exit 228 Clear Creek Main Street
continued
GEORGETOWN
Scenic I-70 Overlook
228
Rutherford Trailhead
MINING ATTRACTIONS
Mining attractions in Clear Creek County and surrounding areas are well-known for the important role they played after prospector George A. Jackson discovered gold at the confluence of Chicago Creek and Clear Creek near Idaho Springs and triggered Colorado’s Gold Rush in 1859. Learn about the region’s rich mining history by exploring a mine or mill on a tour or visiting local museums and visitor information centers. Watch for mining remnants visible from the interstate, scenic routes and trails throughout the county.
ARGO MILL, TUNNEL & MUSEUM TOUR AND GOLD PANNING
2350 Riverside Drive, Idaho Springs
303-567-2421• argomilltour.com
Daily: 10-6 • $20-$25 See ad page 23
CAPITAL PRIZE GOLD MINE TOUR AND PROSPECTING
1016 Biddle Street, Georgetown
303-569-2468 • capitalprizegoldmine.com
Daily: 11-3 • $19-$28
CENTRAL CITY VISITOR CENTER
103 Eureka Street, Central City
303-582-3345 • centralcity.colorado.gov
Daily: 10-6 • Free
COEUR D’ALENE MINE SHAFT HOUSE AND GILPIN HISTORY MUSEUM TOURS
117 Eureka Street, Central City
303-582-5283 • gilpinhistory.org
Daily: 10-4 • $6-$7
COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES — EDGAR EXPERIMENTAL MINE TOUR
365 8th Avenue, Idaho Springs
303-567-2911 • mining.mines.edu/ edgar-experimental-mine
Call for scheduling • $15-$25
GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD & MINING PARK – LEBANON SILVER MINE TOURS AND GOLD PANNING
646 Loop Drive, Georgetown
888-456-6777 • georgetownlooprr.com
Daily: 10-4 • $24.95-$52.95
HIDEE GOLD MINE TOUR, GOLD PANNING AND PROSPECTING
1950 Hidee Mine Road, Central City
720-548-0343 • hideegoldmine.com
Daily: 9:30-4:30 • $19-$29
IDAHO SPRINGS VISITOR CENTER AND HERITAGE MUSEUM
2060 Miner Street, Idaho Springs
303-567-4382 • historicidahosprings.com
M-Th: 10-4, F-Sun: 10-5 • Free
PHOENIX GOLD MINE TOUR AND GOLD PANNING
830 Trail Creek Road, Idaho Springs
303-567-0422 • phoenixgoldmine.com
Daily: 10-5 • $18-$24
VIC’S GOLD PANNING — PAN, SLUICE AND DREDGE
5312 Hwy. 119 (Mile Marker 5), Black Hawk 303-582-0710 • coloradoprospector.com/ Vic%27s_Gold_Panning/vics.html
Daily: 9-5 • $10-$40
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 11
GUANELLA PASS AREA
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway connecting Georgetown to Grant and Hwy. 285, is a perfect introduction to Colorado’s mountains as it heads up the 11,700-foot pass. Climbing to timberline, the paved, 22-mile byway has views of 14,060-foot Mount Bierstadt and alpine tundra. The area is popular for camping, fishing, hiking and biking as well as viewing scenery, wildlife and fall leaves. Parking, camping and campfire regulations are in effect within the entire Guanella Pass Area. Camp and park in designated and signed spaces ONLY. Campfires are only allowed in developed campgrounds. Check the Guanella Pass Road Information Line at 303-679-2422 x2 for updates.
Camp ONLY in Forest Service developed campgrounds or designated dispersed campsites with signs. Park ONLY in designated/signed pullouts or trailhead parking lots. The Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead can be extremely overcrowded with limited parking every weekend. Users should try to visit during weekdays when possible.
12 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Evans Wilderness Arapaho National Forest Arapaho National Forest Pike National Forest Clear Lake C.G. Guanella Pass C.G. Guanella Pass T.H. Santa Fe Peak El. 13,180 Square Top Mtn. El. 13,794 Argentine Peak El. 13,738 ARGENTINE PASS El. 13,207 Geneva Mtn. El. 12,335 Kataka Mtn. El. 12,414 Mt. Bierstadt El. 14,060 Mt. Evans El. 14,258 Mt. Warren El. 13,307 Gray Wolf Mtn. El. 13,602 Spearhead Mtn. El. 11,244 Grays Peak El. 14,270 Torreys Peak El. 14,267 Grizzly Peak El. 13,427 Red Cone Unimproved Road Maintained Road Trail Water Handcart Peak Geneva Park C.G. Geneva Creek T.H. Threemile T.H. Duck Creek P.G. Hall Valley C.G. Handcart C.G. Burning Bear C.G. GEORGETOWN SILVER PLUME BAKERVILLE HERMAN GULCH Duck Lake Square Top Lakes Abyss Lake Summit Lake Chicago Lakes Silver Dollar Lake Shelf Lake Gibson Lake Naylor Lake Upper Cabin Creek Res. Lower Cabin Creek Res. Clear Lake SILVER DALE SANTIAGO MILL SITE GUANELLA PASS El. 11,669 GRANT Trail600 Mt. Bierstadt Trail Trail601 Threemile Trail RosalieTrail RosalieTrail Trail 53 Trail 90 Trail52 AbyssLakeTrail AbyssLakeTrail ThreemileTrail Trail600 Trail 634 Road 119 Road 260 Argentine RxR Grade Trail 7:30Mine Trail Road352 WestChicago CreekRoad Road113 Road119 Burning Bear T.H. Shelf Lake T.H. HallValleyRoad HallValleyRoad Pike National Forest Griffith Mtn. El. 11,568 Republican Mtn. El. 12,386 Mt. Sniktau El. 13,234 Guanella Pass Scenic Byway Guanella Pass Road Guanella Pass Area Exit 228 228 226 221 218 To Idaho Springs To Bailey & Conifer To Fairplay
Empire is part of Colorado’s early mining history and the search for gold, which was found here in 1860. The settlement was called Valley City then changed to Empire City in 1861 and incorporated as Empire in 1882. Today’s population is about 300. The town — a popular place to stop for food, coffee, beer, sweets and gifts — is on the way to and from recreation hot spots on Berthoud Pass, Jones Pass and beyond. U.S. 40 continues on to Grand County and Winter Park, about 24 miles from Empire, as well as the Grand Lake/West Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.
BARD CREEK TRAIL (#83)
Visitors can access the east end of the Bard Creek Trail (#83) from Empire by following C.R. 252, which is Main Street in town, for about two miles. Continue for three miles on F.S. Road 777. The trail starts at the end of the road. Pull-outs on the way or in-town parking is also available. Traveling through fields of wildflowers and groves of aspen trees, Bard Creek Trail joins with Watrous Gulch Trail (#95) and connects to Herman Gulch Trailhead at Exit 218. Be prepared for changing weather.
BILL MOORE/NORTH EMPIRE LOOP OHV TRAILS
The Bill Moore/North Empire loop, north of town from C.R. 251, offers a network of roads for OHV opportunities. It is very rocky and steep in places especially to Bill Moore Lake. Be sure to have a four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicle. Refer to the Clear Creek Ranger District’s Motor Vehicle Use Map online at fs.usda.gov/main/arp/maps-pubs for addtional information.
CLEAR CREEK PICNIC SITE AND BIG BEND PICNIC SITE
Clear Creek Picnic Site, on Highway 40 at F.S. Road 181.1A, is in a forest with scenic views and has 13 sites with picnic tables and fire grates. Big Bend Picnic Site is further west on U.S. 40 at C.R. 202 on the way to the Jones Pass Trailhead in a pine forest with scenic views. There are seven sites with tables and fire grates. Restrooms are available at each site, but no drinking water.
MINTON PARK/OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
Minton Park features restrooms, playground, picnic tables, ball field, skate park, off-leash dog park and the Empire Cemetery, which is circled by a trail that begins behind the restrooms to the left of the cemetery. The trail continues along the river and circles around toward the interstate and to the east end of the town.
P.A.W. PARK TRAIL
PAW’s Education Research Trail, located just west of Empire, is a one-of-a-kind ADA accessible trail showcasing the history of the wagon road over Berthoud Pass.
WINTER PARK
When the snow melts, Winter Park transforms into a summer playground for outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, fishing, zip-lining and more. Visit playwinterpark. com for information.
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Berthoud Pass
Dog Park (Off-Leash)
Farmers Market
Forest Service Picnic Sites
Grand County/Winter Park
Jones Pass
P.A.W. Park Accessible Trail
Playground
Rocky Mountain National Park – Grand Lake/ West Entrance
TRAILS
Bard Creek Trail n u
Berthoud Pass Trail n
Bill Moore/North
Empire Trails n
Butler Gulch Trail n
Continental Divide
National Scenic Trail u
Jones Pass OHV Road l
Vasquez Peak Trail n
215 W. Park Ave., Empire, CO 80438 303-569-2908
Mon-Fri: 10-1 & 1:30-4:30 Sat: 8:30-11:30
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 13
Empire
232
Main Street Main Street Freeman St Guanella St. Dailey St Cowles St Ball St Avery St SunnyAve PioneerRoad West Fork Clear Creek HanchettRoad ParkAve ParkAve MountainAve MountainAve
To Exit 232 To
County/RMNP Empire Exit 232 EMPIRE FARMERS MARKET Every other Saturday, May 28-Sept. 17,
Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith
EMPIRE / U.S. 40
To Minton Park, Off-Leash Dog Area & Bard Creek Trail
To
Bill Moore/ North Empire Loop OHV Trails
Berthoud Pass/Grand
in Theobold Park next to the Visitor Center, 42 Park Ave.
JONES PASS BERTHOUD PASS
Jones Pass is a 12,454 foot pass on the Continental Divide west of Empire. The area is largely known for its mining history and the Henderson molybdenum mine, which still operates today.
The Jones Pass Trailhead offers a variety of summer activities and provides access to the Butler Gulch Trail (#144) leading to dispersed campsites and an open bowl great for viewing wildflowers, an out-and-back dirt road to the top of Jones Pass and the Stanley CDT Spur Trail, a 1.4-mile connector to the Continental Divide Trail.
Mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, wildflower viewing and OHV riding are popular at this location. Hiking conditions are best from July to September and vehicle access to the summit, which requires medium-high clearance, is limited to late summer due to snow. Leashed dogs are welcome.
From I-70, take exit 232 to U.S. 40, proceed northwest about 9 miles through Empire to Berthoud Falls. Turn left on Henderson Mine Road at the sign for Jones Pass/Henderson Mine. Follow the paved road 1.6 miles to a gate, turn right on Forest Road 144. The trailhead is a half mile ahead.
The Big Bend Picnic Site is near the junction of U.S. 40 and Henderson Mine Road. It has seven sites with tables and fire grates. A restroom is available, but there is no drinking water.
Berthoud Pass — named for Edward L. Berthoud, the chief surveyor of the Colorado Central Railroad during the 1870s — traverses the Continental Divide on the border between Clear Creek County and Grand County.
The Berthoud Pass Trailhead, located on the Continental Divide about 15.4 miles west of I-70, offers a variety of summer activities as well as vault toilets and interpretive information. Hiking opportunities include the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Hike 19 miles through the Vazquez Peak Wilderness to the Herman Gulch Trailhead or east/northeast to James Peak through the James Peak Wilderness. Trails in Wilderness Areas are restricted to non-mechanized travel.
Other stunning trails include Second Creek Trail starting at the Second Creek Trailhead on U.S. 40 about a mile past the summit area. It’s a short, family-friendly hike to the Broome Hut or part of a longer, more difficult hike up to the Mount Nystrom Trail. Visit grandhuts.org or call 970-925-5775 for information.
The road over the pass is a modern, four-lane highway that is well maintained with guard rails and other safety measures. Check weather and road conditions before making travel or recreation plans. Find additional resources online at isberthoudpassopen. com and cotrip.org.
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Lawson is a small, unincorporated community along Clear Creek. It was originally named Free America after nearby silver mines opened in 1876 and designated as a place for families to raise children. The railroad renamed it Lawson and construction of Interstate 70 in the 1960s removed half the town. Today, it’s home to a public whitewater park, rafting companies and an adventure park with lodging options.
LAWSON ADVENTURE PARK
This outdoor adventure park, 3440 Alvarado Road, offers rafting, via ferrata, zipline, and UTV sideby-side tours as well as pet-friendly lodging including furnished cabins and yurts. There is also a bar and grille house. Call 720-779-2595 or visit lawsonadventurepark.com for details.
LAWSON WHITEWATER PARK
This park is an easily-accessible public access to Clear Creek for fishing, rafting, kayaking and canoing with parking, restrooms and changing area. It features several in-stream structures and the original “Lawson Hole” along with ADA accessible trails at the put-ins and take-outs. Its primary focus was to revitalize a severely impacted corridor of the river that had been damaged by I-70 construction. From Exit 233, continue on County Road 308 to Alvarado Road and turn right. Cross a bridge, travel about 400 feet and the park is on the right. Use Exit 234 if heading west.
14 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 14 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
Park & Resort
Tours
Park/ Boat Launch Whitewater Raft Outfitters TRAILS Spring Creek/Silver City OHV Trails u
233 EASTBOUND EXIT ONLY • USE EXIT 234 FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS TO ACCESS ROADS AND BUSINESSES AT EXITS 233 & 235
EXIT233 Alvarado Road To Empire To Georgetown Lawson Exit 233 Clear Creek Whitewater Park Silver City OHV Trail
Adventure
ATV
OHV Trails Whitewater
LAWSON
Lawson Whitewater Park
V. Smith
Photo by Jeffrey
DOWNIEVILLE
ownieville is named for the 1870 Downieville Ranch, a hotel and stable known for its fresh-baked breads. The hotel was later converted to a boardinghouse before burning in 1947. A port of entry and truck weigh station was constructed in 1955 and today, businesses servicing interstate travelers and skiers are located at the exit. It also provides access to rafting and ATV tour companies, zip lines, adventure parks and the Lawson Whitewater Park. The exit includes a truck stop with convenience store and food, fast food, dispensaries, coffee shop and outdoor gear. County Road 308 connects to Lawson at Exit 233, which is eastbound only, and Dumont at Exit 235, which is a westbound-only exit.
DSPRING CREEK/SILVER CITY ROAD OHV TRAILS
This off-road, expert-only rock crawling trail located near Lawson Exit 233 and accessed from both directions at Exit 234 is the “go to spot” for OHV drivers. It has heavy use during the weekends. Traversing large boulders are the norm on the 5-mile route, which eventually reaches 11,064 feet.
