Arapahoe Basin

A-Basin

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area boasts the longest season in Colorado (October – June) and some of the highest skiable terrain in North America. Known for its challenging terrain on Pallavicini and the East Wall, A-Basin also has gentle beginner terrain, two learning areas close to the base area and rolling, top-to-bottom intermediate groomers. A-Basin also offers free parking seven days a week, affordable Snowsports programs for kids as well as a new Kids Snowsports Center, and one of the best après scenes in Summit County with the new 6th Alley Bar & Grill. Find what you’re looking for in a Colorado vacation at Arapahoe Basin.

Pack Burro Picnics

A Pack Burro Picnic is a unique way to experience the high alpine backcountry in Colorado. The tour starts at an elevation of 10,500 feet and ascends approximately 2 miles to the summit of Chalk Mountain at an elevation of 12,017 feet. Hike alongside a burro, who will carry your gear and a sumptuous picnic as you meander through forest, wildflowers, and a stunning mountain landscape surrounded by some of Colorado’s highest peaks. Learn the history and geology of this land, while immersed in a wild and natural landscape. Enjoy the “breathtaking” and ASS-tounding views.

All Aboard!

All Aboard – it’s that time

Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit. Whether you are new to experiencing this legendary railroad or have been a returning guest for years, we look forward to offering you the best in year-round historic train adventures presented today as they were in 1882! We invite you to hop aboard and relive the “Golden Age” on our railroad, which was voted “#1 Best Scenic Train in North America “ by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021 & 2022, “Best Historic Railroad of the West” 2021-23 by TrueWest Magazine Readers, and “Best Train Experience in the West” in 2016 by Sunset Magazine. Order a FREE All-Aboard Guide.

About D&SNGRR

Our family has dedicated decades to preserving the history surrounding this national treasure, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and an American Society of Civil Engineering Landmark.

When is the best time to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? Any time of the year!

During the winter, we offer exclusive round-trip train adventures deep into the heart of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon as well as the premier holiday family event train, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train ride.

If you’re visiting in the springtime, your train excursion may feature incredible waterfalls during the spring thaw season as you journey to Cascade Canyon.

All Aboard in the Summer

Summer is high season at the D&S with daily full day Durango to Silverton excursions May through October departing from Durango. We also offer daily 5-hour excursions on the Cascade Canyon Express seven days a week during the high season. These rail journeys also depart from the Durango Depot and travel to Cascade Canyon and are a perfect highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas for those with limited time.

Autumn offers you a unique way to experience peak leaf season from the comfort of the D&S train. Connect with family and friends as you explore the Rocky Mountains by historic railway. Sit back and allow yourself to be transported through a riot of blazing fall colors featuring the spectacular golden glow of aspens.

However you choose to relax and connect on the D&S train, and whatever adventure awaits you, we hope you have an inspiring journey where you create wonderful life-long memories!

Royal Gorge Region Visitors Guide Flipbook

Maroon Bells

Visiting the Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are a must-see to complete your Aspen adventure. The series of distinctive bell-shaped peaks tower at 14,000 feet above the glacial Maroon Valley and offer some of the best views in the world. – The most photographed mountains in North America

For reservations and questions, please call (970) 930-6442
or email info@vistitmaroonbells.com.
Full reservation details can be found through the Aspen Chamber or the U.S. Forest Service.

Summer 2023 Update

Reservations are required to access the Scenic Area and related amenities by personal vehicle or by shuttle. Reservations can ONLY be secured through the Aspen Chamber. >>

Access with a personal vehicle reservation will begin on May 15th through October 31. The cost for each vehicle reservation will be $10. Personal vehicle parking reservations will initially be available in rolling three-week increments.

Maroon Bells Information

Here, you can explore the glacial valley while surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Maroon Lake, surrounded by fields of wildflowers, mirrors images of the Maroon Bells in its waters.

For the best Maroon Bells experience

Visit the Bells on a weekday and utilize the bus service. If you have skied in Aspen, you know how easy and hassle-free the bus service is. Riding the bus system is a hassle-free way to access the area and leave the driving to someone else.

