COME TO LIFE | Idaho Springs, Georgetown, SIlver Plume, Black Hawk, Central City COLORADO DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES BREAD BAR Find Gold Rush lore, modern-day prospectors and railroad adventure just 40 minutes west of Denver in the mountain towns of Idaho Springs , Georgetown , Silver Plume , Black Hawk and Central City . Days 1 & 2 Start early with a drive up the highest paved highway in North America. During the summer (weather permitting, reservations required), the Mount Evans scenic byway starts in Idaho Springs and climbs 7,000 feet in just 28 miles for top-of-the-world views. Or hook up with a rafting outfitter — several run this stretch of Clear Creek with trips for those of all experience levels. Swing down to Idaho Springs , where the 1859 discovery of gold ushered in the Colorado Gold Rush. That heritage lives on through well-preserved buildings and at the Visitor Center & Heritage Museum , where you can also pick up maps and tips for exploring the area. Head to walkable downtown for places to eat, craft beers and spirits, and cute boutiques. Pencil in time for a soak in the mineral pools and geo-thermal caves at Indian Hot Springs . WALK RIGHT INTO THE SPAS AT THE AMERISTAR AND MONARCH CASINO RESORTS IN BLACK HAWK TO BOOK YOURSELF A MOUNTAIN-INSPIRED TREATMENT FOLLOWED BY ON-SITE FINE DINING. Or journey west on I-70 to Georgetown to visit Victorian-era homes and silver-boom relics at the Hamill House and Hotel de Paris museums, as well as exhibits at the Georgetown Heritage Center . Venture 1,000 feet underground on a tour of Capital Prize Mine ; and break for an afternoon bite downtown. The town’s main street also has antique, craft and coffee shops. 126 1-800-COLORADO THIS PAGE: BREAD BAR. OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP: ECHO MOUNTAIN RESORT; MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA. MAKE A BREAK FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TAKE WALKING TOURS IN GEORGETOWN, BLACK HAWK AND IDAHO SPRINGS TO SEE HISTORIC SITES, OLD CEMETERIES, SCULPTURES AND GOLD RUSH-ERA ARCHITECTURE. CATCH THE FREE ROUNDABOUT BUS BETWEEN IDAHO SPRINGS, GEORGETOWN AND SILVER PLUME. There are plenty of places to grab a thrill ride, including Lawson Adventure Park & Resort and the new Sky Trek aerial park at Colorado Adventure Center , with mining-heritage-themed rides. Speaking of mines, the ARGO Mill & Tunnel is expanding its tours and gold panning to include a year-round gondola ride.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 126