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Adventure Parks & Zip Line
Animal Shelter
ATV Repair/Rental & Tours
Dispensaries
Open Space Park
Whitewater Park/ Boat Access
Whitewater Raft Outfitters
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 15
Downieville Exit 234
EXIT 234
To Lawson
To Dumont ClearCreek
USE EXIT 234 FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS TO ALSO ACCESS ROADS AND BUSINESSES AT EXITS 233 & 235
ATV trails near Lawson and Downieville
234
235
DUMONT
Dumont was founded in 1859 as Mill City, but changed its name in 1880 to honor Colonel John M. Dumont, a pioneer and influential mine owner. It was once an important stage coach stop known for ore stamping mills and smelting. Today, it is a quiet community with an active historical society and well-preserved school house.
CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY TRAILHEAD
ATV/UTV Rental & Repair
Open Space Park
Whitewater Rafting Outfitters
307 County Road 308, Dumont, CO 80436
303-567-4907
Mon-Fri: 12:30-4:30; Sat: 8-11:45
Philadelphia Mill Site Open Space
A new, paved parking area near the Dumont exit at Stanley Road and CR 312 includes an information center, picnic tables and public restroom. It also provides access to the river, future Clear Creek Greenway connections and frontage roads for biking leading east and west.
PHILADELPHIA MILL SITE OPEN SPACE PARK
Two ADA accessible fishing platforms on Clear Creek, restrooms, parking, picnic table and additional creek access are at this three-acre Clear Creek County Open Space property, 70 N. Spring Gulch Road, located off County Road 312 between Exits 235 and 238. Dogs are permitted on leash. It is open an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset.
CHARLIE’S PLACE ANIMAL SHELTER
Charlie’s Place, 500 W. Dumont Road, is an animal shelter serving Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. Adoptions are available by appointment. Call 303679-2477 or visit charliesplaceshelter.org for details.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Clear Creek, the second most rafted river in Colorado, is a steep, narrow, technical river that is both challenging and fun. With more rapids per mile than any other river in the state, it is one of the region’s most popular and convenient whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations. Excursions offer Class I-V rapids through early August. State-licensed companies, some of which are listed here, provide safe, professionally-guided trips on Clear Creek.
THE ADVENTURE COMPANY
203 N. Main Street, Breckenridge theadventurecompany.com
800-497-RAFT
AVA IDAHO SPRINGS
431 Chicago Creek Road, Idaho Springs coloradorafting.net • 800-370-0581
BROWNS CANYON RAFTING
30375 U.S. 6, Idaho Springs raftbrownscanyon.com
719-275-2890
CLEAR CREEK RAFTING COMPANY
350 Whitewater Road, Idaho Springs clearcreekrafting.com • 303-567-1000
COLORADO ADVENTURE CENTER
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs raftingcolorado.com
877-947-7238
DOWNSTREAM ADVENTURES
409 E. Park Avenue, Empire raftcoloradowhitewater.com 303-848-4595
GEO TOURS WHITEWATER RAFTING
229 Hwy. 8, Morrison georafting.com • 800-660-7238
KODI RAFTING
999 County Road 308, Dumont whitewatercolorado.com • 970-668-1548
LAWSON ADVENTURE PARK
3440 Alvarado Road, Dumont lawsonadventurepark.com
720-779-2595
See ad page 15
LIQUID DESCENT
1896 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs coloradorafting.com • 970-372-2870
MAD ADVENTURES
20 W. Dumont Road, Dumont madadventures.com • 800-451-4844
MILE-HI RAFTING
3627 Alvarado Road, Dumont milehirafting.com • 303-416-5997
PERFORMANCE TOURS, INC.
115 Gregg Drive, 81211 Buena Vista performancetours.com • 800-328-7238
RAFT MASTERS
2804 Colorado Boulevard, Idaho Springs raftmasters.com • 719-275-6645
ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITEWATER
1313 Idaho Street, Idaho Springs
1801 Miner Street, Idaho Springs gorafting.co • 303-900-4802
See ad page 21
16 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 16 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 EXIT 235 StanleyRoad DumontRoad Mill Creek Road Dumont Exit 235 To Downieville To Idaho Springs Clear Creek
HIGHLIGHTS
EXIT
Adventure Parks & Zip Line Animal Shelter
WESTBOUND
• USE EXIT 234 FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS
& 235
ONLY EXIT
TO ACCESS ROADS AND BUSINESSES AT EXITS 233
Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith
FALL RIVER ROAD/ST. MARY’S GLACIER
aint Mary’s Glacier and the historic community of Alice are 9 miles above Exit 238. The area is rich in mining history and was home to a ski area from the 1930s until 1986. The easy 3/4 mile glacier hike, and its stunning views, is a top tourist destination in the region. Leashed dogs are welcome. Six miles up Fall River Road, Rainbow Road leads to Fall River Reservoir, Chinns Lake and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which provides hiking access to James Peak Wilderness. Strict parking, camping, shooting and fishing regulations are enforced in local communities.
PARKING AT ST. MARY’S GLACIER
The only legal parking for St. Mary’s Glacier are two pay parking lots south and north of the trailhead on the left side of the road. There are restrooms and trash facilities at both, which cost $5 a day per vehicle; cash only. There is NO PARKING on Fall River Road or in subdivisions and local law enforcement will issue parking tickets. Find complete details and additional regulations at stmaryspoa.com/visitors. There is also no camping in the lots or anywhere in the immediate area.
OHV TRAILS
Access moderate OHV trails featuring beautiful wildflowers and views including Kingston Peak/ Rockhouse Trail, a 2.4 mile lightly used route and Loch Lomond Trail, a 2.3 mile heavily trafficked trail. Yankee Hill Trail is a 9.5-mile, moderately challenging, 5.5-hour route to a parking area near Columbine Campground near Central City. The entire Yankee Hill area near St. Mary’s offers additional OHV opportunities. Refer to the Ranger District’s Motor Vehicle Use Map for details. Leashed dogs allowed. ATV’s or other motorized vehicles may not be unloaded in the St. Mary’s, Winterland or Alice communities. All vehicles must be street-legal or registered through Colorado State Parks’ OHV Registration Program.
238
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Fall River Road
Gold Mine Tour
SAINT MARY’S/ALICE - 9 MILES
Historic Schoolhouse
Loch Lomond Trailhead
Saint Mary’s Glacier
TRAILS
SAINT MARY’S/ALICE - 9 MILES
Continental Divide
National Scenic Trail u
Fall River Reservoir Trail n
Loch Lomond OHV Trail n
Kingston Peak OHV Trail u
Saint Mary’s Glacier Trail l
Yankee Hill OHV Trail n
HIGH ALTITUDE TIPS
Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. Altitude sickness can affect anyone who goes to high altitudes— defined as 8,000-12,000 feet above sea level— without giving the body time to adjust to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level.
The more rapid a climb to high altitude, the more likely that altitude sickness will develop. Age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. People with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes. Skiers, hikers and anyone planning a trip to a location significantly higher than normal should be know the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness and how to prevent and treat it.
Mild symptoms include: headache, nausea, dizziness, throwing up, feeling tired, shortness of breath, faster heart rate, not feeling well overall, trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.
TIPS TO PREVENT ALTITUDE SICKNESS INCLUDE:
• Climb to altitude slowly and take it easy.
• Move to a lower altitude if symptoms develop.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs.
• While at a high altitude, eat a diet that includes more than 70% carbohydrates.
• Know the early signs and symptoms of altitude sickness and take action to prevent it from worsening.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 17
238 EXIT238 ClearCreek StanleyRoad
EXIT
Fall River Road to Saint Mary’s/Alice Saint Mary’s Glacier/Alice Exit 238
Saint Mary’s Glacier and Lake
NO SERVICES AT THIS EXIT • NO CAMPING IS ALLOWED IN THE
SAINT
MARY’S AREA • ATTRACTIONS ARE AT LEAST 9 MILES FROM HIGHWAY
S9mi Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 17
IDAHO SPRINGS – West
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Dispensary
Gold Mine Tours
Stanley Road Bikeway
Whitewater Rafting
Outfitters
Idaho Springs, named for Chief Idaho and nearby natural hot springs, was founded in 1859. It is the site of the state’s first significant gold discovery. Mining was largely responsible for its creation and growth, and the city continues to preserve and celebrate its heritage. During the late 20th century, the town evolved into a tourist center and popular stop for travelers heading to and from recreation areas along Interstate 70 or nearby Mount Evans, Echo Lake and adjacent National Forest lands. A Victorian-era downtown offers unique shops, popular restaurants and breweries, while mine tours and historic sites provide insight into local history. Idaho Springs’ western-most exit is mostly a residential area, but the exit is the best way to access Stanley Road/County Road 312 , rafting companies, mine tours to the west and a network of easy trails through Idaho Springs to the east.
EDGAR EXPERIMENTAL MINE
TRAILS
Clear Creek Greenway l
Free Bus Service — Roundabout
Known as the “Easiest Way to Get Around Clear Creek County,” the Roundabout is safe, convenient and free. The Roundabout is a great way to get to work, shopping, food and drink or a trailhead.
Local Route: Idaho Springs to Silver Plume and everywhere in between
Mon-Fri: 6 – 9
Sat & Sun: 8:44 – 4:54
Walmart/King Soopers
Route: Walmart to Bergen Park
Mon-Thur: 8:30 – 3:50
Fridays: 8:30 – 1:10
For more information and schedules, visit co.clear-creek.co.us/857/
RoundAbout-Bus-Service
The Edgar Mine, the Colorado School of Mines Experimental Mine, 365 8th Ave., produced highgrade silver, gold, lead and copper in the 1870s. Today, it is an underground laboratory for future engineers. Students and staff conduct one-hour guided tours by appointment for a fee. Tours cover one-half mile of underground workings representing over 100 years of mine development. Visit mining.mines.edu or call 303-567-2911 to learn more.
IDAHO SPRINGS TRAILS
A parking lot at the Exit 239 eastbound off-ramp is an easy way to join the Clear Creek Greenway that connects to 17th Avenue downtown, the east end of Idaho Springs and ultimately Exit 244/U.S. 6 via the Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail. The Idaho Springs section of the Clear Creek Greenway begins at the lot and runs east along Clear Creek where it intersects with the Prospector Trail. It continues on to Exit 240/Hwy 103, Water Wheel Park, Harold A. Anderson Park at 17th Avenue and Miner Street behind Town Hall, Courtney Ryley Cooper Park at Miner Street and Colorado Boulevard, Virginia Canyon Mountain Park Trailhead, 2350 Riverside Dr., as well as the Idaho Springs Ball Field Complex, 101 East Idaho Springs Road. Road bikers can also take advantage of the Stanley Road Bikeway heading west from the parking lot at the exit. Paved frontage roads and recreation trails with a gentle grade continue to Loveland Ski Area.
PHOENIX GOLD MINE TOUR
The Phoenix Gold Mine, 800 Trail Creek Road, offers an authentic trip into Colorado mining history with a family of fourth generation miners. Experience an educational tour of a working mine and pan for gold. Discover wide, underground tunnels and see gold ore naturally in the rock. Take Exit 238 or 239 to Stanley Road and turn south on Trail Creek Road/County Road 136. It is open daily, weather permitting. Reservations are recommended and required for groups of 10 or more. Call 303-567-0422 or visit phoenixgoldmine. com to learn more.
18 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
EXIT239 EXIT 239 Colorado Blvd. StanleyRoad VirginiaSt Idaho St Miner St Colorado Blvd. Clear Creek Idaho Springs - West Exit 239 3rd Ave 4th Ave 5th Ave 8th Ave 9th Ave To Edgar Mine To Phoenix Gold Mine
EXIT 239 CONNECTS TO ALL AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS AT EXITS 240 & 241 VIA COLORADO BOULEVARD/BUSINESS I-70
Clear Creek County Mine Tour
239
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 19
IDAHO SPRINGS – Historic District
Access the Idaho Springs downtown National Historic District between 13th and 17th avenues as well as popular attractions and the rest of town at this central exit. This part of town has been the commercial center of the community since its development in the late 19th century and continues to be home to a well preserved collection of late Victorian-era structures. Many private homes from the town’s early mining days also remain. Mount Evans Recreation Area, Echo Lake, Highway 103 trails, recreation center, hot springs and more are also reached from this exit.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS AND CHARLIE TAYLER WATERWHEEL
Picturesque Bridal Veil Falls and the Charlie Tayler Waterwheel, built in the 1890s, can be viewed up close in Water Wheel Park after a short and easy walk from downtown. The trail, which is a short section of the Clear Creek Greenway, begins at Harold Anderson Park behind Town Hall, 1711 Miner Street.
RECREATION CENTER & POOL
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Charlie Tayler Water Wheel
E-Bike Rentals
Echo Lake Park
Fire Lookout on
Gold Mill & Tunnel
Guided Walking Tours Highway 103
Heritage Museum & Visitor Center
Indian Hot Springs Resort
Meadery
Miner Street Market
Mount Evans Recreation Area and Scenic Byway
National Historic District
Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District’s Idaho Springs Recreation Center, 1130 Idaho Street, offers low-priced day-use passes to its 25-yard, six-lane pool with slides and fountains; hot tub; dry sauna; showers; and fitness center. To learn more, call 303-567-4822 or visit clearcreekrecreation.com.
HERITAGE MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER
The Heritage Museum Visitor Center, 2060 Miner St., features local information, gift shop and a free, informative museum of fascinating county artifacts. It can be reached from either Exit 240 or Exit 241 from Colorado Boulevard. Call 303-567-4382 or visit historicidahosprings.com for more information.
MINER STREET MARKET
Miner Street between 15th and 17th avenues is closed to traffic until Oct. 31 to create a Downtown Pedestrian Marketplace and allow businesses to use the space for outdoor dining, live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Friday cornhole tournaments at 6 p.m. through August (register on Scoreholio) and more.
In the downtown area, visitors must park, then pay via kiosks or the free Park Idaho Springs Mobile App. Paid parking is seven days a week, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hours 1-3 are $2 an hour. Every hour after is $5 more per hour. Citations start at $50. Free options are also offered. Call 303-825-0429 or visit parkidahosprings.com to learn more.
