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Page 2A — NowThisisColorado.com

Summer Adventure Guide, © May 3, 2011, Arkansas Valley Publishing Co., 125 E. 2nd St., Salida, CO 81201. All rights reserved. Use of any part of this publication requires prior, written permission from the publisher.

Summer Adventure Guide is a special edition of The Mountain Mail newspaper in Salida, The Chaffee County Times newspaper in Buena Vista, and the Herald Democrat new-paper in Leadville. It is distributed free of charge throughout the region, made possible by the

advertisers herein. To contact the editor of this guide, e-mail

Chris McGinnis, chrismc@chaffeecountytimes.com, or call 719-395-8621.

NowThisisColorado.com

Cover Photo Courtesy: Chaffee County Visitors BureauClassic Visions Photography/

classicvisions.org

ContentsMaps

PageRegional Map

10-11B

Salida

7B

Buena Vista

3B

Leadville

10

EventsUSA Pro Cycling Challenge

1B

Calendars

(Chaffee County) 9A

(Lake County) 2

Leadville Competitions

3

Crest Crank

5B

Boom Days

6

Pack Burro race

6

ActivitiesHot Springs

11A

Golfi ng

12A

Community Parks

13A

New Museum

17B

Astronomy

15A

Bird Watching

15A

Mineral Belt Trail

7

Leadville, Colorado & Southern

Railroad

11

HistoryMuseums

14

Byways

13

Twin Lakes

12

Hopemore Tour

8

OutdoorsAngling

8A

Hiking

4, 8B

14ers

13B

Camping

14B

4WD Routes

15

Rock Climbing

2B

Prospecting

16B

Mt. and Road Cycling

4B

Huts & Yurts

9

RiverArkansas Headwaters

Recreation Area

4-5A

Recreation Guide toRecreation Guide to • Salida • Buena Vista • Poncha Springs • Salida • Buena Vista • Poncha Springs• Leadville • Lake County • Twin Lakes • Leadville • Lake County • Twin Lakes

FREEFREE

A Special Publication of The Mountain Mail, The Chaffee County Times & The Herald DemocratA Special Publication of The Mountain Mail, The Chaffee County Times & The Herald Democrat

SUMMER2011

NOW THIS ISNOW THIS IS

Classic Visions Photography/www.ClassicVisions.org

A Sp

ecia

l Pub

licat

ion

of T

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eral

d D

emoc

rat,

The

Mou

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& T

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IncludingIncluding• Salida • Buena Vista • Salida • Buena Vista • Poncha Springs & Surrounding Areas • Poncha Springs & Surrounding Areas

SUMMER20112011

NOW THIS ISNOW THIS IS

FREEFREE

Leadville • Lake County • Twin LakesLeadville • Lake County • Twin Lakes

For more information call

719-539-6151www.chaffeecounty.org

Chaffee County Fair

• 2-CPRA Rodeos• Ranch Rodeo• Gamblers Choice• "Muttin Bustin"• Rubber Check Race• "Steer Riding"• Open Class Entries• 4-H Events• Rocky Mtn Bull Fry• Country Dance• Livestock Sale• Antique Engines• Tractor Pulls

FREEFREEJULY 27-31JULY 27-31

20112011

FEATURINGSUSTAINABILITYPRESENTATIONS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1pm

• Sustainability and You• Wear it, Eat it, Use it• Living the Green Life• Conservation and Efficiency• Using our resources wisely• Chaffee County Energy - Conserve it!• Let's Grow Together• Our Heritage - Our Space- Who we are

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Chaffee County Chaffee County Fair & RodeosFair & Rodeos

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 3A

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Page 4A — NowThisisColorado.com

River

By KEVIN HOFFMANSalida

Whitewater enthusiasts and anglers fl ock to the Arkansas every summer look-

ing for thrills or the catch of the day, and in both cases they get a chance to

take in the scenery.

There are 55 river outfi tters permitted to operate on the 145 miles of run-able river

from Lake Fork Creek to Pueblo Reservoir and depending on the company they can cus-

tomize the perfect summer outing.

For those looking for adventure, the Arkansas has a variety of rapids rated from I-V on a

scale of diffi culty with V the most diffi cult. The Browns Canyon half-day rafting trip is one of

the most popular runs. It begins in Buena Vista and extends to Stone Bridge just upstream

from Salida. Most outfi tters start at Fisherman’s Bridge and end at Hecla Junction, but a full

day trip can begin above or below those points and can feature more rapids. Browns fea-

tures class II-IV rapids and the typical age requirement is 16 years or older. Half-day prices

vary between companies, but most charge around $55 while full day prices are about $90.

Scenic trips with class II-III rapids run through Big Horn Sheep Canyon and Parkdale

while the Numbers section north of Buena Vista and the Royal Gorge close to Cañon City

offer an exciting ride with class III to IV-plus rapids. Pine Creek above the Numbers is more

technical with class V action. Most companies require previous class IV experience and a

minimum age requirement of 18 to run the Pine Creek section.

Many experienced visitors may choose to run the river privately, but due to the unpre-

dictable nature of the river it’s best to take a cautious approach. River accidents occur

during high water each year. Users should be mindful of the weather and afternoon thun-

derstorms. During any river trip dress appropriately for

a cold-water swim, bring extra clothing in a dry bag and

avoid wearing cotton.

Senior Park Ranger Stew Pappenfort stresses that be-

fore anyone embarks on an unfamiliar stretch of river they

should be honest about their ability level, know what the

level of skill required is and evaluate their equipment.

“If you’ve never been on a section of river go with

someone who knows it,” he said.

Located at 307 West Sackett Avenue in Salida, AHRA has maps, current conditions and

other information about the river.

Kayakers can be found on any of the runs listed above and they also enjoy the whitewa-

ter parks in downtown Buena Vista and Salida. These parks offer a great spectators vantage

of the sport and both parks underwent additions in the last year. At low water rocks and

concrete were added to create features such as waves, holes for boaters to “surf’ at higher

water. Buena Vista boasts the largest kayak play park in the world with four main features.

