Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
DEVIL'S THUMB RANCH
The classiest digs in the Winter Park area, this high-altitude
ranch
( 800-933-4339;
www.devilsthumbranch.com
; 3530 County Rd 83; bunkhouse $100-180, lodge $240-425, cabins from $365;
) is a fantastic base for year-round adventure.
In the winter Nordic fiends descend for a scenic 65-mile network of groomed cross-country trails (adult/child
$20/8), ice skating and snow-filled horseback rides. In the summer it's zip lines, hiking, biking and more horse-
back riding ($95 to $175) through 5000 acres of Colorado high country. Equipment rental is available on site.
Accommodations are plush, but not out of reach. The self-service bunkhouse has the cheapest rates, while the
cowboy chic lodge is a must for a romantic weekend escape. Cabins are a good bet for groups. And even if you're
not staying here, you won't want to miss happy hour at
Heck's
( 970-726-7013; mains $12-26;
7:30am-9pm), where you can sink back in a leather armchair and enjoy $1 pints and half-price small plates (4pm
to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday).
Note that the road in is unpaved; ensure conditions are suitable for your vehicle in the winter. Reserve well in
advance.
Festivals & Events
Springtopia
(
www.winterparkresort.com
; Hwy 40; mid-Apr)
Held on the last weekend of the ski season,
Springtopia is a final wave goodbye to the gods of snow. Après-ski concerts, pond-skim-
ming races (where you combine skis and icy water) and discount lift tickets for all.
MUSIC
Winter Park Jazz Festival
( 888-409-5974;
www.playwinterpark.com
; Hideaway Park; mid-Jul)
A two-day jazz festival held in
Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park, which has been known to attract the occasional
big name.
MUSIC
King of the Rockies
(
www.epicsingletrack.com
; Fraser River Trail; late Aug)
The finale of the Epic Singletrack Race Ser-
ies, this was the first and remains the best of a long summer of mountain-bike races.
SPORTS
Sleeping