Underhill Museum
Whitewater Rafting
20 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
Mestaa’ėhehe
Mountain
RV
National Forest Picnic Sites Recreation Center & Pool
Park
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park
Outfitters
240 EXIT240 VirginiaSt Virginia St Virginia Canyon/ Oh My Gawd Road VirginiaSt WallSt Wall St WallSt Water St Miner St Miner St Idaho St Colorado Blvd. Colorado Blvd. Colorado Blvd. RiversideDr RiversideDr Soda Creek Road ColoradoBlvd. Miner St 11th Ave 10th Ave 12th Ave 13th Ave 14th Ave 15th Ave 16th Ave 17th Ave 23rd Ave Idaho Springs - Central Exit 240 Clear Creek Clear Creek
Continued on Page 26
Miner Street Market in the Historic District
To Hot Springs To
Lake To Idaho Springs West End To Idaho Springs East End Argo Gold Mill & Tunnel
Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith
Mount Evans & Echo
DOWNTOWN-AREA PARKING SYSTEM
EXIT 240 CONNECTS TO ALL AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS AT EXITS 239 & 241 VIA COLORADO BOULEVARD/BUSINESS I-70
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 21
MOUNT EVANS RECREATION AREA
Mount Evans Recreation Area, reached from Exit 240, features the highest paved road in North America leading to the summit of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. Once at summit parking, it’s a short walk to the top for spectacular views. Along the way, stops including Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center offer glances into life in the high alpine environment.
MOUNT EVANS SCENIC BYWAY
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway begins at the Idaho Springs Visitor Center at Exit 240 and 241 and follows Hwy. 103 south of Idaho Springs before turning onto Hwy. 5 at Echo Lake. It climbs more than 7,000 feet in its 28-mile length and reaches an elevation of 14,130 feet at the summit. The route offers scenic views of the Continental Divide, mountain goat and bighorn sheep herds, wildflowers and pine forests. Overlook spectacular views of distant mountain peaks, alpine lakes and glacier valleys along the way. The road is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting, through the first weekend in October. The Hwy. 5 portion requires a fee and reservation. Access to the top is closed at Summit Lake in early September. Weather changes quickly and drastically on the summit. Regardless of conditions at the base, be prepared for intense sunlight, cold temperatures, snow, hail, rain, extreme wind and low oxygen. The road can close any day due to winter-like conditions. Mount Evans is very popular. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking with full parking lots and lines on most weekends. The best time to visit is on weekdays and mornings. Vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended on Hwy. 5 due to the steep, narrow, winding road. For the latest road information, visit coloradodot.info.
To reduce crowding, reservations are required for entry to the Mount Evans Recreation Area. Regular fees, ranging from $10$40, also apply. Private vehicles entering the area, including annual and lifetime passholders, must have a reservation. Reservations are not required for biking and hiking into the area. All pass sales and reservations must be made in advance online at recreation.gov. There is a $2 per ticket fee. Be prepared, there is no cell service at the Welcome Station.
22 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
RESERVATIONS
Mount Evans summit
Mount Evans Recreation Area Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Evans State Wildlife Area C.R.43 Guanella Pass Road Squaw Pass Road Upper Bear Creek Road F.S.188 F.S.247 Deer Creek Geneva Creek C.G. Threemile Burning Bear C.G. Summit Lake Hells Hole Trail Mt.Bierstadt Trail RosalieTrail Tanglewood Trail Threemile Trail CubCreekTrail CubCreekTrail BeartrackLakesTrail Lost CreekTrail MeridianTrail IndianCreek Trail SummitLakeTrail Beaver Meadows Trail Lincoln Lake Trail CaptainTrailMountain Resthouse Meadows Trail Roosevelt Lakes Trail RosalieTrail AbyssLakeTrail AbyssLakeTrail Chicago LakesTrail MT. EVANS SUMMIT MT. BIERSTADT SUMMIT LAKE PARK UPPER GOLIATH ECHO LAKE Guanella Pass C.G. Clear Lake Meridian Cub Creek Camp Rock Lost Creek Echo Lake Hells Hole West Chicago Creek South Chicago Creek SouthChicagoCreekTrail To Georgetown Grant To Idaho Springs To Bergen Park & Evergreen To Evergreen GuanellaPass Road Guanella Pass Road C.R. 47 To Kenosha Pass To Morrison/ Denver No camping, campfires or stove fires are allowed except in designated campgrounds.
Photo by Jeffrey
V. Smith
241
IDAHO SPRINGS – Historic District
Continued from page 20
ECHO LAKE PARK AND HIGHWAY 103 TRAILS
Highway 103 connects the Idaho Springs Visitor Center to Echo Lake Park, several National Forest picnic sites and Evergreen Parkway. The Echo Lake Trail, 10.2 miles south of Idaho Springs, offers an easy hike around Echo Lake and access to the challenging Chicago Lakes Trail which continues to Mount Evans Wilderness, Chicago Lakes or Summit Lake, which is six miles away. It can also be accessed from Echo Lake Campground, 14 miles south of Idaho Springs, where the 6.4-mile Resthouse Meadows Trail also begins. This trail connects to Lincoln Lake Trail and Summit Lake Flats Trail, which continues to Summit Lake. To hike Chief Mountain Trail, a 1.5-mile, challenging trail to a summit with 360-degree views of Mount Evans and surrounding peaks, stay on Hwy. 103 to a pull-out near Mile Marker 18. Mountain bikers can find technical single-track on the 6-mile Warren Gulch Trail near Echo Mountain Resort, 19285 Hwy. 103. Visit fs.usda.gov/arp or co.clear-creek.co.us/884/Trails to learn more.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Ride or lead horses along varied terrain in the National Forest on the Hells Hole Trail and Captain Mountain Trail (#46) through the Mount Evans Wilderness. The Hells Hole Trailhead is three miles down West Chicago Creek Road, which is 6.5 miles south of Idaho Springs on Hwy. 103. The Captain Mountain Trail starts at the Echo Lake Trailhead, which is off Hwy. 5/Mount Evans Road 14 miles south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. A mandatory free self-issuing permit is required for Mount Evans Wilderness and are available at the trailhead or wilderness entry. Information on all trails suitable for horse and maps to locate trailheads with adequate trailer parking are available online at fs.usda.gov/arp.
IDAHO SPRINGS – East
This Idaho Springs exit is the best way to access businesses and attractions located at the east end of town including restaurants, grocery store, post office, Virginia Canyon Mountain Park and the Heritage Museum & Visitor Center/Ranger Station. It also is the only way to reach County Road 314/Idaho Springs Road, which connects to Hidden Valley Exit 243 and the Ball Field Complex.
BALL FIELD COMPLEX
The Idaho Springs Ball Field Complex, 101 Idaho Springs Road, features two ball fields, restrooms, picnic tables and a performance stage. A non-motorized trail connects the complex to Downtown Idaho Springs. Call 303-567-4822 or visit clearcreekrecreation.com for more information.
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Courtney-Ryley-Cooper
Park & Steve Canyon Statue
Gold Mill & Tunnel
Ball Field Complex
Virginia Canyon
Mountain Park
Museum & Visitor Center/ Ranger Station
2420 Colorado Blvd.
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
303-567-2903
Mon-Fri: 8:30-5; Sat: 9-noon
COURTNEY-RYLEY-COOPER PARK & STEVE CANYON STATUE
This park, 2350 Colorado Blvd., is on Clear Creek and offers free parking, river access, Clear Creek Greenway connection, public restrooms, fishing platform, horseshoe courts, playground, pavilion, picnic tables and statue of Steve Canyon, a man-of-action character created in 1947 by comics legend Milton Caniff. Call 303-567-4421 or visit idahospringsco.com for more information.
ARGO TOURS
The “Mighty” Argo Mill and Tunnel, 2350 Riverside Dr., is one of the region’s most prominent National Historic Landmarks. Book tours online or call ahead to confirm availability. The gift shop is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 303-567-2421 or visit argomilltour.com for information.
26 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
Argo Mill & Tunnel 26 Idaho Springs - East Exit 241 EXIT241 Clear Creek Riverside Dr IdahoSpringsRoad Riverside Dr Colorado Blvd Miner St Edwards St 25th Ave Gibson Ave Ball Field Complex To Idaho Springs Central Argo Gold Mill & Tunnel EXIT
AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS AT EXITS
I-70
241 CONNECTS TO ALL
239 & 240 VIA COLORADO BOULEVARD/BUSINESS
Barbour Fork OHV Trail n Chief Mountain Trail n Clear Creek Greenway l Highway 103 Trails l n u Prospector Trail l Scott Lancaster Trail l Virginia Canyon Mountain Park Trail n
240 TRAILS
SCENIC DRIVES
Several of Colorado’s more spectacular scenic drives can be found in the region. Three designated Colorado Scenic Byways, and several one-of-a-kind routes connecting them, showcase the area’s unparalleled scenery and unique towns. While many routes require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, these are accessible to most vehicles.
CLEAR CREEK CANYON/U.S. 6 l
This road begins near Exit 244 and is an alternative route to Golden that descends through a long, narrow gorge featuring a paved trail, fishing spots, boat launches, trailheads, rock climbing areas and beautiful scenery.
FALL RIVER ROAD l
Fall River Road connects I-70 to the St. Mary’s Glacier area at Exit 238. The 9-mile route reaches heights above 10,000 feet and includes incredible views with access to OHV roads and trailheads.
GUANELLA PASS SCENIC BYWAY l
This popular 23-mile Colorado Scenic Byway begins in Georgetown at Exit 228. The paved road climbs a 11,700-foot pass through pine and aspen forests. It features mountain lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and trailheads as well as wildflowers, fall aspen leaves and views. Mount Evans Wilderness borders most of the east side.
LARIAT LOOP SCENIC BYWAY l
Retrace the motoring adventures of the early 1920s on this 40mile route. The designated National Scenic Byway, which includes the Evergreen Parkway at Exits 251 and 252, features Colorado’s first gateways to the mountains. Sharp curves, winding roads, spectacular views, and waysides are featured.
LOVELAND PASS/U.S. 6 l
Loveland Pass, reached via U.S. 6 at Exit 216, is a high mountain pass with hairpin curves and steep drop-offs that reaches an elevation of 11,990-feet. It features unmatched views of surrounding peaks and Colorado scenery. It is a scenic alternative to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and Summit County.
MOUNT EVANS SCENIC BYWAY l
The highest paved road in the country, Hwy. 5 climbs more than 7,000 feet in 28-miles before reaching the 14,130 foot summit of Mount Evans. Most of the route, reached from C.R. 103 at Idaho Springs Exit 240, is above timberline where rare plants, alpine wildflowers, and a wide variety of wildlife flourish. It is one of the best places in Colorado to see bighorn sheep. The weather is volatile, so be prepared for wind, rain, lightning, snow, and hail any day of the year. Summit is open Memorial Day through Labor Day only and vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended on the Hwy. 5 portion.
VIRGINIA CANYON/’OH MY GOD’ ROAD n
This 7.5 miles scenic dirt road, accessible from central Idaho Springs, is a shortcut to Central City. It is filled with old mining sites and spectacular views, but earned its nickname, “Oh My God” Road, due to its many drop-offs and switchbacks.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 27
HIDDEN VALLEY / CENTRAL CITY
CASINO PARKWAY
Hidden Valley provides access to a nine-mile, four-lane highway with direct access to the historic mining town of Central City, founded in 1859. The well-preserved town features museums, history tours, opera festival, special events and casino gaming as well as a variety outdoor recreation at a reservoir, disc golf course and in the surrounding National Forest. The exit also provides access to C.R. 314 to the south, which leads to Game Check Station Trailhead, with restrooms and river access, and Scott Landcaster Memorial Trail. There is also a gas station, retail store and dispensary.
CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY: SCOTT LANDCASTER MEMORIAL TRAIL (near exit)
CENTRAL CITY - 9 MILES
Part of the Clear Creek Greenway, this 4-mile paved trail is flat and easy. The ADA accessible Game Check Station Trailhead, 1335 E. Idaho Springs Road, west of Exit 243 on C.R. 314, is an easy place to pick up the trail, which links the Idaho Springs Ball Fields at Exit 241 to Exit 244 where it connects to frontage roads. A temporary detour on C.R. 314 heading west from the trailhead continues.
HIDEE GOLD MINE TOUR (+6 miles)
Learn geology, mineralogy and history while 700 feet underground in a well-lit, dry and safe mine at Hidee Gold Mine, 1950 Hidee Mine Road. Tours include an authentic gold vein where visitors can chip and keep a gold ore sample. Gold panning is also offered. Visit hideegoldmine.com or call 720548-0343 to learn more.
LEVIT STREET MARKET (9 miles)
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Casino Parkway
Dispensaries
Game Check Station
Trailhead
Gas Station & Store
CENTRAL CITY - 9 MILES
Casino Gaming & Sports Betting
Chase Gulch Reservoir
Mine Tour
Museums & Historic Sites
Nat’l Forest Campground
National Historic District
OHV Trails
KOA RV Park & Campground
Sunday Farmers Market TRAILS
Clear Creek Greenway: Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail l
149 Gregory Street Central City, CO 80427
303-582-5252
Mon-Fri: 8:30–Noon & 1–5 Sat: 10-12:30
Every Sunday through Sept. 25, a farmers-style market with local foods, arts, crafts, vendors, goods and services as well as live music and demonstrations is held on Levit Street near the 300 block of Gregory Street in Central City.
CASINO GAMING & SPORTS BETTING
There are six casinos in Central City. Some are open 24 hours and offer lodging, dining and entertainment. There are no betting limits and a range of slots, table games and more are offered. Sports betting, onsite and online, is also legal.
CHASE GULCH RESERVOIR
Enjoy paddle boarding, fishing and kayaking at this nearby reservoir. Head west on Eureka Street and keep right at the fork to continue on Upper Apex Road for about 1 mile.
HISTORIC TOURS
Explore historic buildings with guided tours by Gilpin County Historical Society including Gilpin History Museum, Opera
HISTORIC CENTRAL CITY
House, Mine Shaft House, Print Shop Museum, Teller House, Thomas House and St. James Church. Tours are daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and cost $7 per person, per building or $6 each if combined. Children 12 and under are free. Tours begin at Washington Hall, 117 Eureka St. Call 303-582-5283 or visit gilpinhistory.org for details.
VISITOR CENTER
Visit the freindly staff at the Visitors Center, 103 Eureka St., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, for information about casinos, historic sites, restaurants, walking tours, cemeteries and anything else in the area.
GILPIN ARTS ASSOC.
The Gilpin County Arts Association’s gallery in historic Washington Hall, 117 Eureka St.,
presents its 75th Annual Juried Show of original art, June 11–Aug. 20, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Call 303-582-5952 or visit gilpinarts.org for details.
OPERA HOUSE & FESTIVAL
The 550-seat opera house, 120 Eureka St., was built in 1878 and is a National Historic Landmark. This year’s festival includes “The Light in the Piazza,” July 2-28, and “Die Fledermaus,” July 9-29 among other performances and events. Visit centralcityopera.org for details.
