View from the bridge entering property
Things to do around Bailey
Bailey is a small town nestled in a valley of the North Fork of the South Platte River in the Colorado Rockies. We are located 45 minutes from Denver and half an hour from Red Rocks; close enough to be convenient, but a world away in atmosphere. The town itself has several dining establishments and interesting shops and is surrounded by outdoor recreation opportunities. We encourage you to sample them all, and to discover why one night in Bailey just isn't enough.
Outdoor Recreation
Mountain Biking: you can ride out of the property and onto County Road 64, a dirt road that leads west to Shawnee through the Pike National Forest. Explore the roads in the area if you like to gravel, or try a little bit of single track (before the wilderness area) on the Brookside-McCurdy Trail just a few minutes from the house. If you want more, get in the car and head to the top side of the Buffalo Creek trail system, a network of 20 trails and hundreds of miles of trails famous throughout Colorado (and home to the Bailey Hundo every year). You can rent bikes at Evergreen Mountain Sports in Conifer.
Hiking: the opportunities are nearly endless. Brookside-McCurdy is the closest trailhead (1.5 miles away on County Road 64). The Ben Tyler trailhead is just a few miles south on 285 and is beautiful. The Lost Creek and Mount Evans wilderness areas have a multitude of trails. You can try the Colorado Trail, Staunton State Park (the newest in Colorado and only 15 minutes away--good for biking too), Kenosha Pass and Guanella Pass (each of which is within 20 minutes and both of which are premier leaf-peeping territory in late September). If you want to go big, Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans, two of Colorado's "fourteeners," are right in our neighborhood. Not quite that ambitious? Check out several local trails within minutes of the house, including Mt. Bailey (complete with a park at the trailhead for kids).
Water Sports: The river is in your front yard. Literally. Kayakers like to put in at McGraw Memorial Park in downtown Bailey to ride the Platte. If you prefer still water, Wellington Lake is 30 minutes away. You can rent your SUP or a hiking raft at Platte River Outfitters in downtown Bailey.
Swimming: There is an indoor swimming pool at the high school (about 5 minutes south on 285) that is open to the public for lap and free swim. They also have a weight/cardio room available for public use (one admission fee to use both).
Zip Lining: Brand new to Bailey in 2018 is the Treehouse Adventure Park--right across the street from the property.
Disc Golf: There is a great disc golf course in Bailey at 599 Rosalie Drive. Beautiful scenery on a challenging mountain course. Bring your own gear.
Winter Activities: If we have enough snow, build a snowman in the yard, or snowshoe (rentals available at Platte River Outfitters) the property and adjoining national forest. Ski at Breckenridge, just over an hour away via 285 and Highway 9, and miss all the I-70 traffic. If you like a smaller mountain experience, try Monarch (under 2 hours south). You can hit the hot springs at Mount Princeton or Cottonwood (1.5 hours south) on your way back. If you have your own ice skates, try Pine Valley Ranch Park (it is free); if you need to rent, Evergreen Lake is your place.
Dining and Shopping
There are several dining options in Bailey, many close enough to walk. We recommend you check their websites (you can click through on the links here) during your trip to confirm operating hours, as they vary during the fall and winter. The closest is Riverbend Eatery, just across the river from the property and serving Italian-American fare inside and on a deck overlooking the river. Cutthroat Cafe is the quintessential small town cafe and where the locals hang out for breakfast. Rustic Station serves Friday and Saturday night prime rib dinners (but get there early as they usually sell out), along with a full menu of lunch and dinner options. China Village has great service and good food in a family atmosphere. The iconic Coney Island Boardwalk is a great stop if you are looking for a mountain dog (and if you go in late summer, try their fresh Palisade Peach milkshake...simply awesome) served from a giant hot dog. Crossroads Pub and Grill in Pine has great pizza and burgers. If you want to venture out a little, Scooter's Smokehouse and Grill in Conifer is one of our favorites, or if you head south on 285, the Shaggy Sheep in Grant is great too.
If you want to wet your whistle with a unique Bailey flair, try Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery, our local brewmaster, or Aspen Peak Cellars, a micro-winery offering tours, tastings, and lunch. Both also have live music at certain times of the year.
Looking for coffee or ice cream? Try The Knotty Pine, one of our kids' favorite stops for soft-serve and a look around the gift shop. They also serve sandwiches if you are hungry.
Want to shop some unique mountain stores right in our home town? Try the Sasquatch Outpost, with clothing, curios, and a "Sasquatch Experience" unlike any other. You can also check out the Fun and Funky Gallery, featuring local products and artists, right next to the Post Office. River Canyon Gallery on Main Street houses a collection of local artists using a variety of media and is well worth a visit. Debeeze Honey in downtown Bailey has honey, soaps, and candles. Next door is the Platte Canyon Community Partnership resale boutique, benefiting a variety of local charities. About 15 minutes north on 285 you can try King's Emporium for an eclectic collection of home goods, clothing and furniture. And if you like antiques, estate sales, and sifting through other people's treasures, try the Pine Emporium in Pine Grove. It is one of a kind and only 20 minutes away.