Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. You can also call in for a condition report for streams
in the area.
A&A Historical Trails
( 303-567-4808;
www.aastables.com
; 608 Virginia Canyon Rd; 1hr $40, additional hr $30)
Traveling through
Virginia Canyon is a beautiful way to soak in the history of the area. There are guided and
unguided options, including a visit to the canyon's historic graveyards. Note that the
stables are located several miles outside Idaho Springs - see the website for directions.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Tours
Phoenix Mine
( 303-567-0422;
www.phoenixmine.com
;
Trail Creek Rd, exit 239 off I-70; tour adult/child 12yr & under $10/5,
gold panning $5; 10am-6pm)
One of two goldmine tours in the Idaho Springs area (the other
is actually a mill), this one gets you underground with a former miner and is reasonably
priced to boot. Afterwards you can pan for gold in the stream - you won't find anything,
but kids love it. Call ahead in winter and bring your own headlamp if you have one.
MINING
Sleeping
With a few exceptions, it's best to move on to Summit County if you plan on spending the
night.
Peck House
( 303-569-9870;
www.thepeckhouse.com
;
83 Sunny Ave, Empire; r $65-135; )
As the oldest standing
hotel in Colorado (1862), the Peck House manages both class and homespun charm, with
creaking, crooked hallways and Victorian decor that give it loads of character. It also
serves fine dinners and knows its way around a martini shaker.
It's located in Empire, 10 miles west of Idaho Springs near the intersection of I-70 and
Hwy 40 (to Winter Park).
INN
$
Echo Lake Campground
( 877-444-6777;
www.recreation.gov
;
Squaw Lake Rd; tent & RV sites $17; Jun-Aug; )
This popular
USFS campground at the foot of Mt Evans is up at 10,600ft, so bring a hat and warm
sleeping bag. It has both tent and RV sites along with water and toilets. Reserve.
CAMPGROUND
$