28 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 USE EXIT 243 AT HIDDEN VALLEY TO ACCESS THE CASINO PARKWAY TO CENTRAL CITY Hidden Valley/ Central City Parkway Exit 243 EastIdahoSpringsRoad Central City Casino Pkwy ClearCreek EXIT 243 To Trailhead – Road Closed to Idaho Springs No Outlet To Central City and KOA
243
244
CLEAR CREEK CANYON / U.S. 6
This alternate scenic route from Idaho Springs to Golden follows U.S. 6 as it winds through Clear Creek Canyon next to Clear Creek. Passing through a narrow canyon with a series of tunnels, it offers dramatic scenery and gives access to fishing, boating and trailheads in Clear Creek Canyon Park, Centennial Cone Park and the Peaks to Plains Trail. Heading west on Hwy. 119 — the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
— travelers can access casinos in Black Hawk and eventually Nederland, Allenspark and Estes Park as well as Rocky Mountain National Park, which is 70 miles north.
CENTENNIAL CONE PARK & CLEAR CREEK CANYON PARK
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Black Hawk
Centennial Cone Park
Clear Creek Canyon Park
Jefferson County Trailheads
Oxbow/Tunnel 5 Trailhead
Prospecting
Rock Climbing
TRAILS
Centennial Cone Park/ Travois Trail n
Mayhem Gulch/ Juniper Loop Trail n
Peaks to Plains Trail l
U.S. 6 Clear Creek Canyon Repaving & Safety Improvements
Daytime single lane closures and intermittent traffic holds through October from Monday –Thursday 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday 6 a.m. – noon. Visit cotrip.org for details.
Centennial Cone Park offers a near-backcountry experience, with a 12-mile trail loop offering views of Clear Creek and the opportunity to see elk and other wildlife. Centennial Cone West Trailhead, 2224 Douglas Mountain Dr., and Centennial Cone North Trailhead, 3956 Camino Perdido, provide access to trails. On weekends, hike and horseback ride on odd-numbered dates; bike on even-numbered dates. Clear Creek Canyon Park near the junction of U.S. 6 and Hwy. 119 (3 miles from Exit 244) offers unique recreation experiences among steep canyon walls and Clear Creek. The Mayhem Gulch and Clear Creek Canyon Big Easy trailheads offer parking, toilets and trail access. Call 303-2715925 or visit jeffco.us/open-space for details on each.
OXBOW/TUNNEL 5 TRAILHEAD
The Oxbow Trailhead, located near Tunnel 5 on U.S. 6 in Clear Creek County, provides an important link for the Clear Creek Greenway between Clear Creek County and neighboring Jefferson County. At the same time, the Oxbow site is its own destination with scenic beauty, wildlife, cultural history as well as rock climbing, hiking and biking. The trailhead and parking area is temporarily closed, but the Greenway is open and accessible from Jefferson County trailheads east on U.S. 6. It is expected to reopen mid-June with a grand opening event likely in late July
PEAK TO PLAINS TRAIL
This concrete and ADA accessible trail straddles the border of Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties and provides a conduit for non-motorized transport through the scenic Clear Creek Canyon. The award-winning Peaks to Plains Trail attracts users for an easy hike or bike ride and river access for boating and fishing. Visit jeffco.us/3792/Peaks-to-Plains-Trail for information.
PROSPECTING
Clear Creek Canyon Open Space Park provides almost 10 miles of access to Clear Creek, the only place recreational gold prospecting/panning is allowed in the area. See posted signs for permissible areas along creek. When water is high in spring and early summer, access is limited. Prospecting is prohibited in some areas at the Big Easy Trailhead. Prospectors must adhere to all prospecting and park regulations. Visit jeffco.us/open-space/parks/clear-creek-canyon-park to learn more.
ROCK CLIMBING
Clear Creek Canyon has long been a go-to destination for local climbing communities. With more than 1,000 total climbs spanning all grades, six climbing areas and hundreds of new routes, Clear Creek Canyon is considered by many to be among the best sport climbing areas on the Front Range. Parking along U.S. 6 between Tunnels 5 and 6 may be closed at times. Rock climbers and other creek users will need to access the area from west of Tunnel 6 or from Jefferson County trailheads.
30 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 Clear Creek Canyon/U.S. 6 Exit 240 To To EXIT244 EXIT244 EXIT244ClearCreek ClearCreek
LEFT SIDE EXIT FOR EASTBOUND I-70 • ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO GOLDEN OR CONNECT TO PEAK TO PEAK SCENIC BYWAY TO BLACK HAWK, NEDERLAND & ESTES PARK
COLO. 119
Clear Creek Canyon and U.S. 6
ON
- 4 MILES
BLACK HAWK
BLACK HAWK -10 MILES
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
BLACK HAWK -10 MILES
Black Hawk
Casino Gaming & Sports Betting
Hidden Treasure Trailhead/ Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
TRAILS
BLACK HAWK -10 MILES
Fast Money DownhillOnly Biking Trail n
Hard Money DownhillOnly Biking Trail u
Historic Gilpin Tramway l Paymaster Trail n
COtrip Planner Mobile
App
The free COtrip Planner provides statewide, real-time traffic information on iOS and Android mobile devices.
Black Hawk, with more than a dozen casinos and numerous hotels, resorts, spas, retail stores and restaurants — ranging from steak houses to all-you-can-eat buffets — is a small city that’s become a major regional gaming and entertainment destination. There is also abundant outdoor recreation. Part of the Gregory Diggings, the mining camp that became Black Hawk began in 1859. It became Black Hawk Point in 1860 and was incorporated as the City of Black Hawk on March 11, 1864 making it the second incorporated city in the territory. It is about 10 miles from Exit 244 on Hwy. 119.
CASINO GAMING AND SPORTS BETTING
Enjoy gaming in a beautiful setting at any of Black Hawk’s more than a dozen casino featuring no betting limits and all types of gaming including keno, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, slot machines and more. Sports betting is also legal as long as bets are placed with authorized, legal sportsbooks and operators. There is also ample free parking near all casinos. Learn more at visitblackhawk.org.
GREGORY SQUARE/HARD DISTRICT
The Black Hawk’s new Gregory Street Plaza, part of the town’s “HARD district,” preserves the history of the area through extensive restoration efforts while providing retail options, restaurants, fire department museum, recreation and destination activities for the residents and visitors. Find it in the 200-400 block of Gregory Street. There is free parking in a garage across Gregory Street.
PEAK TO PEAK SCENIC BYWAY
The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway is a state and nationally designated byway running north from Black Hawk to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Known as the “showcase of the Front Range”, it features views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches all along the 55-mile route. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Boulder Canyon and more are reached from the route.
SCULPTURE TOUR
Learn about nine sculptures and their artists on a self-guided walking tour of Black Hawk using QR codes and phone numbers. Visit cityofblackhawk.org/sculpture-tour to learn more.
HIDDEN TREASURE TRAILHEAD
7340 Black Hawk Blvd.
Black Hawk, CO 80422
303-582-5646
Mon-Fri: 8:30–12:30 & 1–5 Sat: 8:30–12:30
The Hidden Treasure Trailhead, 1/4 mile north of Black Hawk, provides access to the 600-acre Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park, a day-use area for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife observation and more. Enjoy vistas and panoramic views as well as interesting historical sites on a trail system with opportunities for all levels of interest and ability including biking-only and hiking-only options. The parking lot fills early on weekends. Look for overflow parking along Hwy. 119 closer to town.
Trail Map/Information: comba.org/blackhawk or cityofblackhawk.org
32 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
244
LEFT SIDE EXIT FOR EASTBOUND I-70 • ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO GOLDEN OR CONNECT TO PEAK TO PEAK HIGHWAY TO BLACK HAWK & ESTES PARK
Black Hawk
CASINO GAMING
Black Hawk is home to more than a dozen casinos and Central City has six more. Guests 21 and older can play slot machines, poker, craps and roulette up to 24 hours a day. The casinos, which range from small, family-owned establishments to large, upscale resorts, also offer a wide variety of lodging, dining and entertainment options including live music, food specials and 24-hour alcohol sales. Parking is easy in free self-park and valet casino garages.
CENTURY CASINO & HOTEL
102 Main Street • 303-582-5050 cnty.com/central-city
DOSTAL ALLEY CASINO
116 Main Street • 303-582-1610 dostalalley.com
AMERISTAR CASINO RESORT
111 Richman St. • 720-946-4000 blackhawk.ameristar.com
BALLY’S BLACK HAWK EAST
321 Main Street • 303-582-2600 ballysblackhawk.com
BALLY’S BLACK HAWK NORTH 300 Main Street • 303-582-2600 ballysblackhawk.com
BALLY’S BLACK HAWK WEST 261 Main Street • 303-582-2600 ballysblackhawk.com
CENTRAL CITY
EASY STREET CASINO
120 Main Street • 303-582-5914 easystreetcentralcity.com
FAMOUS BONANZA CASINO
107 Main Street • 303-582-5914 famousbonanza.com
GRAND Z CASINO HOTEL
321 Gregory St. • 303-582-0800 grandzcasinohotel.com
BLACK HAWK
BULL DURHAM SALOON & CASINO
110 Main Street • 303-582-0810 bulldurhamcasino.com
THE GILPIN CASINO 111 Main Street • 303-582-1133 thegilpincasino.com
HORSESHOE BLACK HAWK
(ISLE CASINO HOTEL)
401 Main Street • 800-843-4753 caesars.com/horseshoe-blackhawk
LADY LUCK/O’SHEAS CASINO 340 Main Street • 800-843-4753 ladyluckblackhawk.com
THE LODGE CASINO & HOTEL 240 Main Street • 303-582-1771 thelodgecasino.com
MONARCH CASINO RESORT 488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 monarchblackhawk.com
RED DOLLY CASINO 530 Gregory St. • 303-582-1100 thereddollycasino.com
DRAGON TIGER CASINO
132 Lawrence Street 303-582-5623
maverickgaming.com/ dragon-tiger-casino-co
SARATOGA CASINO 101 Main Street • 303-582-6100 saratogacasinobh.com
SASQUATCH CASINO 125 Gregory St. • 720-880-1616 sasquatchcasino.com
WILD CARD CASINO 120 Main Street • 303-582-3412 wildcardsaloon.com
Z CASINO 101 Gregory St. • 303-271-2500 zcasinobh.com
34 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
Floyd Hill and Beaver Brook are residential areas near the eastern county line. Exits 247 and 248 access Clear Creek County open space areas at Floyd Hill and Beaver Brook Watershed. The Clear Creek County High School and an antique store are at Exit 247. There is also an alternative route to the Evergreen Parkway and Bergen Park at Exit 248.
SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Saddleback Mountain is a “local gem” with spectacular views located in the Beaver Brook Watershed Open Space. South of Interstate 70, turn right on Hyland Road and follow signs to Saddleback Mountain.
FLOYD HILL OPEN SPACE
Floyd Hill Open Space, 37899 U.S. 40, is 108 acres offering amazing views of the Front Range, Centennial Cone and Lookout Mountain. Rock climbing is also available. Designed with both biking and hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, this new 12-mile trail system includes The Sluice, purpose-built 1.3-mile world-class, bike-only directional downhill trail that descends more than 300 vertical feet down the slope’s 20-30% grade. There are also hiker-only trail options. Visit comba.org for details and trail maps.
I-70 Floyd Hill to Chief Hosa Resurfacing Overnight lane closures on I-70 Sunday-Friday, 5 p.m.10 a.m. Ramp closures may affect Exits 248 and 251. Visit cotrip.org for details.
BEAVER BROOK/FLOYD HILL
Beaver Brook and Floyd Hill are residential areas near the eastern county line. Use Exit 247 or Exit 248, depending on which direction you are going on Interstate 70, to access Clear Creek County open space areas at Beaver Brook Watershed and Floyd Hill. County Road 65 is an alternative route to the Evergreen Parkway/ Lariat Loop Scenic Byway and Evergreen/Bergen Park businesses at Exit 248. It also is a quick way to reach scenic Hwy. 103 to the Mount Evans Area and, ultimately, Idaho Springs in about 17 miles.
BEAVER BROOK WATERSHED OPEN SPACE
Located 3 miles west of Bergen Park on Hwy. 103 and south of Exit 248 via County Road 65, the Beaver Brook Watershed is part of a 20-mile wildlife corridor between Elk Meadow in Jefferson County and Mount Evans. There is a network of old wagon roads for hikers, bikers and equestrians. It includes wildflower-filled meadows, bubbling streams bounded by lush vegetation, forested slopes, abundant wildlife, and dramatic rock features. Leashed dogs are allowed. Parking is limited. The area can also be accessed from two larger parking areas on Hwy. 103.
ELMGREEN PARK
Elmgreen Park, 333 Beaver Brook Canyon Road, is a small neighborhood park located adjacent to the Clear Creek High School near Floyd Hill Exit 247. It has a covered picnic table, playground, tennis court, basketball court, large open space and restroom facility. The adjacent “Gold Digger” Trail goes around the school. For more information, visit clearcreekrecreation.com.
EXIT247 BeaverBrook HylandDr Homestead Road Canyon To U.S. 6 To Exit 248 Floyd Hill Exit 247 Beaver Brook Exit 248 EXIT 248 To Floyd Hill To Exit 251 To Evergreen EASTBOUND EXIT ONLY • NO SERVICES AT THIS EXIT • WESTBOUND I-70 TRAFFIC USE EXIT 248 WESTBOUND EXIT ONLY • NO SERVICES AT THIS EXIT • EASTBOUND I-70 TRAFFIC USE EXIT 247 EXIT HIGHLIGHTS Antique Store Clear Creek County School Open Space Parks
Beaver Brook Watershed Open Space l Floyd Hill Open Space Trail System l n u Saddleback Mountain Trail n 247 248 FLOYD HILL/BEAVER
TRAILS
BROOK
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 35
Floyd Hill Open Space
EL RANCHO/EVERGREEN PARKWAY
El Rancho got its start in 1947 when a log-cabin style restaurant opened with that name. When Interstate 70 was built in the mid-1960s, the exit leading to Evergreen was named “El Rancho.” Today, the building is a brewery and restaurant featuring Continental Divide views. The exit has gas and car care; Walmart, Home Depot and retail stores; hotel; and restaurants. It also connects to the Evergreen Parkway and Lariat Loop Scenic Byway.
