Best Stop For Rest on Colorado's I-70 is Not a Rest Stop

For all of the countless times, you have traveled Colorado's Interstate 70, I would say the chances are pretty good you have never stopped to enjoy I-70's best rest area.

It's Not A Rest Area But It Sure Looks Like One

Stephens Park in Vail, Colorado may not qualify technically or officially as a rest area, but in my book, it meets all the criteria and then some. Restrooms, picnic tables, a play area, a place to stretch your legs...this sure sounds like a rest area to me.

In addition to a nice covered gazebo equipped with a bbq grill, there is a big grassy area for kids to run and play and even a couple of disc golf baskets.

Dogs Are Welcome

Traveling with your dog? Stephens Park offers a nice little trail to help give your pet a little exercise, and doggie cleanup necessities are provided.

Kids getting antsy mile after mile? There is a great-looking playground for the kids to expel some of that extra energy they have been using to annoy the heck out of you.

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A River Runs Through It

The river runs close with a cool bridge across the water. With all of the greenery around, it's a gorgeous setting. On top of it all, you are literally just a stone's throw off the interstate, so it's a great little stop to break up the trip.

No, it's not actually a rest area, but it might as well be, and it is extremely nice. You probably just never knew about it.

How To Get There

If you want to check out Stephens Park next time you're traveling the mountain corridor to see what you've been missing, take the West Vail exit and go west on the frontage road until you come to Stephens Park on the left, shortly before the frontage road ends.

Best I-70 Rest Area You've Never Been To

Stephens Park in west Vail isn't actually a rest area, but it might as well be. It's right off the interstate and offers a restroom, picnic area, dog-run area, and a gorgeous walking trail.

Take a Photo Tour of Silver Plume, Colorado

Before taking a look at some photos of the town, how about a few quick facts about this I-70 landmark.

The estimated population of Silver Plume in 2016 was 173 - about 93 households. The houses here are colorful and well-kept on dirt streets. You'll find historic-looking buildings, including the George Rowe Museum, which is the town's original schoolhouse. If those walls could only talk.

Though the town is small, you immediately sense the historical significance of Silver Plume, once upon a time a silver mining camping boasting a population of nearly 1,000 in 1890. The town is part of the Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic Landmark District.

History buffs can enjoy the Georgetown Loop Railroad that runs two miles between Georgetown and Silver Plume. If you have never done it, the next time you travel I-70, take a few minutes to stop and smell the roses in Silver Plume.

VISIT THESE PLACES: These are the Smallest Towns in the State of Colorado

It seems like Colorado's big towns and cities get all the attention and all the glory, and so we wanted to give a salute to the 10 smallest towns in the state of Colorado.

Based on population numbers provided by togetherweteach.com, here's a succinct look at the 10 smallest towns in Colorado.