FOUR ADVENTURE-PACKED ITINERARIES FOR EVERY SEASON
Discover the Charming Towns of Minturn & Red Cliff
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Minturn and Red Cliff are just 9 miles apart in Eagle County, offering a gateway to outdoor adventures. Surrounded by the Holy Cross Wilderness, White River National Forest, and the Eagle River, the area is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Close to Leadville, Camp Hale National Monument, and Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts, the towns blend old-world charm with modern excitement.
Red Cliff, established in 1879 as a silver mining camp, and Minturn, established in 1904 as a key railroad stop, thrived during Colorado’s mining boom. Minturn became a crucial supply center for mining hubs, reinforcing its connection to Red Cliff’s prosperity. Over time, these towns adapted to changes like the closing of the Gilman mine and abandoned rail lines. The development of Vail and Beaver Creek transformed them into tourism hubs while maintaining their distinctive character.
Today, Minturn and Red Cliff offer numerous outdoor activities and promote responsible recreation and conservation. Visitors can enjoy winter sports and summer hikes, preserving the pristine beauty of the surroundings. Minturn and Red Cliff await, ready to enchant with natural splendor and warm hospitality, reflecting a legacy rooted in Colorado Rockies history.
Discover Minturn
A Historical Treasure of the Rockies
Cradled in the Eagle River Valley, Minturn offers a slice of history among its youthful neighbors, with remnants of the late 1800s visible throughout town. Named after Robert B. Minturn, a leading 19th-century American merchant and shipping tycoon, the town first embodied the pioneering spirit of early homesteaders.
Discover Red Cliff
A Hidden Gem Tucked Up High in the Rockies
Welcome to Red Cliff, the oldest town in Eagle County, established in 1879. Once a thriving mining town with over 3,000 residents, Red Cliff is now a quieter community of 280 locals, artists, and families. Situated at 8,750 ft along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, it can also be accessed via Shrine Pass Road in the summer.
Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway
When it comes to scenic byways, Colorado boasts some of the most spectacular stretches in the country. Among them is the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, a blissful 33-mile segment of Highway 24 that connects Minturn to Leadville. This road trip offers stunning landscapes, historic sites, outdoor adventures, remote charm, and breathtaking vistas.
To enrich your road trip, download the TravelStorys app. This GPS-based, self-guided audio tour program offers curated stories about the history, wildlife, and culture of the area.
Four Adventure-Packed Itineraries
A Good Time, Any Time
A YEAR-ROUND 2-DAY ITINERARY
Hiking, fishing, shopping, and dining can be enjoyed year-round in Minturn and Red Cliff! While the summer and winter are the most popular, the “shoulder seasons” in Colorado have so much to offer with the benefit of fewer crowds. Lodging rates are also available at lower rates during this time, allowing a more economical or potentially longer stay! Take a look at this 2-day itinerary to get an idea of what you can experience any time of the year.
Golden Autumn Adventures in Red Cliff and Minturn
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF FALL IN COLORADO’S HIDDEN MOUNTAIN GEMS
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF FALL IN COLORADO’S HIDDEN MOUNTAIN GEMS
Fall offers visitors a breathtaking display of autumn colors as the aspen trees transform the landscape into a golden wonderland. These charming mountain towns provide a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy crisp hiking trails, exhilarating mountain biking routes, and scenic drives through the surrounding White River National Forest, all while avoiding the summer crowds. Here’s a sample itinerary to inspire your next fall visit.
A Winter Wonderland Escape
A 3-DAY SNOW PACKED ADVENTURE
Experience the magic of winter in Minturn and Red Cliff, Colorado, where snow-capped peaks and crisp mountain air create a picturesque alpine wonderland. From world-class skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts to serene snowshoeing trails and exhilarating snowmobile trails, winter enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities. With fewer crowds than larger ski towns, Minturn and Red Cliff provide an authentic Rocky Mountain winter experience.
