Clear Creek County. The Basecamp of Colorado.

Saxon Mountain · Georgetown

Switchbacks climbing straight out of Georgetown to overlooks above the valley — a favorite high-clearance route.

Virginia Canyon · Idaho Springs

The historic Virginia Canyon road between Idaho Springs and Central City — mining ruins, big exposure and a name that earns itself.

Herman Gulch · Clear Creek County

Wildflower meadows in July and a lake beneath the Continental Divide — right off the interstate near the top of the county.

Loch Lomond · Clear Creek County

A high alpine basin above Alice with a string of lakes beneath jagged ridgelines — big scenery for the effort.

Mount Blue Sky · Clear Creek County

Drive — or ride — the highest paved road in North America, from Echo Lake to a 14,000-foot summit, all inside Clear Creek County.

St. Mary's / Alice · Clear Creek County

A short, rocky climb to an alpine lake and a permanent snowfield above it — snow to play in even in July, and a snowshoe destination all winter.

St. Mary's / Alice · Clear Creek County

When the snow settles in, the summer trails around St. Mary's and Guanella Pass become quiet snowshoe country — and every neighborhood hill becomes a sled run.

Historic Georgetown · Clear Creek County

A restored narrow-gauge steam train between Georgetown and Silver Plume, crossing the Devil's Gate High Bridge. Unbeatable in fall — and lit up at the holidays.

Guanella Pass · Georgetown

The classic fall-color drive out of Georgetown, climbing through aspen groves to an alpine pass with trailheads at the top.

Idaho Springs · Clear Creek County

Miner Street: brick storefronts, breweries, pizza that people drive up from Denver for, and shops worth an afternoon.

Idaho Springs · Clear Creek County

Natural geothermal water in the middle of Idaho Springs — caves, pools and private baths. The perfect end to a hard mountain day.

Echo Lake · Clear Creek County

An easy loop around a subalpine lake at the foot of the Mount Blue Sky road — picnics, first hikes and big reflections.

Georgetown Lake · Clear Creek County

Pocket water along Clear Creek and open water at Georgetown Lake — fly rods in summer, ice fishing when the lake locks up.

Argo Mill & Tunnel · Idaho Springs

Ride above Idaho Springs on the cable car — scenic for everyone, and a lift-served shuttle for mountain bikers heading to Virginia Canyon.

Clear Creek Canyon · Clear Creek County

A paved creekside path through Clear Creek Canyon — easy riding, walking and creek access for every ability.

Silver Plume · Clear Creek County

A tiny, beautifully preserved silver-mining town at the top of the valley — and home to the Bread Bar.

Guanella Pass · Georgetown

Alpine tundra bloom in midsummer, mountain goats and bighorn near the high passes, and aspen gold up Guanella in late September.