From Buffalo Herd Overlook to Georgetown
Photo Op
The herd is free to roam in the pastures on both sides of I-70 through a tunnel under the highway. Keep your eyes out for the decedents of the last wild herd in America.
S. Floyd Hill
6% downhill grade greets drivers with a sharp left curve at the bottom (with no truck run away ramp). Who was Floyd?
T. Walstrum Quarry
The Walstrum Quarry became the last green field quarry permitted in the Denver area and provides high quality aggregate to build the Denver area infrastructure. Opened in 1982 and run by 3rd generation Albert Frei & Sons.
U. Clear Creek
During the summer you can find rafters and kayakers floating down the creek. This creek also provides a natural water source to a brewery down stream. Do you know which one? Find out more
V. Central City and Black Hawk.
The recently built parkway to casinos and hotels in the old mining towns.
W. Veterans Twin Tunnels
Originally called the Idaho Springs Tunnel and the Twin Tunnels, now known as Veterans Memorial Tunnels - reconstructed in 2015 to accommodate three lanes in each tunnel.
X. Argo Gold Mill and Mine
The Argo milled ore that came from Black Hawk through a tunnel. How long was the tunnel and when did it open?
Photo Op
Bridal Veil Falls is the back drop to Charlie Tayler's Waterwheel. Built in the late 1800's on Ute Creek, what year was it moved to it's current location?
Y. Mt. Evans - Colorado 14'ers
Turn off to Mt. Evans, one of Colorado's 14'ers and American's highest paved road. What year did the road that takes you to the top of the peak open and what other Colorado 14'er can you drive to the top of?
Z. Tailing Piles
When the mines where dug out of the mountains, after the ore was processed separating the valuable metals and/or minerals, they would dump the less economical ore down voids in the mine or out down the mountain. Why are most of the tailing piles orange?
A. The Phoenix Gold Mine
The Phoenix Gold Mine has made a handful of men rich. A high grade gold veins can still be seen on mine tours. What year was the Phoenix vein originally found?
B. Fencing of the Rockface
Metal fencing lays over the steep rock face to keep falling rock from damaging cars and the roadway. The fence lets the rocks fall straight down to the side of the road. Does the fencing keep rock slides from happening?
Photo Op - Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep
Look carefully for herd's of Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep.
C. Empire Colorado
Home of the original Hard Rock Cafe which the more popular named chain restaurant sue for using the name. What year did the original restaurant open? Find out more
Georgetown to Eisenhower Tunnel
Continue the sites and history along the way to Summit County.