COME TO LIFE | Old West History Experience Colorado’s Old West History Old West roots run deep in Colorado, transporting you back to a time before cities and skyscrapers and highways. Saddle up for some authentic frontier adventures — there’s fascinating history to uncover in every corner. ARGO GOLD MINE IN IDAHO SPRINGS Gold Rush Towns The promise of gold drew more than 100,000 fortune-seekers to Colorado in the mid-1800s. This influx of explorers, prospectors, fur trappers and other emigrants led to the foundation of many cities, including Denver and several smaller towns — only some of which survived. Today you can walk in the early settlers’ footsteps along the Colorado Gold Trail , a scenic tour of historic Gold Rush towns that exist to this day. Towns to explore include Boulder , Black Hawk , Central City , Idaho Springs , Breckenridge , Fairplay , Alma , Como and Leadville . Each place has its own individual character and story of survival, and each is worth a visit to learn about its unique legacy. The Colorado Gold Trail also encompasses a variety of fascinating tours where you can get a firsthand look at how mining equipment worked, spot gold veins and learn about Colorado’s notorious mining characters. The Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine Tour provides a historical overview of the Gold Rush, as well as a tour of the modern gold mine. If you take the Georgetown Loop Railroad , you can opt for a tour that will take you down into an 1870s mining tunnel to see veins of silver. On the Country Boy Mine Tour , get your picture taken with a burro, pan for gold, take a hayride and see a mineshaft cut 1,000 feet below Breckenridge. Don’t despair if you can’t make it to the mountains while you’re here. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science boasts a replica mineshaft complete with precious stones and stalactites hanging from the ceilings. COLORADO.com/GoldRushTowns The Wild West One of the best ways to appreciate Colorado’s heritage is to experience a bit of the Wild West yourself. It’s been a long time since cowboys and miners ruled the roost, but you can still get a taste of the frontier lifestyle. CONTINUED ON PAGE 52. BETH SCHNEIDER. 50 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 50
