Events in Clear Creek County

Happy Easter from all of us here in Clear Creek County!
We hope you will come visit us and enjoy shopping, dining, attractions, art galleries, and more!

Happy Mothers Day!
We hope you will come visit us and enjoy shopping, dining, attractions, art galleries, and more!

Clear Creek Pack Burro Races are Memorial Day Weekend in Georgetown and Idaho Springs, Colorado! 
Spectators are always FREE!

Georgetown, Colorado Pack Burro Race – Saturday, May 27th

8 miles – From Georgetown to Empire Pass and back. Remember to follow traffic pattern around the round about, yield to downhill runners, and stick around after you’re done to check for ticks. And, there will be a prize for the runner who picks up the most trash on the course along with Race Prizes!

• Race entry details + burro rental ~ please visit www.ccburroracing.com
• Check in + Weigh-in time: 9:00 am
• Start time: 11:00 am

Idaho Springs, Colorado Pack Burro Race – Sunday, May 28th

5 miles – Great distance for first timers! Rolling start after Parade down main street begins at Citizens Park, heading east turning north up 17th Ave, across Colorado Blvd up Virginia Canyon on the dirt road that features a 12% grade/climb, switch back down following flour arrows to old miners driveway at the open gate, up and over, down and winding around down Rose Gulch, over logs, under trees, coming out over the Argo Mill, heading back west on Riverside turning right at 23rd, left on Virginia Street toward the back of the Elks Lodge with a sharp left on 16th to the finish.

• Race entry details + burro rental ~ please visit www.ccburroracing.com
• Check in + Weigh In: 8:30 am
• Start time: 10:30 am

CC Burro Racing Series – Run both races!

Do you feel energetic and ready to keep going after Georgetown’s Race? Then gear up your burro and run the Idaho Springs race too! WIN both races with the same burro for your chance to win “Red Tail’s Miner Challenge Trophy”!

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Did you know? The Burro is the Colorado State Animal and that Pack Burro Racing is the only sport indigenous to the State of Colorado? It has its roots in the State’s mining heritage. In the early days of the mining industry, miners would take burros, which is the Spanish word for donkey, through the mountains of Colorado in their search for gold. Because the burros were carrying supplies, the miners could not ride the animal and so they would walk, leading the donkey. The burro races commemorate these men and their burros.

Format: In a typical burro race, a runner and a burro race complete a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a rope. Riding the burro is not allowed. In fact, the human may carry the burro, but the burro may not carry the human. The burro must be on a lead rope, which is limited to 15 feet. Runners must maintain control of their animals at all times. Burros must also carry a pack saddle with 33 pounds of traditional mining gear, including a pick, gold pan, and a shovel. Runners may also include other gear in their saddles, such as windbreakers, water, food, etc, but the surplus gear cannot be counted in the 33 pounds. Cruelty to the burro is prohibited and racing officials have the right to hold any burro for 30 minutes following the race for an inspection by a veterinarian.

Lore: There are two legends concerning the beginning of these burro races. The first states that the races began when two miners found gold and had to race back to the claims office. Because they could not ride the burros the miners were forced to run, leading the burros. The second legend is somewhat vague but concerns a few drunken miners at a bar in Leadville, Colorado.

Clear Creek Pack Burro Races are Memorial Day Weekend in Georgetown and Idaho Springs, Colorado! 
Spectators are always FREE!

Georgetown, Colorado Pack Burro Race – Saturday, May 27th

8 miles – From Georgetown to Empire Pass and back. Remember to follow traffic pattern around the round about, yield to downhill runners, and stick around after you’re done to check for ticks. And, there will be a prize for the runner who picks up the most trash on the course along with Race Prizes!

• Race entry details + burro rental ~ please visit www.ccburroracing.com
• Check in + Weigh-in time: 9:00 am
• Start time: 11:00 am

Idaho Springs, Colorado Pack Burro Race – Sunday, May 28th

5 miles – Great distance for first timers! Rolling start after Parade down main street begins at Citizens Park, heading east turning north up 17th Ave, across Colorado Blvd up Virginia Canyon on the dirt road that features a 12% grade/climb, switch back down following flour arrows to old miners driveway at the open gate, up and over, down and winding around down Rose Gulch, over logs, under trees, coming out over the Argo Mill, heading back west on Riverside turning right at 23rd, left on Virginia Street toward the back of the Elks Lodge with a sharp left on 16th to the finish.