HUMPHREY HISTORY PARK & MUSEUM
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Elk Meadow Park
Evergreen Lake
History Park & Museum
Public Golf Course
Recreation Center
This living history experience, 620 Soda Creek Road, is on the 1920 Humphrey family ranch. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Labor Day, it includes historic house tours, goats and chickens, classes, art gallery, antique store, trails and events. Call 303-674-5429 or visit hmpm.org for details.
ELK MEADOW PARK
The 1,475-acre park, 32281 Stagecoach Boulevard, is open during daylight and is a great place to hike, bike and see herds of elk. Diverse trail experiences include the 4.7-mile difficult hike to Bergen Peak. There are 14.5 miles of trails including the easy Painter’s Pause/Founders Trail and Pioneer Trail that connects Bergen Park to Evergreen Lake. Visit jeffco.us/1218/ Elk-Meadow-Park for maps and information.
EVERGREEN PARKWAY
Evergreen Parkway is part of the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway, is a four- to six-lane roadway connecting Interstate 70 with Hwy. 103, Bergen Park and the town of Evergreen. It reaches Morrison and C-470 in 18 miles. An abundance of shopping and dining options can be found at the exit, on the parkway and in downtown Evergreen.
LARIAT LOOP SCENIC BYWAY
This 40-mile National Scenic Byway, which includes the Evergreen Parkway, connects Golden, Morrison and Evergreen. It passes dozens of open space parks, museums and heritage sites in foothills, canyons, and meadows. This original gateway to the mountains has sharp curves, winding roads, spectacular views and waysides. Visit lariatloop.org for more information.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Ride horses in the National Forest on the 18-mile long Cub Creek Trail (#40) south of Evergreen. It connects to Indian Creek, Meridian and Lost Creek trails. Follow the Evergreen Parkway 6 miles to Hwy. 73 below the Evergreen Lake Dam. Turn south and drive about a mile to Brook Forest Road. Follow it for about 5 miles to Brook Forest then continue south on Black Mountain Road another mile to the trailhead. A mandatory free self-issuing permit is required for the Mount Evans Wilderness. Free permits are available at the trailhead or wilderness entry point. Information on trails suitable for horses and maps to locate trailheads with adequate stock trailer parking are online at fs.usda.gov/arp.
36 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
EASTBOUND ONLY • USE EL RANCHO EXIT 251 TO ACCESS THE EVERGREEN PARKWAY WHEN HEADING EASTBOUND
251
252 WESTBOUND ONLY
To Evergreen Parkway El Rancho/ Evergreen Parkway Exit 251 Evergreen Parkway Exit 252 EvergreenPkwySuedeGulchRoad Rainbow Hill Road To Exit 251 To Evergreen EXIT252 36 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 TRAILS Bergen Peak Trail u Cub Creek Trail n Painter’s Pause/ Founders Trail l
EXIT251
Elk Meadow Park
Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith
FISHING
Mountain fishing can be found in Clear Creek County’s many freshwater lakes, creeks and streams. Many locations along Clear Creek and at Georgetown Lake provide easy access and diverse fishing opportunities. Other top spots — featuring Brown, Rainbow, Lake, Cutthroat and Brook trout; Mountain Whitefish; and Kokanee Salmon — can be found throughout the region. A license is required for anyone 16 years and older. State laws and regulations, including size limits and use of lures, apply everywhere, so check with Colorado Parks & Wildlife at cpw.state. co.us for details. Youth under age 16 fish for free. Buy licenses online at cpwshop.com or in-person at Downieville Fuel Stop at Exit 234, Idaho Springs Safeway at Exits 240 or 241 and Big R, Blue Quill Anglers, Safeway and Wal-Mart Supercenter near Evergreen at Exits 251 or 252. For gear and local advice, visit Clear Creek Outdoors in Idaho Springs at Exit 240 and Blue Quill Angler near Evergreen at Exit 251or 252.
The CPW Fishing App is the state’s official fishing app, providing for journaling, learning and scouting capabilities with or without a connection. The Fly Fishing Match a Hatch App is designed to help anglers identify flies hatching in Colorado each month and find an appropriate artificial fly.
Mount Evans Trout Fishing, 4125 Chicago Creek Road at Exit 240, offers pond fishing without a license for a fee. Equipment is also available for rental. Visit mtevanstroutfishingco.com or call 303567-4017 to learn more.
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 37
EVERGREEN – Downtown Area
Downtown Evergreen offers a wide variety of stores offering fine arts, crafts and gifts as well as bistros, coffee shops, boutiques, shopping, lodging, golf, hiking, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, live music, dining along Bear Creek and more.
ALDERFER/THREE SISTERS PARK
EXIT HIGHLIGHTS
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Elk Meadow Park
Evergreen Lake
Evergreen Nature Center
History Park & Museum
Public Golf Course
Recreation Centers
TRAILS
Bergen Peak Trail u
Cub Creek Trail n
Evergreen Lake Trail l
Painter’s Pause/ Founders Trail l
Near the heart of Evergreen, the 1,135-acre Alderfer/Three Sisters Park — with trailheads at 5136 South Le Masters Road and 30357 Buffalo Park Road — has stunning vistas, landmark rock formations, beautiful stands of ponderosa and 16.1 miles or trails. It is open to hiking, biking, horses and climbing during daylight hours. Visit jeffco.us/980/Alderfer-Three-Sisters-Park to learn more.
DEDISSE PARK
The Evergreen Lake and Trail, Evergreen Golf Course and Evergreen Nature Center are all part of the 420-acre Dedisse Park, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road. The park also offers picnic tables, bathrooms, boat launch and a 1.25-mile hiking trail connecting downtown to Alderfer/Three Sisters Park and the Pioneer Trail to Elk Meadow Park. Visit evergreenrecreation.com or call 720-880-1016 for information.
RECREATION CENTERS AND EVERGREEN LAKE
Evergreen Park & Recreation District operates Buchanan Park Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Wulf Recreation Center, 5300 S. Olive Road, and Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road. It is open for non-motorized private boats and rentals daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., through Sept. 5 and weekends until Oct. 2. Visit evergreenrecreation.com or call 720-880-1016 for details.
HIWAN HERITAGE PARK AND MUSEUM
Architecturally unique and set in an old-growth ponderosa grove, Hiwan Heritage Park and Museum, 28473 Meadow Drive, is a great place to learn local and state history. Indoor tours are free with a reservation and outdoor self-guided tours are available Tuesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m., and weekends until 4:30 p.m. Visit jeffco.us/1251/Hiwan-Heritage-Park or call 720-497-7650 to learn more.
38 Mountain
Guide -
| Summer/Fall 2022
Adventure
Clear Creek County
252
REACH EVERGREEN’S DOWNTOWN AREA VIA THE EVERGREEN PARKWAY FROM EXITS 251 AND 252
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
BED & BREAKFAST
n SILVER PLUME | EXIT 226
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
LODGING – THE GUIDE
n EMPIRE | EXIT 232 + 2 miles
n ST. MARY’S GLACIER/ALCIE | EXIT 238 + 12 miles
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
HOTELS & MOTELS
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
Clear Creek Inn 610 7th Street • 303-569-2742 • clearcreekinn.co
Georgetown Lodge 1600 Argentine St. • 303-569-3211
Georgetown Mountain Inn 1100 Rose Street
• georgetownlodge.com
• 303-569-3201
• georgetownmountaininn.com
Hotel Chateau Chamonix 1414 Argentine St. • 303-569-1109
Microtel Inn & Suites 2190 Argentine St.
n LAWSON | EXIT 233 & 234
• hotelchateauchamonix.com
• 720-741-8989
• wyndhamhotels.com/microtel
Lawson Adventure Park Cabins and Yurts 3440 Alvarado Road
lawsonadventurepark.com See ad page 15
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
6 & 40 Motel 2920 Colorado Boulevard
• 303-567-2691
Argo Inn & Suites 2622 Colorado Boulevard
• 720-779-2595
• 6n40motel.wixsite.com/home
• 303-567-4473
• argoinnandsuites.com
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 39 V Historic Windsor Hotel 515 Woodward Street • 303-999-6010 • historicwindsorhotel.com
House B & B 400 9th Street • 303-569-3038 • horstmannhousebb.com (Adults only) Rose Street Bed & Breakfast 200 Rose Street • 303-578-7844 • rosestreetbnb.com
Creek Guest House 167 W Park Avenue • 303-569-2003 • madcreekguesthouse.com Silver Lake Lodge Bed & Breakfast 336 Crest Drive • 303-567-9299 • thesilverlakelodge.com Miner’s Pick Bed & Breakfast 1639 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-4870 • theminerspick.com Elk Run Bed & Breakfast 1307 Witter Gulch • 303-482-2605 • elkrunbedandbreakfast.com Highland Haven Creekside Inn 4395 Independence Trail • 303-674-3577 • highlandhaven.com Juniper Mountain House 30500 U.S. 40 • 303-800-8193 • junipermountainhouse.com The Cabins at Country Road 26490 Highway 74 • 303-674-1901 • thecabinsatcountryroad.com
Horstmann
Mad
WiFi BreakfastPet-FriendlyMicrowaveMini-Fridge HotTub Pool#ofRooms WiFi BreakfastPet-FriendlyMicrowaveMini-Fridge HotTub Pool#ofRooms 6 • • • 3 • • • 4 • • 4 • • • • 8 • • • • 3 • • • 2 • • • • • 17 • • • • • • 5 • • • • • • 7 • • • • 4 • • • • 54 • • • • 33 • • • • • • • 10 • • • • • 77 • • • • • • • 13 • • • • 30 • • • • • 48 • • • • •
LODGING
39-40 FOOD & DRINK 41-45 SHOPPING 45-48
THE GUIDE – LODGING
40 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
All information subject to change. Call to confirm. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa & Hotel 111 Richman Street • 720-946-4000 • blackhawk.ameristar.com Coyote Motel West 5312 Hwy. 119 • 303-582-5415 Horseshoe Black Hawk/Isle Casino 401 Main • 800-843-4753 • caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk Lady Luck Casino Hotel 340 Main Street • 800-843-4753 • ladyluckblackhawk.com The Lodge Casino Hotel 240 Main Street • 303-582-1771 • thelodgecasino.com The Monarch Casino Hotel 488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com Comfort Suites Golden West 29300 U.S. 40 • 303-526-2000 • goldenevergreenhotel.com Alpen Way Chalet 4980 County Road 73 • 303-674-7467 • alpenwaychalet.com Bears Inn (No Children Under 12) 27425 Spruce Lane • 303-670-1205 • bearsinn.com Colorado Bear Creek Cabins 27400 Highway 74 • 303-674-3442 • coloradobearcreekcabins.com Club Hotel Colorado 1601 Colorado Boulevard • clubhotelcolorado.com (open soon) Columbine Inn 2545 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-0948 • columbineinn.net Flying Moon Cabins 104 W. Chicago Creek Road •720-327-2051 • flyingmooncabins.com H & H Motor Lodge 2445 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2838 • hhlodge.tripod.com Idaho Springs Motel 2631 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2242 Indian Hot Springs 302 Soda Creek Road • 303-989-6666 • indianhotsprings.com Uplift Inn (formerly JC Suites) 2729 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-9263 • upliftinn.com Mt. Evans Trout Fishing Cabins 4125 Highway 103 • 303-567-4017 • mtevanstroutfishingco.com Century Casino Hotel 102 Main Street • 303-582-5050 • cnty.com/central-city Grand Z Casino Hotel 321 Gregory Street • 303-582-0800 • grandzcasinohotel.com Cottonwood RV Campground 1485 Hwy 103 • 303-567-2617 • cottonwoodrvcolorado.com Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday 605 Lake Gulch Road • 303-582-3043 • koa.com Clear Lake Campground Guanella Pass Road Guanella Pass Campground Guanella Pass Road • 877-444-6777 • recreation.gov Echo Lake Campground Hwy. 103 & Mount Evans Road • 877-444-6777 • recreation.gov Fire Lookout on Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Hwy 103 & F.R. 192.1 • 877-444-6777 • recreation.gov West Chicago Creek Campground Hwy. 103 to F.R. 188 • 877-444-6777 • recreation.gov Columbine Campground 2 miles NW of Central City on C.R. 279 • 877-444-6777 • recreation.gov PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS HOTELS & MOTELS TBD 16 • • • • • • 4 • • • • 34 • • • • • 12 • • • 45+ • • • • 8 • • • • 3 • • • 26 • • 119 • • 536 • • • • 34 • • • 240 • • 164 • • 50 • • • 516 • • • • 85 • • • • • • • 7 • • • • • 11 • • 10 • • • • • 22 60’ • call • • n/a 74+ 80’ • call • • • 10/9 8 15’ $21 • • • 9/18 17 35’ • $23 • • • 9/11 17 20’ • $23 • • • 9/11 1 n/a • $80 • n/a 15 30’ • $22 • • • 9/18 46 20’ • $23 • • • 9/18 WiFi BreakfastPet-FriendlyMicrowaveMini-Fridge HotTub Pool#ofRooms DailyFee CloseDate RestroomsWaterFirePit ReservationsMaxSpur#ofSites DailyFee CloseDate RestroomsWaterFirePit ReservationsMaxSpur#ofSites n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228 n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240 n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240 n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240 n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles n BLACK HAWK | EXIT 244 + 10 miles n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles n EVERGREEN PARKWAY/EL RANCHO | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
