Surrounded by the Colorado Rockies, the Roosevelt National Forest, and Rocky Mountain National Park, you can spend your entire vacation at Allenspark, CO just taking in its stunning natural environment. No trip to Allenspark is complete without driving the length of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, exploring the inspiring Chapel on the Rock, or visiting the historic Eagle Plume trading post. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Colorado is home to twenty-six scenic and historic byways, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of the best ways to experience the rustic beauty of the land. Spanning over 55 miles, it would take you two hours or more to drive the entire length of the byway. Many visitors take much longer as they stop and take in all of the views and attractions within this mountain town. As you drive through the stunning panoramas of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, you’ll also see a number of unique retail stores and restaurants. Historic sites along the way include the still-functioning Moffat Tunnel, the Central City Opera House, and the ghost town of Apex.
2.Ouzel Falls
Situated within Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best ways to access Ouzel Falls is through the fairly remote Wild Basin Trailhead. The trail is approximately 5.4 miles roundtrip and is a moderately difficult hike. You’ll see some amazing flora and fauna and several attractions along the way such as the Calypso Cascades, Copeland Falls, and the North St. Vain Creek. Ouzel Falls itself is an impressive waterfall that towers over 40 feet high. The hike is completely worth it once you see the breathtaking waterfall before you. Be on the lookout for water ouzels, which is a small bird known for bobbing and diving along the rocks and underwater in search of food.
3.Eagle Plume's
Established in 1917, Eagle Plume’s is a historic trading post which can only be found if you decide to journey off the beaten path. Doing so is worth it, as you’ll be able to explore one of the best kept secrets in the area. Eagle Plume’s is home to the Charles Eagle Plume Collection of Native American Art - this collection has over a thousand historic and prehistoric pieces of art from several indigenous tribes across the United States and Canada. In addition to these, the trading post also specializes in contemporary arts and crafts of Native Americans. These works range from jewelry and textiles to basketry, ceramics, beadwork, and sculpture.
9853 CO-7, Allenspark, CO 80510, Phone: 303-747-2861
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4.Chapel on the Rock
Officially named Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel, Chapel on the Rock is an operational Catholic chapel that can be found on what was once the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver’s Saint Malo Retreat, Conference, and Spiritual Center. The chapel, which is somewhat of a tourist landmark in Allenspark, was over twenty years in the making before it was finally completed in 1936. The serene and inspiring location was even visited by Pope John Paul II who came in 1993, prayed in the chapel, and blessed it afterwards. Though the chapel is still open, visitors will no longer be able to see the retreat as it was destroyed during a fire in 2011.
10758 CO-7, Allenspark, CO 80510
5.The Old Gallery in Allenspark
The Old Gallery in Allenspark is a non-profit, fully volunteer-driven community center that focuses on the arts. It is home to several local and regional Colorado artists who go to The Old Gallery so they can create, display, and sell their work. Residents and visitors go there throughout the year to participate in classes like yoga, memoir writing, sculpting, painting, and more. Musicians, bands, and other performers use The Old Gallery as a platform to share their creations with the community. You can even learn about the area’s history, culture, and wildlife through their Rocky Mountain 101 speaker series. With so many lectures, classes, performances, and exhibits dedicated to wellness and the arts, The Old Gallery in Allenspark is a must-visit when you’re in the area.
14863 CO-7, Allenspark, CO 80510, Phone: 303-747-2906
6.Calypso Cascades
The 200-foot high Calypso Cascades can be found situated within the rich Rocky Mountain National Park. To get to the cascades you will have to hike through the Wild Basin Trailhead, but the hike is rated as being fairly easy and is only 3.6 miles in distance round trip. One of the best times to visit is during the spring run-off, around late June, as this is when the cascades can be seen roaring. During the rest of the year, the flow of the cascades is pretty unimpressive, but you’ll still be able to experience the stunning flora and fauna of the park throughout the hike.
