The first major gold strike in Colorado was on January 7, 1859, in Idaho Springs by George Jackson. The gold strike brought many miners to the area, all in search of gold. The population boom caused many towns to be established, and many of these towns are still in existence today, making up the Denver Mountain Area.

In a picturesque setting, The Denver Mountain Area offers outdoor recreation in the mountains. The cities of Black Hawk, Central City, Conifer, Empire, Evergreen, Genesee, Georgetown and Idaho Springs make up the area, and are all within a 45 minute drive of Denver. The mountains surrounding Denver also offers high class skiing at Eldora, A-Basin, Loveland, and Berthoud ski areas.

Indian Springs Resort
Hot Mineral Springs

With mountains, lakes, and historical sites, you will never be bored in this area. Popular recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing and cross-country skiing. The cities offer other activities as well. Visit the Black Hawk/Central City area to try your luck at the casinos. Once known as the richest square mile on earth, the town is again enjoying a Casino boom with slot machines working 24 hours a day. Central City also boasts The Central City Opera House, which opened in 1878, and still runs a nationally renowned summer season. Visit Georgetown to take a glimpse in the past in its National Historic District. Here, 200 restored Victorian homes and buildings take you back to the time of the miners. In Evergreen you can ice skate outdoors at a lake that has been popular for decades. The outdoor rink usually opens by Christmas.

Drive to the top of 14,260 ft. Mt. Evans

Coming from the west on I-70, you will pass through the Eisenhower tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in the world at 11,013 feet at the East Portal and 11,158 feet at the West Portal. This tunnel is 1.7 miles long and it took 9 years to complete the construction of both tunnels.

Drive Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway 14 miles to the summit of 14,264'. The road was built in response to the Pikes Peak Road in 1927, and taking place as the highest paved highway in America. All 14 miles of the road from the entrance station to the Mount Evans summit parking area (14,130') are paved. From there, you can hike the last 130 feet to the top at 14,264 feet. Along the way, look for bighorn sheep and elk. Even slightly closer to Denver, take the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway and visit "Buffalo" Bill Cody's grave or Lookout Mountain. For another fascinating drive, take the Peak to Peak Byway from Black Hawk to Estes Park or the 23-mile alpine route in the Pike and Arapaho National Forests on the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway.

Rafting Maps
Clear Creek Colorado Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

Scenic Byway/Drive Maps
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Lariat Loop Scenic Byway
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
Peak to Peak Highway Scenic Byway

Nearby National Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park

Nearby Ski Areas
Arapahoe Ski Basin
Echo Mountain Resort
Eldora Mountain Resort
Loveland Ski Area
Winter Park Ski Resort/Mary Jane