BARS, TAVERNS, SALOONS & COCKTAILS
n SILVER PLUME | EXIT 226
The Bread Bar
1010 Main Street • 720-722-7323 • breadbarsp.com
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
511 Rose Restaurant & Saloon
511 Rose Street • facebook.com/511rose
Alpine Restaurant & Bar
1106 Rose St. • 303-569-0200 • alpinerestaurantgeorgetown.com
Mother’s Saloon
601 14th Street • 303-569-2080
• facebook.com/Motherssaloon
Sweet Easy – Coffee, Dessert & Cocktails
504 6th Street • 303-569-5134 • sweeteasier.com
n LAWSON | EXIT 233
Adventure Base Camp Bar & Grille See ad page 15
3440 Alvarado Road • 720-779-2595 • lawsonadventurepark.com
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
One Door Down Books, Coffee & Cocktails
1424 Miner Street • 303-567-2439
• 2brosdeli.com
Vintage Moose Tavern See ad on Inside Back Cover 123 16th Ave. • 303-567-2375 • facebook.com/thevintagemoose
Yard’s Taphouse (open soon)
2731 Colorado Boulevard
Yeti Saloon
1633 Miner Street • 303-567-0982 • theyetisaloon.com
n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles
Celebrations Bar at Century Casino 102 Main Street • 303-582-5050 • cnty.com/central-city
Gold Coin Saloon at Easy Street Casino 120 Main Street • 303-582-5914 • easystreetcentralcity.com
Play Maverick Sports Sportsbook at Grand Z Hotel Casino 321 Gregory Street • 303-582-0800 • grandzcasinohotel.com
n U.S. HIGHWAY 6 | EXIT 244
Two Bears Tap & Grill
33295 U.S. 6 • 303-567-2227 • facebook.com/twobearstapandgrill
n BLACK HAWK | EXIT 244 + 10 miles
Bar 8042 at Ameristar Casino 111 Richman Street • 720-946-6172 • blackhawkameristar.com
Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino 111 Richman Street • 720-946-6172 • blackhawkameristar.com
BREWERIES & MEADERIES
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
Cabin Creek Brewing 577 22nd Street • 720-619-7264 • cabincreekbrewing.com
Guanella Pass Brewing Company 501 Rose Street • 303-569-5167 • guanellapass.com
n EMPIRE | EXIT 232 + 2 miles
Guanella Pass Taproom & Kitchen at Original Hard Rock Café 18 E. Park Avenue • 303-569-5136 • guanellapass.com
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
Tommyknocker Brewery Restaurant & Pub 1401 Miner Street • 303-567-2688 • tommyknocker.com
Slaymaker Cellars Meadery 1535 Miner Street • 720-432-0133 • slaymakercellars.com
B Bar at Bally’s Black Hawk North
300 Main Street • 303-582-5600 • ballysblackhawk.com
Cabaret Stage Bar/ Chophouse Lounge at Monarch Casino
488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Brew Brothers at Horseshoe Black Hawk/Isle Casino (open soon)
401 Main Street • 800-843-4753 • caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk
Draftkings Sportsbook at Bally’s Black Hawk North
300 Main Street • 303-582-5600 • ballysblackhawk.com
Escape Bar/High Limit Bar/Splash 23 Bar at Monarch Casino
488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Gold Bar at Bally’s Black Hawk West
261 Main Street • 303-582-1650 • ballysblackhawk.com
Main Floor Bar at Saratoga Casino
101 Main Street • 303-582-6100 • saratogacasinobh.com
O’Sheas Casino at Lady Luck
340 Main Street • 303-998-7777 • ladyluckblackhawk.com
Roxy Bar & Restaurant at Horseshoe Black Hawk/Isle Casino
401 Main Street • 800-843-4753 • caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk
Wild Card Saloon & Casino
120 Main Street • 303-582-3412 • wildcardsaloon.com
n EVERGREEN/BERGEN PARK | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
Casa Tequilas 1204 Bergen Parkway • 303-679-1913
Evergreen Bread & Cocktail Lounge 1260 Bergen Parkway • 303-862-7993
casatequilasevergreen.com
facebook.com/West74pubgrub
The Wild Game Entertainment Experience
thewoodcellar.net
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
Bait Shack Tavern 28275 Highway 74 • 303-670-0574
baitshack.com
Cactus Jacks Saloon & Grill See ad page 38 4651 Highway 73 • 303-674-1564
Little
evergreenlivemusic.com
revivalbrews.pub
Westbound & Down Brewing Company 1617 Miner Street • 720-502-3121 • westboundanddown.com
n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles
Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino 116 Main Street • 303-582-1610 • dostalalley.com
n EVERGREEN PARKWAY/EL RANCHO | EXIT 251 & 252
El Rancho Brewing 29260 U.S. 40 • 303-670-2739 • elranchobrewing.com
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
Evergreen Brewery & Tap House 2962 Evergreen Parkway • 303-736-8419 • evergreenbrewingco.com
n EVERGREEN/BERGEN PARK | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
Lariat Lodge Brewing Company 27618 Fireweed Drive • 303-674-1842 • lariatlodgebrewing.com
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County
Summer/Fall 2022 41
|
DRINK
FOOD &
– THE GUIDE
V V V
•
•
30790
•
evergreenbreadlounge.com West 74 Pub & Grill
Stagecoach • 303-674-1762
1204
•
1552
•
Bergen Parkway • 720-630-8888
thewildgameevergreen.com The Woodcellar
Bergen Parkway • 303-670-8448
•
•
•
•
27845
•
Bear Saloon 28075 Highway 74
303-674-9991
littlebearsaloon.com Revival Brews
Highway 74 • 303-670-3224
GUIDE
CANDY, PASTRIES & ICE CREAM
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
End Of The Line Ice Cream Fountain 503 6th Street • 303-563-2058 • georgetownloopgifts.com
Georgetown Valley Candy Company 500 6th Street • 303-569-2778 • shopgvcc.com
Mountain Mamas’ Needful Things
710 6th Street • 303-569-5116 • mountainmamasllc.com
Sweet Easy Coffee, Cocktails & Dessert 504 6th Street • 303-569-5134 • sweeteasier.com
n EMPIRE | EXIT 232 + 2 miles
Empire Dairy King
181 Park Avenue • 303-569-3103 • facebook.com/tawnysdairy.king
Empire Grill & Sweets
6 E. Park Ave. • 303-569-2546 • empire-grill-and-sweets.business.site
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
Edelweiss Pastry Shop
1520 Miner Street • 970-309-0117 • edelweisspastryshop.com
Miner Decadence Chocolates
1536 Miner Street • 303-567-1704 • twitter.com/minerdecadence
Sit ‘N’ Chill Ice Cream
1501 Miner Street • 303-257-4164 • sitnchillicecream.com
COFFEE & TEA
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
Colorado T-Shirt & Espresso Store 1510 Argentine St. • facebook.com/coloradotshirtandespressostore
Georgetown Coffee & Tea – Gateway (Inside Mountain Buzz) 1200 Argentine Street • 303-569-5195 • georgetowncoffee.com
Georgetown Coffee & Tea – Downtown See ad page 9 612 6th Street • 303-569-5195 • georgetowncoffee.com
Sweet Easy Coffee, Dessert & Cocktails 504 6th Street • 303-569-5134 • sweeteasier.com
n EMPIRE | EXIT 232 + 2 miles
The Backwaters Café 420 E. Park Avenue/U.S. 40 • 303-569-5093
n DOWNIEVILLE/DUMONT | EXIT 234
Starbucks 308 County Road 308 •303-567-4530 • starbucks.com
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
The Frothy Cup
1510 Miner Street • 303-567-2622 • thefrothycup.com
One Door Down Books, Coffee & Cocktails 1424 Miner Street • 303-567-2439 • oddidahosprings.com
The Spice & Tea Exchange 1634 Miner Street • 303-993-8018 • facebook.com/tsteidahosprings
Starbucks 2900 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2578 • starbucks.com
Westbound General 1609 Miner Street • 720-502-3121 • westboundanddown.com
n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles
Ante Up Café at Mayor Willies
125 Main Street • 970-501-7842 • anteupcafe.com
Bravo Italiano and Caffe 42 109 Eureka Street • 720-357-7104
Retro Deli & Tavern and Dazbog Coffee at Century Casino 102 Main Street • 303-582 -5050 • cnty.com/central-city
n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles
Bravo Italiano and Caffe 42 109 Eureka Street • 720-357-7104
n BLACK HAWK | EXIT 244 + 10 miles
The B & C: Black Hawk Bean & Cream 135 Clear Creek Street • 303-582-0306 • thebandc.com
n EVERGREEN/BERGEN PARK | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
Evergreen Bread Lounge 1260 Bergen Parkway • 303-862-7993 • evergreenbreadlounge.com
Hearthfire Books & Treats 1254 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-4549 • hearthfirebooksandtreats.com
The Village Gourmet 1193 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-0717 • villagegourmet.net
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
Alpine Pastries Bakery 4602 Plettner Lane • 303-674-2120 • alpinepastries.com
Baskin-Robbins 28206 Highway 74 • 303-674-2537 • baskinrobbins.com
Seasonally Yours & Mountain Man Candy & Gifts 28135 Highway 74 • 303-679-3110 • seasonally-yours.com
Slife’s Devil Dogs & Sweet Shave Ice 4602 Plettner Lane • 303-653-7520 • facebook.com/slifesdevildogs
n BLACK HAWK | EXIT 244 + 10 miles
The B&C: Black Hawk Bean & Cream
135 Clear Creek Street • 303-582-0306 • thebandc.com
Java, Etc. at Monarch Casino 488 Main St. • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Starbucks at Ameristar Casino
111 Richman Street • 720-946-4186 • blackhawkameristar.com
Starbucks at Horseshoe Black Hawk/Isle Casino
401 Main St. • 800-843-4753 • caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk
Z Café at Grand Z Casino 321 Gregory Street • 303-582-0800 • grandzcasinohotel.com
n EVERGREEN PARKWAY/EL RANCHO | EXIT 251 & 252
Starbucks 29057 Hotel Way • 303-526-9439 • starbucks.com
n EVERGREEN/BERGEN PARK | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
The Bagelry 1242 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-1413 • thebagelry.com
Bivouac Coffee Roastery & Tasting Room See ad page 37 1552 Bergen Parkway, Unit 303 • 720-588-8761 • bivouac.coffee
Espresso Evergreen 2922 Evergreen Parkway • 303-670-8989 • espressoevergreen.org
Hearthfire Books & Treats 1254 Bergen Pkwy. • 303-670-4549 • hearthfirebooksandtreats.com
Starbucks at King Soopers 1173 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-8249 • starbucks.com
Starbucks at Safeway 3851 Highway 74 • 303-673-6625 • starbucks.com
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
Everbean By The Lake 29003 Upper Bear Creek • 303-670-8623 • everbean-evergreen.com
Java Groove 28186 Highway 74 • 303-674-4494 • java-groove.business.site
Muddy Buck Café 28065 Highway 74 • 303-670-0433
42 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 V V V
THE
– FOOD & DRINK All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
RESTAURANTS
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
511 Rose Restaurant & Saloon
511 Rose Street • 303-569-5142 • 511rose.com
A & K’s Place
715 7th Street • 720-608-1862 • aks-place.com
Alpine Restaurant & Bar
FOOD & DRINK – THE GUIDE
Big B’s Soup & Grilled Cheese 2448 Colorado Boulevard • 303-481-8211 • cheesus.biz
Buffalo Restaurant & Bar
1617 Miner Street • 720-502-3121 • westboundanddown.com
Carl’s Jr. / Green Burrito
2901 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2255 • carlsjr.com
Clear Creek Cidery Tavern & Taps
1106 Rose Street • 303-569-0200 • apinerestaurantgeorgetown.com
Cabin Creek Brewing
577 22nd St. • 720-619-7264 • cabincreekbrewing.com
Café Silverbrick
505 Rose Street • 303-569-5167
• guanellapass.com
Cooper’s On The Creek See ad page 9
1500 Argentine Street • 303-569-5088 • coopersonthecreek.com
The Happy Cooker See ad page 11
412 6th Street • 303-569-3166 • happycookerrestaurant.com
The Kitchen Window at Guanella Pass Brewery
501 Rose Street
Lil’ Annie’s Café
507 Rose Street • 303-569-5143
Mothers Saloon
601 14th Street • 303-569-2080
Mountain Buzz Pizza
• facebook.com/motherssaloon
1200 Argentine Street • 303-569-5091 • mountainbuzzpizza.com
Pho Bay
1025 Rose Street • 303-569-2126 • thephobay.com
Roundabout Burgers & Dogs
1416 Argentine Street • 303-569-2559 • facebook.com/roundaboutburgersanddogs
Silverbrick Tavern (open soon)
505 Rose Street • 303-569-5167 • guanellapass.com
Subway at Exxon 1502 Argentine Street • 303-569-0140 • subway.com
The Backwaters Café 420 E. Park Avenue/U.S. 40 • 303-569-5093
Empire Dairy King 181 E. Park Avenue • 303-569-3103 • facebook.com/tawnysdairy.king
Guanella Pass Brewing Company At Original Hard Rock Café 18 Park Avenue • 303-569-5136 • guanellapass.com
Empire Grill & Sweets
6 E. Park Ave. • 303-569-2546 • empire-grill-and-sweets.business.site
Adventure Base Camp Bar & Grille See ad page 15 3440 Alvarado Road • 720-779-2595 • lawsonadventurepark.com
DOWNIEVILLE/DUMONT | EXIT 234 n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
Downieville Sinclair/Roady’s Truck Stop 1039 County Road 308 • 303-567-4730 • roadys.com