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7.Meadow Mountain Cafe
Meadow Mountain Cafe prides itself on being a homey, backwoods, hippie-styled restaurant that serves up some seriously delicious food. It’s one of the best places to stop by for a hot meal after a day of exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The restaurant also serves breakfast, making it a great spot to feast prior to your hiking adventure as well. As you walk in to the restaurant, it’s common to see a friendly dog or two outside and smiling staff waiting to serve you on the inside. The food, atmosphere, and surrounding scenery of Meadow Mountain Cafe is incomparable. It is a true locals’ hangout if there ever was one and is a great place to meet and get to know the residents of Allenspark.
Rocky Mountain National Park: 441 CO-7 BUS, Allenspark, CO 80510, Phone: 303-747-2541
7 Best Things to Do in Allenspark, Colorado
- Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Photo: Courtesy of malajscy - Fotolia.com
- Ouzel Falls, Photo: Courtesy of Kari - Fotolia.com
- Eagle Plume's, Photo: Eagle Plume's
- Chapel on the Rock, Photo: Courtesy of haveseen - Fotolia.com
- The Old Gallery in Allenspark, Photo: The Old Gallery in Allenspark
- Calypso Cascades, Photo: Courtesy of ejnelson314 - Fotolia.com
- Meadow Mountain Cafe, Photo: Meadow Mountain Café
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of haveseen - Fotolia.com
More Ideas in Colorado: The Home Ranch
The Home Ranch is in Clark, Colorado which a mere 20 miles from Steamboat Springs. It is the perfect balance between luxury vacation and a hearty, active adventure. The whole family will be satisfied with the wide variety of activities to fill the day, including horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, or just taking in the mesmerizing Rocky Mountain backdrop.
The Home Ranch offers its guests six different lodge rooms and eight cabins, all within the vicinity of the main Lodge. Each residence was carefully crafted and designed by the owner. Given the ample size of the lodges and cabins to accommodate multiple people, the Home Ranch has the capacity to hold up to 45 guests at one time. The Home Ranch also accommodates for family reunions, business groups or smaller weddings. Some of the available cabins and lodge rooms are as follows:
Seegate - The Seegate style and design is charming, antique with a unique tiled washstand. This loft has a king-size bed, a sleigh bed that can also be converted into a sofa and a writing desk. Seegate accommodates a single person or couple.
Bonanza - Built amongst the Aspens, Bonanza has a high, vaulted ceiling. The king-size bed is hand-carved, and the writing desk looks out on the many surrounding trees. There is also a Victorian style loveseat. Bonanza accommodates a single person or couple.
Hahns Peek - Named for its handsome construction, Hahns Peek has soaring ceilings, a Victorian armoire and a mysterious staircase that leads to a loft. Hahns Peek has a king-size bed with an armchair, a loft with a twin-size bed and an extra room with a cot. Hahns Peek accommodates a family of 3 or 4.
Baby Doe - Baby Doe has an elegant design with a high ceiling. The bedroom has a wrought-iron king-size bed with a cozy armchair, an armoire, and a loft with a twin-size bed. There is also an extra room with a cot for a smaller child. Baby Doe accommodates a family of 3.
Quickdraw - Quickdraw is unique because of it is south-facing views of the meadow, pond, and Round Mountain. This lodge includes a king-size hand painted bed, an iron twin-size bed located under the window, rocking chair, and writing desk. Quickdraw accommodates a couple or a family of 3.
Lonesome Cow - The Lonesome Cow has lovely views overlooking the meadow and pond. This lodge includes high ceiling, post king-size bed, twin-size bed, cozy leather chair and writing desk. This style of room accommodates up to 3 adults.
Roo – This style of cabin is named after the character in “Winnie the Pooh”. This studio cabin has one queen-size bed, one twin-size bed in the sleeping loft and an additional twin-size bed. Other amenities include a whirlpool on a private deck, sitting area, wood stove and writing desk. Roo is also the closest cabin to the main Lodge. Roo is ideal for a couple of family of 3 or 4.
