Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
deformities (such as two-headed animals) that he suspected were linked to leaching tox-
ins.
He eventually became a taxidermist to preserve the wildlife he encountered in the area,
and his collection grew to some 3300 pieces, which were displayed in his house (now the
museum). After he died, the majority of his collection became the original foundation of
the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. A choice selection of animals remains on dis-
play along with several interactive kid-friendly exhibits.
Boreas Pass
(Boreas Pass Rd; Jun-Oct)
Originally known as Breckenridge Pass (11,481ft), this road first
began serving stagecoaches in 1866 when prospectors flooded into the area from South
Park looking for gold. In 1882, a narrow-gauge railway replaced the wagon road and re-
mained in operation until 1937. Although the upper section across the Continental Divide
is unpaved, you can easily drive up in summer and in fall for spectacular views.
A parking lot halfway up the road on the Breckenridge side serves as the winter road-
closure point and a trailhead for hikers in summer and snowshoers and cross-country ski-
ers in winter. To get here, follow Main St (Hwy 9) south and turn left onto Boreas Pass Rd
just outside town.
PASS
Lomax Placer Mine
MINE
( 970-453-9767;
http://breckheritage.com
; 301 Ski Hill Rd; adult/child $10/5; 11am-3pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat
mid-Jun-Aug; )
Here's a chance to pan for gold, learn how old-mining-town chemists
assayed the valuable claims and check out the actual sluices and flumes used in placer
(surface) mines. This site was active in the 1860s and also gives visitors the chance to
sniff around a miner's cabin, complete with wood-burning stove, musical instruments,
snowshoes, pack saddles and other sundry items needed for survival.
High Line Railroad Park
(
http://breckheritage.com
;
189 Boreas Pass Rd; suggested donation $5; 11am-4pm Tue-Sun mid-Jun-Aug; )
This isn't much of a park, but it is notable for its display of a vintage narrow-gauge
rotary plow and the locomotives that powered it up the famed, rugged, gut-wrenching
Boreas Pass railroad to keep gold-mining production open. This rail was a lifeline to
miners, go-it-alone and corporate alike. Engine No 9 is on display year-round. It's also
known as Rotary Snowplow Park.
HISTORIC SITE
