Outdoor Recreation in Central City
Get Outside!
Central City is perched in the Rocky Mountains, just west of Denver. Naturally, its surrounding areas make for the perfect place for locals and visitors to explore at 8,500 feet. Gilpin County and Clear Creek County have plenty of things to do, including hiking, biking, white water rafting, fly fishing, rock climbing, disc golf, snowshoeing, and more.
As any Coloradan will tell you, nothing quite beats a sunny morning out on a rocky trail followed by a relaxing afternoon with a cold beer in hand. Start that dream in Central City.
Outdoor Recreation
Experience the Rocky Mountains in Central City! Take a scenic drive along Peak to Peak Highway, challenge your friends to a game at the Ghost Town Disc Golf Course, or spend the night at one of our campgrounds. You’ll find plenty of things to do and see in Central City and its surrounding landscapes.
Two-Day Itinterary: Base Camp Central City
Day 1:
You’ll be working up an appetite after setting up camp, so feast on “noodles your way” at Dragon Tiger Noodle Company. Then gear up to spend the afternoon mountain biking at nearby Maryland Mountain.
The mountain bike and hiking trails on Maryland Mountain are a blast, and you can access them right from Central City. Floyd Hill also has some new mountain biking trails worth checking out.
If you like your adrenaline motorized, you can explore thousands of acres of national forest on an ATV. Park at the Columbine ATV parking lot and remember to follow Care for Colorado / Leave No Trace principles wherever you go.
Dig into prime rib at Mid City Grill in the Century Casino - you’ve earned it! Settle back in at your campground for a little stargazing around a cozy campfire - conditions permitting.
Care for Colorado
Be sure to check for fire restrictions, information on trail etiquette and more before you go.
Bet you didn’t know Central City was a hub for outdoor adventure in addition to history, culture and gaming! Load up your gear, choose your spot at one of three spectacular campgrounds and make Central City your base camp for all things outdoors.
Day 2:
Pick up breakfast burritos and coffee at Ante Up Cafe on your way to raft Clear Creek Canyon. It’s best to leave this trip to the experts, so book your raft guide from Clear Creek Rafting Company or a number of other rafting outfitters in nearby Idaho Springs.
Lunch is pizza from Dostal Alley, then back to the campsite as you switch from rafting to climbing gear and break down camp. Be sure to Leave No Trace.
Afternoon: Rock Climbing Clear Creek Canyon. Experienced climbers are quickly discovering the amazing routes in Clear Creek County. If you’re looking for something a little more low key, spend your afternoon standup paddling and fishing at the beautiful and relaxing Chase Gulch Reservoir.
Reflect on your awesome adventures and just how easy it was to get to Central City on your way back to Denver. See you next time!