Subway At Downieville Sinclair 1039 County Road 308 • 303-567-4730 • subway.com
Taco Bell 1073 County Road 308 • 303-567-2175 • tacobell.com
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
1628 Miner Street • 303-567-2933 • restaurantazteca.com
Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza See ad page 21
1517 Miner Street • 303-567-2933 • beaujos.com
1446 Miner Street • 303-567-2158 • clearcreekcider.com
Echo Lake Lodge Restaurant
13264 Highway 103 • 303-567-2138 • echolakelodgeco.com
Eric’s Asian Cafe
2700 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-1166 • ericsasiancafe.com
Gyro X Mediterranean Deli & Tavern
1641 Miner Street • 303-567-4976
Main Street Restaurant
1518 Miner Street • 303-567-2788 • mainstrestaurant.com
Marion’s Of The Rockies
2805 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2925
facebook.com/marionsoftherockies
McDonalds 2911 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-1410 • mcdonalds.com
MTN Prime
1600 Miner Street • 720-428-8515 • mtnprime.com
Picci’s Pizzeria & Bakery 2745 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-0345 • piccispizzeria.com
Pickaxe Pizza
1640 Miner Street • 303-567-2148 • facebook.com/pickaxepizzasocial
Smokin’ Yards BBQ 2736 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-9273 • smokinyards.com
Subway 2900 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2429 • subway.com
Tommyknocker Brewery Restaurant
1401 Miner Street • 303-567-2688 • tommyknocker.com
Two Brothers Deli
1424 Miner Street • 303-567-2439 • 2brosdeli.com
Ante Up Café at Mayor Willies
125 Main Street • 970-501-7842 • anteupcafe.com
Dostal Alley Brewpub & Pizza
116 Main Street • 303-582-1610 • dostalalley.net
Dragon Tiger Noodle Company at Dragon Tiger Casino
132 Lawrence Street • 303-582-5623 • Maverickgaming.com
Grand Bistro at Grand Z Casino
321 Gregory Street • 303-582-0800 • Grandzcasinohotel.com
The Grill & Z Café at Grand Z Casino
321 Gregory Street • 303-582-0800 • Grandzcasinohotel.com
Mid-City Grill at Century Casino
102 Main Street • 303-582-5050 • cnty.com/Central-City
Millie’s Restaurant at Easy St. Casino
120 Main Street • 303-582-5914 • easystreetcentralcity.com
Retro Deli at Century Casino
102 Main Street • 303-582-5050 • cnty.com/Central-City
Stella’s Cafe at Famous Bonanza Casino
107 Main Street • 303-582-5914 • famousbonanza.com
Two Bears Tap & Grill 33295 U.S. 6 • 303-567-2227 • facebook.com/twobearstapandgrill
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 43 V V V V
n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9
n
miles
n EMPIRE | EXIT 232 + 2 miles
n LAWSON | EXIT 233 n U.S. HIGHWAY 6 | EXIT 244
THE GUIDE – FOOD & DRINK
RESTAURANTS
n BLACK HAWK | EXIT 244 + 10 miles
The B&C: Black Hawk Bean & Cream
135 Clear Creek Street • 303-582-0306 • thebandc.com
Bistro Mariposa at Monarch Casino
488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Bull Durham Casino Snack Bar
110 Main Street • 303-582-0810 • bulldurhamcasino.com
The Buffet at Monarch Casino
488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Casino Café & Grill at Bally’s Black Hawk North Casino
321 Main Street • 303-582-2600 • ballys.com/black-hawk
Centennial Buffet at Ameristar Casino
111 Richman Street • 720-946-4000 • blackhawkameristar.com
The Chophouse at Monarch Casino
488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Creekside Deli at Bally’s Black Hawk Casino
321 Main Street • 303-582-2600 • ballys.com/black-hawk
Dash Café at The Isle Casino
401 Main Street • 1-800-The-Isle • isleblackhawk.com
Fireside Kitchen at Ameristar Casino
111 Richman Street • 720-946-4142 • blackhawkameristar.com
Full House Café at Bally’s Black Hawk West Casino
321 Main Street • 303-582-2600 • ballys.com/black-hawk
Jake’s Deli at The Lodge Casino
240 Main Street • 303-582-1771 • thelodgecasino.com
JKQ BBQ & Grill at Crooks Palace See ad on page 34
200 Gregory Street • facebook.com/jkqbbq
Main Street Café at Saratoga Casino
101 Main Street • 303-582-6100 • saratogacasinobh.com
Monarch Chophouse at Monarch Casino 488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Mustang Grill @ Z Casino 101 Gregory Street • 303-271-2500 • zcasinobh.com
Red Dolly Restaurant @ Red Dolly Casino 530 Gregory Street • 303-582-1100 • thereddollycasino.com
Roxy Bar & Restaurant at Horseshoe Black Hawk/Isle Casino
401 Main St. • 800-843-4753 • caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk
Sasquatch Grill at Sasquatch Casino
125 Gregory Street • 720-880-1616 • sasquatchcasino.com
Season’s Buffet at The Lodge Casino
240 Main Street • 303-582-1771 • thelodgecasino.com
Taco Cantina at Lady Luck Casino
340 Main Street • 800-843-4753 • ladyluckblackhawk.com
Twenty-Four 7 at Monarch Casino
488 Main Street • 303-582-1000 • monarchblackhawk.com
Waypost Deli at Ameristar Casino 111 Richman Street • 720-946-4001 • blackhawkameristar.com
White Buffalo Grille at The Lodge Casino
240 Main Street • 303-582-6375 • thelodgecasino.com
Wild Card Restaurant 120 Main Street • 303-582-3412 • wildcardsaloon.com
Burgersear and Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli
908 Nob Hill Road • 303-526-0374 • smilingmoosedeli.com
El Rancho Brewing Company Restaurant 29260 U.S. Highway 40 • 303-670-2739 • elranchobrewing.com
Illegal Burger 29017 Hotel Way • 303-526-1300 • illegalburger.com
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches 29057 Hotel Way, Unit C • 303-353-2566 • jimmyjohns.com
Kalaka Mexican Kitchen 29017 Hotel Way • 303-862-7777 • kalakamexicankitchen.com
McDonalds
902 Swede Gulch Road • 303-526-5810 • mcdonalds.com
Subway at Walmart
952 Swede Gulch Road • 303-526-1751 • subway.com
Qdoba Mexican Eats
29057 Hotel Way • 303-526-4333 • qdoba.com
Walmart Deli
952 Swede Gulch Road • 303-526-1649 • walmart.com
Anthony’s Pizza
3719 Evergreen Pkwy. • 303-674-4322 • anthonyspizzaandpasta.com
The Bagelry
1242 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-1413 • thebagelry.com
Beau Thai
1262 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-1977 • beau-thai.com
Casa Tequilas
1204 Bergen Parkway • 303-679-1913 • casatequilasevergreen.com
Cuisine Of The Himalayas
1262 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-3370 • cuisineofthehimalayas.com
Dandelions Café
1552 Bergen Pkwy. #305 • 303-674-5000 • dandelionsevergreen.com
Domino’s Pizza
1153 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-3030 • dominos.com
Evergreen Brewery & Tap House
2962 Evergreen Pkwy. • 303-736-8419 • evergreenbrewingco.com
Evergreen Deli
3881 Evergreen Pkwy. • 303-481-1942 • facebook.com/evergeendeli
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake
1250 Bergen Parkway • 303-993-8153 • papamurphys.com
Parkside Café
1338 County Road 65 • 303-674-3226 • parksidecafeevergreen.com
Pho Evergreen 1153 Bergen Parkway • 303-679-3230 • phoevergreen.com
Ricky’s Island Style Café
3719 N. Evergreen Cntr • 303-808-7015 • fb.com/Islandcafefoodtruck
Sushi Win
32214 Ellingwood Trail, #203 • 303-670-6751 • sushiwin.com
Taco Bell
30850 Stagecoach Boulevard • 303-679-0506• tacobell.com
Tuscany Tavern
32214 Ellingwood Trail, #110 • 303-674-3739 • tuscany-Tavern.com
Wendy’s
2912 Evergreen Parkway • 303-679-0637 • wendys.com
West 74 Pub & Grill
30790 Stagecoach Boulevard • 303-674-1762 • fb.com/west74pubgrub
The Wild Game Clubhouse
1204 Bergen Parkway • 720-630-8888 • thewildgameevergreen.com
Woodcellar Bar & Grill
1552 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-8448 • thewoodcellar.net
Bait Shack Tavern
28275 Highway 74 • 303-670-0574 • baitshack.com
Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza See ad page 21
28186 Hwy. 74 • 303-670-2744 • beaujos.com
44 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
n EVERGREEN PARKWAY/EL RANCHO | EXIT 251 & 252
V V
n EVERGREEN/BERGEN PARK | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
RESTAURANTS
The Bistro At Marshdale
FOOD & DRINK/SHOPPING – THE GUIDE
Lariat Lodge Brewing Company
27618 Fireweed Drive • 303-674-1842 • lariatlodgebrewing.com
Little Bear Saloon
27376 Spruce Lane • 303-674-7670 • thebistroatmarshdale.com
Bistro Del Lago
29011 Upper Bear Creek Road • 303-674-6826 • bistrodellago.com
Cactus Jacks Saloon & Grill See ad page 38
4651 Hwy. 73 • 303-674-1564 • evergreenlivemusic.com
Campfire Evergreen
27883 Meadow Drive • 303-593-1018 • campfireevergreen.com
Coal Mine Dragon
29017 Upper Bear Creek • 303-670-1341 • facebook.com/coalminedragon
Creekside Cellars
28036 Hwy. 74 • 303-674-5460 • creeksidecellars.net
Everbean By The Lake
29003 Upper Bear Creek • 303-670-8623 • everbean-evergreen.com
Keys On The Green
29614 Upper Bear Creek Road • 720-865-3438 • keysonthegreen.net
Kiki’s Fresh Bowls
27975 Hwy. 74, Unit 6 • 303-674-6852 • kikisfreshbowls.com
SPECIALTY FOODS
228
Chefs Corner Gourmet Grocery & Market
406 Sixth Street • 303-842-5203
facebook.com/ChefsCornerCO
Georgetown Jerky & Emporium See ad on Back Page 509b Rose Street • 405-919-0052
georgetownjerky.com
Kneisel & Anderson Specialty Food Store
511 6th Street • 303-569-2650
Eureka Street Popcorn, Inc.
115 Eureka Street • eurekastreetpopcorn.com
Bravo Italiano and Caffe 42 109 Eureka Street • 720-357-7104
SHOPPING – RETAIL
n SILVER PLUME | EXIT 226
Georgetown Loop Railroad Gift Shop
825 Railroad Avenue • 888-456-6777 georgetownloopgifts.com
The Good Bower Mercantile
940 Main St. • 720-667-9668 • thegoodbower.co (Appointment Only)
The Green Solution Outlet
645 Water Street • 720-689-2346 • tgscolorado.com
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
Annalisa’s Accents Boutique & Embroidery
507 6th Street • 303-590-5264
• annalisasaccents.com
Barking Loop Pet Supply Store
410 6th Street • 303-569-5083
Black Diamond Ski & Cycles
• thebarkingloop.com
1540 Argentine Street • 303-569-2283
Buckskin Trading Company
506 6th Street • 303-569-2050
Circle K Convenience Store
• blackdiamondskirentals.com
• buckskintradingcompany.co
1501 Argentine Street • 303-569-2092 • circlek.com
28075 Hwy. 74 • 303-674-9991 • littlebearsaloon.com
Maya’s Cantina & Grill
28215 Hwy. 74 • 303-670-3000 • mayascantinaandgrill.com
Muddy Buck Café
28065 Hwy. 74 • 303-670-0433 • muddybuckcafe.com
Murphy’s Mountain Grill
27906 Hwy. 74 • 720-524-8621 • murphysmountaingrill.com
Revival Brews
27845 Highway 74 • 303-670-3224 • revivalbrews.pub
Saigon Landing
28080 Douglas Park Road • 303-674-5421 • saigonlanding.com
Slife’s Devil Dogs & Sweet Shave Ice
4602 Plettner Lane • 303-653-7520 • facebook.com/slifesdevildogs
The Wildflower Café
28035 Hwy. 74 • 303-674-3323 • facebook.com/thewildflowercafe
Willow Creek Restaurant
29029 Upper Bear Creek • 303-674-9463 • willowcreekevergreen.com
Clear Creek Glass & Gifts 610 7th Street • 970-389-6855 • clearcreekinn.co
Colorado Mountain Art Gallery 406 6th Street • 303-569-2787 • coloradomountainartgallery.com
Colorado T-Shirt & Espresso Store
1510 Argentine St. • facebook.com/coloradotshirtandespressostore
End of the Line Colorado Wear T-Shirts & Gifts
503 6th Street • 303-642-7779 • georgetownloopgifts.com
Exxon Convenience Store
1502 Argentine Street • 303-569-5135 • exxon.com
Family Dollar
1560 Argentine Street • 303-569-1032 • familydollar.com
Georgetown Gallery Of Fine Art
612 6th Street #B • 303-569-2218 • georgetowngalleryco.com
Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center Boutique
1491 Argentine St. • 303-569-2405 • georgetowntrust.org/visitor-center
Georgetown Jerky & Emporium See ad on Back Page 509b Rose Street • 405-919-0052 • georgetownjerky.com
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 45
n EVERGREEN PARKWAY/EL RANCHO | EXIT 251 & 252
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT
n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles
n BEAVER BROOK | EXIT 248
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
V V V
•
•
430 Lawrence St. • 303-582-5774 •
The Spice & Tea Exchange 1634 Miner Street • 303-993-8018 •
Adam’s Natural Meats 33850 U.S. 40 • 303-674-3123 • adamsnaturalmeats.com
Dory’s Dozens Market
facebook.com/dorydozensdelights
spiceandtea.com
Evergreen Cooking School & Market 1254 Bergen Parkway • 303225-4660 • evergreencookingschool.com
THE GUIDE – SHOPPING
SHOPPING – RETAIL
Georgetown Loop Railroad Gift Shop
646 Loop Drive • 888-456-6777 • georgetownloopgifts.com
Georgetown Market
1204 Argentine Street • 303-569-2464 • georgetownmarket.com
Georgetown Rock Shop
501 6th Street • 303-569-2750 • facebook.com/thegeorgetownrockshop
Georgetown Wine & Spirits
1406 Argentine Street • 303-569-3138
Georgetown Valley Candy Company
500 6th Street • 303-569-2778 • shopgvcc.com
Great Divide Garden Center
1207 Argentine Street, Suite 7A • 303-720-8261
facebook.com/greatdividegardens
Grizzly Creek Gallery, Inc.
