Though it just snowed a few inches last night, the spring season is definitely here in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Many mountain towns along I-70 are overlooked as you pass through and make your way up toward the Continental Divide, but Idaho Springs and Georgetown are some great stops in Colorado’s Rockies. You may want to stay a day or two after seeing what these mountain towns have to offer!
Spring Events
Historic Georgetown Railroad & Mining Days Pack Burro
If you’re spending your time in Colorado over Memorial Day weekend, on May 26th the 14th Annual Historic Georgetown Railroad & Mining Days Pack Burro Race takes place! It’s approximately 8 miles from Georgetown to Empire, and the best part of it all is the participant who picks up the most trash on their way gets a prize. The day after the race, celebrate with the 17th Annual Idaho Springs Mining Days Festival and Pack Burro Race. This event is free for spectators and $50 for participants. Interesting fact… pack burro racing is the only sport indigenous to the US state of Colorado. There is also a “Triple Crown” in Burrro Racing just like horse racing in Fairplay, Leadville, and Buena Vista, with the Fairplay race being 29 miles in length and is considered an ultra-marathon.
Image courtesy of Kevin Mastin.
Idaho Springs Summer Kick Off Parade and BBQ
Another awesome event going on in Idaho Springs is the Idaho Springs Summer Kick Off Parade and BBQ on June 2nd from 11 AM – 2 PM. Come on down for the parade, then enjoy free BBQ in Citizens Park afterwards. Don’t forget about Railroad Days in Georgetown, complete with a train robbery re-enactment by the Park County Regulators. There will be family friendly activities all weekend and model trains on display the museum in Silver Plume.
RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival
On June 15-17 the RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival returns to Idaho Springs. This festival is packed with great music that make you get up and boogie all day and night. They have a great food truck fare and wonderful local beers. This festival has great scenery and is kid friendly, making it a great day trip for the whole family.
Spring Activities
Aside from the abundance of lovely hikes and mountain views obtainable in the springtime, be sure to make a day of adventure by visiting AVA Rafting & Ziplining in Idaho Springs! We offer many activities that the whole family can partake in. Our Cliffside Zipline and Mount Evans Via Ferrata courses are already open, and whitewater rafting on Clear Creek starts in a few short weeks. If you’re in the area or just in need of a mountain getaway from the Denver area, called our adventure specialists today and we’ll get you set up with the perfect excursion for you and your group!
877-RAFTING
*Featured image courtesy of Georgetown, Colorado.
