Between Denver And Aspen Is A Charming Rocky Mountain Town For Beautiful Outdoor Recreation

There are seemingly countless ways in which to enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado. The state is known for attracting ski bunnies thanks to its dozens of world-class ski resorts. Hiking is also extremely popular here, and Colorado's top-tier hiking trails offer picturesque journeys. Take a drive anywhere in the mountains, and you'll also encounter people rock climbing, an especially common activity at state parks. Even tourists who come to check out the cities like Denver and Colorado Springs know that spending at least some time outdoors in a mountain town is a must. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to stop. Whether you're flying into Denver for a short Colorado adventure or looking for a new mountain town to visit, Bailey is a lovely place to explore. 

Bailey is an unincorporated town belonging to Park County, which has a population of around 18,000 and includes a number of other adjacent towns like Fairplay and Shawnee. Walking around town, you may feel a certain charm in the air. The community's natural setting and slow pace are easy to sink into. Because it's close to Denver (just an hour away), it's a popular place to get out into nature for a short trip. It also makes for a great stop if you're headed back to Denver from Aspen, roughly 4 hours west. So what can you do in a town like Bailey? 

Beyond taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can explore plenty of trails (whether you're hiking or mountain biking) and check out some quirky attractions. If you haven't already noticed, Colorado is one of the most physically active states in the nation. Here's just a taste of what adventures Bailey has to offer.

One of the best things about Bailey is the fact that it has well over a dozen trails to hike — there are 17 listed on the popular hiking platform AllTrails alone. Even better, the variety of hikes means newbie hikers can enjoy a day in the woods just as much as seasoned, athletic hikers. For a beginner trail, check out the Shadow Pine Loop, a 3-mile experience that only has a small amount of elevation gain (around 260 feet) and doesn't take more than an hour and a half to complete. Past hikers say it's a popular spot for mountain bikers, hikers, and their pups. Conveniently, this trail even has access to clean restrooms at the trailhead, which isn't always the case when you're out hiking.

If you're used to hiking and want something slightly more challenging, the Rosalie Trail #603 via Tanglewood Trail #636 is highly recommended by AllTrails reviewers. This well-shaded trail covers 5.4 miles and more than 1,00 feet of elevation gain and gets a little steep in parts. The trail sits within the Mount Evans Wilderness, and if you want to camp while hiking, you need to fill out a free, self-issued Wilderness Permit that can be acquired at registration boxes near the wilderness area's boundaries. Mount Evans Wilderness regulations limit camping to 5 days within a 45-day period, and you aren't allowed to set up a tent within 100 feet of streams, lakes, or trails. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and moose while you're here, as past visitors report sightings of both.

More experienced hikers might be up for the challenge of a trail like the Brookside-McCurdy. Estimated to take from eight to nine hours to complete, this nearly 15-mile, out-and-back trail takes you into the Lost Creek Wilderness Area. With 3,500 feet of elevation gain, you'll want to be well prepared for the altitude, as the town of Bailey itself sits at around 7,700 feet.

Bailey is also home to Treehouse Adventure Park, a family-friendly attraction that takes guests on a series of zip lines and bridges high up among the trees. You can choose from nine different courses, depending on how much of a challenge you want. Closed in winter, the park season begins in May. For a different outdoor option, Bear Mountain Disc Golf Course offers 22 holes of fun, engaging disc golf. Past visitors recommend booking ahead of time and describe the course as beautiful and well-maintained.

For some more unique experiences in Bailey, you certainly can't miss the Sasquatch Outpost. This museum and gift shop is dedicated to all things Bigfoot, and has welcomed 36,000 curious visitors over the years. Learn more about this rare cryptid, then pick up some souvenirs like stuffies, mugs, and even headlamps that show off your love of Sasquatch. Afterward, head to Southpark Coney Island. This hot dog stand first opened in Denver in 1966 and then moved to Bailey 40 years later, where it's delighted visitors and locals ever since with hot dogs, plus burgers, nachos, and other tasty grub.

Bailey is an easy hour's drive outside of Denver. As far as accommodations are concerned, The Bailey Lodge offers basic suites starting at around $160 per night as of this writing, and features a fully stocked trout pond. Another option is the Two Bridges Lodge, with rooms starting at $250 per night for a more luxurious stay, complete with catch-and-release fly fishing opportunities on its 40-acre property. After you're done exploring Bailey, make sure to check out some of the other underrated Colorado mountain towns for a scenic outdoor getaway.