512 6th Street • 303-569-0433 • grizzlycreekgallery.com
Kneisel & Anderson Specialty Food Store
511 6th Street • 303-569-2650
Mountain Kitchen Cooking & Decor
612 6th Street • 303- 569-5195 • mtnkitchen.com
Mountain Mamas’ Needful Things
710 6th Street • 303-569-5116 • mountainmamasllc.com
My Lovely Company Beauty Supplies
504 6th Street • 301-672-2453 • my-lovely-company.business.site
My Stamping Table at Create Paper Studio See ad page 11 600 Rose Street • 405-919-0052 • facebook.com/MyStampingTable
Ophelia’s Antique Gallery
606 Sixth Street • 303-569-2336
Removing The Veil Metaphysical Apothecary Boutique
612A 6th Street • facebook.com/Removingtheveil11
Rocky Mountain Cannabis Recreational Dispensary
1410 Argentine Street • 303-569-0444 • rockymountaincannabis.com
Santa Fe Trail Jewelry
504 6th Street • 303-569-0400
Shoppe Internationale
608 6th Street • 303-569-2495
The Silver Fox Antiques
507 6th Street • 303-569-5162
Stonehenge Gallery
514 6th Street • 303-569-2153 • stonehengecolorado.com
The Trading Post
510 6th Street • 303-569-3375
The Quilted Purl
707 Taos Street • 303-877-6068 • thequiltedpurl.com
Glenbrook Gallery 125 West Park Avenue • 303-569-3000 • coloradocreations.net
J.R. Clockmaker
42 Park Avenue • 303-919-6182 • jrclockmaker.com
Serene Wellness Recreational Dispensary 13 Park Avenue • 303-569-2011 • serene-wellness.com
Valero Empire Food Mart & Liquor
83 E. Park Avenue • 303-569-5034
Bonsai Creations Colorado
• valero.com
1615 County Road 308 • 970-363-9977
Breeze Ski & Snowboard Rentals 999 County Road 308 • 303-567-2087
High Level Health Recreational Dispensary
1221 County Road 308 • 720-242-8692 • highlevelhealth.com
Pure Harvest Colorado Recreational Dispensary
1077 County Road 308 • 303-567-4752 pureharvestcolorado.com
Downieville Sinclair/Roady’s Store
1039 County Road 308 • 303-567-4730 • roadys.com
Strawberry Fields Recreational Dispensary 909 County Road 308 • 719-471-2837 strawberryfieldscannabis.com
Harb Ski Systems
107 County Road 308 • 303-567-0679 • harbskisystems.com
Selfsponsored Snow & Dirt See ad page 15 291 County Road 308 • 303-567-2098 • www.selfsponsored.co
Annie’s Gold & Collectibles 1514 Miner St. • 303-567-2268 • Anniesgold.com
Argo Mill Gift Shop: The Mercantile See ad page 23 2517 Riverside Drive • 303-567-2421 • Argomilltour.com
Bonfire Cannabis Recreational Dispensary 15 Colorado Boulevard • 720-541-7089 • Bonfirecannabis.com
Canyon Trading 1527 Miner Street • 303-567-4116 • canyontradingco.wordpress.com
Car Quest/Clear Creek Supply 2448 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2693 • Carquest.com/Stores/Co
Clear Creek Discount Liquors 2325 Miner Street • 303-567-2525
Colorado Gifts & T-Shirts
1503 Miner Street Clear Creek Outdoors 1516 Miner Street • 303-567-1500 • clearcreekoutdoors.com
Conoco Gas/Alta Convenience Store
2630 Colorado Blvd. • 303-567-2156 Altaconvenience.com
Creative Culture Smoke Shop 2384 Colorado Blvd. • 303-567-4523 • creative-culture-glass-shop. business.site
Dancing Dog Pet Supplies
1241 Miner Street • 303-519-0447 • dancing-dog.business.site
Echo Lake Lodge Gift Shop 13264 Chicago Creek Road • 303-567-2138 • echolakelodgeco.com
Echos Hippie Shop 1612 Miner Street • 720-338-2237 • facebook.com/echosonminer
Exxon Gas/Scorpion Market
2808 Colorado Blvd. • 303-567-4486 • exxon.com
Feral Mountain Outdoor Gear 1630 Miner Street • 303-829-5681 • feralmountainco.com
The Gilded Fox 1608 Miner Street • 720-987-5513
Golden Nugget Tattoo 2445 Colorado Boulevard • 402-217-5566
The Gold Mine Smoke Shop See ad page 27 1800 Colorado Blvd. • 303-567-2514 • thegoldminesmokeshop.com
Gypsum Rose Minerals & Fossils 1800 Miner Street • 303-567-2219
bonsaicreationscolorado.com
• skirentals.com
Heritage Museum & Visitor Center See ad page 19 2060 Miner Street • 303-567-4382 • historicidahosprings.com
Idaho Springs Mountain Gems 1447 Miner Street • 303-567-2789 • idahospringsmountaingems.com
46 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 V V V V V
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
n GEORGETOWN | EXIT 228
n EMPIRE | EXIT 232 + 2 miles
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
n DUMONT | EXIT 235
n DOWNIEVILLE/DUMONT | EXIT 234
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
SHOPPING – RETAIL
Igadi Recreational Dispensary
2818 Colorado Boulevard • 303-561-2018 • igadiltd.com
Indian Hot Springs Gift Shop
SHOPPING – THE GUIDE
Annie’s Grocery & Liquor
135 Nevada Street
Bravo Italiano and Caffe 42
302 Soda Creek Road • 303-989-6666 • indianhotsprings.com/gift-shop/
Kind Mountain Collective See ad page 21
1535 Miner Street • 720-514-9278 • kindmountaincollective.com
Kum & Go Convenience Store
1319 Miner Street • 303-567-2385 • kumandgo.com
Loop Worn Wear Second Hand Store
1447 Miner Street
Majestic Gallery
1636 Miner Street • 303-567-9303 • themajesticgallery.com
Margie’s Place Gift Store
1534 Miner Street • 303-567-9383 • facebook.com/margiesplace
The Menagerie
1536 Miner Street • 303-567-1704
Miner Decadence
1536 Miner Street • 303-567-1704
Mountain Exchange
1524 Miner Street • 303-567-2719
Mountain Medicinals Recreational Dispensary
2313 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-0420 • mountainmedicinalsco.com
Mountain Moonshine Liquor
2812 Colo. Boulevard • 303-567-2438
Napa Auto Parts/Foothills Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
2801 Colorado Boulevard • 720-645-2554 • napaonline.com
One Door Down Books, Coffee & Cocktails
1424 Miner Street • 303-567-2439
Phillips 66 Convenience Store
• oddidahosprings.com
2911 Colorado Boulevard • 303-567-2152 Phillips66gas.com
Pine Ridge Traders/Jewelry By Antonio
1506 Miner Street • 303-216-0708
Queen’s Wardrobe Thrift Shoppe
1402 Miner Street • 303-567-2382
Safeway
2425 Miner Street • 303-567-4471 • safeway.com
Sander Graphics Printing & Office Supply
1437 Miner Street • 303-567-2079
Shell Gas Convenience Store
115 13th Avenue • 303-567-0339 • shell.com
The Soap Shop See ad page 19
1542 Miner Street • 303-567-0428 • sudsorama.com
The Spice & Tea Exchange
1634 Miner Street • 303-993-8018 • spiceandtea.com
Tibet Jewel
1434 Miner Street • 720-412-6383
The Wild Grape
1435 Miner Street • 303-567-4670
Exit 243 Dispensary
2195 E. Idaho Springs Road • 303-567-0122 • dispensaryexit243.com
Mountain Tool & Feed Country Store
2195 E. Idaho Springs Road • 303-567-0122
• mountaintoolandfeed.com
Taylor Produce Fruit & Vegetable Stand at Squatch Store
2195 E. Idaho Springs Road • 970-216-0444 • facebook.com/
TaylorProduce
Squatch Store/Valero Gas
2195 E. Idaho Springs Road • 720-504-3412
109 Eureka Street • 720-357-7104
Bonfire Cannabis
Annie’s Grocery, 135 Nevada St. • 303-582-3072 • bonfirecannabis.com
Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday Store
605 Lake Gulch • 303-582-3043 • koa.com/campgrounds/denver-west/
Ermel’s Emporium/St. James Thrift Store
111 Eureka St • 303-582-1797
Eureka Street Popcorn
115 Eureka Street • eurekastreetpopcorn.com
Gilpin County Arts Association Washington Hall Gallery
117 Eureka Street • 303-582-5952 • gilpinarts.org
Golden Rose Antiques & Collectibles
107 Eureka Street • 303-330-1682
Hawley Mercantile
121 Main St • 303-228-6926 • facebook.com/hawleymercantile
Igadi Recreational Dispensary
171 Lawrence St. • 303-582-3093 • Igadiltd.com
Red Rocks Stickers & Gifts
125 Main Street • 303-668-1741 • redrocksstickers.com
RMO: Rocky Mountain Organics Recreational Dispensary
161 Gregory Street • 303-582-3991
Tweed Leaf Recreational Dispensary
440 Lawrence St. • 303-582-5088 • tweedlife.com
Wabi Pottery
13499 Virginia Canyon • 303-582-5492 Facebook.com/wabipottery
Basin & Bend Outdoor Gear & Fly Shop See ad page 33
357 Gregory Street • 833-276-6263 • basinandbend.com
Blackjack Pawn
5312 Hwy. 119 • 720-833-7050
Coyote Liquors
5312 Hwy. 119 • 303-582-5415
Feeney Farms Market
7320 Black Hawk Boulevard • 303-552-2437
The Green Solution Recreational Dispensary
231 Gregory St. • 303-990-9723 • tgscolorado.com/stores/blackhawk
Ink Haus Tattoo & Piercing
430 Gregory Street • 720-361-7675 • facebook.com/InkHaus21
Make You Famous Tattoos See ad page 33
430 Gregory Street • 720-900-8885 • facebook.com/BillyTheKidTattoo
Mountain Poppy Boutique & Gift See ad page 33
317 Gregory Street • facebook.com/mountainpoppyboutique
RMO: Rocky Mountain Organics Recreational Dispensary
5312 Hwy. 119 • 303-582-3669
Taylor Produce Fruit & Vegetable Stand at Z Stop
1351 Highway 119 • 970-216-0444 • facebook.com/TaylorProduce
The Woodbury Collective See ad page 33
327 Gregory Street • thewoodburycollective.com
Z Stop Gas Convenience Store
1351 Highway 119 • 303-279-0213 maverickgaming.com/colorado
Ski Country Antiques & Home
114 Homestead Road • 303-670-8726 • skicountryantiques.com
Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 47 V
n IDAHO SPRINGS | EXIT 240
n HIDDEN VALLEY | EXIT 243
n
V V V V V
n BLACK HAWK | EXIT 244 + 10 miles
FLOYD HILL/BEAVER BROOK | EXIT 247 & 248 n CENTRAL CITY | EXIT 243 + 9 miles
THE GUIDE – SHOPPING
SHOPPING – RETAIL
Big O Tires
29032 Crossroads Lane • 303-526-1100 • bigotires.com
Dogma Pet Supply & Wash
29017 Hotel Way • 303-526-7297 • dogmacolorado.com’
29057 Hotel Way • 303-526-1772
Evergreen Bicycle Outfitters
29017 Hotel Way • 303-674-6737 • Velocolorado.com
Evergreen Wine & Liquor
29017 Hotel Way • 303-526-0350
Front Range Hydroponics & Organic Gardening
29017 Hotel Way • 720-787-7983 • frontrangehydroponics.com
High Country Home Design
1014 El Rancho Road • 303-526-4347
Home Depot
1014 El Rancho Road • 303-526-4347
Jiffy Lube 29107 Hotel Way • 303-674-7099
Le Boudoir 29017 Hotel Way • 303-526-1815 • leboudoirlingerie.com
Phillips 66 Jenny’s Market 903 Swede Gulch Road • 303-526-3814
Walmart 952 Swede Gulch Road • 303-526-1649
Bergen Park Liquors
1348 County Road 65 • 303-674-6989
Blue Quill Angler
• phillips66gas.com
Napa Auto Parts/Foothills Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
30790 Stagecoach Blvd. • 303-674-5551
Natural Grocers
1291 Bergen Parkway • 303-679-9800 • naturalgrocers.com
Nellybelle General Store
1260 Bergen Parkway • 303-200-0504 • nellybelle.com
The Office
32156 Castle Court, 211 • 303-872-4575 • printshopevergreen.com
Rocky Mountain Music Exchange
3997 Evergreen Parkway • 303-670-1500 • rockymountainmusicexchange.com
The UPS Store
1153 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-8700
Village Gourmet 1193 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-0717 • villagegourmet.net
Zandee Gallery 1254 Bergen Parkway • 720-470-1610 • tzimages.com
Aspen’s Consignment 4600 Plettner Lane • 303-670-6061
Bain Lake Antiques 28186 Highway 74 • 303-679-2784
The Crystal Garden 27925 Highway 74
Evergreen Crafters 28076 Highway 74
facebook.com/bainlakeantiques
1532 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-4700 • bluequillangler.com
Blue Spruce Habitat For Humanity Store
1232 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-4917
• bluesprucerestore.org
Boone Mountain Sports 2962 Evergreen Pkwy. • 303-670-0039 • boonemountainsports.com
Chow Down Pet Supplies
1260 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-8711 • chowdownpetsupplies.com
Coconuts Wine & Spirits
1153 Bergen Parkway • 303-670-0800
Colorado Furniture
1193 Bergen Parkway • 303-679-8000 • coloradoconsignments.com
Crave Consignment
1193 Bergen Pkwy. • 303-670-0290
Evergreen Discount Liquors
• facebook.com/craveconsignment
3847 Evergreen Parkway •303-674-6668 evergreenliquors.com
EXIT Ascent Realty See ad on Inside Front Cover
1250 Bergan Pkwy., Suite B-130 • 303-927-7338
Firestone Complete Auto Care
1244 Highway 74 • 720-943-4544
Hearthfire Books
• exitascentrealty.com
• firestonecompleteautocare.com
1254 Bergen Pkwy. • 303-670-4549 • hearthfirebooksandtreats.com
Inspired Fitness See ad page 37
32045 Castle Court, #51
King Soopers
• 720-320-4770 • inspiredfitnessclub.com
1173 Bergen Parkway • 303-674-8249
Koa’s House Pet Supplies
32156 Castle Court • 720-551-8807
Mountain Daisy
1254 Bergen Pkwy. • 303-670-6564
• kingsoopers.com
• koashouse.com
• facebook.com/mountain.daisy.3
303-862-5723
crystalgardenevergreen.com
303-674-3153 • evergreencrafters.com
The Evergreen Gallery 28195 Highway 74 • 303-674-4871 • theevergreengallery.com
Evergreen Goldsmiths 28225 Highway 74 • 303-670-0730
The Holly Berry Flowers 28165 Highway 74 • 303-674-4821
Marmalade Artisan Jewelry 28015 Highway 74 • 303-670-2226
evergreengoldsmiths.com
thehollyberry.com
marmalade-mountain.com
Mountain Home 27965 Meadow Drive • 303-674-3345 • mountainhome.net
Mystic Trinity Fine Art Gallery 28045 Highway 74 • 303-264-4792 • mystictrinity.com
Outbound Mountain Gear 4600 Plettner Lane • 303-679-3565 • outboundmountaingear.com
Shadow Mountain Gallery 28116 Highway 74 • 303-670-3488 • shadowmountaingallery.com
Silver Arrow Gallery 28159 Highway 74 • 303-670-0552 • silverarrowshop.com
sisters & company 28175 Highway 74 • 303-670-1100 • sistersandcompany.com
Stone Heart Gallery 28005 Highway 74 • 303-670-0565 • stoneheartgallery.com
Sundance Gardens & Landscaping 27945 Meadow Drive • 303-670-0358 • sundancegardens.com
Sweetwater Boutique 28125 Highway 74 • sweetwaterboutique.co
Wild Acoustic Music Company 28245 Highway 74 • 321-271-0748 • wildacoustic.com
Wild Mountain Trading Company 28245 Highway 74 • 321-271-0748 • wildmountaintrading.com
48 Mountain Adventure Guide - Clear Creek County | Summer/Fall 2022 V V
All information subject to change. Call to confirm.
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•
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•
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n EVERGREEN PARKWAY/EL RANCHO | EXIT 251 & 252
n EVERGREEN/BERGEN PARK | EXIT 251 & 252 + 3 miles
n EVERGREEN DOWNTOWN | EXIT 251 & 252 + 8 miles