Take a break in the old Alma mater
Alma's proud boast is that it's North America's highest incorporated town, but it's got a whole lot more going for it than that. This homey former mining town is a honeypot for hikers and SUV adventurers looking to bite off some serious challenges. Your Alma vacation rental is going to give you the kind of mountain views that most travelers can only dream of, and with its friendly eateries and arty vibe, the town itself is the sort of place that'll have you planning next year's vacation before this one's over.
Rubbing shoulders with Spengler and Venkman
Fancy a spooktacular excursion? How about strapping on your proton pack and visiting the nearby ghost town of Buckskin Joe? Abandoned in the 1860s when the gold ran out, it draws ghost-hunters from far and wide thanks to the specter of a local dancing girl called Silver Heels. Alma itself and the surrounding area are full of historic buildings from its mining past, but aside from that, your main focus is going to be on the area's natural wonders. Take a trip up to Kite Lake or Montgomery Reservoir to catch some of the best views.
Whatever you do, just don't look down
The first thing you need to do when you come out of your Alma vacation rental is look up. With several mountains above the magic 14,000-ft mark, you could spend weeks hiking in this area and still never get round them all. And the diversions round Alma don't have to be of the pedestrian variety. Off-road enthusiasts will want to get their vehicles geared up for a run along Mosquito Pass, the highest such route in North America. Each summer, Alma also plays host to the Festival in the Clouds, an outdoor art and music festival that takes place in July.
Exploring the natural features in Alma
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to appreciate the scenery, Alma is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Mount Evans (6.6 mi / 10.7 km)
- Peak 10 (11.2 mi / 18.1 km)
- Twin Lakes (12.5 mi / 20.1 km)
- Mount Elbert (12.8 mi / 20.5 km)
- Maggie Pond (13.3 mi / 21.4 km)
- Frisco Adventure Park (20.1 mi / 32.3 km)
Traveling to and around Alma
The nearest airport is in Vail/Eagle Airport (EGE), located 51.5 mi (82.9 km) from the city center.