Pitkin ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pitkin, Colorado.
1. Alpine Tunnel Historic District
HISTORIC RAILROAD RUINS
The Alpine Tunnel National Historic District features fascinating ruins of an old railroad near Pitkin. Visitors can explore this piece of mining and railroad history that once connected communities across the challenging mountain terrain. History buffs will appreciate the significance of this site as a testament to historic engineering achievements in Colorado's rugged landscape.
2. Quartz Creek
SCENIC TROUT FISHING
Quartz Creek flows through the town of Pitkin, providing excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The cold alpine waters are home to thriving trout populations, making it a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts. The creek also offers scenic beauty with its swampy surroundings that attract wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Silver Plume General Store
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN PROVISIONS
Silver Plume General Store serves as a vital hub in Pitkin, selling gas and quick food options for visitors and locals alike. Travelers can enjoy comfort foods like chili dogs, pizzas, and ice cream after a day of mountain adventures. The store represents one of the few year-round businesses in this semi-ghost town, making it an essential stop for provisions.
4. Pitkin OHV Trails
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE NETWORKS
Pitkin offers exceptional OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trails with hundreds of miles to explore in the surrounding Gunnison National Forest. These trail networks provide easy access directly from town, making Pitkin a popular base for off-road enthusiasts. Visitors can rent Polaris RZRs and Rangers to experience the Rocky Mountains like never before.
5. Historic Main Street
PRESERVED MINING ERA
Historic Main Street in Pitkin features well-preserved buildings from the town's mining heyday in the late 1800s. Visitors can stroll through this living museum where many structures remain largely unchanged since the town's incorporation in 1879. The street offers a glimpse into Colorado's rich mining history when Pitkin was the first mining town west of the Continental Divide in the state.
6. Pitkin-Tincup Pass
HIGH MOUNTAIN CROSSING
The high-elevation Pitkin-Tincup Pass connects the towns of Pitkin and Tincup, offering a spectacular mountain driving experience. This challenging route provides access to breathtaking alpine scenery and is popular with off-road enthusiasts during summer months. Snowmobilers frequently use this pass in winter, creating a year-round recreation corridor.
7. Fossil Ridge Wilderness
PRISTINE BACKCOUNTRY HIKING
Fossil Ridge Wilderness near Pitkin offers pristine backcountry experiences for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude. The wilderness area features rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems within easy access of town. Visitors can enjoy untouched natural landscapes with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
8. Maroon Lake
ICONIC MOUNTAIN REFLECTION
Maroon Lake stands as one of the most photographed locations in Colorado, nestled in Pitkin County near Aspen. The lake perfectly mirrors the magnificent Maroon Bells peaks, creating an iconic Colorado landscape that attracts visitors from around the world. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking opportunities with trails for all skill levels.
9. Crater Lake
ALPINE HIKING DESTINATION
Crater Lake is a stunning alpine destination reached by a moderate hiking trail from Maroon Lake in Pitkin County. The lake sits in a natural bowl surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and colorful wildflowers during summer months. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views and quieter surroundings than the more visited Maroon Lake.
10. Lower Hunter Creek Trail
ACCESSIBLE NATURE ESCAPE
Lower Hunter Creek Trail offers an accessible natural escape just minutes from downtown Aspen in Pitkin County. The trail follows the rushing waters of Hunter Creek through aspen groves and meadows filled with wildflowers during summer. Hikers can enjoy this relatively easy trail that provides a taste of Colorado wilderness without venturing too far from civilization.
11. Ohio City
HISTORIC MINING SETTLEMENT
Ohio City is a historic mining settlement located on the route between Gunnison and Pitkin. Visitors passing through can explore remnants of Colorado's mining past in this small community that once bustled with activity. The town provides a glimpse into the boom-and-bust cycle typical of many Colorado mining communities.
12. Taylor Park
VAST RECREATION PLAYGROUND
Taylor Park is an expansive recreation area near Pitkin offering diverse outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and off-roading. The area features Taylor Reservoir, numerous streams, and vast networks of trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts throughout the summer season. Visitors from Pitkin often make day trips to Taylor Park to experience its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
13. Tincup Ghost Town
WELL-PRESERVED MINING HISTORY
Tincup Ghost Town stands as a well-preserved relic of Colorado's mining era, connected to Pitkin via the high mountain pass. Visitors can explore historic structures including a church, jail, and numerous cabins dating back to the late 1800s. The town maintains a small year-round population but primarily serves as a living museum of Colorado's frontier past.
14. Gunnison National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS SURROUNDINGS
Gunnison National Forest completely surrounds the town of Pitkin, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The forest encompasses 1.7 million acres of diverse terrain including mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams open for exploration. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking and fishing to snowmobiling and backcountry skiing across four distinct seasons.
15. Pitkin Community Church
HISTORIC SPIRITUAL CENTER
Pitkin Community Church stands as one of the town's earliest established institutions, dating back to the mining boom days. The historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the spiritual life of early Colorado mining communities. The church continues to serve as a gathering place for the small community and welcomes visitors interested in local history.