Birdhouse - The Birdhouse cabin includes a queen-size bed, sitting area, sleeping alcove and a loft with a twin-size bed. In the sleeping alcove is another twin-size bed and writing desk. The sleeping alcove and loft area are both ideal sleeping configurations for families traveling with children of all ages. Birdhouse is perfect for a couple or a family of 3 or 4.
Whistler - Whistler overlooks the horse pasture. It includes a king-size bed along with a living room and two sofas that can also be converted into daybeds. Whistler is the farthest cabin from the main Lodge and is loved by guests who love the privacy of the aspens. Whistler is just the right size for a couple or a family of 3 or 4.
Kanga - Kanga is a one-bedroom cabin with a king-size bed. There are also two twin-size beds in the sleeping loft. This cabin also includes a living room with two loveseats, armoire, writing desk and dry sink. Kanga sits above a horse pasture. Kanga is ideal for a couple or a family of 3 or 4.
Compromise - The name comes from the compromise the founders had to make in deciding where this cabin would be built. “Comp” was eventually built snug alongside the aspens and amongst the wildlife that can be easily spotted. Compromise has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and twin-size bed. There is also a loft with two twin beds. Additional features include a hot tub and living room. Compromise accommodates up to a family of 5.
Bunkhouse - Its name comes from the cowboy design and Western style that can be seen all around. “Bunk” has two full bedrooms each with their own bathrooms. The bedrooms are separated by the living room. One bedroom has two queen beds and the other bedroom has a queen bed and a bunk bed. Painted headboards and comforters have always been painted a bright, blazing red in the Bunkhouse. Bunkhouse accommodates a family of 6.
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Columbine - It is the most spacious and luxurious of all the cabins. Columbine has three bedrooms. Each of the bedrooms has its own bathroom. The master bedroom is downstairs with a king-size bed. The master bathroom also has a steam shower. In the second bedroom upstairs there is also a king-size bed. In the third and final “kid’s room” there are two twin-size beds. The living area has a stone fireplace and lofty ceilings. Outside the windows, guests can wake up to the Sand Mountain each morning. Columbine is ideal for a family of 6 or three couples.
Amenities
The Home Ranch provides its guests with an impressive list of included amenities. Some of these conveniences are listed below:
-complimentary shuttle service
-evening activities appropriate for the entire family
-live music, campfires, and barn dances
-Executive Chef Jonathon Gillespie
-outdoor adventures and activities for kids of all ages
-seasonal activities (horseback riding, skiing, etc.)
-guided Rocky Mountain hiking, biking, or skiing/snowshoeing
-guided Colorado fly fishing
-experienced wranglers
-hiking, biking, and fly-fishing guides
-gear and equipment
The Home Ranch Dining Room offers meals for its guests throughout the day. Patrons gather into the historic dining room, carefully decorated with flowers, candles, linens and natural light. Outside the many windows, guests can observe the nature all around them. For dinner, the Chef will explain his food preparation process, describing the ingredients used and offering a wine paring that would go well with the meal. The Home Ranch is known for always being fully stocked with wine to accompany each meal. Breakfast and dinner are the meals that are typically served in The Home Ranch Dining Room.
In addition to The Home Ranch Dining Room, meals are also offered at Clyde’s Farm. In this setting, food is prepared in an outdoor kitchen, and guests eat “al fresco”. Pizzas baked with farm fresh ingredients, appetizers, smoked or barbecued meat, and Western-style ranch cooking are just a few of the meals served at Clyde’s Farm. At Clyde’s Farm, the dress is much more casual, and guests are free to come by for a meal after a long day of horseback riding or fly fishing.
Lunch is normally served at The Lodge Deck. The meal is full of farm grown ingredients and produce. The picnic tables provide some shade for the guests to enjoy their buffet style lunch. Dessert is also included.
