Upslope Brewing is debuting their newest brew in the middle-of-nowhere, outside of Fraser, Colorado, on October 6th, 2018.
Drinking craft beer in Colorado is second only to perhaps skiing or getting stuck in I-70 traffic when it comes to statewide pastimes. There are over 400 Colorado breweries, some micro, some not, and every ski town is known for its unique approach to the apres scene.
If you’ve seen one brewery, you’ve seen ’em all. But in Colorado, we like to venture further for our brewskies.
Residents and tourists alike can be found drinking beer on the trail, while soaking in secret hot springs, fishing near high alpine lakes, rafting on the river, riding their horses, leaning on their bikes, or even fixing four wheelers in the middle of the night.
So it’s no surprise, really, that many will lace up their hiking boots to venture into the backcountry for a first taste of Upslope Brewing’s latest brew.
Would you venture to these destinations to drink the best from Colorado breweries?
In celebration of this unusual, outdoor beer-drinking event, we’ve rounded up even more ways to drink beer and enjoy the outdoors in Colorado.
1. Upslope Brewing’s Back Country Tap Room, 2018
Photo by Nate Luebbe, from the 2017 Back Country Tap Room by Upslope Brewing.
This Saturday, October 6, 2018, Upslope Brewing will be debuting its newest brew in the middle of nowhere. This is the fourth annual Back Country Tap Room for the Boulder-based brewery. Beer lovers will hike 2.5 miles into the mountains near Fraser, CO, where they can be the first in the country to sample the new Spruce Tip IPA, or enjoy some of the year-round classics at over 9,000 ft.
The $15 registration gets you four drink tickets, and all proceeds are given to Leave No Trace. Upslope tells us that originally they didn’t require any sort of registration, but the amount of interest in the event after the first year meant they had to restrict access in order to provide a quality experience. Non-drinkers, children and furry friends are welcome and can attend for free.
2. The Durango Brew Train
Photograph by Visit Durango
On a narrow gauge railroad pulled by a 1920’s steam engine, high above the Animas River, participants in the annual Durango Brew Train experience the best Colorado breweries have to offer. Expert brewers from across the state provide sampling flights and their own knowledge and expertise to attendees. The event takes a full day, including lunch and live music in the stunning Cascade Canyon.
The Brew Train is everything people love about the mountains: views, brews, music, stories, and good company. For this reason, the 2018 season sold out early. So if you want to take a ride in 2019, you need to get on the waiting list today!
3. Pine Creek Cookhouse
Photo from Pinecreekcookhouse.com
Sleigh-bells in the snow, or perhaps a guided cross-country ski jaunt is the only way to reach this mountain dining destination this winter. Pine Creek Cookhouse is located above the silver-mining ghost town of Ashcroft near Aspen. Although it is open year-round, and the views of the Elk Mountains are always stunning, the winter experience is unique. Diners must ski or take a sleigh-ride up to the restaurant as there is no road maintained.
While many ski areas have similar offerings on their mountain, Pine Creek Cookhouse is a completely different experience. The stillness of Capitol Creek Valley and grandeur of the mountains surrounding the restaurant are unlike any other eating or drinking experience. The fine dining, paired with the remote location and backed by the local, sustainably sourced fair, make this a stunning place to enjoy delicious food and drink.
4. The Greenhouse at Sand Dunes Pool
Our final beer-drinking location for Colorado is in a greenhouse in the San Luis Valley. The Greenhouse at Sand Dunes Pool is an adult-only swimming area in the larger resort. It offers numerous pools at different temperatures, all filled by artisan hot springs water. Patrons can enjoy beer from several Colorado breweries at the Steel Box Bar, although there is a three drink maximum. Hops grown inside the greenhouse are even shipped to Three Barrel Brewing in nearby Del Norte.
The resort itself offers tent and RV camping, cabins to rent and exciting, family-friendly swimming opportunities close to the Sand Dunes National Park. The area of the San Luis Valley is well worth the visit. Sand dunes loom against 13,000 ft peaks, gator farms offer alligator wrestling lessons, and UFO viewing is a common pastime at numerous roadside attractions. It is certainly one of the quirkiest corners of the state.
Wherever you go in your quest for delicious brews in the mountains of Colorado, take pictures, share them with us here at The Dyrt, and of course, always adventure responsibly.
Related Campgrounds:
- Twin Lakes Campground Colorado, Leadville, CO