Competitions will be scheduled in Buena Vista and at Salida’s Riverside Park slalom course

throughout the summer.

Not all river users come for the whitewater, however. Fishing on the Arkansas is renown

for its browns.

Fishing fl oat trips are growing in popularity on the gentler sections of river, including

from Johnson Village to Ruby Mountain and Stone Bridge through Salida to Texas Creek.

There are 17 outfi tters with fl oat fi shing permits on the Arkansas with trips running from

March through October. Custom oar frames offer access to great fi shing downstream that

would otherwise be inaccessible due to private property.

Ark Anglers is one of the oldest fi shing guide services on the Arkansas. It’s $225 for a

two-person half-day trip. Seven companies have walk and wade permits on various stretch-

es of river as well.

No matter what mode you use for getting to the fi sh, always respect private property

and use designated public access points.

River park draws boaters, anglers, sightseers to valley

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Competitors raced down the Pine Creek rapids last year during FibArk. Below: Paddleboard enthusiasts are becoming a more and more popular sight on the Arkansas River.

Kevin Hoffman photo

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 5A

RiverBy AUDREY GILPINSalida

The Arkansas Headwaters Rec-

reation Area encompasses 31

recreation sites along the Arkansas

River from Leadville to Canon City.

Fishing, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, hiking

and off-roading are a few of the outdoor

activities visitors and locals enjoy each sum-

mer along the scenic river.

All AHRA sites require daily use fees or

annual passes. All have parking available and

most sites offer fi shing access and areas

where rafts, kayaks or other boats may be

launched.

Driving west on U.S. 50 from the Front

Range, the fi rst two AHRA sites are in Flor-ence and Cañon City. These sites are

maintained by those cities, not AHRA.

Further west, the Parkdale site is main-

tained by AHRA and used heavily by com-

mercial rafting companies during spring and

summer. Shade shelters over picnic tables

have been added at this site.

Parkdale is considered the eastern edge

of Bighorn Sheep Canyon, which extends

west to the Salida East recreation site. Big-

horn sheep populate the north side of the

Arkansas River throughout the canyon and

frequently can be seen in large groups.

Spikebuck and Five Points are after

Parkdale. They are not used by rafting

companies, but offer opportunities to watch

rafters and kayakers. These sites have picnic

tables and grills. Five Points also has a small

viewing deck extending over the river, and

the campground has 20 sites.

Texas Creek site in the canyon has a

restaurant with plenty of parking and areas

for hiking, biking and several off-highway

(OHV) trails. AHRA also maintains a rest

room at Texas Creek.

Continuing west on U.S. 50, Lone Pine, Canyon Trading Post and Vallie Bridge

offer rest rooms, fi shing access and picnic

tables. Vallie Bridge also has boat-in/walk-in

camping available.

The Rincon site is popular for fi shing and

overnight camping.

Salida East is the last site before enter-

ing Salida and is located on the western

edge of Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

The site has great fi shing access and a

restroom. Improvements recently have been

made to the site, including improvements to

the boat ramp, parking and entrance road.

In downtown Salida, boaters will fi nd the

Coors Boat Ramp with two kayak playholes

and a slalom kayak course.

While in Salida, visitors are encouraged

to stop by the AHRA Visitor Center, which

is on the corner of G St. and West Sackett

Avenue close to the boat ramp and kayak

playholes.

To follow the river upstream, visitors

should go through Salida on U.S. 50 east

to Poncha Springs, then north on U.S. 285.

The Big Bend recreation site is north of

Poncha Springs on U.S. 285.

Big Bend offers a picnic area, a vault toilet,

fi shing/boating access and two OHV tracks.

Improvements have been made to the OHV

tracks, with the addition of picnic tables and

a shelter.

Stone Bridge is one mile south at the

intersection of U.S. 285 and Colo. 291 and

offers great boating and fi shing access.

Put in at Stone Bridge if you are looking

for a short raft trip down the river to Salida.

The restoration project at Hecla Junction,

14 miles northwest of Salida on U.S. 285

was completed and reopened to visitors in

April. The $912,000 project included, ex-

panding parking lots, improving drainage and

building a stone bridge. Hecla Junction is a

popular site for fi shing, boating and camping.

Going further north on U.S. 285, visitors

can stop at Ruby Mountain recreation

site, which offers fi shing, camping, hiking and

private-boater access.

Fisherman’s Bridge is another popu-

lar put-in spot for commercial and private

boaters. There are no picnic tables but the

site does have restrooms, rest benches and

a wildlife kiosk.

The Collegiate Peaks site on U.S.

285/24 is near the Midland Bike Trail and

the town of Buena Vista. It has rest rooms,

parking and a breathtaking overlook with a

group picnic area.

Buena Vista River Park, at the end

of East Main Street, offers a full array of

amenities for the visitor such as fi shing and

boating access and hiking and biking trails

nearby. Also, Buena Vista River Park boasts

great kayak playholes.

North of Buena Vista off U.S. 24 is the

Railroad Bridge site, which has camping,

picnic areas and restrooms.

Continuing on U.S. 24 north, visitors will

see the turnoff for the Numbers site, which

is a popular access area for private boaters.

Above the town of Granite on U.S. 24

are the Kobe, Hayden Meadows and Crystal Lakes recreation sites.

Hayden Meadows and Kobe are closed

to commercial boaters. Crystal Lakes, Kobe

and Hayden have premier fi shing access.

For more information on fees, permits,

programs, special events and recreation

sites along the river, call the AHRA at (719)

539-7289 or visit parks.state.co.us.

Rec sites plentiful in park

River Classifi cations

Rapids are rated on a Roman numeral

scale from I-VI that determines diffi culty and

technicality. The scale is used universally for

most whitewater runs in the United States

although some classifi cations vary from river

to river.

