It would be impossible to list all of the attractions available in Central Colorado, but we hope this guide will be of some assistance.
Visitor's guides and brochures are available at Chamber of Commerce offices, Visitors' Centers, and participating restaurants throughout the region. Telephone numbers for local chambers are printed in our calendar. Or you may want to check out chamber websites, since they frequently provide links to local businesses.
In alphabetical order by town (or region):
Adams State College, 208 Edgemont Blvd., presents music, theater and gallery events that are open to the public. Check the calendar on their website at www2.adams.edu.
Cole Park has picnic areas and a playground, with pleasant trails along the river, and is host to many Alamosa events, 425 4th St.
The Luther E. Bean Museum is on the second floor of Richardson Hall at Adams State College and features antiques, collectibles, fine art by local artists, Native American and Hispanic art, and the "Woodard Collection of Artifacts from Around the World." It's open from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed holidays.
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad runs daily steam-powered passenger trains between Alamosa and LaVeta starting May 24. Check their website for special events, concerts, discounts, and more. They also offer a connection to the narrow-gauge Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito, as well as mixed (passenger and freight) trains to and from Monte Vista. For information or reservations call 877-726-7245 or see www.riograndescenicrailroad.com.
The San Luis Valley History Museum exhibits highlight centuries of history and culture in the Valley, at the corner of 4th and Hunt Streets and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sundays and Mondays.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad opens May 24th for the summer season; offering scenic steam-powered, narrow-gauged train trips to Osier, CO and Chama, N.M. For more information call 888-286-2737 or check www.cumbrestoltec.com
Arkansas Valley Art Center, formerly the Chaffee County Council on the Arts, offers classes, activities, art shows and workshops at their gallery on the Buena Vista CMC campus, 27900 County Road 319. For more information call 719-395-8372 or check: www.arkansasvalleyartcenter.org.
Buena Vista Heritage Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays in the Buena Vista Heritage Museum and Courthouse Gallery historic building at 511 E. Main, 719-395-8458. The Buena Vista Heritage foundation supports local preservation and restoration projects and can be contacted through the museum. For a full schedule of museum and Heritage events and projects see: www.buenavistaheritage.org.
The Buena Vista River Park and Barbara Whipple and Midland Trails are located at the end of East Main Street in Buena Vista. The park features picnic areas, playing fields, and river access, with an adjoining trail system featuring views of Buena Vista from on high.
Dinosaur Depot features kid-friendly exhibits and tours, fossils, rocks, dinosaurs, and an amazingly complete Stegosaurus. Adults, $4; children 4 to 12, $2; children 3 and under free. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday through May 25. From May 26 to August 10, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week; 330 Royal Gorge Boulevard, Cañon City; www.dinosaurdepot.com; 719-269-7150 or 800-987-6379.
The Fremont Center for the Arts houses a permanent art collection, features special exhibits, and offers classes and programs, and sponsors community events. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 550 Macon Ave., 719-275-2790.
The Fremont Civic Theatre offers live performances at various Cañon City locations. For information on their shows see their website at www.fremontcivictheatre.org.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park features the famed bridge over a deep canyon, an incline railroad, Wildlife Park, and theme park with rides, attractions, shows and entertainment. Open year round. For more information call 719-275-7507 or 888-333-5597, or see www.royalgorgebridge.com.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers three scenic excursion train trips daily through the Royal Gorge (until October 12) with special dinner, mystery, and wine excursions available. Reservations recommended. Their depot and gift shop is at 401 Charter Street, right off Highway 50 on west end of town. To learn about gourmet dinners on board, vista dome seats, special excursions and more call 719-276-4000 or 1-888-724-5748; or see their website: www.royalgorgeroute.com.
The Bachelor Historic Tour gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into mining history. The 17-mile auto route, accessible by passenger car in good weather, is named for the ghost town of Bachelor, and winds past historic mines, mills, flumes, and ghost settlements. Numbered guidebooks enumerate points of interest and are available from the Creede Chamber and Visitors' Kiosk for $1.09.
The Creede Historical Museum collection includes photos, memorabilia, reference books, wagons, and more; open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays.
The Creede Historical Society Research Library is open from 1 - 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
The Creede Repertory Theatre offers mystery, comedy, drama, musicals, and children's theater, plus concerts and art shows. Reservations recommended. For information call 719-658-2540 or 866-658-2540, or see www.creederep.com for a full schedule, play descriptions, and more.
Creede Underground Mining Museum shows the history of mining in Creede, and how silver mining was done. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. It's at Forest Svc. Rd 503 #9, 719-658-0811.
