From its rich ranching history to the sweeping grasslands surrounding it, Bethune, Colorado has emerged as a hidden gem in the United States for travelers seeking a peaceful yet exciting getaway.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Bethune is a charming rural town surrounded by vast grasslands and rolling hills, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
- Visitors can experience cattle ranching culture, sample homestyle cooking, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
- Nearby attractions include the scenic Alpine Loop, Boreas Pass Road, and Independence Pass for breathtaking views.
Overview of Bethune, Colorado
Bethune is located in Kit Carson County, about 180 miles southeast of Denver. With a population under 200 and a land mass of less than one square mile, it exemplifies life in a rural small town with its quiet streets, friendly residents, and strong ranching roots. The economy still relies heavily on cattle and sheep ranching, reflected in area events like cattle drives and sheepdog trials.
Surrounded by wide open spaces, Bethune offers easy access to the sweeping grasslands and rolling hills of eastern Colorado. The landscape allows endless opportunities to experience the area’s natural beauty and tranquility through outdoor recreation. Visitors delight in hiking and biking trails outside town that showcase wildflower-filled meadows and panoramic vistas.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Bethune invites visitors to slow down and enjoy a peaceful way of life in a small ranching community. Residents, many of whom have lived in Bethune since birth, are eager to share stories of the region’s history and daily happenings around town. Customers at Bethune’s charming general store can chat with locals while enjoying a slice of homemade pie or picking up supplies.
The cuisine found in Bethune reflects the town’s agricultural heritage, featuring classic comfort food like pot roasts, fried chicken, and fresh-baked bread. Family-run cafes serve hearty meals to customers using beef and produce from local ranches and farms. Visitors can tour area ranches that offer home-cooked meals and glimpses of actual work operations for an authentic taste of the region.
On summer weekends, Bethune comes alive with various festivals celebrating the community’s Western roots. Annual events include rodeos showcasing top regional talent, agricultural fairs displaying prize-winning livestock and produce, and pioneer days featuring old-fashioned games, dancing, and food.
Scenic Drives Showcasing Colorado’s Beauty
While Bethune offers a peaceful home base, visitors can enjoy exploring the stunning landscapes along nearby scenic byways. The Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway winds over high mountain passes through valleys dotted with wildflowers and lakes. Visitors traverse this route in high-clearance vehicles, stopping frequently to hike trails and take in views of Collegiate Peaks rising in the distance.
The Boreas Pass Road presents another steep and narrow dirt road that rewards travelers with gorgeous vistas of surrounding summits. The route crosses the Continental Divide, allowing visitors to gaze out over Pacific Creek Valley and the South Park Basin. Hardy hikers can also challenge themselves by summiting nearby peaks accessible from this byway.
For those seeking pavement, Independence Pass on Highway 82 winds through forests and along sheer cliffs, topping out at over 12,000 feet. The road borders the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness as it connects the towns of Aspen and Twin Lakes. Visitors will want to stop at overlooks along the route to marvel at the surrounding mountains that turn vibrant shades of gold in fall.
Seasonal Activities for Memorable Vacations
The varied terrain around Bethune lends itself to different outdoor activities across the seasons. Fall welcomes visitors with brilliant golden hues, blanketing the aspen groves along hiking trails. Families delight in picking apples and pumpkins at nearby orchards and farms, which host festivals with hay rides, corn mazes, and homespun entertainment.
As winter sets in, Bethune becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Miles of trails and logging roads wind through the hills and meadows around town. After a refreshing outing, visitors can warm up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa at their rental cabin or local bed and breakfast.
When the snow melts in spring, colorful wildflowers emerge across the landscape. Hikers and mountain bikers flock to Bethune to explore trails lined with columbine, paintbrush, and other blooms. As summer gets underway, families often choose Bethune as the setting for a memorable outdoor-themed vacation.
Outdoor Adventures in the Grasslands and Beyond
Visitors traveling to Bethune for outdoor recreation delight in the sheer variety of activities available across the seasons. The extensive trail network enables hiking, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Anglers can cast a line for trophy trout in small creeks and lakes around Bethune or make the short drive west to larger reservoirs and the upper Colorado River.
