Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DENVER TO SUMMIT COUNTY
If you've had visions of powder or been eyeballing that luscious snow-dusted Front Range
that looms magnificently and just out of reach above the Denver streets, then don't be sur-
prised if you subconsciously swerve onto I-70 west and hit the gas, winding your way to
the doorstep of one of the greatest stretches of mountain paradise in the US. Whether
you've come to ski, hike, cycle or drive the scenic byways, this is the gateway to adven-
ture, big sky and good times - and you'll be back in Denver in time for dinner.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Idaho Springs
POP 1893 / ELEV 7526FT
Most people who are only in Denver for a limited time can barrel up the road to Idaho
Springs for a quick taste of Colorado's rough-and-tumble gold-rush history. The rowdy
gaggle of prospectors, gunslingers and rapscallions who rushed here to get rich in 1859
have been mostly replaced by a notably more genteel crowd of day-tripping skiers, hikers,
and bikers on blindingly chromed-up Harleys, but the historic buildings along Miner St re-
tain the creaking floors and antique character of the city's colorful past.
About halfway between Denver and several big ski resorts along I-70, it also makes for a
good pit stop - particularly when traffic on the interstate slows to a crawl.
Sights & Activities
The visitor center (
Click here
) contains a small but interesting display of mining history
and equipment, along with some Ute artifacts. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with a
wander down Miner St, the main drag. The town gets its name from the thermal waters of
Indian Springs
(
www.indianhotsprings.com
; 302 Soda Creek Rd; day pass $19-21; 7:30am-10:30pm)
, but un-
less you're short on time, there are much better hot springs elsewhere in the state.
Clear Creek Outdoors
( 303-567-1500;
www.clearcreekflyfishing.com
;
1524 Miner St; full-day expedition $250; 10am-6pm)
Situ-
ated in a small shop selling rods, reels and outdoor gear, Rob Brozovich operates excellent
fly-fishing tours to a private high-mountain lake in the area. The lake routinely gives up
FISHING
