Quick Getaways From Simla, Colorado
Simla, Colorado, is a town of approximately 600 people located in rural Elbert County. The surrounding Rocky Mountains offer opportunities for sports and recreation in all four seasons. Simla's close proximity to Denver makes getaways to the big city easy. The area also boasts several well known ski resorts with luxury accommodations.
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Art and Culture
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Art and culture thrive in the mile-high city of Denver. About 100 miles from Simla is the mile-high city of Denver with all the excitement and energy of a major metropolitan city. A getaway here includes art and culture, shopping and fine dining. The Denver Art Museum boasts a large collection of western art and hosts special exhibits from around the world. The 12-acre Denver Performing Arts complex hosts Broadway shows, ballet, opera and symphonies. The U.S. Mint facility in Denver produces over 50 million coins per day; tours of the mint are by reservation only, through the website listed in the Resources. The 16th Street mall offers one mile of retail stores, restaurants and bars in a pedestrian friendly setting downtown. The Sheraton Downtown Denver is on the 16th Street mall and offers excellent accommodations in the heart of Denver. Guests can walk to restaurants, clubs and retail stores.
Skiing
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Vail ski resort offers world class skiing just 200 miles from Simla, on seven miles of groomed mountain face. Vail has three terrain parks popular with snowboarders and seven back bowls suitable for all skill levels. Ski school for adults, teens and children help guests learn to ski or hone their skills. Vail Cascade Resort Spa and Condominiums offers the only ski in and ski out accommodations near Vail and features a private chair lift. The resort offers hotel rooms, condominiums and house rental in an alpine setting. Roaring fireplaces in the lodge create an ambiance for unwinding after a day of skiing. The resort offers fine dining and a full range of spa services.
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Camping at Rocky Mountain National Park
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Bighorn sheep are common in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park lies about 180 miles northwest of Simla. The park offers opportunities for viewing elk, moose, bighorn sheep and other wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park maintains 359 miles of hiking trails through incredible scenery and includes five drive-in campgrounds. The Glacier Basin campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. During winter months the hiking trails are maintained for skiers and snowshoers. Bird watching and photography are popular activities in the park.
Ride the Rails to Pike's Peak
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Stand on the summit of Pike's Peak. The town of Manitou Springs, approximately 60 miles from Simla, is the home of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The railway offers a fun day trip for the whole family. The three-hour trip travels 8.9 miles of track to the top of Pike's Peak where visitors spend 30 to 40 minutes taking pictures, grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying the view. The trip winds through stands of Ponderosa pine, Colorado blue spruce and bristlecone pine. Some of the bristlecone pine trees on the route have been estimated to be 2,000 years old. Bighorn sheep and mule deer are often spotted from the train.
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References
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- Photo Credit copper mountain,colorado,rocky mountains,mountain, image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com denver image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com bighorn sheep 4 image by Joe Desjardins from Fotolia.com pikes peak image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