User beware, river conditions and ratings

change with fl ow levels. What may be a me-

andering stream at low water can pose signifi -

cant threat at high water and there is risk at

all levels and ratings. All river visitors should

learn about the stretch of river they intend to

run from local sources and if possible go with

someone who knows the river. It may be best

to utilize the wealth of information, training

and experience employed by river guides on

the Arkansas.

Class I: Calm but fast moving water with

riffl es and small waves.

Class 11: Rapids with wide, clear chan-

nels that are evident without scouting. Some

maneuvering is required.

Class III: Rapids with moderate, irregular

waves which may be diffi cult to avoid that can

swamp your boat. Maneuvers in fast current

and good boat control in tight passages or

around ledges often required.

Class IV: Long, intense and powerful rapids

with turbulent water, precise boat handling

required. May feature “holes” and steep,

congested chutes.

Class V: Expert class. Extremely long,

obstructed or violent rapids. Drops, unavoid-

able waves, holes, steep congested chutes,

complex and demanding routes. Precise boat

handling required.

Class VI: Everything in a class V plus more

extremes of diffi culty, unpredictability and

danger. Formerly considered unrunnable and

should only be tried by the most experienced

river runners.

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South

Cotto

nwood

Cottonwood Creek

North Cottonwood

Chalk Creek

Pi

ne Creek

Clear Creek

Twin LakesReservoir

TurquoiseLake

To I-70

To Fairplay

To I-70

Mt. ElbertForebay

East

Fork

Arkansas Rive

r

Lake Creek

Browns Creek

Pa

ss Creek

South Arkansas River

Poncha Creek

Clear Creek Reservoir

Bad

ger

Cre

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C o t t onwo od

Cree k

Texa

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ek

Grov

e

Hayd

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k

Trout Creek

Col

orad

oTr

ail

Rainbow Trail

To Denver

To US Hwy 285

Buffalo PeaksWilderness

To Colorado Springs

Trout Creek Pass9346

Weston Pass11900

Tennessee Pass10424

Fremont Pass11318

Crest Trail

24

24

24

50

50

50

285

285

285

91

91

306

82

300

2

1

3

4

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

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I

5

6

78

9

10

16

1112 13

1415

212

210101

191

194

300

270

162

301

309

371

11

3

12

161250

160

MonarchSki Area

LEGEND

291

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

Winfeld

St. Elmo

To Tincup

To Taylor ParkReservoir

To Gunnison

Tincup Pass12154

Cottonwood Pass12126

Monarch Pass11312

Poncha Pass9010

Marshall Pass10842

Hancock

GarfieldMaysville

Wellsville

Swissvale

Howard

Coaldale

Turret

Nathrop

JohnsonVillage

PONCHASPRINGS

To Alamosa

Hayden Pass11184

SALIDA

BUENA VISTA

Rincon

Salida

Salida East

Texas Creek

A r k a n s as R i v e r

Arkansas

River

PinnacleRock

Spikebuck

Parkdale

LonePine

VallieBridge

Canyon TradingPost

Big Bend

Stone Bridge

Ruby Mountain

Fisherman's Bridge

Collegiate Peaks

BrownsCanyon

BuenaVista

Clear Creek

Kobe

Hayden Meadows

The Numbers

Numbers Site

Railroad Bridge

Granite

HeclaJunction

Cotopaxi

To Westcliffe &DeWeese Reservoir

To Villa GroveSangre de Cristo

Wilderness

To Hartsel

Vickburg

Balltown

Granite

Mt. Belford14197'

Missouri Mtn.14057

La Plata Peak14361

To Aspen

Independence Pass12095

Mt. Oxford14153'

Pi

ne Creek

Mt. Harvard14420

Mt. Columbia14073

Mt. Elbert14433

Horseshoe Mtn.13903

West Buffalo Peak13326

East Buffalo Peak13300

Mt. Sherman14036

Whi

te R

iver

NF

San

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F

Mt. Democrat14148

Mt. Zion12176

Mosquito Pass13186

Mt. Massive14421

Hagerman Pass11065'

To RuediReservoir

Mt. Princeton14269

Mt. Yale14196

Mt. Antero14269

Mt. Shavano14227

Waugh Mtn.

Stoney Face Mtn.

Mt. Tabeguache14155

Mt. Ouray13971

Methodist Mtn.11707

Sangre de CristoWilderness

CO

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I NE

NT A L D I V I D E

Holy CrossWilderness

Ski Cooper

Turquoise LakeRec. Area

Copper Mtn.

Mt. MassiveWilderness

Leadville NationalFish Hatchery

LEADVILLE

Colorado Trail

Pike NF

San Isabel NF

State Wildlife Fishing Access1. Crystal Lake STL Fishing Access2. Hallenbeck SWA3. Granite SWA4. Clear Creek SWA5. Tiger Lily Creek STL Fishing Access6. Buena Vista Fishing Access7. Johnson Village SWA8. Champion SWA9. Wright's Lake SWA10. Smyth Fishing Access11. Big Bend Fishing Access12. Mt. Ouray SWA13. Frantz Lake SWA14. Shavano SWA15. Sands Lake SWA16.Red Bluffs SWA

U.S. Forest Service Land

Public Land

Fishing Easements

Lakes & Ponds

River Runs

Fishing Sites

Boat Access Sites

Roads & HwysRivers & StreamsRainbow Trail

Continetal DivideColorado Trail

Page 6A — NowThisisColorado.com

ArkansasArkansasRiverRiver

MapMap

Fishing AccessA. Hayden Meadows

The river here, above the confluence with Lake Creek and its augmented flow of trans-mountain water, is a small volume meadow stream. It has a primarily cobbled bottom with overhanging grassy banks – home to some big browns and challenging fishing. The clear, slow, shallower water hosts fish that are more wary of people and do not respond well to pressure.

B. Granite Gorge

Like Hayden Meadows, this high canyon has a shorter summer season than much of the lower river. And also similarly, while winter midge fishing can be productive, the best action is to be had after runoff and into the early fall. The Granite Gorge is by turns steep and bouldered, then more open and riffled. It has some excellent pocket water.

