Tabernash: Railroad History and Trails

Tabernash brings together railroad history, trails and recreational opportunities in Colorado’s mountain landscape. The town grew from the former Junction Ranch; visitors today can plan historical points of interest, bike trails near Strawberry and Pole Creek Golf Course separately. Information about restaurants and trailheads is provided as guidance, not as a guarantee of current opening status or trail conditions.

Junction Ranch and the Railroad

Tabernash was founded in 1905 at the site of the former Junction Ranch. The Berthoud Pass Stage Road ran through the ranch; Junction House could accommodate up to 50 travelers. These details illustrate its role as a stop along an earlier travel route. In 1913, the Denver and Salt Lake Railroad moved its locomotive terminal from Fraser to Tabernash. The road and railroad connections therefore belong to two successive phases of the town’s history.

The capacity of the historic Junction House does not indicate that lodging is available there today. If you are looking for accommodation, check the current address, amenities and directions. The history provides an interesting context, but is not a substitute for current travel information.

Biking and Golf

Strawberry, an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is nearby. It has about eight miles of singletrack, non-motorized trails described as “The Phases.” Another 10.5 miles of roads connect the trails into a loop network with a variety of route options. Choose a loop based on your experience and current conditions; these figures describe the trail system, not the length of any individual ride.

Pole Creek Golf Course has a 7,107-yard course. Descriptions highlight wildflower meadows, elevation changes, bentgrass greens, and water hazards at two ponds and five lakes. These features help give you a sense of the course. You will need to check separately for tee times and playing conditions.

Dining and Trail Access

Tabernash Tavern Restaurant & Wine Bar is described as serving upscale cuisine in a casual mountain atmosphere. Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon occupies an original 1930s homestead at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Check current operating days and reservations before visiting. One described trail access point is at Junco Lake Trailhead, one mile south of Tabernash and four miles north of Fraser. This distance is for guidance and is not a current road or parking update.