Dig into outdoors, history, food and booze near Black Hawk and Central City

By the Thirst Colorado Team

After 166 years, people still flock to Gilpin County with hopes of striking it rich. While few people are searching for gold in the mountainsides, as they did starting in 1859, adventurers visit the tiny county for a number of reasons beyond the poker tables.

County and city leaders have wagered that visitor interests extend well beyond the popular casinos.

Recreation, arts, food, libations and history have become an important part of the mix in the state’s second smallest county by land size (only the city and county of Broomfield is smaller). A large chunk of that land was opened up to hikers and mountain bikers in 2020: The Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park is a few miles north of Black Hawk and features the Hidden Treasure Trailhead.

Photos courtesy of the Gilpin Historical Society

The true upside of the park — in addition to its natural beauty and Front Range views — is a trail system that accommodates those looking for a quick, easy walk, as well as those planning a morning of intense mountain biking. Miles of trails zigzag up the mountain, and a trail map should be a part of the hike or ride for first-timers. While on the mountain, visitors can spend 30 minutes walking the Historic Gilpin Tramway Trail with little elevation gain. Or gear up for the Summit Trail that ascends about 1,000 feet while covering 1.3 miles, one way.

For a more refined experience, the Central City Opera’s season runs during June, July and early August. Built in 1878, the Opera House is the place to experience the fifth oldest opera company in the U.S. The season launches June 28 with “Barber of Seville.” Next door, the historic Teller House Hotel, which opened in 1872, features the Face on the Barroom Floor and a fun Victorian vibe. Decide for yourself if you like Baby Doe Tabor’s taste in Victorian furnishings. Some of it is on display.

Although some would prefer to self guide their own tour of the area, others might want to hit up the Gilpin Historical Society, which offers inexpensive tours with guides who will provide some of the rich history of the area and its famous and infamous characters.

When one day of fun isn’t enough, plenty of rooms are available at The Ameristar Black Hawk, the Monarch Casino Resort Spa, The Lodge Casino and several other locations with gambling on the premises. The Monarch’s spa was ranked No. 2 by USA Today readers/voters in 2024.

And if mundane beers and drinks aren’t your thing, try out some of the locally produced offerings at Dostal Alley Casino & Brew Pub. The owners are local, they make great pizzas and even use local hops to make at least one of their flagship beers. Or, seek out some 1859 Vodka, made just up the hill from downtown Black Hawk at the Rick Thomas Distillery. The distillery, which opened in 2023, also is barreling its own whiskey.

Because the towns of Central City and Black Hawk offer gambling and a more pampered experience, it’s easy to forget the unincorporated town of Rollinsville, which is about 14 miles north of Black Hawk on the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway. It has a few businesses, including Toss: Wood Fired Eatery, Howlin Wind Brewing & Blending, and the Gold Dirt Distillery. Camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor fun surround Rollinsville. The nearby Moffet Tunnel provides access to skiers who have hopped aboard the Amtrak Winter Park Express train. Hikers can park near the tunnel to access miles of trails in the James Peak Wilderness, including the Continental Divide Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and the Forest Lakes Trail.