C. The Numbers and Wildhorse Canyon

The river continues a steep and rapid descent below the Granite Gorge, but there are more areas of gentle water and pocket water from which to choose. CR 371, The Tunnel Road, follows the river from Buena Vista upstream for about 8 miles. A significant portion of the land between the road and river is public. Camping is available at the Railroad Bridge site. Once one gets downstream to Buena Vista, the riverbed is mostly in private hands, with the exception being lands on either side of the Midland Trail Bridge at the Buena Vista River Park. Below Buena Vista, the river is mostly bordered by private residences until the Johnson Village State Wildlife Area just below the U.S. 285 bridge.

D. Milk Run

Though technically defined as the float from Johnson Village to Ruby Mountain, for the angler this stretch should include the upper Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area above the Canyon itself. This reach of gentle water is ideal for floating and receives little pressure as the river passes through predominantly private land. The Champion Lease below Johnson Village provides some good wade access. Otherwise, the shorebound angler needs to get to the river on the east side in the Wilderness Study Area by hiking east behind Ruby Mountain and the residences below the Ruby Mountain Campground to regain the river about a half-mile downstream.

E. Browns Canyon

Browns Canyon is a pool-drop section of river that bounces through boulders of decomposing granite and into deep pools with long tail-outs. The fishing here is excellent from July through September and can often be good in the last weeks before run-off as well. Access to the canyon is best made by taking CR 194 into the Hecla Junction Recreation Site. A campground is available here, as well. Summer rafting traffic is significant. The canyon quiets down after 5 p.m. and can provide some great evening fishing.

F. Big Bend

The Big Bend reach, from Stone Bridge through Salida, is home to a gentle gradient, a cobbled freestone bottom interspersed with glacial erratics and alluvial debris, and some of the largest fish in the Arkansas.

G. Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon

From Salida to Howard, the river parallels U.S. 50 as it passes through a variety of geological strata, much of which produces excellent structure and habitat. Public access is generally pretty obvious and well-marked along this reach. Anglers will find numerous highway pull-outs as well as AHRA sites at Salida East and Rincon, where there is a campground. The limestone section, from the Chaffee-Fremont County Line through Swissvale, is undoubtedly the most productive section of the river in terms of insect life. Numerous warm springs feed the river here and that, combined with the minerals and texture of the limestone, seem to have a significant impact on all forms of aquatic life. This section has the highest fish per mile count on the river.

H. The Middle River

Between Howard and Texas Creek, the river reaches the mid-point between Salida and Canon City. The distance from both communities serves to minimize the pressure on this section. Though there is a fair bit of private land that lays between the highway and river, there are also miles of public water and, as with the canyon upstream, it is mostly well-marked and obvious. There is some great fishing to be had in this section and it is particularly underutilized as a float-fishing run. Because most of the river here lays in open country or low-walled canyons, this section of the river warms early in the spring and stays temperate well into the fall.

I. Lower Bighorn

Below Texas Creek, the river enters a deep and narrow canyon. Much of the river here is sandwiched between the railroad and the highway, constricting the flow and producing the exciting whitewater of the Parkdale run. There are plenty of good reaches to fish, though, with most of them beside frequent highway pullouts. The depth of the canyon obscures direct sunlight for a lot of the river in winter, producing significant ice packs and generally slower winter fishing. Spring and fall produce the best days here, with summer evenings also worthwhile after raft traffic subsides each day during the peak of the rafting season.

River RunsJ. Granite GorgePut-In: GraniteTake-out: Numbers put-inDifficulty: Class III-VLength: 5.5 Miles

K. The NumbersPut-In: Numbers Put-InTake-out: Railroad BridgeDifficulty: Class III+ <1000 cfs Class IV >1000 cfsLength: 5 Miles

L. Narrows-Frog RockPut-In: Railroad BridgeTake-out: Buena Vista River ParkDifficulty: Class III <2200 cfs Class IV >2200 cfsLength: 7 Miles

M. Buena Vista Town RunPut-In: Buena Vista River ParkTake-out: Johnson VillageDifficulty: Class IIILength: 2.5 Miles

N. Milk RunPut-In: Johnson Village BridgeTake-out: Fisherman’s BridgeDifficulty: Class IILength: 6 Miles

O. Brown’s CanyonPut-In: Fisherman’s BridgeTake-out: Hecla Jct., or Stone BridgeDifficulty: Class III-IVLength: 12 Miles to Stone Bridge

P. Pinnacle Rock to ParkdalePut-In: Pinnacle Rock Recreation AreaTake-out: Parkdale Recreation AreaDifficulty: Class III-IVLength: 7.7 Miles

Q. Royal GorgePut-In: Parkdale Recreation AreaTake-out: Centennial Park, Cañon CityDifficulty: Class III-IVLength: 11.5 MilesCourtesy of: allaboutrivers.com

For more information about fi shing in the

area, please pick up a free copy of the Central

Colorado Fishing Guide. The guide contains

much more information, not mentioned here.

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 7A

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Page 8A — 2011 NowThisisColorado.com

Outdoors

By PAUL J. GOETZMountain Mail, Salida

Below snow-capped 14,000-foot

Sawatch Range peaks, some of the

best fi shing in Colorado is in the

Arkansas River and its tributaries.

The Arkansas River fl ows without a dam

150 miles from its headwaters north of

Leadville to Pueblo Reservoir on the Colo-

rado plains, the longest continuous stretch

of freestone river in the Rocky Mountain

West.

Anglers on the Arkansas tend to use

fl ies because of the plethora of aquatic and

terrestrial insects that call the trout water

home.

From early-summer Mother’s Day caddis,

to midsummer little yellow sallie stonefl ies

and late-summer blue wing olive mayfl ies,

the Arkansas supports signifi cant biodiver-

sity.

And there is room for casting spinners

from the bank. Arkansas River brown trout

make up 90 percent of the trout population

and are voracious predators.

Local outfi tters, listed at the end of this

article, are more than helpful when it comes

to fi nding the right fl y on the right day, or

anglers can hire a guide for a complete

experience.