• Race entry details + burro rental ~ please visit www.ccburroracing.com
• Check in + Weigh In: 8:30 am
• Start time: 10:30 am

CC Burro Racing Series – Run both races!

Do you feel energetic and ready to keep going after Georgetown’s Race? Then gear up your burro and run the Idaho Springs race too! WIN both races with the same burro for your chance to win “Red Tail’s Miner Challenge Trophy”!

---

Did you know? The Burro is the Colorado State Animal and that Pack Burro Racing is the only sport indigenous to the State of Colorado? It has its roots in the State’s mining heritage. In the early days of the mining industry, miners would take burros, which is the Spanish word for donkey, through the mountains of Colorado in their search for gold. Because the burros were carrying supplies, the miners could not ride the animal and so they would walk, leading the donkey. The burro races commemorate these men and their burros.

Format: In a typical burro race, a runner and a burro race complete a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a rope. Riding the burro is not allowed. In fact, the human may carry the burro, but the burro may not carry the human. The burro must be on a lead rope, which is limited to 15 feet. Runners must maintain control of their animals at all times. Burros must also carry a pack saddle with 33 pounds of traditional mining gear, including a pick, gold pan, and a shovel. Runners may also include other gear in their saddles, such as windbreakers, water, food, etc, but the surplus gear cannot be counted in the 33 pounds. Cruelty to the burro is prohibited and racing officials have the right to hold any burro for 30 minutes following the race for an inspection by a veterinarian.

Lore: There are two legends concerning the beginning of these burro races. The first states that the races began when two miners found gold and had to race back to the claims office. Because they could not ride the burros the miners were forced to run, leading the burros. The second legend is somewhat vague but concerns a few drunken miners at a bar in Leadville, Colorado.

This Memorial Day enjoy the ambiance of the majestic Rocky Mountains as you listen to the sounds of Clear Creek, enjoy a cozy getaway at a unique bed and breakfast, or stroll through the Victorian communities and feel the warmth of historic nostalgia. Your adventure awaits.

June 3 - REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half Marathon

This incredibly fast and remarkably beautiful downhill road race takes runners from the forests and canyons of the Rocky Mountains to the foothills of Denver, Colorado. Featuring a perfectly smooth downhill slope and spectacular scenery, this race will be sure to help you set your PR and finally hit that Boston Qualifying time. This event is guaranteed to be your new favorite marathon or half marathon in Colorado! REVEL in speed. REVEL in beauty. REVEL in the Rockies.

• Date: June 3, 2023
• Marathon Start Time: 6:00 AM
• Half Marathon Start Time: 6:30 AM
• Bus Loading: Bandimere Speedway. Marathon 3:30am to 4:15am. Half Marathon 4:15am to 5:15am.
• Road Closures & Detours
• Full Marathon Course: Squaw Mountain to Morrison
• Half Marathon Course: Evergreen to Morrison
• Guide: Participant Guide
• Expo: Friday, June 3, 2022 from 10:00AM - 6:00PM at the Steinhauer Field House on 13th and Maple Street on the School of Mines campus in Golden, CO.
• Road Closures & Detours

About:

REVEL is a series of running events that is gaining a broad presence in the running world by distinguishing its races in a number of ways, including its unique courses, emphasis on runner experience, and partnerships with local communities, nonprofit organizations, sponsors, and government agencies.

REVEL races can best be described by two words: Fast & Beautiful. Our events take place in the most beautiful venues available in the areas in which they are held. REVEL races seek to maximize the time our runners spend running in canyons, forests, state or national parks, and so forth. In addition, the downhill nature of REVEL races provides a unique opportunity for runners to achieve personal best times and qualify for exclusive events.

In addition to providing unforgettable experiences for our runners, REVEL races also deliver value to the communities who graciously host our events. Each REVEL race brings significant financial benefits to local economies, provides an opportunity for communities to brand themselves, and creates a healthier and more fitness-friendly community. Additionally, proceeds from each REVEL runner’s entry fee are donated to local nonprofit groups geared towards health and environmental causes.

For more information please visit https://www.runrevel.com/rdv

Celebrate Fathers Day in Clear Creek County with attractions, restaurants, breweries, mine tours and more!

