Camp Hale is a historic, 53,804-acre National Monument and former World War II military training ground located in the Colorado Rockies between Leadville and Minturn along U.S. Highway 24. Established in 1942, it was the training site for the U.S. Army's famed 10th Mountain Division.

Once a thriving mining depot, today Red Cliff has shut — but not forgotten — its saloons, brothels, and hotels; its art community prefers instead the quiet and beauty of the surrounding mountains. Locals' fave Mango's Mountain Grill draws folks near and far for its famous fish tacos.

Minturn is just minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, but don't expect to find the same mega-resorts or super fancy restaurants. The town is 5 miles west of Vail along U.S. 24. amid the Holy Cross Wilderness Area and White River National Forest. Colorado 24, running through town, is also a part of the Top of the Rockies scenic and historic byway, offering stunning views along the way from Minturn to Red Cliff.