Guide service in the area ranges from

$110 to $300 a person per day and often

includes use of equipment.

A Colorado State Division of Wildlife

fi shing license helps maintain public fi shing,

there are no fi shing seasons in Colorado,

and licenses are good for one year from the

date purchased.

Annual resident fees are $26 and $56 for

non-residents. One day licenses cost $9 and

fi ve day fees for non-residents are $21.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife offi ce

is at 7405 U.S. 50 in Salida where wildlife

personnel sell licenses, answer questions

about fi shing, wildlife viewing, hunting and

regulations.

Although a long portion of the river is

public, there are portions through private

land. Those boundaries are well marked, but

when in doubt it is best to stay out.

There are two areas on the river with

regulations:

Stockyard Bridge, Chaffee County Road

102 east of Salida, to the confl uence of

Badger Creek, 7.5 miles, is limited to arti-

fi cial fl ies and lures only. Bag limit is four

fi sh, no size limit. All rainbow trout must be

returned immediately.

From the U.S. 24 river overpass south of

Leadville downstream to the lower bound-

ary of Hayden Ranch, anglers must use

artifi cial fl ies and lures only. Bag possession

and minimum size limit is one fi sh less than

12 inches in length.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation

Area visitors center is at 307 W. Sackett

Ave., Salida. Park personnel can help answer

questions about park boundaries, camping,

boating, sightseeing and fi shing.

One last strength of the Arkansas is the

brotherhood of anglers who prowl its banks

in search of elusive browns and sparkling

rainbows.

This year Collegiate Peaks Anglers

Chapter of Trout Unlimited is celebrating 25

years of dedication to conservation, fi shing

and friendship.

The chapter has 280 members, most of

whom live in the Upper Arkansas River Val-

ley between Cotopaxi and Leadville.

Among activities, chapter members clean

sections of the river and highway shoulders,

host youth fi shing derbies and education

events, and are dedicated to conservation of

the Arkansas River and its tributaries.

Remember river etiquette when fi sh-

ing and give other anglers a wide berth.

The chapter Web site includes information

about “Riverwise Manners.” Log onto col-

legiatepeaksanglerstu.org and you will fi nd a

helpful list of suggestions.

Local outfi tters and guide services:American Hunting and Fishing Supply645 E U.S. 50Salida, CO, 81210 530-0725

ArkAnglers7500 W. U.S. 50Salida, CO 81201539-4223

Eddyline Anglers14825 U.S. 285Salida, CO 81201800-530-8362

ArkAnglers517 S. U.S. 24Buena Vista, CO 81211395-1796

Colorado Fly Fishing Guides711 Harrison Ave.Leadville, CO 80461866-908-7547

Royal Gorge Anglers1210 Royal Gorge Blvd.Cañon City, CO, 81212888-994-6743

Anglers drawn to local waters

Recent years have seen a marked increase in the population of Arkansas River rainbows.Photo courtesy Ark Anglers

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 9A

Events

Please confi rm event information before making

travel plans. Events subject to change. Telephone

numbers are in the 719 area code, unless noted.

For new events and updated information, check

NowThisIsColorado.com.

June2 St Elmo Schoolhouse opens for the season; Wednesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sept. 13. 395-6612.2-3 Collegiate Peaks Forum Series lectures by autism and animal expert Temple Grandin, Ph.D. collegiatepeaksforum.org.4 Colorado State Taxidermy Championships at Chaffee County Fairgrounds in Poncha Springs. Open to the public. (970) 629-2065.4 Buena Vista Heritage 10K Run fund-raiser

beginning at 8:45 a.m. in McPhelemy Park. Entry forms at Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce, 395-6612. 5 Walden Chamber Music Society Concert at Salida SteamPlant. waldenchambermusic.org.10-12 Alpine Orchestra Concert Series with performances at Salida SteamPlant, Leadville Annunciation Church and Buena Vista Mountain Heights Church. Admission is free.12 Family & Youth Initiatives “For Kids Sake”

silent auction and golf tournament at Salida Golf Club. 539-1060.16-19 63rd Annual New Belgium FIBArk White-

water Festival, in historic downtown Salida. Whitewater races, slalom competition, freestyle whitewater competition, arts and crafts, food, free entertainment and beer. (877) 772-5432 or 539-2068 or go to fi bark.net.16 FIBArk Kickoff Party at Salida SteamPlant, starting at 5 p.m.16 FIBArk Tenderfoot Mountain Hill Climb foot-

race; race starts at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Salida Recreation, 539-5703, salidarec.com.18 FIBArk 5K and 10K Road Races footraces on county and local Salida roads starting at 8 a.m. Sponsored by Salida Recreation, 539-5703, salidarec.com. 19 FIBArk 10K Trail Run footraces on Arkansas Hills Trail System starting at 8 a.m. Sponsored by Salida Recreation, 539-5703, salidarec.com.19 FIBArk Mountain Bike Race starting at 10 a.m. Sponsored by Salida Recreation, 539-5703, salidarec.com.24-26 — 19th Annual Salida Art Walk, Historic

Downtown Salida. More than 40 galleries, shops and restaurants host this community-wide event showcasing nationally known and local artists’ work. Street performers circulate through the downtown art and park district. salidaartwalk.org or (877) 772-5432.24, 26 “Top Girls” presented by Stage Left Theatre Company at Salida SteamPlant, 7:30 p.m. June 24 and 4:30 p.m. June 27.24-26 Browns Canyon trail construc-tion project. Volunteers are needed to help build a new trail in the Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area near Ruby Mtn. Meals and more are provided.For more informa-tion phone: 719-207-4130.

