Heeney

Visit Heeney, Colorado

The little community of Heeney is 8,000 feet above sea level and nestled between two spectacular mountain ranges, the Gore and Williams Peak. This area, one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, includes the Lower Blue River Valley, the Green Mountain Reservoir, and the popular Cataract Lake & Falls in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area. Heeney is in Summit County and is only 30-40 minutes from Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Copper Mountain ski resorts. The entire area offers unique scenery and peace from the big resorts down the road.

About Heeney and Green Mountain Reservoir

Heeney was established in the late 1930s as an offshoot of the construction of the reservoir or dam. In the summer, the lake (Green Mountain Reservoir) is a boater’s playground – fishing boats, jet skiing, water skiing, and pontoon cruising are all popular. The Lower Blue River is Gold Medal Trout Waters above the lake and Wild Trout Waters below the dam. It challenges fly fishermen almost year-round. Winter offers huge lake trout to the patient ice fishermen. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer, as far as hiking, camping, off-roading, and awesome views. Heeney has a small marina that provides a public boat ramp, dockside fuel, slip rentals, and boat rentals. A small liquor store and tackle shop are also in the town. At the south end of the lake, at the inlet, are cabin rentals and a small convenience-type store.

The area is a lot like it was 50 years ago, with beautiful hay meadows and grazing cattle. There is still a lot of wildlife in the area, including elk and deer quite often seen grazing early morning or late afternoon. Get away from it all in Heeney!

Canon City

Travel to Canon City, Colorado

Tucked into the folds and bluffs of the Arkansas Valley in south central Colorado, Canon City boasts the nickname of “The Climate Capital of Colorado” due to the mild climate. The relaxed pace of the region’s quaint small towns, spectacular scenery, year-round outdoor activities, The Royal Gorge Park & Bridge, and The Arkansas River, which flows through the region, make this the perfect vacation destination. Request a FREE Vacation Guide.

Favorite Things to Do in the Royal Gorge Region

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – a must-see and do experience. Cross America’s highest suspension bridge and participate in the other features offered at the park.
Whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge Canyon – a very popular way to see and experience all the wonders of the Royal Gorge Canyon and the Arkansas River.
Jeep Tours – The Royal Gorge Region is an amazing place to travel through. Featuring a high alpine desert landscape and a plethora of off-road routes.
Royal Gorge Scenic Train – climb onboard the original transcontinental passenger train from the early 1900s.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey – voted “Best Front Range Tasting Room” by Colorado Vine. The wine-tasting room is open daily.
Mountain Biking & Hiking – are understated activities but many exceptional miles of trails await.

About Canon City and Regional Attractions

Family fun starts with a memorable ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The historic tracks follow the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge Canyon, with views of the bridge from below. The whole family will enjoy exploring the unique rock formations and historic dinosaur sites. Leisure seekers will delight in the one-of-a-kind galleries, renowned antiquing, wine tasting, golfing, and fishing.

Canon City is home to The Royal Gorge, which has a width of 50 feet at the base of the gorge and a few hundred feet at its top, with a depth of 1,200 feet; the 10-mile-long canyon is a stunning natural wonder. 1929, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges was built over the Grand Gorge. The Royal Gorge Bridge has a quarter-mile long span and hangs 1,053 feet above the gorge. The bridge is one of Colorado’s most popular attractions.

Royal Gorge Region Visitors Guide Flipbook

Pueblo Chamber of Commerce

GreenHorn Mountain

Pueblo is your home base to your next Colorado adventure. Just southwest of Pueblo, you can find the hidden gem of Greenhorn Mountain. Reaching the top of the North Peak takes about an hour and once you reach the summit you will find breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to your west and Pikes Peak to your north. Visit Pueblo and add this amazing view to your Colorado bucket list!

Riverwalk

In the heart of downtown Pueblo, you will find the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. Stroll the 1 mile long channel and explore over 54 art pieces, take a boat ride, eat and drink like a local or shop historic Union Ave for a unique treasure. The Pueblo Riverwalk is the perfect destination for family and pooch friendly fun or romantic alone time with a special someone.

Pueblo Chile

True foodie’s want to be in the know of all things unique and tasty. Pueblo Green chile is only grown in the rich soil of the Arkansas River Valley in Pueblo County, and Puebloans eat it on everything! Pueblo’s signature dish, The Slopper, is an open-faced cheeseburger smothered in Pueblo green chili sauce. Featured on Food Network and Major League Eating, this is MUST TRY as you eat your way through Southern Colorado!

Neon Alley

Are you looking to boost your Social Media status, or just looking for your next note worthy selfie? Known as the “Greatest Collection of Neon Signs in a one-block area east of the Las Vegas Strip and west of Times Square”, Pueblo’s Neon Alley offers that one-of-a-kind backdrop. Not for your average junk yard cat, this Alley is one part eclectic (and electric!) museum and one part public arts project.

Aviation Museum

Known as the Home of Heroes, Pueblo, CO is also home to one of the largest aviation museums in the state. The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum spans over 85,000 square feet and nearly a hundred years of military and aviation history, boosting military uniforms, personal effects, weapons, and other artifacts from all branches of the U.S. military, including allies and enemies! Explore and appreciate military history in Pueblo!