The Silver Thread Scenic Byway, a designated scenic route, links Creede, Lake City, and South Fork via Hwy. 149, going past turn-offs for North Clear Creek Falls, said to be the most photographed waterfall in Colorado, with breathtaking overlooks, and numerous points of interest.
The Wheeler Geologic Area was once a National Monument but proved to be too remote to keep open. Its 640 acres features badlands, pinnacles, domes and spires. Getting there can be tricky and requires 4-wheeling by experienced driver or a 16-mile round-trip hike. Ask for detailed directions in Creede or South Fork or check the Internet.
The town of Crested Butte sits on the edge of Colorado Central territory and has numerous attractions, a music festival, mountain theater, and events too numerous to print in our already lengthy calendar. For a full Crested Butte schedule or information about events and businesses check www.crestedbuttechamber.com or call 970-349-6438 or 800-545-4505.
Challenger Golf Club, a public 9-hole course, is about 10 miles east of Moffat on County Road T, 719-256-4856.
The Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center, 580 Oak Street, features art and history exhibits, and frequently hosts special presentations and lectures. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission: adults $1, children 50 cents, family $2.50. For information call 719-657-2847 or check www.rgcm.org.
Fairplay Beach offers a place to get out and stretch or picnic, with trails along the river right outside of town. Turn off of Hwy. 285 on the south side of Fairplay, look for the sign.
The South Park City Museum features a complete 19th century mining town with school, drug store, saloon, railroad station, laundry, mill, brewery, and more. Exhibits show period clothing, memorabilia, artifacts, photos, and informative displays, with a gift store, at the end of Front Street in Fairplay. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Memorial day, then from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. See www.southparkcity.org for more information.
The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week and features a trail through a Petrified Forest, with close-up views of giant petrified redwood stumps. The Hornbek Homestead is also on Monument property. Fees: $3 for 7 days, or $15 annual, no fee for children 15 and under. For more information call 719-748-3253 or check www.nps.gov/flfo.
Pikes Peak Historical Society Museum, has a new 2600 square foot building at 18033 Teller County Road #1, across from the Florissant Post Office. The museum offers an entertaining and educational look at the Pikes Peak region's history and geology, pioneers, native Americans, railroads, miners, and more; with a gift store featuring handmade crafts, including beadwork and crafts from the Northern Ute Indians. Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays and Tuesdays. 719-748-8259.
Fort Garland, an adobe fort, founded in 1858, and once commanded by Kit Carson, displays military life on the frontier, and celebrates its 150th birthday this summer. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 29447 Hwy. 159, 719-379-3512 or see www.coloradohistory.org.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is open every day. A spectacular canyon with breathtaking views; entrance fee is $15, at South and North Rim entrances. Possible activities include hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, ranger guided events, and more. For more information check their website at www.nps.gov/blca or call 970-641-2337, ext. 205.
Curecanti National Recreation Area includes three reservoirs, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal for hiking, boating, sight seeing, camping, and more. All watercraft at Blue Mesa must be certified Zebra and Quagga Mussel-free, see website. The Elk Creek Visitors Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; the Cimarron Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. For more information call 970-641-2337, ext. 205 or check www.nps.gov/cure.
Curecanti offers Morrow Point Boat Tours. Journey into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison by boat; feel the cool mists of Chipeta Falls; view the towering monolith of Curecanti Needle. A ranger presents information about geology, wildlife and history. To get to the take-off point passengers must descent 232 wooden and rock stairs, then walk about a half mile. Allow one hour for the trek. Tickets are available by reservation only, $15 adults; $7.50 for children under 13 and for adults with Senior or Access discount cards. For reservations contact 970-641-2337 x205.
The Gunnison Arts Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, at 102 S. Main and offers exhibits, performances, movies and classes. For information contact 970-641-4029 or www.visitgunnison.com/gun nisonartscenter.
Hartman Rocks Trails, a BLM recreation area, offers easy to moderate walks, with places to bike and motorcycle, bring water. To get there take Hwy. 50 west from Gunnison, turn off on Gold Basin Road (Cty. Rd. 138), drive around the west end of the airport runway, 2.8 miles, to the Hartman Rocks entrance.
Colorado Mountain College's Timberline Campus offers classes in outdoor recreation, including rafting, biking, fishing, wilderness first aid, and kayaking instruction. For class descriptions, schedules, and fees see www.CMCneverstoplearning.com.
The Heritage Museum covers just about every aspect of Leadville's long and colorful history; it's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closing time dependent upon visitors), 719-486-1898.