July1 United States Air Force Academy

Concert Band, 7-8:30 p.m. in River-side Park, downtown Salida. Free admission.2-3 Blue Grass Band at South Main

in Buena Vista with free concerts, food and beer garden. 5-9:30 p.m.2 Madams of Central Colorado 7 p.m. at the Buena Vista Heritage Museum; fund-raiser for Buena Vista

Heritage. Hear about the life and times of six racy madams. Cost is $15; not suitable for children under 13. 395-8458 or buenavistaheritage.org.2-6 Quilt and Textile Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Buena Vista Community Center with quilts on display and for sale. 395-8780.3 Mountain Mania Annual Antique, Classic and

Street Rod Car Show with cars displayed on East Main Street, Buena Vista. arkansasvalleycarclub.com to register a car.3 Buena Vista Cemetery Tour; Alsina Dearheimer, “mother of Buena Vista,” will introduce color-ful characters at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 395-8458, buenavistaheritage.org.4 Fourth of July Celebration in Riverside Park, Salida, noon-10 p.m. with music and food, parade at 4 p.m., fi reworks at dusk from Tenderfoot Mountain. Sponsored by Salida Business Alli-ance.4 Fourth of July old-fashioned celebration in

Buena Vista with pancake breakfast, parade, kids’ games and entertainment in locations around town. Fireworks at dusk at Rodeo Grounds; 395-6612.4 Art In the Park Arts and Crafts Show in McPhe-lemy Park in Buena Vista; 395-6232.4 Free Day at Buena Vista Heritage Museum, 395-8458.4 5K Run along scenic trail in Buena Vista. Regis-ter at Buena Vista Community Center. Proceeds benefi t Buena Vista Cross Country Team.9-23 Miniature Dollhouse and Room Box Exhibit

at Buena Vista Heritage Museum. 395-8458; buenavistaheritage.org.9-10 90th Annual Collegiate Peaks Stampede

Rodeo, Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds; Friday and Saturday evening performances and pancake breakfast Saturday. 395-6612.9 15th Annual Colorado Brewers Rendezvous, 1-5 p.m., Riverside Park, downtown Salida. Brewers from around the state offer their best. 539-2068 or (877) 772-5432. 9-10 Annual Antique Alley Show and Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Chaffee County Fairgrounds. $3 admission. 530-0544.15-17 Calliope! musical comedy for the whole family with excerpts from Broadway and movie musicals at John Held Auditorium in Salida High School.

Tours, concerts, races on calendar

Continued, next page

The annual United States Air Force Academy Concert Band performance in Salida in July has been a popular event over the past few years.

Kevin Hoffman photo

Buena Vista Heritage Museum506 East Main St., Buena Vista • 719-395-8458

Smithsonian TravelingSmithsonian Traveling Exhibit Exhibit

FENCES ARE ALL AROUND US...

they protect our property, children, and pets. They are decorations, they keep the wildlife out, and keep the livestock in. Natural and

invisible "fences" in uence our lives as well.

Whether made of split rails, decorative white pickets, or tall chain link, a fence conveys information about the people who built it, how they view and use their property and about how we view our communities and country as well. Between Fences explores the implications of fences in Colonial america, around gates communities, and at our country's borders with Canada and Mexico.

Interactive Family Displays • Local Contests: Video, Essay & Photo

August 12 to September 30August 12 to September 30

This event is made possible with the support of Colorado Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, ndings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for theHumanitites or Colorado Humanities.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area –

Six campgrounds along the Arkansas River –more outdoor fun than anywhere in the world!

Outdoor ParadiseOutdoor ParadiseFor more information visit our Visitor Center at 307 W. Sackett Ave., Salida or call 719-539-7289.

16-17 SUP and SURF Session whitewater compe-tition at Salida Riverside Play Park.22-24 Colorado Metalsmithing Association An-

nual Conference at Salida SteamPlant. 28-30 Collegiate Peaks Music Festival in Buena Vista featuring Colorado musicians and vendors. CollegiatePeaksMusicFestival.com. 26-31 Chaffee County Fair at Chaffee County Fair-grounds on CR 120 in Poncha Springs. Complete schedules of fair activites are available at many local merchants. 539-6151; chaffeecounty.org.29-31 Salida Classic (formerly Salida Omnium)

three-event cycling road race in downtown Salida and surrounding county roads. southcentralrac-ing.com.30-Aug. 6 Mile-Hi Jeep Club All-4-Fun four-wheeling event in Salida with trips, nightly events, food and prizes. mhjc.org.30-Aug. 1 Annual Salida Omnium bicycle race. Friday night time trial, Saturday road race and Sunday criterium. southcentralracing.com. 31 King and Queen of the Wave competition at Buena Vista Whitewater Park.

August1 Free Day at Buena Vista Heritage Museum, 395-8458.3-6 Colorado Community Theatre Coalition Festi-

val at Salida SteamPlant with performances and workshops. www/CCTCFestival.com.5-6 American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Buena Vista High School. www/buenavistarelay.org.6-7 20th Annual Angel of Shavano Car Show in downtown Salida with cars, cruise and dancing to live music in Riverside Park. 11 Collegiate Peaks Forum Series free lecture by Rev. Michael Dowd on “Evolutionize Your Life” at Salida SteamPlant.11-14 Contin-Tail Rock and Gem Show. More than 100 booths at the rodeo grounds in Buena Vista sell, swap and show rocks, minerals and gems, from mineral samples to sculptured artwork to fi ne jewelry. (720) 938-4194; coloradorocks.org.12 Second Annual Chamber Open with shotgun start at 3 p.m. at Salida Golf Club. Prizes awarded and door prizes. 539-2068.

12-Sept. 30 Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit

“Between Fences,” an interactive family display at Buena Vista Heritage Museum. 395-8458; buenavistaheritage.org.12 Collegiate Peaks Forum Series free lecture by Connie Barlow on “Evolutionize Your Death and Legacy” at Salida SteamPlant.13 Buena Vista Cemetery Tour; Alsina Dearhe-imer, “mother of Buena Vista,” will introduce col-orful characters at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 395-8458, buenavistaheritage.org.13-14 Gold Rush Days, McPhelemy Park in Buena Vista with live entertainment both days. It also features log rolling demonstrations skills, story telling, historic reenactments, gold panning and over 100 vendors. Sunday the third leg of the Triple Crown Burro Race will run down Main Street, followed by the citizens’ race.13-14 Salida Riverside Fine Arts Festival in River-side Park with artists’ booths, live music and food. salidaartfestival.com.20-21 Shakespeare in the Parks “Twelfth Night” with performances in Salida Riverside Park Aug. 20 and in Buena Vista Aug. 21. 539-8539 or stagelefttheatre.org.21 TransRockies Race footraces on trails in Buena Vista area. (403) 668-7537.

