Only about an hour’s drive from Denver, Black Hawk is a quintessential small town, occupying less than two square miles. But even though it’s small, with fewer than 100 full time residents, it welcomes more than 20,000 visitors daily. With great scenery, important history, and tons of entertainment, Black Hawk is the perfect place to plan a fun winter getaway!
The Peak to Peak Highway, running from Estes Park through Nederland and Clear Creek Canyon before it meets I-70, is a great area to explore from your base of Black Hawk. Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, the Peak to Peak provides a wide range of options in all seasons, but really comes alive in the winter, with an array of activities that are perfect to enjoy in the colder weather.
Skiing
If you’re in Colorado, why wouldn’t you be skiing? This is the U.S. state that just might be the most synonymous with the skiing and snowboarding, so it tops the list for winter fun. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Eldora Ski Resort is an easy drive from Black Hawk and is a full-service resort, offering lessons, equipment rentals, and well groomed slopes.
Snowshoeing
If you’d like to take life at a slower pace, you might really enjoy snowshoeing – and it’s a fantastic workout to boot! More user-friendly than skiing, you don’t need lots of equipment and lessons to snowshoe. Just dress warmly and rent your snowshoes and poles from a local store. Many winter lodges offer rentals as well.
Take in the Scenery
If a less strenuous day is more your speed, there’s no reason you still can’t enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Peak to Peak Highway is a great place to start, and other amazing drives include the Mount Evans Scenic Byway and the Lariat Loop. Just make sure to check the weather before you go!
Relax and Have Fun
When your day of exploration is over, come back to Black Hawk to enjoy some well-deserved fun! One of Colorado’s most popular gaming sites, Black Hawk offers modern amenities in a historic gold mining town and all the nightlife, action, and entertainment you could want! 14 Casinos offer blackjack, craps, roulette, poker tables, and slot and video machines. Many of the casinos also offer lavish hotel accommodations and fine dining, so once you’ve landed back in Black Hawk, there’s no reason to leave. The town even has a free shuttle that runs up and down the main street, so you can leave the car behind and just relax and have a great night!