June 25, 2023 - Mt. Evans Ascent Race @ 5:00 am - 3:00 pm
Details here www.racingunderground.com/mtevans

Although the air will be noticeably thin at the starting line, Echo Lake’s 10,600 feet of elevation is just the beginning. The climb totals nearly 4,000 vertical feet – much of it above treeline – as you make your way 14.5 miles to the finish line located at the summit of one of the most recognizable peaks on Denver’s mountain skyline – 14,264 foot Mt. Evans.

Spectators will include Bighorn Sheep, Marmots, and Mountain Goats – maybe even a few people!!!

ROAD CLOSURE:

For runner safety, the Mt. Evans Road will be closed to vehicular traffic during the event. This includes spectators. The road will be closed on the evening of Saturday, and the road will reopen once we reach the finish line cutoff at 11am on Sunday. Spectators are not allowed to camp on the mountain. Any spectators who attempt to camp along the course will cause their runner to be disqualified from the race.

DATE & TIME:

The Race will start promptly at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. Summit Bags must be loaded into truck by 6:00 a.m. Additional information on the event will be emailed to competitors approximately 1 week prior to the event.

PACKET PICK-UP:

Race Morning Packet Pick-Up will be available at the start line on race morning starting at 5:00am. A PHOTO ID is REQUIRED to pick up your packet, and only you can pick up your race number – no exceptions. You will receive your bib number, participant goody bag, race shirt, and timing chip in your racer packet. No bib transfers will be allowed on race morning.

Early Packet Pick-Up will be available from noon until 6:30pm on Thursday at Runners Roost Lakewood. A PHOTO ID is REQUIRED to pick up your packet, and only you can pick up your race number – no exceptions. You will receive your bib number, participant goody bag, race shirt, and timing chip in your racer packet.

WEATHER:

Mt. Evans has weather of its own, and no forecast seems to be able to nail down exactly what you’ll see at the summit. This forecast, however, should give you an idea what to expect on Mt. Evans. Generally, mornings are nice, with any stormy weather moving in during the afternoon hours. Of course, weather on the mountain can pull some surprises!

BENEFICIARIES:

A portion of every entry will be donated to Alpine Rescue. They will be providing on-course support during the Mt. Evans Ascent, and volunteer year-round support to the community. You may also make an additional donation to Alpine Rescue when you register!

Organizer
Racing Underground
(303) 642-7917

July 4 - 4th of July Celebration in Clear Creek County

Come spend the day with Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown and Silver Plume! Stroll through unique shops, art galleries, visit historic landmarks, tour museums, pan for gold, or experience a little adventure on Clear Creek’s rapids, atv tours, train rides, adventure park, sky trek, or zipline! Follow us:  www.facebook.com/VisitClearCreek

Georgetown

Silver Plume

Enjoy a free ice cream social complete with homemade cakes, pies, refreshments, and of course ice cream at Dinger Park, located at 310 Main Street in Silver Plume, Colorado. Please drop in from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. If you wish to make a donation all proceeds will benefit People for Silver Plume.

The George Rowe Museum is located across the street and is open daily from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Take a tour of the original schoolhouse and learn about the history of Silver Plume and unique mining past. There is a small entrance fee to help support People for Silver Plume and ongoing historic preservation. Learn more at peopleforsilverplume.org

Idaho Springs

2023 Evergreen Town Race Tent. Scheduled for August 6th

One of the fastest downhill 5K and 10K courses to benefit the Alpine Rescue Team

The mission of Alpine Rescue Team is to ensure all-weather, 24/7, search and rescue response, preparedness, community education, coordination and leadership to Colorado's residents and visitors. Alpine Rescue Team responds to emergencies such as avalanches, lost hikers, high-altitude/vertical rescues and/or other situations in Colorado's mountainous terrain. Alpine Rescue is an independent, 501 (c) 3 volunteer organization, not a government agency. Available 24/7, Alpine Rescue Team's assistance is always given free of charge! In case of emergency simply dial 911 and help will be dispatched. www.alpinerescueteam.org

COURSE

Both the 5K and 10K courses wind gradually down Upper Bear Creek, with a finish near Evergreen Lake. This course treats participants to one of the most scenic and fastest races in Colorado. In fact, this may be one of the best races you have ever run! The fastest 5K ever run in Colorado was run on this course - 14:07 by Jason Hubbard in 1998.

This is a point to point route. The 5k starts at the halfway point on the 10k course. Both distances have the same finish line.

