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One of the U.S. National Park System’s crown jewels, Rocky Mountain National Park features 400 square miles of scenic beauty, including Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the world, crossing the Continental Divide at more than two miles above sea level. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, tranquil lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and horseback riding, visiting the Park is a truly unforgettable experience.
Distance from Denver: 71 miles (Hour-and-a-half drive)
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A picture perfect setting with flawless all-natural acoustics 70 million years in the making, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a true Colorado original. In addition to its blockbuster summer concert series (everyone from the Beatles to U2 have played here), Red Rocks is open year-round, featuring the Red Rocks Performers Hall of Fame and the Trading Post Loop Hiking Trail, a 1.4-mile adventure through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow.
Distance from Denver: 25 miles (Half-hour drive)
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One of the most famous cowboys to ever ride the range, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody epitomized the Old West. Upon his request he was buried atop Lookout Mountain, a site boasting one of the best views in all of Colorado. The museum, which opened in 1921, offers a look into life in the Old West, with exhibits on Buffalo Bill’s life, the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts including Sitting Bull’s bows and arrows, Western art, and firearms.
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Dinosaur Ridge is a famous natural landmark, located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, near Morrison, Colorado. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for use on self-guided tours and guided tours can be arranged through the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.
Distance from Denver: 23 miles (25-minute drive)
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The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a reconstruction of one of Colorado’s most famous railroads, which was originally built in 1877. Steam-powered locomotives make the climb up the valley and across Devil’s Gate Bridge, giving riders panoramic views, and a glimpse into Colorado’s railroad-centric past. From the open air viewing cars it is possible to see big horn sheep and other wildlife.
Distance from Denver: 54 miles (50-minute drive)
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Mount Evans Highway is the highest paved auto road in North America, snaking its way to a 14,260-foot (4,346 m) summit. The spectacular view from the top – one of the greatest in the U.S. – takes in the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range. Note: The road ($10 for a three-day pass) is open only from the Friday before Memorial Day through the first Monday in October.
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The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is the world’s foremost attraction for learning about the 21st century’s hottest topic: climate change. The NCAR lab is open to the public free of charge seven days a week, and offers a wide array of hands-on educational exhibits that visitors are welcome to explore on their own, on a guided tour, or with an audio tour.
Distance from Denver: 31 miles (Half-hour drive)
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These two mountain towns are home to more than 30 casinos with blackjack tables, craps, roulette, poker games and more than 10,000 slot machines. In 2009, gambling stakes were raised to $100, to the delight of high rollers, and casinos began opening their doors 24 hours a day. The two cities are also known for having some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the West.
Distance from Denver: 40 miles (45-minute drive)
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The legendary Coors Brewery in Golden can brew up to 22 million barrels and package up to 16 million barrels annually, making it the biggest single-site brewer in the world. Take a free 30-minute, self-paced tour of the brewhouse, malthouse and packaging complex to view firsthand how more than 100 work teams make some of the most popular beer in the world.
Distance from Denver 29 miles (Half-hour drive)
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The Lariat Loop is a 40-mile scenic circle in the foothills west of Denver, Colorado connecting the communities of Golden, Morrison, Lookout Mountain, and Evergreen. On the Loop, motorists encounter more than a dozen enchanting historical attractions, including the Colorado Railroad Museum, Boettcher Mansion, Lookout Mountain Nature Center, Mother Cabrini Shrine and The Fort Restaurant.
Distance from Denver: 27 miles (25 minute drive)
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Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Visit this 320 acre Rescue and Educational Facility, located just 30 miles outside of Denver, where more than 300 large carnivores roam free. One of the only places in America where you can see Lion Prides and groups of other carnivores living in natural habitats.
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A ‘must stop’ new attraction on your way to the mountains! From 14ers to Everest, experience mountaineering through interactive exhibits and high tech displays. Cross a crevasse, pick your route up Everest, and follow the footsteps of famous climbers as you prepare to hike in Colorado!