ACTIVITIES
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There are many enjoyable outdoor activities literally right outside your door.

Come up and enjoy the mountain colors and brisk air
on your own porch or from our outdoor cafe dining area.

 

Hiking Biking Equestrian Trails
aka Multi-Use Trails
Several Trail systems are literally right out side your door. Within minutes, you can walk to the Reynolds Ranch or West Magnolia trails. The West Magnolia area has been recently upgraded by the Forest Service with trail improvements and new Kiosks local information and trial maps.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Encompassing 14,000 acres of hiking, picnicking and camping among dense forest, rocky peaks and aspen-filled meadows. Several ponds offer good trout fishing. Wildflower meadows, fantastic autumn colors and spectacular views from Panorama Point of the Continental Divide make Golden Gate Canyon State Park ideal for sightseers, photographers and hikers.

Blackhawk / Central City:
Restaurants, museums, limited stakes gaming, and casinos such as the Riviera, Isle of Capri, Harvey's, and Harrah's. A livley yet rustic destination if you enjoy gambling or visiting any of the all you can eat buffets serving everything from prime rib to fresh shrimp and crab legs.

Eldora Mountain Resort:
Eldora has Alpine / downhill skiing, a terrain park for snowboarders, and a Nordic Center with trails for cross-country and snowshoeing. They receive an average 300 inches a year and boast Colorado's best snowmaking system. Coverage is 100% of groomed terrain, more than any other resort in Colorado. With the base at 9300' and top at 10800', it sports a 1500' vertical drop. From beginner to expert: the most difficult area is Corona Bowl - double black diamond! (Knarly.) Eldora's Super Pipe is 17 feet tall! Eldora has 680 acres of ski-able terrain with the longest 3 miles long.

Central City Opera House: The 1878 Central City Opera House was built by Welsh and Cornish miners, and is the most recognized of Historic Properties in the National Landmark Historic District. Known for its elaborate frescoe ceiling, seats carved with the names of Colorado pioneer families and notables of early stage and opera, and perfect acoustics. There are many other fascinating Historic buildings in the district. Central City Opera also owns and maintains 28 other historic buildings including 25 residences, built in Central City between 1860 and 1900. These properties, which fall outside of the Central City gaming district, have been the Association's responsibility since 1932. For 67 years they have housed company operations, performers and technicians during the summer opera festival.

Hiking and Backpacking: There are numerous hiking trails / trail heads within minutes of the lodge, as well as major jumping off points to the James Peak and Indian Peaks Wilderness Areas. Trail maps are available on our website, at the lodge, and in town at the Nederland Visitors Center, Ace Hardware, and other establishments.

Stream, Lake and Fly Fishing: Many opportunities for stream, lake and fly fishing are in the area. Upper and lower Boulder Creek, Gross Reservoir, Lost Lake, 4th of July Lake...

Area Reservoirs
Barker: East end of Nederland. There's also a small children’s fishing pond at Chipeta Park just west of the reservoir that is usually stocked with good sized catches.
Gross: East and south of Nederland. Drive south three miles, take highway 72 east toward Pinecliffe and Wondervu and watch for the turnoff to the left.
Skyscraper: At over 11,000' the tiny Skyscraper Reservoir about a half mile above Woodland Lake. It’s rarely fished so the cutthroats must be pretty good sized by now. Access from Hessie Trailhead.

Area Streams
Middle Boulder Creek: Boulder Canyon to Nederland along highway 119. Pick a spot that’s not private property and take your chances.
South Boulder Creek: Go either east or west of Rollinsville along this swiftly moving stream all the way to the East Portal (Moffat Tunnel). Be sure to respect the “Private Property” signs along the way.

Alpine Lakes
These are the gems of our area. For those who like the solitude of the mountains and the journey getting there - and good fishing - the small lakes near or above timberline are jewels for those who venture off the road. There are really too many to mention. While there are a few roadside locations, like Brainard Lake, most require a hike to reach. Get a good map online, at Indian Peaks Hardware, or at the lodge (subject to availability, and they never last). Most of the trails from Hessie, Fourth of July, and Brainard Lake trailheads pass by or end at a peaceful lake just waiting to tempt you. These alpine lakes are stocked - rainbows, browns, cutthroats, brookies, and occasionally splake - but which ones and when are a carefully guarded secret.

Check out the Nederland CoC site for more.

Kayaking / Rafting: Summer vacation can include rafting down the Clear Creek River. Exciting whitewater rafting trips from beginner to advanced, located near Idaho Springs. www.clearcreekrafting.com.  Both day and evening trips offered.

Visit www.clearcreekcounty.org to see other activities in the area.

 

Rock Climbing
Hiking, Biking
Horse Back Riding - Equestrian Trails
Kayaking
Stream, Lake and Fly Fishing 
Wildlife Photography / Bird Watching
Historical Museums
Art and Music Festivals
Site Seeing
Scenic Driving Tours
Off Highway / 4 Wheel Drive Access to Backcountry Trails
and much more...