Peak-to-Peak Byway

If you are starting this drive from Denver and have some extra time, I highly recommend making your way to Black Hawk by weaving through Clear Creek Canyon on US Hwy 6. Along with beautiful canyon views, this route offers multiple pull-offs and trailheads. Be sure to visit the Peak to Plains Trail website for more information on the recreation opportunities available in Clear Creek Canyon, as well as the latest updates on closures and visit guidelines.

In town, Black Hawk doesn’t fall short in the entertainment department. With 25 casinos, multiple restaurants, resorts, and a self-guided sculpture tour, there are so many options to choose from.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Our next stop on the Peak-to-Peak Byway is Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Spread out over more than 12,000 acres, the park has over 40 miles of multiuse trails and some exquisite views³. Golden Gate Canyon SP has quickly become my go-to for hiking, picnicking, or just enjoying nature. For the one million plus annual park visitors, Golden Gate Canyon offers fishingponds, back-country hiking/camping, a designated hunting area, RV/tent campsites, cabins, yurts, and multiple day-hiking options.

There are two parts of the park that I always make a point to see when visiting: driving Mountain Base Road and stopping at Panorama Point. Along Mountain Base Road you will find multiple trailheads for day hikes as well as a few picnic sites with tables. The best part about that drive though is the views, so as you move along the winding road be sure to keep your eyes out for towering cliffs, peaceful valleys, majestic mountains, and various wildlife. As for Panorama Point, I can’t accurately describe it without sounding like “America the Beautiful,” so instead I will just share this picture.

Moffat Tunnel

If you are a history buff who can’t get enough, then you may enjoy seeking out the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel. The tunnel was built between June 1923 and February 1927 with President Coolidge setting off the final blasts via telegraph.⁴ The first trains passed through Moffat Tunnel in February of 1928. The tunnel is still in use today as an important pass through the Continental Divide for both freight and passenger trains.⁵ During the construction phase, “camps” were established at both portals. These camps were complete with housing, schools, hospitals, and even recreation facilities; some buildings of which are still visible today.

Nederland is a delightful town that has seen some ups and downs since it was incorporated in 1874. With much of its economy originally centered around the Caribou Mine, its population would rise and fall with the booms and busts of silver and tungsten mining from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

In the second half of the 20th century, Nederland experienced its latest boom in population which has lasted into the 21st century, as “hippies,” artisans, and musicians moved into the area and cultivated a thriving music and arts scene.⁶ Between the natural beauty of the landscape and the arts scene, Nederland provides a variety of experiences in which to partake.

One of the more visually striking experiences is Barker Meadow Reservoir. Located less than a mile from downtown Nederland, Barker Meadow Reservoir is a beautiful place to have a picnic after grabbing food from one of the local restaurants. In addition to picnicking, the reservoir also has opportunities for fishing and hiking. As tempting as it may be to jump in, swimming, wading, boating, etc., are unfortunately prohibited, as the reservoir is a water source for the city of Boulder.

The Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt Company is a wonderful spot with a cozy feel and plenty of history. Constructed with three different railcars that were built between 1872 and 1910⁷, it is a very pleasant experience to grab a drink and walk through the cars to see the structure, design, and unique quirks of these history boxes on wheels. In addition to coffee and teas, they offer sandwiches, smoothies, and desserts.

The Carousel of Happiness is an enchanting ride with an inspiring story. This restored 1910 carousel features a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ and 56 hand-carved animals. Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran, carved all the animals as a therapeutic project after returning from the war, thus giving it the name Carousel of Happiness, as it helped to restore his joy.

Lastly, Mud Lake is one of my personal favorite places to stop at when visiting Nederland. Just shy of three miles past Nederland, Mud Lake is a serene and peaceful open space with miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use which include a link to the Caribou Ranch Open Space. The calm water and full forest provide a lovely habitat for a variety of creatures and a plethora of viewing opportunities for naturalists.

Allenspark

A small town south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Allenspark is worth taking a few minutes to support. The Old Gallery is a local center for arts, visitors, and the community. They have an art gallery featuring 28 local artists, photographers, weavers, quilters, and more. In addition to the art gallery, they also act as a visitor and community center by providing tourist information, public restrooms, a playground, and snack shop, as well as a community closet, classes, and a food bank.

Another unique attraction for the Allenspark area is Saint Catherine’s Chapel, located at the base of Mount Meeker and part of the Camp St. Malo center. Also known as the Chapel on the Rock, it is a lovely bit of stone architecture set against a mountainous backdrop. It is open to visitors, but I would recommend visiting their Facebook page to check for closures, as it is an active Catholic Chapel and is occasionally closed to the public due to weddings and other private events.

First, the shopping scene along Elkhorn Avenue is bountiful! If you are visiting from out of state and want to have your pick of the litter when it comes to souvenirs, Estes will not leave you wanting. Offering everything from shirts, to knickknacks, to salt water taffy, the locally owned shops have a variety of treasures to take home and share with family or friends. If you are like me and not always the biggest fan of crowds, then I recommend taking the river walk that runs along the south side of Elkhorn Avenue. It provides easy access to most of the shops while also offering the serenity of walking along a portion of the Big Thompson River.

Second, and this will come as no surprise: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Consisting of over 415 square miles (1075+ Sq. km), RMNP was the fourth most visited National Park in 2020 boasting 3.3 million visitors even in the midst of a global pandemic.⁸ It has 124 peaks, 147 lakes, and approximately 355 miles (571 km) of hiking trails.⁹ To put it plainly, you could spend weeks exploring RMNP’s wildlife and natural landscapes.

There is one experience not to be overlooked and it can only be found at night. Stargazing, specifically astrophotography, is my absolute favorite and the number one reason you will find me in RMNP. Those 124 peaks help to block some of the light pollution and it results in the ability to see countless stars. In late summer you can see the cloudy haze of the Milky-Way Galaxy stretch across the sky and with the right camera settings, you can capture some awe-inspiring photos.

If you are planning on checking out Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to visit their website for closures and requirements. Since 2020, they have been requiring timed entry permits during the peak season.