Colorado Explorer

Activities

By Linda DuVal

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

For an in-depth look at Colorado's formative years, stop by the new Pikes Peak Heritage Center near Cripple Creek, an 11,600-square-foot facility featuring interactive displays about the glory days of gold mining and the people and industries it attracted. The center was about to open as EnCompass went to print. Call 877-858-4653 for an update on opening hours.

Volunteer work crews show up each summer to help maintain the Colorado Trail, which runs from Denver to Durango. Passing through eight mountain ranges, six national forests, six wilderness areas and the headwaters of five major river systems, the 500-mile trail serves hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers—and it needs a lot of work. To volunteer, call the Colorado Trail Foundation. 303-384-3729.

Explore the archeology of the Southwest at a field school or dig organized by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center near Cortez. Adults, kids and families can sign up for one-day or weeklong sessions on subjects ranging from site excavation to native American culture, held June through September. 800-422-8975.

Bam! Emeril Lagasse is among the celebrity chefs who are expected to put in an appearance at the 25th annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, June 15-17. Other big names will include Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Ming Tsai and the grand master, Jacques Pepin. More than 300 vintners will be pouring some of the world's best wines. Mark your calendar, grab your bib and make reservations. 877-900-WINE.

Load up your bronco—the horse, that is—and head to Limon for its annual Western Festival Prairie Ride on June 8. Register in advance and join hundreds of other riders as they proceed from ranch to ranch. That evening, there'll be a catered barbecue dinner. The day's activities, most held at the Frasier Riverbend Ranch, will include cowboy poetry and music. 719-541-2736.

Remember the old penny arcades? Whether or not you do, you'll find cheap fun galore at Arcade Amusements in Manitou Springs. You can still play pinball for a dime, find original video games like Pac-Man or Centipede, and play Skee-ball till you win a crazy key chain or teddy bear. 719-685-9815.

Linda DuVal is a freelance writer and former travel editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs.