The article highlights the challenges of winter travels on Interstate 70 and suggests alternative winter adventures from Denver that explore Colorado’s Eastern Plains, often overlooked for their flatness compared to the Rockies.
Key Destinations:
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Castlewood Canyon State Park: Just 50 minutes from Denver, this park features the ruins of a historic dam and beautiful canyon trails that avoid winter ice, with entrance fees of $10 per vehicle or $4 per person.
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Paint Mines Interpretive Park: Located in El Paso County, this area is known for its colorful rock formations and offers a four-mile hiking loop. It’s ideal for cross-country skiing after snowstorms, with no admission fee.
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Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site: A somber monument marking the tragic 1864 massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho people. The site encourages reflection on this historical event, with free admission.
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Picket Wire Canyon: Home to North America’s largest collection of dinosaur footprints, this site allows for guided auto tours (admission $20) and hiking, although it’s remote and requires planning.
- Pawnee Buttes: These dual hills in the Pawnee National Grassland offer stunning views via a gentle two-mile trail but are closed from March to June for wildlife protection. Admission is free.
These sites provide unique landscapes, history, and activities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the crowded highways and enjoy the winter season.
