How to plan a weekend getaway in Minturn

Explore a historic mountain town through whiskey, tacos and trails

Photos and story by Malena Larsen 

When my husband and I drove through Minturn, the sun shone a spotlight on people walking along the sidewalk and enjoying drinks on patios. Mountains lined with trees framed the hustle and bustle of the small burg.

Minturn is one of Eagle County’s oldest towns. It was established in 1887 with the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and incorporated in 1904. Residents worked at nearby mines that produced gold, silver, lead and zinc. With the eventual loss of rail service and closure of the mines, Minturn has reinvented itself as a quirky, après-ski destination that also offers easy access to outdoor activities like camping, hiking and fishing, along with local shops, food and drink.

We were on a mission to find a dispersed campsite for the night. We continued along Highway 24 and took a right onto Forest Road 707.

Dispersed Camping in the White River National Forest 

Forest Road 707 (also known as Tigiwon Road) offers a handful of established dispersed sites along the river or tucked into aspen groves within the White River National Forest. We found a site large enough for us and our two friends near the Cross Creek Trailhead, just five miles from Minturn.

Staying Near Minturn 

For those looking for more established options, Halfmoon Campground sits further up Forest Road 707, while Hornsilver Campground is about 10 miles south of Minturn in Red Cliff, and Camp Hale Memorial Campground is roughly 15 miles south near Leadville. For anyone wanting a more comfortable stay in town, options include Eagle River Inn or Hotel Minturn.

Into the Holy Cross Wilderness

Because of our proximity to the Cross Creek Trailhead, it would have felt like a crime not to take the five-mile out-and-back hike to Surprise Lake. From the trailhead, the route entered the Holy Cross Wilderness – a protected area designated in 1980 – and climbed steadily through the forest with incredible views of Mount of the Holy Cross. Eventually, it opened up to a small alpine lake, which lived up to its name. We were surprised by a moose standing in the water.

After photos, a trout caught in the creek, and finishing our hike, we had worked up an appetite and were ready for an afternoon in town. 

Lunch & Libations 

Rocky Mountain Taco, started by three Vail Valley locals, was our first stop. We ordered chips and guac along with three tacos: Hippy Crack, carnitas, and alambre. After lunch, we walked a couple of blocks to The Wee Dram, a small Scottish-style pub. Inside, a handful of seats for maybe 10 people were tucked among dark wood, dim lighting, and a stained-glass window.

According to its website, it may be “the smallest whisky tasting room in the United States, and quite possibly the coziest,” which they say is the result of “two ski bums starting a family, taking up fishing, and deciding to start their own Colorado whisky distillery way up in the mountains.”

A Slow Afternoon

From the Wee Dram, we wandered through a small cluster of shops including thrift store Holy Toledo, a boutique called Alpine Kind, and Minturn Anglers. Eventually, we made our way down to the Eagle River and played euchre (shout out to any Midwest-to-Colorado transplants) at a picnic table. Every so often, kayakers paddled by. 

To cap off our time in town and before heading back to camp, we continued our euchre competition at the Minturn Saloon. 

A Saloon With a Story

The saloon was built in 1901, making it one of the oldest buildings in Minturn. It was constructed as part of the town’s rebuilding efforts after a fire swept through downtown in 1892. Over the years, the building has served as a restaurant, bar, gambling hall, pool hall, and even a boxing venue. During Minturn’s railroad era, gamblers reportedly gathered in a private back room while local children delivered messages from wives waiting for them at home. 

The saloon later became a gathering place for workers building Vail in the 1960s and eventually earned a reputation as one of the valley’s classic après-ski destinations. 

As we walked in, the history unfolded with old photos, signed jerseys, and ski memorabilia covering the walls. Outside, the patio had a more casual vibe with beer signs and mountain views.

Once the brews were gone, it was time to head back to camp. We had gone from an alpine lake in the Holy Cross Wilderness to a historic saloon in the heart of town. We drove back to Forest Road 707 as the sun gave its final spotlight of the day to historic Minturn.

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