RACE SCHEDULE

• 6:30 a.m. - Registration Opens
• 6:30 a.m. - Buses Start
• 8:00 a.m. - 5K Event Begins
• 8:45 a.m. - 10K Event Begins

Sunday, September 3rd - 2023 Annual Gold Rush & Silver Splash Duck Races @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Please join us for the Annual Gold Rush Duck Race on Clear Creek in Georgetown!

Time: Noon

Starting Line: on Clear Creek @ Taos Street Bridge

Finish Line: On Clear Creek, near the 1700 block of Cedar Creek Drive

Duck numbers will be randomly assigned. Winner need not be present. Proceeds benefit HGI, restoration, preservation, and other County non-profit organizations. Tickets go on sale Memorial Day Weekend online and at special locations throughout Georgetown. Sponsoring merchants will also have tickets available to support their individual duck and non-profit. FREE to attend.

Cash prizes to the top 3 winners in each race! Winners need not be present, but it would be fun to cheer on your little quacker! Prizes include cash, gift certificates and more!

*Ducks are numbered and remain the property of HGI (they will be given a rest for the winter months and then back in training in the spring for our next annual race!).

Wishing you and your family a Happy Labor Day!
We hope you come celebrate with us and enjoy shopping, dining, attractions, art galleries, and more!

The Flaming Foliage Relay runs from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista over Guanella, Georgia, and Fremont Passes with a total of 30 Legs, 3 Passes, and 165 miles!

Roads Less Traveled Relays is thrilled to announce Flaming Foliage Relay and the return of Georgia Pass to the Colorado relay race scene. This is a reintroduction of the best part of the original relay in Colorado that Outward Bound created back in 1998. It has been missed by many Colorado runners. For more information, or to register for the event click here

The Flaming Foliage Relay runs from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista over Guanella, Georgia, and Fremont Passes with a total of 30 Legs, 3 Passes, and 165 miles!

Roads Less Traveled Relays is thrilled to announce Flaming Foliage Relay and the return of Georgia Pass to the Colorado relay race scene. This is a reintroduction of the best part of the original relay in Colorado that Outward Bound created back in 1998. It has been missed by many Colorado runners. For more information, or to register for the event click here

September 9, 2023 - Devil of the Divide Ultra 50k/50m

We are pleased to present one of the most beautiful and challenging trail racing events in the state of Colorado with breathtaking (literally and figuratively) views of Clear Creek County and the Continental Divide. Participants will reach a top altitude over 13,000 feet.

The 50K course climbs over 6500 feet. Due to the difficulty and remoteness of this race, prior ultra running experience is required.

The 22K course follows the first part of the 50K, making it one of the toughest half-marathons in the state, with 3400′ of climbing, reaching an altitude of 13,200′. The 22K course is not recommended for novice trail runners. It is a tough course at high altitude.

Cut-off times are enforced for both options.

For for more information, please visit www.devilonthedivideultra.com or contact Stacey Todd at devilonthedivide@gmail.com

September 11: 9-11 Silent Parade @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Clear Creek County Veterans Coalition will sponsor a Silent Parade this year on 9-11. It will begin at the Clear Creek Recreation Center and start as close to 5:30 as possible. Between Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties, there will be several volunteer agencies and would like to give them time to drive over and be recognized.

ALL members of the community are invited to walk with the CCC Veterans Coalition in silence, remember the tragedies of September 11, 2001.

From the Clear Creek Recreation Center the parade will run down Miner Street to Idaho Springs City Hall and turn south to loop back through the parking lot to Citizens Park. There will be a short ceremony at Citizens Park followed by a toast at the Westbound & Down Brewery. We hope you will join us.

For those wanting to participate in Black Hawk’s Ameristar Casino Memorial Stair Climb that morning at 9:30, please visit: https://www.firehero.org/events/9-11-stair-climbs-2/

Website:
https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Creek-County-Veterans-Coalition-613486692377151/

Organizer
Clear Creek County Veterans Coalition
Phone:
(303) 670-7543
Email:
clearcreekveterans@gmail.com

Happy Halloween from all of us here in Clear Creek County!

Veterans - Thank you!
We hope you come celebrate with us and enjoy shopping, dining, attractions, art galleries, and more!

There will be wreath ceremonies by the Clear Creek County Veterans Coalition throughout the morning.