21 13th annual Monarch Crest Crank Bike Ride.

Bikers ride the Monarch Crest Trail to benefi t the Alliance Against Domestic Abuse. crestcrank.org.20-21 King Boletus Mushroom Festival with for-aging for and learning to cook edible mushrooms. Contact the Buena Vista Heritage Museum at 395-8458 or buenavistaheritage.org.22-28 USA Pro Cycling Challenge pro-tour with fi rst stage starting in Salida Aug. 23; stage 2 passes through Buena Vista Aug. 24. USAProc-CyclingChallenge.com.

September3 14th Annual Tenderfoot Mountain Triathlon/Du-

athlon, beginning and ending at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. tenderfoottriathlon.com 4 Kids’ Tenderfoot Mountain Triathlon, starting at Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Competitors are split into 3 age groups; course length depends on age.5 North American Touring T’s with 20 Model Ts starting their tour in Buena Vista; tour ends in Buena Vista Sept. 20.

Continued from previous page

Local farmer's markets, such as this one held on Sundays during the summer of 2010 at the Turner Farm in Buena Vista, are popular attractions.

Mary Lee Bensman photo

Page 10A — 2011 NowThisisColorado.com

Calendar

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~ Grand Opening ~Saturday, July 2, 2011

LOCATED AT THE STOP LIGHTIN BUENA VISTA

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 11A

Activities

By TAMARA HERLSalida

Imagine Imagine how good it will feel

to soak and relax after a full day of

mountain adventures this summer!

Several hot springs facilities with a variety of

services are available in the area.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, 15870 CR 162, Nathrop, offers

family-friendly services. Amenities include

four outdoor pools: a lap pool, a soaking

pool, brand-new relaxation pool for resort

guests age 16 and above and a cooler up-

per pool which includes a 400-foot-long

water slide. All pools are fed by geothermal

springs, with temperatures ranging from

85 to 100 degrees. For a more adventur-

ous soak, guests can arrange rocks near

the banks of Chalk Creek to create their

own soaking pools, where pockets of warm

water are created as the hot springs mix

with the cool waters of the creek. Over-

night lodging is available in rooms that are

cliffside, poolside or in the resort lodge. For

larger parties Mount Princeton offers cabins

sleeping a maximum of 10 people. The site

also includes a restaurant and a country

store. Hours of operation until Labor Day

are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for the

upper pool, and for the main pools from 9

a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and from

9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mount

Princeton Hot Springs Resort is working on

opening a new spa complex. For informa-

tion or reservations, call (719) 395-2447 or

visit mtprinceton.com.

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center,

410 W. U.S. Hwy. 50, caters to families. The

center is located next to Centennial Park,

which makes it an ideal spot for a picnic

after your swim. Proclaimed Colorado’s

largest indoor hot springs pool facility,

amenities include a 25-meter 6-lane pool

that usually has two lanes open for lap

swimming, and a diving board. Water tem-

peratures in this pool usually range between

84-86 degrees, making it well-suited for

swimming, diving and recreational play. The

facility also includes a smaller 4-foot-deep

pool that holds water at approximately

95-100 degrees. This pool was built with

zero-depth entry that provides easy access

and is excellent for warm aqua-therapy,

exercise and soaking. The natural mineral

water in both pools is collected under-

ground and piped 5 miles from a source in

the mountains, fl owing continually into the

pools to warm them naturally. The facility’s

private hot baths are closed until further

notice. The center offers a variety of special

classes and events including public swim, lap

swim, aquasize (water exercise), arthritis

joint workout, water volleyball, and par-

ent/tot swim. For specifi c days and times of

classes or for more information, call (719)

539-6738 or visit salidapool.com.

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa, 18999 CR 306, is located 5.5 miles

west of Buena Vista. This facility is oriented

more toward the interests of adults. The

heart of this facility is the pure, gravity-fed,

geothermal, natural hot springs rock-lined

soaking pools. Amenities also include a cold

plunge and a sauna. Overnight lodging is

available in the facility’s three rustic, creek-

side cabins with kitchenettes and private

soaking pools, a cottage by the river with a

full kitchen and private bathroom, 12 guest

rooms, a dormitory and tent sites which do

not include RV hookups. To enhance your

retreat experience, spa services available

include Swedish, deep-tissue and hot-stone

massage, and also energy work such as

Reiki. Hours of operation for this facility

are from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. Call (719)

395-6434 or visit cotton-wood-hot-springs.

com for more information.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs is located

32 miles south of Salida on Colo. 17 in the

northern end of the San Luis Valley, one

mile south of the U.S. 285 junction. The site

includes three 12-foot by 12-foot pools

which are cleaned and fi lled daily with

fi ltered 100 percent artesian mineral water

which emerges from the ground at over

140 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is cooled

to temperatures ranging from 100-108 de-

grees as it enters the pools. The center’s spa

offers a wide variety of treatments includ-

ing therapeutic and deep-tissue massage,

raindrop and hot-stone therapy, aromatic

facials, natural body wraps and refl exology

treatments. The facility also includes a sauna.

Overnight lodging is available in the center’s

11 hotel rooms, six yurts, or three tipis. Tent

sites and RV parking are also available (719)

256-4328 or visit joyfuljourneyhotsprings.

com.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers may family-friendly activities on site, including the fun of a 400-foot-long water slide.

Chris McGinnis photo

Hot springs settings entice

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Page 12A — NowThisisColorado.com

Public courses welcome golfers

Activities

Collegiate Peaks Golf Course

Wide fairways with water haz-

ards make the Collegiate Peaks

Golf Course in Buena Vista a

favorite of locals and tourists.