Healy House and Dexter Cabin, are two of Leadville's earliest homes. James V. Dexter's surprisingly plush cabin and August Meyer's 1878 Greek Revival style home, at 912 Harrison Ave., open weekends until June 1, then from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 719-486-0487.
The Matchless Mine, famed money-making mine and home to Baby Doe Tabor, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (dependent upon weather).
The Mineral Belt Trail, 12 miles of trail through Leadville's old mining district, features great scenery and historic sites. Closed to motorized vehicles. Access is available in numerous places, including the Dutch Henry trailhead off Hwy. 24, Ice Palace Park, CR2 at California Gulch, and the East 5th St. Bridge.
The National Mining Hall of Fame and Miners Museum offers several floors of mining displays and exhibits, with extraordinary mineral, ore, and gemstone collections featuring samples from around the world. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It's at 120 W. 9; 719-486-1229.
The Tabor Opera House, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers historic tours, and also evening performances. See their website at www.taboroperahouse.net or call 719-486-8409.
The Dempsey Museum, is the birthplace of the heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Labor Day, at 412 Main Street, 719-843-5207.
The Monte Vista Historical Society has historical reference books, memorabilia, and hundreds of photos. The collection is open to the public 2 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until Labor Day, 110 Jefferson Street,
The Monte Vita Country Club public golf course, 9 holes, 101 Country Club Drive, 719-852-4906.
Agnes Vaille Falls, requires a fairly easy one-mile hike. To get there take CR 162 west up Chalk Creek (toward Mt. Princeton and St. Elmo, it's on the right side of the road and marked).
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort has a pool, hotel, restaurant, stables, and conference facilities. It's open all year, at 15870 CR 162 (on the road to St. Elmo); 719-395-2447, or see www.mtprinceton.com.
Bishop's Castle is along Highway 165 south of Westcliffe, near Rye. Jim Bishop's homemade stone castle with towering turrets, beautiful arches, and frightening walkways many stories high, is as impressive as the real thing, or maybe more so. Bishop lets guests tour his incredible construction project, but be careful because this is not the typical tourist attraction with safety fencing and guard rails.
The Saguache Museum features clothing, furniture, dolls, rocks, minerals, wagons, tack, pioneer history, and an old jail. It's open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day and if you want to tour the historic Hazard House, go to the museum and a guide will be provided.
The Arkansas Headwaters River Recreation Area stretches more than a hundred miles along the Arkansas, with two dozen recreation sites. Offices are at 307 W. Sackett, Salida. For information on trails, camping, fees, and annual passes call 719-539-7289 or check www.parks.state.co.us.
Bongo Billy's Salida Café offers live performances and art exhibits, including poetry performances and open mic nights. For a schedule of events call 719-539-4261 or check www.salidacafe.com
Captain Zipline, 2,000 feet of zipping on six cable runs over canyons in historic mining area a few miles east of Salida. 1-877-947-5463 or www.captainzipline.com
The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, facilities include swimming pool, six private hot baths, and a 25 meter lap pool. Suit, towel, and locker rentals are available, also private and group swimming lessons. Open from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., 719-539-6738, or check www.salidapool.com.
The Salida Museum features railroad and pioneer history, behind the Chamber offices next to the Hot Springs Pool on Highway 50, with a special display honoring Salida Regional Library's 100th birthday. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day.
The Salida Steam Plant Theater and Cultural Center offers live performances. The theater is on the Arkansas at Sackett and G Streets; 719-530-0933. For more information check www.steamplant.org
The Victoria Tavern has live music on weekends. For information call 719-539-9003.
The San Luis Valley Museum and Cultural Center features history, art, embroidery, murals, and more; open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.
The Stations of the Cross Trail and Chapel are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, all year.
The Colorado Gator Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day; $12.50 adults; $6.25 children 6 - 15 and seniors 65 to 80; under 5 and over 80 free. It's 17 miles north of Alamosa off Highway 17. Call 719-378-2612 or check www.gatorfarm.com
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, east of Hooper and Mosca, is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, but the visitors center is sometimes closed. It's $3 per person (16 years and older) per day or $15 for an annual pass, with camping for $14 per day. Attractions include dunes, nature walks, wildlife, bird-watching and there's an informative display at the visitor's center. To find out more check www.nps.gov/grsa or call 719-378-6399.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa with lodging and conference center is near Moffat, at 28640 CR 58 EE, off of Hwy. 17; 719-256-4328.
The Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs are open to the public 7 days a week. For information on their mission, facilities, or reservations check their website at www.olt.org or call 719-256-4315.
Penitente Canyon, a BLM recreation area, features trails, primitive camp sites, rock climbing areas, and religious art by two brothers who once lived nearby. It's near LaGarita, travel south on Hwy. 285 and look for the Penitente Canyon sign.
San Luis State Park and Wildlife Area is where desert and wetlands converge, welcoming shore birds, raptors, deer, and elk. It's 15 minutes away from the Great Sand Dunes on the Los Caminos Antiquos Scenic Byway; daily pass is $6. The wildlife area won't open until July 16, and a habitat stamp is required to visit it.
Zapata Falls is a scenic cascade emerging in a canyon crevasse. It's just north of the Great Sand Dunes, about 3.5 miles east of U.S. Hwy. 150, turn off 150 between mile marker 10 and 11, and look for signs. Viewing falls requires a half-mile uphill walk, plus some wading, and a tricky little climb over a concrete shelf. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, and take a sweater, because even when the weather is hot, the water is cold.
The Silver Cliff Museum is in the former Silver Cliff Town Hall and Firehouse, with memorabilia, photos, clothing, kitchen wares, mining tools, and more. Open 1 - 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, $2 donation suggested.
The Rio Grande Golf Club is public, scenic, and 18 holes. For more information check www.riograndeclub.com or call 719-873-1995.
All Aboard Westcliffe recalls the area's rail history at their interpretive center, 110 Rosita Ave., and also offers Forest Service and Scenic Byway information. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
The historic Beckwith Ranch combines beautiful buildings and scenery, four miles north of Westcliffe on Highway 69. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is under renovation to someday be a museum. You can tour the grounds by appointment. To make arrangements call 719-783-2646. For more information see www.beckwithranch.org.
The historic Jones Theater offers live theater events and movies, 719-783-3004, 119 Main Street. For more information or their complete schedule check www.jonestheater.com.
For Arkansas River recreation information check www.headwatersofadventure.com. Their "activities guide" includes information about hiking, fishing, golfing, hot springs and other attractions, and the site also includes local business listings and lodging and dining information.
The Ark-Valley Humane Society is at 701 Gregg Drive, which is off of Airport Road south of Buena Vista. Their website, www.ark-valley.org, has plenty of information for those who are contemplating adoption or who have lost a pet in Chaffee County, and also facts about how to donate time or money, 719-395-2737.
Parks: For information on National Parks, check www.nps.gov/. Then you'll merely need to pick your park to learn about fees, camping, activities, reservations, and how to get there. Reservations can be made on line. Also included is information on National Park Passes, and discounts available for seniors, veterans, and the disabled.
For information about Colorado Parks check parks.state.co.us.
Fishing Licenses: Colorado fishing licenses are available from more than 700 agents across the state, including most sporting goods stores. Licenses are $26 for the annual resident license; $56 for the annual non-resident; $9 for one day; $21 for five days; and $5 for an extra rod stamp.
Wildlife Habitat Stamps: Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamps are required for access to state wildlife areas and trust lands and for hunters and anglers (but not required for youths 18 and under, or seniors 65 or older, or Colorado residents on active duty in the armed services). They're $5 if purchased with a hunting or fishing license, or $10 by themselves, and available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold or by calling 800-244-5613. Funds go to support habitat.
For collectors, special Commemorative Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamps are also available by calling 303-291-7212; proceeds go toward habitat preservation.
CORSAR Cards: Colorado Search and Rescue Cards cost a mere $3 for one year, or $12 for five years. They're available at local sporting goods outlets, and might prove invaluable to you -- especially if you're a hiker or backcountry camper. CORSAR cards don't provide their holders with insurance, but they can defray some of the expenses if you get lost. And more importantly, they help assure that local search and rescue agencies will have the supplies and equipment necessary to undertake costly operations.
Local Chambers: Alamosa, 1-800-BLU-SKYS. Buena Vista 719-395-6612. Cañon City, 719-275-2331 or 1-800-876-7922. Creede, 1-800-327-2102 or 719-658-2374. Crested Butte, 1-800-545-4505. Del Norte, 719-657-2845. Florence, 719-784-3544. Gunnison, 1-800-274-7580. Leadville, 719-486-3900 or 1-800-933-3901. Monte Vista, 719-852-2731 or 1-800-562-7085. Salida, 1-719-539-2068 or 877-772-5432. South Fork, 719-873-5512 or 1-800-571-0881. Westcliffe, 719-783-9163 or 877-793-3170.