2 minute read
Empire | Exit 232
EMPIRE/U.S. 40
232
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AT THIS EXIT
Berthoud Pass Grand County & Winter Park Jones Pass Off-Leash Dog Park Playground Picnic Sites Rocky Mountain National Park – 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 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 Empire, located at the foot of Berthoud Pass, 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 in 1882. The Original Hard Rock Café, which today is home to a local brewery, opened in 1934 and provided food and a dormitory for miners. The small town — a popular stop for food, coffee, craft Empire beer, sweets and more — is on the way to and from busy recreation spots at Jones Pass, Berthoud Pass and beyond. U.S. 40 continues on to Grand County, Winter Park, Grand Lake and the West Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. BARD CREEK TRAIL Visitors can access the east end of the Bard Creek Trail for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing from Empire by following C.R. 252, which is Main Street in town, for about two miles. The trail starts at the end of the road. Pull-outs along the way or in-town parking is also available. Bard Creek Trail joins with the Watrous Gulch Trail and connects to Herman Gulch Trailhead at Exit 218. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and always check avalanche conditions. BIG BEND PICNIC SITE The Big Bend Picnic Site is located along U.S. 40 at C.R. 202 on the way to the Jones Pass Trailhead in a lodgepole pine forest with scenic views. There are seven sites with tables and fire grates. A restroom is available, but no drinking water. The picnic area is open year-round however accumulated snow during the winter and early spring may limit parking and hinder access. GRAND COUNTY WINTER RECREATION Grand County is home to Winter Park Resort and Ski Granby Ranch for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as four snow tubing hills, three world-class Nordic centers, guest ranches, free groomed trails and more. Miles of backcountry trails add to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and snowmobile opportunities. Dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing and ice skating are also offered. Learn more at visitgrandcounty.com.
