Cripple Creek: More Than a Gamble

cripple creek colorado things to do

The 1890s gold-rush boom town of Cripple Creek, on the back side of Pikes Peak, had nearly become a Colorado ghost town by the mid-20th century. Weekends, weak streams of visitors would meander up Ute Pass to the funky shops, odd little restaurants or, in summer, the melodrama. Then came the advent of limited stakes … Read more

Bishop Castle: One Man’s Dream A Reality

bishop castle rye colorado

Jim Bishop is truly a man after my own inner child. For the past 40 years, Bishop has been building a castle in the mountains outside Rye southwest of Pueblo. He’s not having a castle built for him on his property nor does his house merely look like a castle. Bishop goes to work every … Read more

Mesa Verde: Indian Arts and Culture Festival

Mesa Verde: Indian Arts and Culture Festival 1

One of the top 100 events in North America — so named by the American Bus Association — will take place May 27-June 5 at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. The 11th annual Mesa Verde Country Indian Arts and Culture Festival will highlight the traditions, arts and culture of the Native American tribes … Read more

South Platte River Trail: Northeastern Colorado’s Historic Byway

The Rockies disappear in the rear-view mirror. Ahead, Interstate 76 stretches mile after monotonous mile on a northeasterly sweep toward Nebraska. Grandeur is scant. Wheat waves, cattle graze and the loftiest point visible is often the next town’s water tower. The unpretentious plains of northeastern Colorado seem an unlikely place to find a scenic and … Read more

American Mountaineering Museum: A Gem in Golden

American Mountaineering Museum – Golden

Do you know which two mountains are “bigger” than Mount Everest? Can you name the seven summits? What is monodoigting? The answers to these questions and more can be found at the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum in historical downtown Golden, Colorado. The museum, named after mountain explorer and photographic pioneer Henry Bradford Washburn Jr., … Read more

Denver’s Downtown Aquarium: Up Close and Personal

Denver’s Downtown Aquarium: Up Close and Personal 4

My son is down on his knees, eye-to-slitted eye with a bamboo shark. They are staring at each other in fascination, both of their noses touching the separating glass, about a finger thick and reaching just over my belly button. The brown-banded fish and the 3-year-old boy are almost the same size, now waving hands … Read more

A Complete Guide to Colorado Train Rides

colorado train rides

  If you want to experience some beautiful views and get a taste of history, Colorado train rides offer both. Railroading began in Colorado shortly after the “Silver Boom” in 1879. There were many obstacles to overcome due to the rugged topography forcing many lines to be built with the three-foot-right-of-way, as opposed to the … Read more

7 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

best colorado ski resorts

The excitement is growing in Colorado as the countdown to the 2020-21 ski season is just around the corner. Many ski resorts in Colorado provide a skier with a great day on the slopes. However, let’s take a look at some of the best of the best. Breckenridge Most everyone would put Breckenridge on their … Read more

Where is the Best Snowmobiling in Colorado

snowmobiling in colorado

Hey Coloradans, it is the time of year we all have been waiting for –  snowmobile adventure season. If you’re wondering where to find the best snowmobiling in Colorado, we’ve got you covered. Before you hit the powder, it’s time to pull the snow machine out of the storage shed and give it a thorough … Read more

The Soothing Powers of the Indian Hot Springs

The Soothing Powers of the Indian Hot Springs 6

If you glance to your right while driving west along Interstate 70, you can see the whole town of Idaho Springs – a historic town rich in mining history and home to the Indian Hot Springs.  It’s a convenient stopover for a nice lunch on your way to the many ski areas along I-70.  If … Read more