The road is open to private vehicles prior to 8 a.m.; However, the parking lot can already be full. Frequently, photographers or overnight hikers have begun their Maroon Bells experience in the wee hours of the morning. Which fill up the parking lot before the rest of us have even gotten out of bed. When this happens, the road is closed to private vehicles in advance of 8 a.m. The road is subject to closure at any time due to overcrowding. *Leaf peepers visiting on peak foliage weekends in late September/ early October should anticipate this being the case and plan alternate visits accordingly.*

Camping & Hiking

Camping and pet-friendly hiking trails are both available. Camping or backpackers going further into Aspen’s Maroon Bells must make campsite reservations or permits for backcountry camping. Find more info about camping.

Castle Rock

Things To Do in Castle Rock

It’s easy to see how Castle Rock got its name when one spies the castle-shaped butte towering high above the town center. The town’s history is also easily visible in the original, well-preserved homes, cafés, and churches throughout the area. Many of these were built using the unusual rhyolite stone that originally attracted the settlers who founded the town in the mid-to-late 18th century. Prior to their arrival, the area was occupied by Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indian tribes. Today, nearly 60,0000 people call Castle Rock home.

With roots in mining and railroads, this affluent town offers an updated taste of the Old West. It boasts a historic downtown area, 265 acres of parks, and 44 miles of trails. Castle Rock, easily accessible by Interstate 25, is home to the Outlets at Castle Rock (the largest open-air outlet center in the State) and is the seat of Douglas County. The town encompasses 33 square miles and sits in the East Plum Creek Valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 6,202 feet.

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Castle Rock is a safe and welcoming place to enjoy the brisk Colorado air year round.

Mountain sailing at Lake Dillion Colorado

Year-Round Activities

Year-Round Activities in Colorado

Colorado is most famous for its world-class skiing and hiking. However, its varied geographical regions and diverse population, make Colorado a place to be enjoyed by people of all passions and ages with year-round activities abound.

Colorado’s diverse activities

Besides the high-profile activities found in Colorado’s resort towns. People with other interests should not be surprised to see their favorite activities and organizations in Colorado too. Here are a few activities that might not be front of mind when thinking of Colorado but are in fact popular and thriving in Colorado.

Adventure Parks

If you’re looking for man-made assisted fun. The adventure parks in Colorado are not to be missed. Similar to the urban amusement parks, Colorado’s adventure parks combine the awesomeness of mountains, and their natural setting, with the thrill of manmade fun.

ATVs and Jeep Tours

If hiking, riding horseback, or mountain biking is not your thing. Getting the “out there” feeling of being in the National Forest is something anyone can do. There are a variety of companies that provide guided backcountry tours to suit your style. With the advent of modern ATVs, you can even tour the backcountry year-round. The modern buggy ATVs can accommodate small parties through remote areas in the summer and winter.

Marinas and Boating

Boating is certainly not first to mind when thinking about Colorado. However, this state has a variety of exceptional mountain lakes and reservoirs to satisfy your mariner cravings. If oceans and big bodies of water are more your style. Consider the lakes of Colorado to be a new challenge. Generally speaking, these lakes are suited for smaller crafts and will call upon a modified skill set.

Hot Air Ballooning

A really fantastic activity that anybody can do is hot air ballooning. The mountains of Colorado are perfect for ballooning year-round. The mountain views are just stunning. A truly “eagle eye” experience.

Spas and Hot Springs

If you just need to unwind Colorado has got you covered. Throughout Colorado, you can find natural hot springs. Often these springs have been developed into spas or accompany resort getaways. Hot Springs are open year-round. The hot mineral-rich waters can feel even more satisfying in the winter. Follow that up with a message and you’ll be ready to take on life with new meaning. You will also find top-notch spas in all of the resort communities.

Activities for those more Culturally Minded

Colorado Museums

Colorado has been an integral part of western immigration. Pioneering the west involved navigating the Oregon and Santa Fee overland trails. Colorado essentially bisected these traveling routes. Then there was the gold rush which established most of Colorado’s small towns still in existence today. Simultaneously, the open-range cattle industry boomed and clashed with the mining town culture. Creating the romanticized cowboy lifestyle that developed the Hollywood western movie storytelling that is still seen and loved. Small-town museums can be found throughout Colorado. If you’re a history buff or fascinated by the early western culture. Stop by any number of these museums and step back in time and check out the early days of the west.

