"Discover this 9.0-mile out-and-back trail near Carbondale, Colorado. Generally considered a…read moremoderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and off-road driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash." there is some parking at the bottom of the road if you do not have 4WD. There are no bathrooms, trash cans or dog poop bags available. So be sure to plan accordingly and also plan on packing out what you pack in. The road up to 314 is just incline. You take a right at the fork (314) towards crystal city. This road will have some incline but also going down hill. When we went there were a few giant pools of water but they were not too bad to get around. There was also one giant strip of mud but it was not deep. stayed near side of road and was able to walk on it. When you get to the mill, if you want to walk down closer to get better views you will need to do another 3-5 minute walk into town to go to the store and sign the waiver and pay $10 if you have a phone but $50 if you have nice camera/more professional set up. The store had some snacks and drinks. If you pay the money then you go back. The store will let them know at the mill that you paid and are good to go. I thought it was worth it to pay the $ to be able to go down and have lunch near the river, get better pictures, and play in the water. Apparently you can also swim in the water but need to stay near the banks. The water was definitely pretty cold though.

Crystal Mill is easily one of the most iconic sights to see in Colorado. So after living here for…read more14 years, I decided I was long overdue to make my way to this gorgeous piece of Colorado history! THE HISTORY: Crystal Mill actually isn't a mill at all. It was actually a compressor station which used a water turbine to drive an air compressor and was originally built with a horizontal wheel. The compressed air was then used to power other machinery or tools at the nearby Sheep Mountain Mine. When the mine closed in 1917 - so did Crystal Mill. THE JOURNEY: There are 3 ways to make your way to Crystal Mill: Jeep tour, 4x4 vehicle, or hiking along the 4x4 road. I opted to hike - more about that later. From the parking area at Beaver Lake to the Town of Crystal and back is approximately 12 miles round-trip with 1500+ feet of elevation gain. Crystal Mill is just before your reach the town. The initial incline is the worst part of the trail - quite steep, long, and dusty. About a third of the way to Crystal Mill, you will pass Lizard Lake which made a great resting point. You are following Crystal River the whole way which lends its self to some great photo ops. Though, if you're like me, you may strain your neck looking up at the canyon walls. THE DESTINATION: Once you arrive at Crystal Mill, you can pay a donation of $10 to pass under the safety rope and make your way down to the river. You can explore the river bank and the river, but you cannot cross to the other bank. Fall at Crystal Mill is gorgeous! I was lucky to arrive during peak leaf peeping. I'd imagine spring with the winter snowmelt would be gorgeous as well. There were tons of photographers trying to get the perfect shot. I rested and soaked up the views for a couple hours before making my way back. Crystal Mill was easily one of the most exhausting yet rewarding hikes I have done. The next time I choose to make my way to Crystal Mill I'll definitely be bringing along my quad so I can adventure a bit further. **Pro Tip: If you choose to hike make sure to start early, pace yourself, and hydrate! I easily went through 2.5 liters of water during my hike to Crystal Mill.

A handful of interesting historic buildings scattered over a scenic valley with a few good…read moreinterpretive signs telling the story of the thriving town once here. There are limited summer hours with volunteers on site, but open & easy to explore on your own anytime Independence Pass is open.

From the owner: The first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley, today, Independence is an archaeological preserve…read morelocated just below the Continental Divide; a "don't-miss stop" on Independence Pass along the Top of the Rockies' Scenic Byway. Aspen Historical Society operates a permit with the National Forest Service to manage and interpret the ghost town. Docents are on-site during open hours and signage tell the stories of the characters, enterprises, and structures that make Independence an integral part of area history.

Doc Holliday Trail - Hike now, haunt later…read more If you're looking for a hike with a little cardio, a lot of history, and a surprise emotional ambush by a tree--this is your trail. The climb is just steep enough to remind you that gravity is rude, but manageable. Along the way, you get killer views (pun absolutely intended) and the unexpected gem that is Annie's Wishing Tree--a ribbon-covered pine full of hope, love, and probably more emotional depth than Doc Holliday himself. I came for Wild West drama and instead found myself getting misty-eyed halfway up the trail. At the top, you'll find Doc's "maybe this is where he's buried" memorial, because apparently even in death, the man couldn't commit to a single location. The cemetery is peaceful, shady, and filled with old-timey vibes--perfect for pondering life, death, or just how out of shape you are. Final thoughts: * 10/10 for historical spookiness * 10/10 for emotional surprise tree * 11/10 for that sweet downhill return Would absolutely hike again, possibly in cowboy boots for authenticity (but let's be honest, Crocs won this round).