The Home Ranch also serves dinner at the campfire. Unlike the formal dining room setting, campfire dining allows kids to come, eat and play. Food is served buffet style, and guests sit at long picnic tables. There is also a flagstone area and fire ring with benches all around. The main chef incorporates his culinary spontaneity and the menu could consist of any of the following items:
-canapés
-sushi
-lobster tails
-corn on the cob
-steak
S’mores, guitars, song books and a sunset complete the night at The Home Ranch Campfire.
The Home Ranch is especially unique in its capacity to home grow their own produce on The Home Ranch Farm and Greenhouse to provide many of the ingredients that are used in the food prepared for its guests. This self sustainability was a vision realized by The Home Ranch founders and owners. Working with conservationists and local landowners that supported their mission and vision, they achieved the lasting protection of 8,000 acres of alpine valley.
Due to the conservation efforts of The Home Ranch’s founders, an ample variety of produce and organic beef, pork and chicken can appear on the menus and plates of vacationers. Visitors, in turn, learn from this collective conservation effort exactly where their food originates from. Tours of the Farm and Greenhouse are encouraged.
54880 County Road 129, Clark, Colorado 80428, Phone: 970-879-1780
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More Ideas in Colorado: Hamill House Museum
Historic Georgetown, Inc. both owns and operates the Hamill House Museum. The museum is the centerpiece of the organization’s comprehensive residential interpretation of the area’s Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District with the context of the Mining West in the Rocky Mountains. The Georgetown-Silver Plume District was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. The historic Hamill House was built in 1867 as a humble Country Gothic home by Joseph Watson. It was later bought by William Arthur Hamill, the wealthy brother-in-law of Watson.
The mountain estate had been expanded quite a bit by Hamill by the year 1879, transforming it into a lavishly stunning home that featured walnut woodwork, gas lighting, central heating, bay windows, a conservatory, and luxurious decor. The Hamill House Museum features original wallpaper if several rooms, along with numerous pieces of original furniture. Other structures on the grounds of the Hamill House include a large six-seater privy, a summer kitchen and laundry, the granite office building used by Hamill, and the carriage house. Visitors will feel as if they stepped back in time as they walk through the beautiful restored home from the nineteenth century. The Hamill House Museum has become a must-see attraction in historic Georgetown.
The Hamill House Museum now include the Diversity In the Time of Silver exhibit. The exhibit commemorates those who traveled across the country to the West in search of freedom, a better life, and adventure. These pioneering individuals and families who build and resided in Georgetown consists of a diverse mix of cultures, races, and ethnicities. Each group was a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity. They also serve as an example of living in the environment of a new frontier. Visitors at the museum can hear the fascinating tales of some of the early settlers, such as Mrs. Clara Brown and John Touk.
In 1966, the towns of Silver Plume and Georgetown, as well as the Loop valley in between them and the surrounding mountains were designated as the Georgetown Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District by the National Park Service. The area was recognized for its well-preserved and unique representation of the Rocky Mountain Mining Boom of the nineteenth century. The town of Georgetown celebrated its recognition. Within the following two years, however, newcomers to the area interested in its preservation realized the federal designation wouldn’t be enough on its own to protect Georgetown’s historic resources from being overwhelmed by development and expansion or removed.
Cynthia Wadsworth, John Calhoun, and Ron Neely proposed the idea in 1969 of establishing a historical society to business owners Wally Baehler, Bob Gibbs, and Bob Bolander. On May 7th of 1970, the Georgetown Society was founded, which was later named the Georgetown Historical Society and now is known as Historic Georgetown, Inc. And so the journey of the historical society began. From its beginnings, Historic Georgetown, Inc. has been both a traditional historical society and a preservation agency.
305 Argentine Street, Georgetown, Colorado, Phone: 303-569-2840
More Things to Do in Georgetown, CO
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