Travel Itineraries

Hiking, Prison Museum, and Western Fremont County

History Lovers' Tour - Day 2

Two Day Itinerary

Continue your historical exploration with Day Two of this comprehensive heritage tour, featuring scenic loops through western Fremont County, dinosaur quarries, Colorado's infamous prison system, and breathtaking drives through the Wet Mountain Valley.

This itinerary takes you beyond the tourist trails to discover authentic Colorado history, from Garden Park's world-famous fossil sites to the majestic Sangre de Cristo Range. Experience the raw beauty and compelling stories that have shaped this remarkable region of Colorado.

Presented in Partnership with Fremont County Heritage Commission

Day Two - Dinosaurs, Prisons, and Mountain Vistas

7:00 am - 8:00 am	Breakfast & Fresh Air Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, motel, B&B, or RV, then step outside to appreciate Colorado's famous weather
8:00 am - 10:00 am	Scenic Back Road to Royal Gorge Drive south on 1st Street past Greenwood Cemetery, then turn onto Temple Canyon Road (the back route to Royal Gorge). This gravel road, while not well-marked, rewards travelers with stunning views and authentic Colorado landscapes. Route Options: Stop at the Royal Gorge back entrance or continue to Parkdale on Highway 50. Return east toward Cañon City, but don't miss the turn to Skyline Drive for spectacular photography opportunities.
10:30 am - 11:30 am	Return to Museum (Wednesday-Saturday) 612 Royal Gorge Boulevard View genuine dinosaur fossils before heading out to the excavation sites. This context enhances your understanding of what you'll see at Garden Park.
11:30 am - 1:30 pm	Garden Park Dinosaur Quarries & Red Canyon Park World-Class Paleontology Site Garden Park has produced significant dinosaur fossils for nearly 125 years. Most Jurassic dinosaurs at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History originated here, including three Stegosaurus skeletons - one being Colorado's state fossil. Important: Pack water and wear sturdy hiking boots. Bring lunch or pick up sandwiches beforehand. This area offers endless exploration opportunities through remarkable geological formations.
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm	Museum of Colorado Prisons Return to town via 1st Street below Old Max Prison's guard tower. Turn right to reach the Prison Museum. While in the area, observe: The imposing Old Max Prison walls Deputy Warden's house on the corner Prison Museum (admission fee, worthwhile visit) Original prison construction details
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Wet Mountain Valley Loop Tour Take 4th Street Viaduct south, jogging at Prospect Heights to Oak Creek Grade Road (well-maintained gravel). Consider stopping at the historic Prospect Heights Jail - built with the same stone as Old Max Prison walls. The Spectacular Loop This scenic drive enters the Wet Mountain Valley east of Silver Cliff, offering some of Colorado's most breathtaking scenery. Continue through Silver Cliff to Westcliffe for stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Return via State Highway 69 (paved) to Texas Creek, then follow the Arkansas River through the 8-mile Park area back to Cañon City. Stop at one of the excellent restaurants atop the hill.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm	Dinner in Cañon City Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the area's fine restaurants: DiRitos Italian Restaurant Merlino's Belvedere La Petite Maison Shadow Hills Golf Course Restaurant
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Evening Entertainment Monday: Cowboy Church in Veterans Park Tuesday: Entertainment in the Park, Cañon City Wednesday: Entertainment in the Park, Florence Thursday: Skyline Drive for stunning city lights First Friday: Art Walk at Fremont Center for the Arts Saturday: Local bands in area venues Check the Daily Record or pick up an events calendar for current happenings. Enjoy your final evening in the area!

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World's Greatest Gold Camp

The Cripple Creek Mining District produced over 21 million ounces of gold from more than 500 mines, surpassing the combined production of the California and Alaska gold rushes. At 2012 prices, this would be worth approximately $37 billion. By 1900, Cripple Creek boasted two opera houses, seventy-five saloons, eight newspapers, and even a stock exchange.

Skaguay Reservoir's Origins

The Woods family built Skaguay Reservoir and a hydroelectric power plant to supply electricity to Victor, Cripple Creek, and even Pueblo. This innovative project was the forerunner of the Southern Colorado Power Company and brought modern electrical power to the mining district in 1899.