I had no clue back when I was a rookie in my Yelp Elite status that one of these days I would write…read morea review for a graveyard/cemetery. Hopefully this becomes one of the coolest things I have ever written. I was in Glenwood Springs for a few days earlier this week (and it sure wasn't my very first visit.) I thought I was thoroughly versed in this hot springs town and yet I had no clue about this place (which I learned from my boyfriend the day before my trip.) Still I wasn't planning on visiting this site; it sort of fell into my busy two-day schedule by accident when I decided to stroll through the town after I had eaten dinner early. The daylight was still plenty left for the evening so I got lucky to be able to do this little hike up to none other than the legendary Doc Holliday. The trailhead is located in a very quiet residential neighborhood on 12th and Bennett Avenue. At/around 7:15pm or so, there was nobody around except me (and I was in my dressy platform heels!!) When I got to the entrance, I had no clue I would have to hike up a dirt road to get up to the top to see the cemetery. It was simply too late to turn back; I was determined!! The trail is quite steep. If I was in my sneakers I would run up the hill to get my cardio at the maximum but of course, I had to go slow. As I went up, I could hear my heartbeat as it elevated. What a way to burn all the calories I had consumed earlier in my hotel room!! The view to the right (uphill) was quite nice. Since it was when the sun was retiring for the day, I was able to take some stunning photos using my iPhone. Great place to overlook the town of Glenwood Springs at the dusk. When I was almost at the top, I finally saw another soul: a solo female hiker who quickly said hi to me (to which I said my friendly response.) I saw dark grey clouds forming in the sky with some roaring of light thunder; I knew at that point that my stay at the cemetery would be brief (so I wouldn't get hit by the lightning! No joke, right?!?!) "If I could just see Doc's grave, I would be happy" was my thought process so while I was taking some pictures of other beautiful tombstones belonging to some unknown people, I rushed to his grave without wasting a moment. And finally, I saw the final resting place of the legend, Doc Holliday's grave. Doc's tombstone is more of a memorial dedicated to him as his body is buried somewhere in the cemetery (is what I read on the stone plaque/plate that explains his whereabouts.) Still, I was happy to be there to pay tribute to one of the greatest legends of the American history. While I was still concerned about the forming rain clouds to the southwest sky, I rushed to see Kid Curry's grave. Harvey A. Logan known as Kid Curry was also a legend (well precisely speaking, he was an outlaw and a gunman); his association with Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid for what's known as Wild Bunch, Kid was a bit lesser known figure for what he did along the other two.) As I was wrapping up my visit at the cemetery, what I kept hearing in the near background were the male turkeys' gobbling sounds. As if to say that this was the most fitting sound effect in a place like this, it made the whole place so mysterious. I got spooked by it a little to be frank!! As I descended my way to go back down I saw another soul with a furry animal. This friendly gentleman with his 3-year old pup carried a frank conversation with me. He certainly looked shocked to see me in my heels!! Well, final thought about this place? I highly recommend for sure! I don't know how crowded it gets during the peak hours but if you want to spend a little quiet time having the whole place to yourself then like I did, visit here during the dusk. Whether you want to go here for a quick night time cardio or just to say goodbye to the sun at the conclusion of the day, you'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and the serenity that Glenwood Springs has to offer. And let's not forget; it's definitely a place to learn about the history of the Wild West!!

We held a memorial welcome celebration for a long-time Crested Butte local at The Depot in July…read more It's a wonderful historic building with a great little kitchen (we had catering), beautiful deck and grassy area. I was super glad we decided to have a space with respite from the (heavy) rain showers that evening. I definitely recommend the depot for a group of 50-100. Make sure you leave it cleaner than when you arrived. Enjoy!