Colorado Performing Arts

Colorado has a unique ability to draw eclectic people. So, no surprise to find a strong influence of performing arts throughout the state. Home to Colorado Symphony Orchestra, a plethora of Bluegrass festivals, The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver’s Center for Performing Arts, and more. You will also discover similar cultural experiences available throughout Colorado’s small mountain towns.

Year-Round Vacationing in Colorado

When you think of vacationing in Colorado. Think of all the incredible year-round activities, cultural experiences, and events you can mix into your trip. With a little planning, you can easily check off activities to satisfy your body and mind. Find activities to thrill you, challenge you, stimulate your curiosity, or just find satisfying relaxation. Colorado is the place to get a recharge on life.

South Park

South Park, Colorado

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, South Park Colorado is a microcosm of Western history. From deep canyons to vast grasslands to snowy peaks and alpine meadows, this compelling basin is home to the nation’s highest incorporated town, gold mines, cattle ranches, and mountain passes. As one of only 49 National Heritage Areas in the United States, South Park offers a rare glimpse of pioneer life at high altitudes during the settlement of the American West.

South Park Colorado is a landscape rich with heritage and attracts individuals who value western authenticity. Some ranches have been operated for five generations by the same family. As they have for centuries, residents still depend on the land for their livelihood, recreation, and quality of life. As other places lose their inherent charm, South Park becomes a more engaging destination.

More About South Park Colorado

Perhaps you’re curious about the more modern attraction, the cartoon South Park. What does South Park Colorado have to do with the cartoon anyway? One can really only speculate on the subject. Perhaps these two places (one real, the other fictional) have nothing to do with one another. It’s just mere coincidence that they bear similar naming. However, it’s also possible that there’s more to it than mere coincidence. One similarity that stands out is that the historical South Park was outlandish, full of ironies, and scandal. This is also true about the cartoon. Learn more about South Park, Fairplay and Conifer Colorado. There are some interesting connections between them that might just satisfy your curiosity.

Highway US 24 Corridor

Transcontinental Highway of 1926 – US 24

U.S. Hwy 24 or Route 24 is one of the original transcontinental highways of 1926. Initially, it started at Pontiac, Michigan in the east and headed west, and terminated at Kansas City, Missouri. Today US 24 runs from Independence Township, Michigan at an intersection with I-75, and terminates at Minturn, Colorado at an intersection with I-70.

When the US highway system was started in 1926, US Route 24 in Colorado was called US 40S. This highway started in Grand Junction and proceeded west along the current I-70 route to Minturn. Then proceeded to the current route to Limon. From Limon, it proceeded to the Kansas border and was called US 40N. The US 40S and US 40N, west and east of Limon respectively received US 24 designation in 1936; however, in 1975 when US 24 was extended west from Kansas City, Missouri. The stretch between Grand Junction and Minturn was decommissioned.

Looking back on the naming and development of US Route 24 and how this transitioned into other major highways is confusing, to say the least; however, it does let us know that US 24 was an important highway in terms of western migration and the development of west/central United States.

Telegraph Road

Dixie Highway in Pontiac, Michigan, and Laskey Road in Toledo, Ohio, denote a section of highway that was known as Telegraph Road. This telling name came about before the highway even existed after the telegraph wires which ultimately ran parallel to the route. US Route 24 was the western edge of Telegraph Road that ran through Detroit. Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits even wrote the song “Telegraph Road”, which is the story of the development and decay of this highway.

Town of Frisco

Frisco sits in the heart of Summit County, Colorado within minutes of many world-class ski resorts. Although originally settled by the Ute Indians followed by trappers/mountain men, the mining industry and eventually skiing, Frisco has evolved into a year-round outdoor recreation hub and relaxation destination for all ages. While it may look and feel charming, inside this town beats the heart of adventure.

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