EMPIRE

A little town. A good meal. Mountains all around.

What to Expect

Start with breakfast. Take a look around Park Avenue. Leave time for a picnic or an afternoon outside. Tucked along Highway 40 just off I-70, Empire brings small-town pleasures to a mountain day. Give yourself a reason to stop and a little time to stay.

MAKE TOWN PART OF THE PLAN

You might know Empire from the drive toward Berthoud Pass. Spend some time here and get to know its mining history, local kitchens, and places to pause. Come with a destination in mind, or begin with lunch and decide what happens next.

Good days start with a little curiosity.

Stay the Night

Follow a little history into the outdoors.

Explore hiking options around Empire, including the PAW Education Research Trail, which shares the story of wagon travel over Berthoud Pass. For a longer outing, browse Clear Creek’s hiking guide and choose a route that suits your group. Check current conditions and access details before leaving town.

On the Trail

EASY DAYS IN TOWN

Pack lunch. Leave the afternoon open.

Pick up something to go and head to Minton Park for a picnic. With a playground, picnic shelter, and open space, it’s a place to let the kids play while everyone takes a breather. Bring something to share and clean up before you leave.

Find Food to Go

ON THE SNOW

Make room for a warm stop.

Build an Empire meal into your winter plans. Start with breakfast before heading into the surrounding mountains, or stop for something warm on the way back. Explore our skiing and riding guide, check restaurant hours, and give yourself extra time for winter roads.

On the Snow

Check Road Conditions

ON STAGE

See what happened.

Make room for live music and a little time together. Check the events calendar for what’s happening during your visit, including performances at the Argo. Pick a date, bring someone along, and let the evening take shape.

Explore Events

Leave room for dinner.

Find a table. Settle in. Share the stories of the day while a local kitchen takes care of dinner. Stay the night and give tomorrow a slower start, with coffee, breakfast, and a little more time in the mountains.