From world-class skiing to relaxing hot springs, this Arapahoe County, Colorado, truly has it all.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Arapahoe County, Colorado, boasts iconic scenic drives like the Peak to Peak Highway and easy access to adventures along the Alpine Loop.
- Every season offers unique activities, from winter sports to fall festivals and summer family events.
- The county provides plentiful family attractions like summer camps, recreational parks, and family resorts.
- Historic sites and museums throughout connect to Colorado's frontier past.
- Extreme sports enthusiasts looking for the best destinations in the United States can rock climb, mountain bike, and backcountry ski near challenging peaks.
- Numerous spas, yoga centers, and hot springs offer rejuvenation through wellness and relaxation.
Stretching from the Denver metro area into the foothills and mountains beyond, Arapahoe County lies in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range. The county seat of Littleton serves as a gateway to the Rockies, with plenty of small towns, open spaces and state parks nearby to explore.
Whether you’re road-tripping along a scenic byway, hiking through pine forests, or relaxing after an epic powder day, Arapahoe County promises memorable adventures. The variety of activities and attractions make it a great destination, no matter the season or interests of your family and travel companions.
Scenic Drives Showcase Colorado’s Beauty
Arapahoe County connects visitors to some of Colorado’s most iconic scenic drives. Heading west from Denver, drivers can take the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, a 55-mile route that winds through pine forests and past alpine lakes. One highlight includes the historic mining town of Black Hawk with its restored buildings and remnants of its Old West past.
For those seeking high-alpine vistas, Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs over 14,000 feet, passing mountain goats and bighorn sheep along the way. After reaching the summit, continue on to tackle the Alpine Loop. This backcountry drive stretches 63 miles between Silverthorne and Lake City, traversing high mountain passes and the remote ghost town of Animas Forks.
Seasonal Festivals and Activities for All
Beyond its wealth of scenic drives perfect for road trips, Arapahoe County also promises seasonal fun all year long. When winter blankets the mountains in snow, downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities abound. Nearby, Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts offer prime skiing and snowboarding, along with charming mountain towns where you can explore after a day on the slopes.
As the snow melts in spring, scenic hiking trails come alive with wildflowers. Cool summer months, then invite visitors to camp under the stars and cast lines for trout in alpine lakes. Popular family attractions like the dinosaur fossil sites near Dinosaur Ridge and the hands-on science exhibits at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science engage visitors of all ages.
Don’t miss Arapahoe County’s fantastic fall foliage and abundant harvest festivals, too. Nearby towns like Aspen and Breckenridge host Oktoberfest celebrations, while local farms offer autumn corn mazes and pumpkin patches perfect for families.
Family Resorts and Recreation For All Ages
Speaking of families, Arapahoe County has no shortage of attractions and recreational activities catered specifically to kids and teens. Many area resorts, like the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs provide perfect bases to experience the region. These resorts offer family suites plus amenities like indoor water parks, arcades, mini golf and kids’ clubs with supervised activities.
The county also contains a high density of city, state and national parks. These protected green spaces allow visitors to hike, bike, climb, paddle and explore to their hearts’ content. Notable parks include Red Rocks, Roxborough, and Castlewood Canyon State Parks. In winter, downhill ski areas transform into mountain bike parks, offering chairlift accessed trails from green to double black diamond.
From dinosaur fossil sites to hands-on science museums to thrill-seeking adventures, families visiting Arapahoe County will never run out of sites to explore and memories to be made.
And for those looking to settle down, Greenwood Village is an affluent suburb located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. Situated just south of Denver, Greenwood Village is known for its picturesque landscapes, upscale neighborhoods, and vibrant community life.
Discovering Colorado’s Frontier History
In addition to natural wonders and recreational sites, Arapahoe County offers opportunities to discover Colorado’s frontier past as well. History buffs will love soaking in the Old West ambiance of towns like Georgetown and Silver Plume. Many buildings stand much as they did over a century ago during the area’s mining heyday.
Those eager to learn more can travel back in time by taking a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This historic train passes over tall trestle bridges and through narrow tunnels on its route between Georgetown and Silver Plume.
For indigenous history, Roxborough State Park’s Fountain Valley Ecology Center and Cultural Site explores how native peoples like the Ute tribe utilized the land and its flora and fauna. Elsewhere, the Santa Fe Trail connected the Front Range to Santa Fe. Sections winding through Bent’s Old Fort and the Comanche National Grassland still exist for modern visitors to explore.
From Native American culture to prospecting pioneers, the story of early Colorado awaits. Sites in Arapahoe County and beyond offer travelers the chance to vividly experience history first-hand.
Extreme Sports in the Rocky Mountain Playground
In addition to historical sites and family attractions, Arapahoe County also boasts endless extreme sports opportunities. These demanding yet thrilling outdoor activities allow visitors to push their limits while taking in dramatic alpine scenery.
Expert skiers and snowboarders flock to nearby slopes for the steep chutes and plentiful powder bowls found at resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, and Copper Mountain. Backcountry enthusiasts also venture into remote areas like the Tenmile and Mosquito Ranges outside Leadville to access untouched terrain.
Once the snow melts, cyclists test their technical skills on the county’s vast network of single-track mountain biking trails. Notable routes like the Colorado Trail and the Peaks Trail climb over high passes through forests and wildflower meadows. For an extra adrenaline rush, cyclists can even ride down slopes at bike parks in summer.
Rock climbing and mountaineering opportunities also abound on the iconic sandstone formations around Golden. This area’s concentration of quality crack climbing has dubbed it the “Yosemite of the Plains.”
With so many extreme sports beckoning, from world-class ski resorts to rugged peaks, Arapahoe County is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation Through Wellness
With so many heart-pumping recreational opportunities around Arapahoe County, tranquility and relaxation can be found through an array of wellness pursuits. For the ultimate mountain spa experience, visitors can indulge in a massage or soak in hot mineral pools after a day of adventuring in the Rockies.
Wellness resorts like Allegria Spa in Breckenridge or The Peaks Resort and Spa in Telluride pamper patrons in stunning alpine settings. Or take a more holistic approach through yoga classes, meditation workshops and other programs aimed at physical, mental and spiritual health.
Soaking in one of Colorado’s famed hot springs provides perhaps the quintessential way to unwind.
Thanks to its abundance of spas, yoga centers, and geothermal pools, Arapahoe County promises visitors ample ways to relax, recharge, and focus on wellness while enjoying this beautiful part of Colorado.
FAQ
What are the top 3 scenic drives in Arapahoe County?
The top scenic drives are the Peak to Peak Highway, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and the Alpine Loop Backcountry Drive. Each provides stunning high-altitude vistas.
What winter activities can visitors enjoy?
Popular winter activities include downhill skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Breckenridge, cross-country skiing at Frisco Nordic Center, snowshoeing at state parks, and ice skating on local ponds.
When is peak fall foliage season?
Expect brilliant fall colors starting in late September and continuing through early October, depending on elevation and weather. Popular leaf-peeping spots include Guanella Pass and the Peak to Peak Highway.
Where are the best spots for stargazing?
Thanks to little light pollution, numerous parks and open spaces provide fantastic night skies. Recommended stargazing locations include Roxborough and Castlewood Canyon State Parks.
What is there to do on a rainy day?
Top indoor attractions to visit include the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Air Force Academy Visitor Center. Area malls, movie theaters and indoor climbing gyms also offer rainy day fun.
With a blend of natural splendor, recreational sites, cultural attractions, and modern amenities, Arapahoe County truly offers an unforgettable Front Range experience. Whether traveling solo, with family or as part of a group, the variety of activities available makes it an ideal base for Rocky Mountain adventures all year long.
