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We offer both half and full day trips in a
variety of locations to suit your schedule and your interests. Sit back, relax
and enjoy the beauty of the high country that surrounds you as our experienced
and knowledgeable guides give you a history of the area.
Choose from one of the following Colorado 4x4
Off Road Jeep Adventures: |
MOUNT PRINCETON HALF DAY - Enjoy a fabulous
Colorado mountain adventure you will never forget. We climb in open topped
jeeps up the steep, rocky switch backed road leading to a saddle near the top
of the 14,197 foot tall Mt Princeton. Watch for chipmunks and marmots
scampering along the trails and breathe deeply. Thin mountain air easily
carries the fresh scents of pine, sage and wildflowers.
At the end of the road, we'll visit Bristlecone Cabin,
which is nestled in a grove of ancient bristlecone pines. The average age of
these trees is 1,000 years, with some trees over 4,000 years old - these are
the oldest known tree species in the world! Fantastic views of the Arkansas
Valley floor, nearly a vertical mile below you, make this a perfect place to
reflect on the beauty of life.
You can combine this trip with our St. Elmo and Mary
Murphy Mine Tour for a full day adventure. We offer these tours from Monday
through Saturday, May through Labor Day. This tour departs at 8 am and 1 pm.
Cost is $65 per adult and $52 per child (age 12 and under).
ST. ELMO GHOST TOWN AND THE MARY MURPHY MINE HALF
DAY - A fun tour for adults and children alike is visiting St Elmo -
Colorado's historical and most original turn of the century ghost town. A
mellow and scenic dirt road gently climbs its way past the Chalk Cliffs and
follows Chalk Creek up the valley to St. Elmo which has been labeled Colorado's
Best Preserved Ghost Town.
Built in 1878 in a heavily forested area, the town was
first named Forest City. As the town continued to grow it was incorporated
under the new name of St. Elmo. By the time the town reached its peak it was
home to over 2000 people and had taken on all the trappings of a true Colorado
mining town complete with saloons, a dance hall and bawdy houses.
Twenty-four original buildings still remain in St.
Elmo including the mercantile building, a saloon, the county courthouse and
jail as well as many private homes. All of the buildings in St. Elmo are
privately owned and well preserved and there is a general store that still
operates in the warmer months. All the buildings are labeled and detail
interesting information about the buildings history as well as the date the
building was built.
Not far from St. Elmo is the Mary Murphy Mine, one of
the more intriguing historical sites in this region, particularly since it has
not been altered by restoration efforts. Many of the buildings are still
standing as they were left over 100 years ago. After visiting the mine we will
continue to climb up to near timberline and the scenic beauty of Hancock
Lake.
This scenic and historic ½ day tour can be
combined with our Mt Princeton tour for a full day of action. This trip is our
most suitable tour for families with young children or for folks nervous about
steep climbs. We offer these tours from Monday through Saturday, May through
Labor Day. Trips depart at 8 am and 1 pm. Cost is $65 per adult and $52 per
child (age 12 and under).
MOUNT ANTERO FULL DAY - Rock hounds won't want
to pass up a 4x4 visit to the summit of Colorado's Mt.Antero. At 14,269 feet,
it is one of the highest mountains in the Buena Vista area. As we wind up the
rugged trail with its many switchbacks, you will want to have your camera handy
for magnificent views of surrounding peaks and tree covered valleys. Along the
trail you are sure to spot chipmunks, marmots and an occasional shaggy white
mountain goat. Even though you are likely to encounter snow at the top, there
are also many wildflowers bravely peeking out between the rocks. This is a
'must do' adventure you will never forget.
All known gem deposits on Mt. Antero occur above
timberline, making it the highest known gem locality in the United States and
one of the best areas in the United States for mineral and gem collecting.
Gemstone quality aquamarines can still be found by the lucky visitor in pockets
or bubbles in the granite rock, mostly in what is known to scientists as
miarolitic cavities. Many other beautifully colored minerals can also be found
in abundance including Fluorite, Muscovite, Phenakite and Smoky Quartz.
This scenic and extreme full day trip is not for the
faint of heart!
We offer these tours from Monday through Saturday, May
through Labor Day. Trips depart at 8 am and return at approximately 4 pm. Cost
is $105 per adult and $84 per child (age 12 and under).
Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the
departure time for your trip. This allows you time to check in and relax before
your trip departs.
All Jeep tours are operated by High
Country Jeep Tours of Buena Vista Colorado.
4x4 Off Road Jeep Tour Pre-trip Information
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