| Spotlight on Red Cliff |
|
|
Just a few hundred residents live year-round in Red Cliff, a 20-minute drive along scenic Highway 24 from Interstate 70. But the folks who make their homes in this old mining camp and railroad depot like it that way. The surrounding peaks, the clean mountain air (at 8,600 feet), coupled with small-town living, makes it a peaceful retreat. It’s especially inspiring to the many artists who create their work here.
The annual Red Cliff Studio Tour is a great time to stroll through this historic town that was once the county seat. Local artists open up their workspaces, offering food and drink to visitors and selling their pottery, sculpture, photography, watercolors and oil paintings. The next Studio Tour is scheduled for August 23 and 24, 2008.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike in the summer and snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter along Shrine Pass, a dirt road that ascends from Red Cliff and reaches 11,165 feet at its highest elevation. The usual method of traversing the high-alpine trail is to leave one car in Red Cliff and another at the extensive Shrine Pass parking area just off I-70 east of Vail, where most people begin the 10-mile, east-to-west traverse. The car shuttle is lengthy, but worth the trouble for the spectacular views of 14,000-foot Mount of the Holy Cross, as well as the leisurely 2,900-foot descent into town.
Satisfy ravenous appetites after a day outdoors at Mango’s Mountain Grill. At this Red Cliff eatery, you’ll find everything from its famous fish tacos and hearty burgers to chicken sandwiches, fried shrimp and pizza. There’s a children’s menu, as well as salads, desserts and plenty of adult libations. With its large stage and state-of-the art sound and lighting, Mango’s is also a popular live-music venue, especially in the summer months.
Visitors who would like to overnight in this quiet corner of Eagle County, away from the hustle and bustle of the major ski resorts, will have a new option soon. The Green Bridge Inn is set to open its doors in early 2008. |
|
Printer-friendly format
|
|