Like I said in the other post, NINA you are truly born to be a theatrical star. The history of…read moreAspen and the way you broke it down. You had our group at Hello. By the way, amazing costume, it was appropriate. You engaged the group, you made it fun, you made it interactive, and you made us feel like we were part of something. I would definitely urge people to book a tour. It was well worth it. I also like that you walked us around Aspen showing us buildings that had been in the inklings of Aspen's growth. I also like the knowledge you have installed in us. Like I had mention in my other review, I came to Aspen not knowing anything, and now here I am at work in San Diego, telling people all about the History of Aspen through your stories and the pictures I took on my phone. 5 stars all the way!

We did a two-hour historical tour that included a visit to two museums, being driven around the…read moredowntown and West end in an electric open vehicle. The leader of the tour wore period type clothing and was fun and informative. I have been coming to Aspen for 20 years but still learned an enormous amount of info.

The reason you absolutely MUST go to this place is so that they can give you the lowdown on feeding…read morewild chipmunks from the palm of your hand, just across from the general store! The seeds to feed them are sold right outside the store for just a couple quarters, and as soon as you hold out your palm, chipmunks come flooding over to you! It was one of the most magical experiences of my entire life, and more people need to know how amazing this place

This is an absolute gem that hopefully will be preserved for future generations!…read moreThis ghost mining town was only preserved to today's state because two stubborn souls decided that, even after the railroad stopped service and all its inhabitants left, they'd STILL want to live here. They slowly begun acquiring buildings (sometimes just paying overdue property taxes) and they rented buildings and cabins to tourists, whom would visit the area to fish and other outdoor activities. This town is on the National Historic Registry and some of the buildings were donated to Buena Vista Heritage society. They are the ones who collect the money that you toss in the 3 red pilar/tubes in town. They are also the ones who have placed the very informative installation inside the remains of the American House Hotel. They also reconstructed the town hall and jail, and plan to keep slowly restoring and acquiring more buildings. They do need financial help as it is a VERY expensive endeavor (see wall plaque and signage enclosed) so think of this as helping to preserve history for the future. Don't just go to the General Store and buy .50 cents worth of seeds for the chipmunk. They are fat enough as is, they can stand to miss that meal you want to buy them. Instead come early morning and be greeted by foxes, marmots, deer, squirrels and much more...no need to feed. Great heartwarming experience. Just put a few dollars into the tubes and help this non-profit to preserve this wonderful heritage for future generations. Preserving a site like this is extremely costly, especially given the remoteness of it. Donate and share the love!

Each stop on our full day was momentous. The clouds touch the mountains and it's breathtaking…read more Pictures do not give justice to the view. Wear weather appropriate clothes and shoes. We were not able to make it to the top of the steps but still happy we got to explore this place for a bit!

Recently visited Loveland Pass on our way back from Breckenridge. We drove to the top instead of…read morehiking. On the way up, we saw some light snow flurries, and by the time we reached the top, it was actively snowing. The scenery is absolutely stunning definitely a must-see if you're in the area. Just a heads-up: it can get icy and slippery, so be careful while walking around. Overall, it's a beautiful spot and perfect for enjoying the snowy mountain views! Plus it's free!

Incredible tour by docent Julie. We toured both the hunt house and three floors of the main…read moreresidence. Original furnishings, art work and living quarters from a time pre-electric and pre-railroad to Leadville. Tons of mining history and home residents history - delivered with enthusiasm and passion for the time period by our guide Jules. 1 hour - do it!

Spent a fun time with knowledgeable Michelle Ramirez viewing these 2 remarkable homes that were…read morefilled with antiques of the times as she shared the history and the fascinating real life stories of Leadville and Colorado. Great job by Michelle and, if you like history, you should add it to your Colorado/Leadville experience. We'd do it again.

Saturday walking in Downtown Breckinridge on an unseasonably warm spring day. Three-year-old in tow…read moreneeded to use the bathroom and we were sent here. While he used the bathroom, we looked around the Welcome Center. I wanted to pick up a $2 little pamphlet which shared information about the historic homes along Main Street but no cash is accepted and I didn't feel like putting $2 on my debit card so I didn't get the pamphlet. Oh well, we're still walking down Main Street. Museum was closed.

Cool museum about the history of Breckenridge. Free to visit and never crowded except to use the…read morebathroom. Highly recommend checking this place out if you have some time to explore the town.

The nearby Vail airport is perhaps the most important thing about this charming little town. It's…read morewhere some of the better off Vail residents like to live.