For a Half Day

Golden: Denver's origins in mining and the Wild West are clearly evident at Golden, 23km (14 miles) west of Denver. The handsome Victorian buildings in the historic business district are beautifully restored and colourful shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants are set beneath the wooden arcades. 

Heritage Square, 18301 West Colfax Avenue (tel: (303) 279 2789; website: www.heritagesquare.info), a reconstructed Colorado mining town from the 1870s, is mainly of interest to children, with amusement park rides and a music hall. 

The winding, scenic Lariat Trail from US Highway 6 leads up Lookout Mountain to Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave (tel: (303) 526 0744; website: www.buffalobill.org), which has original posters from his Wild West shows and exhibits illustrating life on the frontier in the days of the famous Pony Express.

Golden is easily accessed from the Denver area via several major roadways, including I-70, C-470, US Highway 6 and State Highway 58, or by RTD buses 16, 17 and 44L.

For a Whole Day

Georgetown: Lying in a spectacular mountain valley, 68km (42 miles) west of Denver, Georgetown (website: www.georgetowncolorado.com) is a historic mining town maintained and restored in turn-of-the-century style. Horse-drawn carriage tours wind through the pretty side streets but the highlight in summer is the steam-powered Georgetown Loop Railroad ride to the Lebanon Silver Mine. The narrow gauge, antique steam train curves down a mountain ledge, crossing over the 27m (100ft) Devil's Gate Bridge. The trip is very popular, so visitors should book ahead (tel: 1 888 456 6777; website: www.georgetownlooprr.com). From Georgetown, the famous Rocky Mountain National Park is a short drive away on the I-40.