December 2nd, 3rd and 9th, 10th - 2023 Annual Georgetown Christmas Market

Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, and wonderful sights and smells. Visitors enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and the daily procession of the Santa Lucia. Carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment provide hours of memorable performances. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, the quaint, historic town of Georgetown, Colorado has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families. This year we hope you will begin making it a tradition of your own!!

The Georgetown Christmas Market is held annually on the first and second full weekends of December. Admission is FREE. Christmas Market features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts in addition to Georgetown’s charming year-round shopping experience. Beautiful and unique shops showcase Christmas ornaments and decorations, Victorian items for the home, art, Colorado wine, rare books, jewelry, exquisite clothing, antiques, and gifts. The Market will also feature food vendors in addition to our fabulous local restaurants.

Christmas Market Museum Tours offer a relaxed way to see the Hamill House, Hotel de Paris and Energy Museums and Georgetown Heritage Center. Docents are on hand to give information or answer questions, but guests may stroll through the properties at their leisure to enjoy the holiday decor. Prices vary.

This event will take place on 6th Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown, Colorado.

December 2nd, 3rd and 9th, 10th - 2023 Annual Georgetown Christmas Market

Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, and wonderful sights and smells. Visitors enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and the daily procession of the Santa Lucia. Carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment provide hours of memorable performances. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, the quaint, historic town of Georgetown, Colorado has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families. This year we hope you will begin making it a tradition of your own!!

The Georgetown Christmas Market is held annually on the first and second full weekends of December. Admission is FREE. Christmas Market features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts in addition to Georgetown’s charming year-round shopping experience. Beautiful and unique shops showcase Christmas ornaments and decorations, Victorian items for the home, art, Colorado wine, rare books, jewelry, exquisite clothing, antiques, and gifts. The Market will also feature food vendors in addition to our fabulous local restaurants.

Christmas Market Museum Tours offer a relaxed way to see the Hamill House, Hotel de Paris and Energy Museums and Georgetown Heritage Center. Docents are on hand to give information or answer questions, but guests may stroll through the properties at their leisure to enjoy the holiday decor. Prices vary.

This event will take place on 6th Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown, Colorado.

December 2nd, 3rd and 9th, 10th - 2023 Annual Georgetown Christmas Market

Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, and wonderful sights and smells. Visitors enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and the daily procession of the Santa Lucia. Carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment provide hours of memorable performances. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, the quaint, historic town of Georgetown, Colorado has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families. This year we hope you will begin making it a tradition of your own!!

The Georgetown Christmas Market is held annually on the first and second full weekends of December. Admission is FREE. Christmas Market features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts in addition to Georgetown’s charming year-round shopping experience. Beautiful and unique shops showcase Christmas ornaments and decorations, Victorian items for the home, art, Colorado wine, rare books, jewelry, exquisite clothing, antiques, and gifts. The Market will also feature food vendors in addition to our fabulous local restaurants.

Christmas Market Museum Tours offer a relaxed way to see the Hamill House, Hotel de Paris and Energy Museums and Georgetown Heritage Center. Docents are on hand to give information or answer questions, but guests may stroll through the properties at their leisure to enjoy the holiday decor. Prices vary.

This event will take place on 6th Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown, Colorado.

December 2nd, 3rd and 9th, 10th - 2023 Annual Georgetown Christmas Market

Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, and wonderful sights and smells. Visitors enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and the daily procession of the Santa Lucia. Carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment provide hours of memorable performances. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, the quaint, historic town of Georgetown, Colorado has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families. This year we hope you will begin making it a tradition of your own!!

The Georgetown Christmas Market is held annually on the first and second full weekends of December. Admission is FREE. Christmas Market features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts in addition to Georgetown’s charming year-round shopping experience. Beautiful and unique shops showcase Christmas ornaments and decorations, Victorian items for the home, art, Colorado wine, rare books, jewelry, exquisite clothing, antiques, and gifts. The Market will also feature food vendors in addition to our fabulous local restaurants.

Christmas Market Museum Tours offer a relaxed way to see the Hamill House, Hotel de Paris and Energy Museums and Georgetown Heritage Center. Docents are on hand to give information or answer questions, but guests may stroll through the properties at their leisure to enjoy the holiday decor. Prices vary.

This event will take place on 6th Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown, Colorado.

From all of us at the Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau we wish you a Merry Christmas and wonderful Holiday Season!

We hope you choose to celebrate with Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, Silver Plume and our surrounding mountain communities!