From its historic downtown filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants to the vast public lands surrounding the community, Hillrose provides authentic cultural experiences paired with access to incredible natural landscapes.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Hillrose features a quaint downtown with historic buildings that transport visitors back in time.
- The area provides easy access to national forests and wilderness areas perfect for hiking, biking, camping, and more.
- Rich history and culture centered around the region's mining and railroad past.
- Four distinct seasons offer diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Family-friendly attractions make it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.
Experience Small Town Charm and Cultural History
At the heart of Hillrose Colorado lies a charming downtown filled with locally-owned businesses housed in historic brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors can explore artifacts from the area’s past at the Hillrose History Museum, highlighting the community’s beginnings as a railroad and mining town. The downtown area comes alive each summer with cultural events like the Hillrose Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, where you can tap your toes to live music while sampling smoked meats from local pitmasters.
Just outside downtown, discover even more about the region’s cultural history with a stop at the abandoned Hillrose Mine site. Don’t miss the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway nearby, where you can view dinosaur tracks and bones showcasing Colorado’s distant past. Nearby towns of Fort Morgan and Brush offer regional historic attractions as well.
Outdoor Adventures Surround Hillrose
Located in Morgan County, in northeastern Colorado, Hillrose provides easy access to over one million acres of national forest and designated wilderness areas perfect for outdoor recreation. The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway winds through historic mining towns and offers stunning high alpine vistas during its 65-mile route. Tackle a portion or the entire ride by vehicle in summer or on Nordic skis once winter snow blankets the landscape.
Just 30 minutes outside Hillrose lies the trailhead for the West Elk Loop, considered one of Colorado’s premier backpacking routes. Spend days traversing high mountain passes and stopping to fish crystal clear alpine lakes as you take in the dramatic peaks of the West Elk Mountains. Families can opt for day hikes in the area, like the hike to Cascade Falls, featuring a thundering 120-foot waterfall.
In winter, outdoor enthusiasts flock to visit Hillrose for its prime location near downhill and cross-country ski resorts. Test your skills on the expert terrain at Monarch Mountain, or enjoy over 1,500 skiable acres across all ability levels at Ski Cooper.
Seasonal Fun for All
One of Hillrose’s biggest draws is the variety of seasonal activities available in the area. Summer brings endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from paddling the Colorado River to hiking through wildflower-filled meadows. Families flock to Hillrose for the wealth of kid-friendly attractions like train rides through the forest and interactive mining exhibits. Cool off from the summer heat by tubing down Clear Creek or letting the kids splash in one of the area’s many swimming holes.
Fall ushers in vibrant displays of golden aspens that set the mountains ablaze with color. Take a scenic drive along the Peak to Peak Byway to spot wildlife and take in panoramic vistas overlooking the Raggeds Mountain Range. Visit one of the many apple orchards surrounding Hillrose to pick your own fruit straight from the tree before warming up with a hot cup of cider.
In winter, Hillrose transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. Snow blankets the landscape, opening up terrain for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat biking, and more. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the forest or let the kids sled down hills until their cheeks turn rosy. Wrap up in blankets for old-fashioned fun like ice skating on a frozen pond.
When spring arrives, witness the renewal of life as wildflowers bloom among the remaining snow drifts. Hike through meadows exploding in colorful blooms or try your hand at spring skiing, where slushy snow makes for an entirely new adventure sport.
Family Fun and Relaxation
In addition to endless outdoor recreation, Hillrose offers plenty for families and those looking to relax on vacation. Numerous dude ranches surrounding Hillrose provide all-inclusive vacations with horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more rolled into one. Kids can get hands-on experiences through day camps focused on mining history or ranch skills while parents unwind poolside.
Hillrose’s main street features sweet shops like Emma’s Old-Fashioned Candy Store, overflowing with fudge, saltwater taffy, and rows of penny candy in glass jars. Stop for a scoop of homemade ice cream or a fresh-baked pastry in the European-style bakery before letting the kids pick out a quirky toy from the old-timey general store. Meander through downtown galleries and boutiques selling items handcrafted by local northeastern Colorado artisans.
Lodging and Dining for Every Budget
Visitors can select from a range of welcoming accommodations in downtown Hillrose, from restored Victorian bed and breakfasts to budget-friendly motels and hotels. Unique stays are available as well, like glamping along the Dolores River or staying overnight in a refurbished caboose.
Hillrose’s dining scene ranges from quick bites like house-smoked barbecue and tacos to fine dining experiences showcasing modern takes on classic game and trout dishes. Family-owned cafes serve up hearty comfort fare for breakfast and lunch, while breweries and a distillery offer locally-crafted beverages. Don’t miss the chance to try one of Hillrose’s signature dishes, the Palisade peach cobbler, made with fruit harvested just down the road.
Plan Your Visit
While Hillrose offers moderate temperatures and sunshine during summer months, the best times to visit are during the colorful fall foliage season or winter when snow transforms the Rocky Mountain landscape. Winter ski resorts open as early as mid-November, while summer attractions are in full swing by late May.
Reaching Hillrose is easy via car or shuttle from nearby airports, with most visitors renting a car to fully explore the surrounding mountains and towns. Getting around Hillrose is best done on foot downtown, while free shuttles can provide transportation to trailheads or attractions outside the main area.
No matter when you decide to visit Hillrose, you’re guaranteed to be met with authentic cultural experiences and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect basecamp for those looking to immerse themselves in Colorado’s rich history while taking advantage of the state’s abundant natural beauty.
FAQ About Visiting Hillrose
What is there to do in Hillrose besides outdoor activities?
In addition to endless trails and scenic drives perfect for hiking, biking, skiing, and more, Hillrose offers historic downtowns filled with shops and restaurants. Cultural attractions like museums and festivals celebrate the region’s frontier past.
Does Hillrose have family-friendly attractions?
Yes, Hillrose features numerous kid-friendly sites and activities like hands-on mining exhibits, summer camps focused on ranch skills or mining history, interactive train rides through the forest, and more.
When is the best time to visit Hillrose?
While Hillrose offers moderate temperatures and sunshine during summer months, the best times to visit are during the fall foliage season or winter when snow transforms the Rocky Mountain landscape.
What type of dining and accommodations can you find in Hillrose?
Hillrose offers a variety of welcoming accommodations like restored Victorian bed and breakfasts, cozy cabins, budget-friendly hotels, and unique glamping sites. The dining scene ranges from barbecue joints to fine dining showcasing modern twists on classic game entrees. Nearby Fort Morgan and Brush offer expanded lodging and dining options.
How do most visitors get to Hillrose?
Most visitors rent a car and drive to Hillrose via interstate highways. Once in town, downtown attractions are easily accessible on foot, while free shuttles can provide transportation to trailheads or sites outside the main area.
