The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bethune, CO and Greeley, CO
Colorado is a vast and beautiful state with endless options for road trips and adventures. One popular route is from Bethune, a small town in Kit Carson County, to Greeley, a university town known for its agricultural heritage. The trip covers 166 miles and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The route crosses eastern Colorado's prairies and small towns, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. The halfway point is Limon, a small town with some interesting attractions. Here are the top 5 things to do on this road trip.
1. Explore the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO
The Stanley Hotel is an iconic Colorado hotel that has hosted numerous celebrities, including Stephen King, who wrote his famous book "The Shining" while staying in room 237. The hotel offers guided tours, including a spooky night tour, and has a restaurant and bar on site. The hotel's architecture and location, perched on a hill overlooking Estes Park, make it a must-visit destination for architecture and history lovers.
Interesting fact: The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King's novel "The Shining" and was used as the filming location for the 1997 TV miniseries.
2. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park is a world-renowned mountain park that offers breathtaking views and stunning alpine scenery. The park is home to some of Colorado's highest peaks, including Longs Peak, and has numerous hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and picnic areas. Visitors can also take scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest continuous paved road in North America, and offers panoramic views of the Rockies.
Interesting fact: Rocky Mountain National Park was designated a national park in 1915, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States.
3. Have a Pie at Johnson's Corner in Johnstown, CO
Johnson's Corner is a family-owned truck stop and bakery that has been serving customers since 1952. The truck stop is known for its homemade pies, which are baked fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors, including apple, cherry, and pecan. The restaurant also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has a cozy, retro atmosphere.
Interesting fact: Johnson's Corner has been featured on the Food Network's "Top 5 Restaurants" and Travel Channel's "Food Paradise."
4. See Bison at Terry Bison Ranch in Cheyenne, WY
Terry Bison Ranch is a working bison ranch that offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including a bison safari tour, horseback rides, train rides, fishing, and camping. The ranch is home to over 3,000 bison, making it one of the largest bison herds in the country. Visitors can get up close and personal with the bison on the safari tour, which takes visitors on a tour of the ranch and its many bison herds.
Interesting fact: Terry Bison Ranch was established in 1992 and covers over 27,000 acres of land.
5. Tour the Historic Colorado State Capitol in Denver, CO
The Colorado State Capitol is an iconic building in Denver that houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and state legislature. The building was constructed in the late 1800s and has a neoclassical design based on the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. Visitors can tour the building and see the famous "Mr. Brown's Attic" mural, which depicts the history of Colorado, as well as the gold dome, which is covered in real gold leaf.
Interesting fact: The gold dome on the Colorado State Capitol building is covered in 200 ounces of 24-karat gold leaf.
Conclusion
This road trip from Bethune to Greeley offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation. The trip covers 166 miles and takes around 3 and a half hours, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Visitors can explore historic hotels, mountain parks, working bison ranches, and iconic state buildings, all while taking in Colorado's natural beauty and unique culture. So pack your bags and hit the road, there's adventure waiting for you!