Thrill-seekers can venture just over an hour north to tackle the advanced ski runs at Breckenridge Ski Resort or mountain bike the lifts in summer. About 90 minutes southwest of town, the Great Sand Dunes National Park presents a unique landscape to explore on foot or sandboard down the towering piles.
While Bethune lies in the relatively flat grasslands, travelers can access more extreme terrain in nearly every direction. Using it as a home base, visitors can experience an authentic rural town and easily access the state’s iconic mountain adventures.
Family Fun on the Farm and the Trails
With its peaceful setting and easy access to nature, Bethune appeals to families looking to unplug and enjoy time outdoors. Kids delight in staying at a local dude ranch to experience daily life caring for horses and farm animals. Families can opt for guided rides and hikes tailored to teach children about the area’s plants, animals, and history.
In addition to ranches, Bethune offers cozy cabin rentals and campgrounds perfect for families wanting to cook over a fire and sleep under the stars. Days fill up quickly with fishing at nearby lakes and streams, hunting for wildlife on scenic drives, and exploring hiking trails suited for short legs. Indoor fun includes visiting Bethune’s tiny one-room schoolhouse museum filled with artifacts that spark the imagination about the area’s pioneer past.
Lodging and Dining Options
Accommodations in Bethune consist primarily of smaller independent motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and guest ranches. While large chain hotels are lacking, local establishments provide friendly, personalized service and comfortable rooms that can be used as a home base for regional adventures. Families often rent individual cabins that offer convenience, privacy, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Campgrounds allow visitors to pitch a tent or park an RV to experience quiet nights under the stars. Whether at one of the small campgrounds near town or dispersed camping on public lands, visitors can feel immersed in nature while only minutes from Bethune’s main street.
Dining choices mainly consist of smaller restaurants and cafes serving classic American and Southwestern fare. Locally sourced beef and produce feature prominently on menus. For fine dining, families can treat themselves to Rocky Mountain trout, elk chops, or buffalo filets at ranch restaurants, which combine gourmet cuisine with sweeping mountain views.
Planning Your Visit
While Bethune offers a quieter alternative to the bustling tourist destinations across Colorado, travelers should still plan ahead for their visit to make the most of their time. Reserving accommodations and rental vehicles well in advance ensures availability, especially during peak seasons. Some essential trip-planning tips include:
Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall provides the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Summers can get quite hot, while winters often bring heavy snow.
Transportation:
Renting an SUV provides maximum flexibility for rugged backroads. Travelers flying into Denver or Colorado Springs can make the 3+ hour drive to Bethune.
Altitude adjustment:
Bethune sits at 5,300 feet. When active, visitors may need a day or two to adjust to the elevation changes. Staying hydrated and limiting alcohol help minimize symptoms.
Packing essentials:
Depending on the season, pack layers, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, bug spray, binoculars, and camera gear to capture those perfect postcard shots.
By following these planning pointers, visitors can make the most of their Bethune getaway, enjoying small-town hospitality and outdoor adventures that showcase the soaring beauty across Colorado.
FAQ
What is there to do in Bethune besides outdoor activities?
In addition to outdoor recreation, Bethune offers opportunities to experience authentic ranching culture through tours, cattle drives, festivals, and agriculture museums. The town also has a charming downtown with local shops and a historic town hall.
Where can I find information on local events and attractions?
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce website provides a calendar of events, such as summer rodeos and pioneer days in nearby Bethune. The Explore Kit Carson County website also highlights area attractions, such as antique shops, parks, and outdoor recreation guides.
What is the best way to experience local cuisine?
Visitors can sample homestyle dishes at Bethune’s cafes and restaurants. For a memorable meal, make reservations at guest ranches where family recipes are prepared that feature their own fresh beef, fruits, and vegetables.
Is Bethune a good home base for visiting surrounding ski resorts in winter?
While Bethune does get light snow, the nearest full-scale downhill ski resorts are over 2 hours away in Summit County and Steamboat Springs. However, Bethune offers its own winter fun with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy cabin getaways.
What is the closest major airport to Bethune?
Denver International Airport is the nearest large commercial airport, about 180 miles from Bethune. Options like Colorado Springs and Pueblo offer smaller regional airports that are slightly closer in proximity.
