Dillon is a fantastic location for touring the central Colorado Rocky Mountains. The elevation at Dillion is about 9100 feet. Most people have no trouble at this altitude but spending a day in the mile high city (Denver - 5280 ft) gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude. Then I recommend spending a day in the Dillon area visiting Frisco, Breckenridge, and Vail. At high altitude there is less oxygen in the air which can cause altitude sickness for a few people. The symptoms of altitude sickness are generally headache and/or nausea. If this happens, drink plenty of water, take Tylenol or aspirin and rest. If this doesn't go away after a day, you can try going to a lower elevation or visit the Summit County Medical Clinic. Most people do not experience altitude sickness and usually your body adjusts without any problems within a few days. Not exerting yourself too much the first few days, drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest helps.
Following are recommended day trips (summer only) that provide some of the best scenery in the world.
NOTE: Fill your car up with gas each morning as gas stations are few and far between in the mountains and a car uses more gas driving in the mountains. The fuel prices in Dillon are about the same as in Denver but fuel prices in the smaller mountain towns can be considerably higher.
Drive west on I-70 about 10 miles and then take highway 91 to Leadville. Leadville was a silver mining town and is the highest incorporated city in America. Take 24 south from Leadville about 10 miles and turn West on 82 where you will go past Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado (14,433). Highway 82 takes you over Independence Pass to Aspen. This is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. In Aspen take the gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain. Continue on 82 to Glenwood Springs and soak in the large natural hot springs pool. If you didn't bring your swimming suit and towel, they will rent you one. There is also a large regular pool with a big tube slide for the kids. From Glenwood Springs take I-70 east back to Dillon. It takes a full day and over 200 miles of driving but it is well worth the long day.
Driving through Rocky Mountain National Park is a must tour! It is a spectacular drive and you will likely see elk and other wildlife. The Trail Ridge Road portion is the highest continuous motorway in the United States (some of it over 12,000 ft). Take I-70 east through the Eisenhower Tunnel about 30 miles to highway 40. Go North/West on 40 over Berthoud Pass to highway 34 at Granby. Highway 34 is the road that goes through Rocky Mountain National Park. This is another full-day drive so you need to leave by 10 AM. The only eating place in Rocky Mountain National Park is near the summit and has reasonable prices. Try the elk sausage. Estes Park is at the East end of the Rocky Mountain National Park drive. From there you can continue on 34 through Big Thompson Canyon or you can head south on routes 7, 72, and 119 back to I-70.
Mt. Evans has the highest paved auto road in the world! The road goes up to 14,130 feet (2.7 miles high)! That is only 364 feet lower than the highest mountain in the lower 48 states (Mt. Whitney in CA). Do this drive on a sunny day and in the morning. There are often mountain showers in the afternoon and the mountain can be totally covered by clouds. Even then you may find yourself driving up and through clouds. This drive is not for the overly timid but it is something you will remember forever. The lodge at Echo Lake is a good place for lunch. Try the trout.
Georgetown is about half way between Denver and Dillon on I-70. It is considered the best restored mining town in Colorado. A stroll down the main street is worth the stop. Just north of downtown Georgetown is the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This is a restored mining train route. The train makes several trips each day (about an hour) but call ahead for reservations as the trips are often fully booked (1-888-456-6777, georgetownlooprr.com).
Central City & Black Hawk are restored mining towns with the addition of casinos in the 1990s.
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