Scenic trains a-rollin'
Two scenic Colorado railroads have resumed for the summer season.
The Royal Gorge Route has three daily departures, through Oct. 8, at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. The train, which features open-air observation cars and a concession car with food and drinks, takes passengers on a 24-mile, two-hour journey into the depths of the Royal Gorge, from Canon City to Parkdale and back. Tickets may be purchased at the historic Santa Fe Depot in Canon City. They are $24.50 for adults and $16.50 for children 3 to 12. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (888) 724-5748, or (303) 569-2403.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad has 11 daily departures through Oct. 1. The train travels between Georgetown and Silver Plume, a distance of just two miles but with an elevation difference of more than 600 feet. Adult roundtrip tickets cost $12.95 and children 3 to 15 can ride for $8.50. There is no charge for children 2 and younger if they are sitting on a parent's lap. Information: (303) 569-2403, or visit: www.georgetownloop.com.
National Trails Day event
The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, in conjunction with Eastern Mountain Sports and the American Hiking Society, is sponsoring a National Trails Day event Saturday on Mount Bierstadt, one of Colorado's most popular 14,000-foot peaks. Volunteers will help restore damaged areas and construct new trails. No previous trail-construction experience is necessary. Information or registration: (303) 278-7525, Ext. 115.
Big-band cruise to set sail
A big-band theme cruise, featuring Sammy Kaye and the Four Freshmen, will be sponsored by OASIS-Denver, with hosts Sue and Dennis Stretar of KEZW / Senior Showcase. The Hawaii cruise will sail Dec. 9 from Maui and will visit four islands and five ports. Deposits must be made by June 5. Information: (303) 405-4223.
Mountaineer to speak
Ed Viesturs, one of America's foremost high-altitude climbers, will host two slide shows about his career in mountaineering, including the 1996 Everest IMAX expedition for which he was climbing leader. The shows will be at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Chautauqua theater in Boulder, 900 Baseline Road, (303) 440-7666; and at 7 p.m. Friday at the Denver REI Flagship Store, 1420 Platte St., (303) 722-8351. Proceeds will benefit the American Himalayan Foundation, the Access Fund, Big City Mountaineers and the Colorado Mountain Club.
Outdoor festival in August
The International Outdoor Festival, the first sports and cultural event of its kind, is open to anybody who loves the outdoors. The festival, Aug. 24-27 in Aspen, will feature world-class athletes and expert guides who will lead courses in trail running and hiking, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, fly fishing, paragliding, nutrition, yoga and mind and body. Registration before Thursday will include a limited-edition Mountain Hardware WindStopper Test Team vest and Mondo Schwag Bag. Registration costs $575. Information: (877) 702-7736.
Auction to aid arts center
The Anderson Ranch Arts Center annual Art Auction Aug. 12 will feature a silent auction, picnic lunch and live-auction preview from noon to 1:45 p.m. Proceeds will benefit programs of the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, which is at 5263 Owl Creek Road in Snowmass Village. Information: (970) 923-3181, or www.andersonranch.org.
Travel shows scheduled
Changes in Latitude, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, will present two adventure-travel shows. On Wednesday, Dr. Cory Sperry will discuss immunizations, common health problems and what medical supplies to take on your next trip. On June 7, a program will be given on women traveling alone. Information: (303) 786-8406.
Mountains of Ecuador
Colorado Mountain Club will present a program on mountains of Ecuador at 7:30 p.m. June 8 at the club in Golden, 710 10th St., Suite 200. South America explorer-guide Kevin Haight will talk about some of the most popular climbs along ``volcano alley'' between the eastern and western cordilleras of the Andes. Information: (303) 279-3080.
European rail travel
Hostelling International will sponsor a workshop on ``Making the Most of European Rail'' as part of its series on traveling the world without spending a fortune. The worksop will be at 7 p.m. June 6 at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Boulder, 2915 Pearl St. Reservations are requested at (303) 442-1166. There is no charge.
