Take a winding, pine-tree-lined mountain road through Poudre Canyon for about 24 miles northwest from Fort Collins and you’ll find one of the most secluded and scenic music venues in the state, the Mishawaka Amphitheatre. A river runs alongside the stage, and the foothills frame the entire amphitheater. Plus, there are restaurants and options for camping nearby — all a perfect complement to the music.
This year’s lineup boasts Chris Robinson Brotherhood on May 17, Fruition & Grant Farm on May 24, Robert Randolph & the Family Band on June 26, EOTO on July 10 and more.
Though concerts typically start around 7 p.m., you’ll want to begin your trip from Denver early in the day — you’ll want time to stop at breweries and get something to eat.
Day 1: Denver to the Mishawaka Approximately 176 miles round trip
1. Stay Mile 86
Start by prepping your camping gear if you plan to stay overnight near the Mish (there are options at Bellaire Campground, Pingree Park, Dowdy Lake Campground and Ansel Watrous — which is just before the amphitheater). Then take Interstate 25 north toward Fort Collins.
2. Brews Mile 65
If you don’t plan to pitch a tent, it’s a straight, hour-long shot of highway traveling from Denver to Fort Collins until you hit exit 269 B West onto Colorado 14 or Mulberry Street. Leave early enough and you’ll have an entire afternoon worth of Northern Colorado restaurants, shopping and microbreweries to hit before heading into the foothills.
This is Fort Collins, so you’ll have some of the state’s best microbreweries within walking distance of one another. While it’s always busy, Odell Brewing Co. (800 E Lincoln Ave., 970-498-9070, typically doesn’t get the insane crowds of its famous neighbor, New Belgium (500 Linden St., 970-221-0524, newbelgium.com) You can grab a taster of beer, hang out on the new patio or catch a tour (reserve your spot online).
3. Eat In Fort Collins
If you’re getting hungry, walk east a few blocks to Fort Collins Brewery (1020 Lincoln Ave., 970-682-2260, fortcollinsbrewery.com), where the tours include a free beer sample and end in the brewery’s tavern. There, you can enjoy beer and tapas ranging from Cuban sliders to beer-braised sirloin tacos.
4. Hike Outside town
You’ll be spending your whole night in the mountains, so why not stop at a little locals-only hiking spot in the foothills before getting to the Mishawaka? Just south of the Cache la Poudre River is Bingham Hill Park. It’s not the most rugged or secluded hiking spot, but you can pull right off the road and trek up Bingham Hill. From the top you get a sweeping view of the foothills, Pleasant Valley and the town of Bellvue. (Also of note: Bingham Hill Cemetery is known for its ghost sightings.)
5. Scenic drive Mile 88
After you’ve been drinking, eating, hiking and (possibly) seeing ghosts all day, you’ll be ready to head to the Mishawaka (13714 Poudre Canyon Highway, 970-482-4420, themishawaka.com) to see your show. Colorado 14 west takes you on a beautiful winding route through the mountains until you see the Mishawaka, like a little musical outpost in the woods, tucked off the right side of the road. The Mishawaka has a full-service restaurant that serves burgers, steaks, snacks, sandwiches and more. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, the scenery and the show. themishawaka.com
Matt Miller: 303-954-1785, mrmiller@denverpost.com