River Surfing

Pueblo, Colorado has one of the best whitewater parks in the state for river surfing. As summer snowmelt runs down the Rockies to Pueblo, it starts to flood the Arkansas River with Activity. The area has lured kayakers, boaters, water-skiers and surfers alike! Located in the heart of downtown, It’s no wonder Pueblo is quickly turning into Colorado’s top surfing destination.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain, Co. – More Than a World-Class Ski Resort

Copper Mnt | 866-841-2481 | 866-841-2481
209 Ten Mile Circle, Copper Mountain, CO 80443

While Copper is best known as a world-class ski area and snowboard park, guests also enjoy the resort’s intimate, pedestrian-only villages, which offer restaurants, family-friendly activities, shopping, and comfortable lodging, all within walking distance to the lifts. Copper Mountain is conveniently located just 75 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and offers nearby access to snowmobile tours, dog-sledding, and shopping just six miles away in Frisco. Copper’s naturally-divided terrain provides the perfect place to learn or hone your skiing or riding skills. With over 140 trails, 23 lifts, 2,465 acres of skiable terrain, and a mountain peak height of 12,313, Copper Mountain is a local’s favorite on a powder day or any day.

Request more information about Copper Mountain

Summer Time at the Ski Area

Nestled in the White River National Forest, Copper Mountain ski resort transforms into a summer vacation playground for the whole family. Popular attractions include:

The Rocky Mountain Coaster – Cruise through the forest on a tracked coaster. 5,800 feet long in fact and maxes out at 25 miles per hour. The longest North American alpine coaster. Something you don’t want to miss.

Copper Creek Golf – Experience golfing with the stunning Ten Mile Range backdrop. Outstanding service and prices that will keep you coming back. Season passes are available.

Mountain Biking at the Resort – A mountain biking paradise. From long rides into the Rockies to some of the best lift-service single track in Colorado. A Bike Haul is offered for those seeking more of a downhill adventure. Check out the cross country trails near Copper Mountain Resort. These trails provide access to spectacular trails throughout Summit County.

Popular Cross-Country Mountain Bike Trails:

Wheeler Trail – 10.3-mile point to point
A classic alpine single track with several miles over 12,000 feet. It’s popular to start from the McCullough Road trailhead and end at Copper Mountain. Enjoy amazing views of Quandary Peak and Gorge Range along the way.
Colorado Trail – Copper Mountain to Searle Pass – 19.3 miles round trip
Start right at the base of Copper Mountain and top out at 12,044 feet. Best during late summer when all the high-elevation snow has melted. Climb through alpine meadows with expansive views.
Friso 20 Loop – 19.9-mile loop
A classic ride that connects Copper with Frisco on a mix of roads and trails. The loop combines sections of the Wheeler Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the Peaks Trail. Giving you a little bit of everything, including 3,000 feet of climbing.

There’s more at Copper Mountain Resort

They have scheduled year-round events such as music, art, or yoga retreats. Fun parks for kids and young adults. An assortment of spas, shopping, and dining. You can surely find a mountain vacation experience to satisfy the whole group.

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.

History & The Arts

Colorado History Arts

Colorado has a rich history and cultural experiences for everyone. From sightseeing historical sites to visiting museums and theaters, you should plan to spend some time learning about the original settlers lived and created the amazing towns and cities we know today.
Be sure to take in a local play or musical and enjoy a night laughing with the whole family.

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.

This region 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.

South Park Heritage

South Park boasts an array of nationally significant artifacts that reflect different aspects of this country’s heritage. The basin’s high peaks, clear streams, and copious wildlife embody the resources that sustained the native people and attracted settlers west. Hundreds of historic sites and structures still remain 150 years after the development of early mining, railroading, and ranching at 10,000 feet. Local events celebrate the lives of early pioneers in this area. Together, these resources and traditions evoke images of the struggle for prosperity that played out within the ring of mountains that define Colorado’s largest mountain park.

Park County Courthouse

Seven years after Fairplay became the county seat in 1867, the old Park County Courthouse was built of native sandstone in the Italianate style. Along with the adjacent stone jail, this building witnessed a parade of the famous, the notorious, and the ordinary. Known as the “hanging court,” decisions made here had a profound impact on Colorado case law. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a public library and is one of 12 properties showcased in the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour brochure.

Boreas Pass Section House

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Boreas Pass Section House was built in 1882 to house railroad workers on the Denver, SP & Pacific Railroad Highline Route between Como and Breckenridge. Next to the Section House, the 1860s Wagon Cabin was built when this route was a mere wagon trail over the Continental Divide. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these structures now serve as a visitor center and museum during summer and a backcountry ski hut during winter.

More About South Park Colorado

Perhaps you’re curious about the more modern attraction, the cartoon South Park. What does this area of 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 a mere coincidence that they bear similar names. 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. Some interesting connections between them might 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.

Palisade

Palisade, Colorado

A town in Mesa County, Colorado. Palisade, part of the Grand Junction Metropolitian statistical area, and named for the cliffs near town. Palisade is most famous for delicious peaches and wine vineyards. Although that’s what Palisade is known for, this small town on Colorado’s western slope embodies all of what Colorado is about. Palisade’s nearly central location but lower elevation of 4,728 feet makes it an area with warmer year-round temperatures, a longer growing season, yet close to skiinig and other mountain attractions.

This historical farming community has kept pace with the rest of Colorado. Attractions like rafting, skiing, mountain biking and a variety of farm tours are all right around the corner in Palisade. Colorado National Monument, Tillman Bishop State Wildlife Area, Grand Mesa National Forest, and a variety of parks are all accesible from Palisade.

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