Chief Hosa Campground

The word “Genesee" is a Native American word that roughly translates to “shining valley.” Once an intact park, Interstate 70, now runs through the center of it, dividing it into two parts. Genesee Mountain, which is south of the highway, measures 8,284 feet. Hikers who achieve summit are rewarded with a panoramic 360-degree view of Denver to the east and the 14-ers to the west. The northern portion, which is the larger of the two, offers a challenging 8.65-mile trail that follows the trough of the valley in between two mountain ridges, descending nearly 2,000 feet in a few short miles. Genesee Mountain Park is also unique in that it has a trail designed for blind hikers. They can independently hike using waist-high guide wires, and all interpretative signs have braille.

Hikers and nature lovers can also enjoy observing bison grazing in grassy pastures. Their location depends on the time of the year; park rangers move them two or three times a year, depending on the weather, to minimize overgrazing the open space.

Nearby to Chief Hosa Campground is Mount Evans, one of the few 14-er mountains in America that can be summited by automobile. Once at the mountaintops, visitors can enjoy an impressive, epic view of Colorado. And if you are lucky, you can enjoy watching wild Rocky Mountain goats and sheep frolicking on the rocks. Heads up: the air is very thin and cold, and people not accustomed to the altitude can easily become ill.

The fun doesn’t stop in winter. Many people, both locals and otherwise, enjoy skiing in Arapahoe Basin, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Due to the treacherous terrain, snowmobiling is not advised in this region; however, further west, there are open space parks where snowmobiling is permitted. Close to Idaho Springs, CO is Echo Mountain, which is a good site for beginners to learn skiing, and it has a tubing hill for some sledding fun.

The small towns that dot the Colorado mountains are full of history, old-world charm, and friendly. Hop into a motorhome rental and hit the road to find your favorite town. Search for charming bistros, quaint retail shops, and gift stores to take home the perfect memento as a reminder of the perfect RV camping trip. Many towns maintain small museums that honor their role in Colorado’s gold rush era. The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave honor legendary Buffalo Bill as well as displays various artifacts and tools used by notable people in the American Wild West. Colorado also is well known for an abundance of ghost towns and mines. Near Central City, CO is Hidee Gold Mine, which offers tours of its tunnels that reach into the heart of the mountainside. Visitors conclude the tour with an opportunity to learn how to pan for gold.

World-famous Red Rock Amphitheater and Park in Morrison, CO, is a popular venue for not only hiking and biking but also for music and entertainment. The theater was carved out of solid rock and is reputed to have one of the best naturally-created sound systems. The park has hosted several notable headliners like Wu-Tang Clan, Deadmau5, and the Colorado Symphony.