Six lakes and Cottonwood Creek provide

challenges, and the greens are always in good

shape.

The 14,000-foot peaks of Harvard, Princ-

eton and Columbia in the Sawatch Range

surround the course, offers nine holes and a

turnaround option to play 18.

Reservations are not required, but golf pro

James Hayden recommends scheduling tee

times at least two days in advance. Walk-ons

usually can fi nd an opening.

Hayden manages the course and teaches

group or private lessons. Collegiate Peaks

Golf Course offers chipping and putting

areas at no charge. The clubhouse features

a pro shop stocked with golf equipment and

rentals. Also available are snacks and refresh-

ments.

The operating times are 7:30 a.m. to dusk

daily until Oct. 31. Memberships are avail-

able. Weekday green fees for non-members

are $19 for nine holes and $28 for 18 holes.

Weekend fees are $21 for nine holes and

$30 for 18 holes.

Junior golfers under age 11 can play nine

holes for $3 on weekdays. Fees for juniors

ages 12-17 are $8 for nine holes.

Golf cart rentals are $14 for nine holes

and $28 for 18. Rental clubs are $5 for nine

holes or $9 for 18 holes. Pull-cart rentals are

$2 for nine holes or $3 for 18.

Collegiate Peaks Golf Course is at 28775

Fairway Dr. Go west from U.S. Highway 24 at

the stoplight in downtown Buena Vista and

drive 1.3 miles on CR 306.

For more information or to schedule a tee

time, call 395-8189 or visit collegiatepeaks-

golf.com.

Mount Massive Golf Course

Nestled in Colorado’s highest peaks

is Mount Massive Golf Course,

which is the highest golf course in

North America.

The regulation public course is located

at 259 CR 5, just three miles west of the

historic mining town of Leadville.

The course has an elevation of 9,680 feet

and provides a feeling of wide-open greens.

The course will be open from dawn to

dusk from May 7 to Oct. 9. Early bird and

twilight times for nine holes only are offered

before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m., all season, at a

reduced rate of $18.

Daily green fees for prime time are $23

for nine holes and $36 for 18. Golf cart

rentals are $13 for nine holes and $26 for 18

holes. Pull-cart rentals are $3 for nine and $5

for 18 holes. Rental clubs are $10 for nine

holes and $15 for 18. Balls for the driving

range are $4 for a small basket and $6 for a

large basket.

Punch passes are available. Ten-punch

passes are $190, are transferable and are

good any time all season.

Mount Massive Golf Course has an on-site

pro shop. Craig Stuller is a certifi ed golf

course superintendent and Robert Johnson

is the golf pro.

Tee times may be booked up to seven days

in advance by phone, in person or online.

For information or tee time reservations, call

486-2176 or visit mtmassivegolf.com.

Salida Golf Club

Salida Golf Club is a public nine-hole

course with views of the Sawatch

and the Sangre de Cristo mountain

ranges. The course is easy to walk and has a

family friendly atmosphere.

The challenges at this course at 404

Grant St. are the fast greens and eight water

features.

The season runs from April to October.

Numerous tournaments are held during the

season. Memberships are available.

The May hours of operation are 8 a.m. to

dusk and during the summer months the

course is open 7 a.m. to dusk.

The Salida Golf Club Bar and Grill is a

place to visit with people and to eat. A tra-

ditional bacon-and-eggs breakfast is offered

from 8 to 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner offerings

include burgers, cheese steak sandwiches,

salads and appetizers. Kids menus and low-

carbohydrate menus are available.

Weekday green fees for non-members are

$17 for nine holes; $27 for 18. On weekends,

it is $19 for nine holes and $29 for 18. Punch

cards for 10 nine-hole rounds are $160. Tee

time reservations are not required but are

recommended (two days in advance) during

the summer months. Rental clubs are avail-

able for $7 for nine holes and $14 for 18

holes. Cart rental fees per person are $7 for

nine holes and $14 for 18 holes.

The full-service pro shop, run by golf pro

Dow Stewart, offers clothing, equipment

bags and accessories. Stewart also offers

private lessons all summer. A junior program

is held during the fi rst week of June.

For more information or to schedule a tee

time, call 539-1060 or 539-6373 for the grill.

Visitsalidagolfclub.com.

— Kathy DavisChaffee County Times

Chaffee County's public golf courses are favorites of locals and visitors alike.

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 13A

Activities

Community parks, such as the children's bouldering park at the South Main community in Buena Vista, draw visitors and locals alike to enjoy a day outdoors in Chaffee County.

South Main courtesy photo

Community parks rock

By TAMARA HERLSalida

Even if you are on a tight budget this

summer, communities in the Upper

Arkansas River Valley have a variety

of municipal parks that provide space for

fun and free activities for people of all ages.

Salida ParksThere are 13 parks located within the

City of Salida. Three are major parks, while

the remainder are pocket parks that of-

fer fewer amenities but are conveniently

located for quick access throughout the

community.

Alpine Park, located at 339 “F” St.,

features several different playground equip-

ment areas, grassy areas, picnic tables, a

basketball court and restrooms. The deep

shade provided by the mature trees in this

park creates many spots to read a good

book, which can be found at Salida Regional

Library across the street.

Riverside Park, located at 150 E. Sack-

ett next to the Arkansas River, is a great

place to watch kayakers and other river

activities. Two new playholes have been

added to the river features in this park.

Large boulders along the river make excel-

lent front-row seats for viewing sporting

events or for relaxing while listening to the

soothing sounds of the water. Several loca-

tions where the water is shallow provide

opportunities for wading or cooling one’s

feet on hot summer days. A new feature at

this park, completed last year, is a climb-

ing wall. Park facilities also include a band

shell, playground equipment, picnic tables,

restrooms, a volleyball court and access to

Monarch Spur Trail, Salida’s paved bike and

walking path.

The Coors Boat Ramp near the Salida

SteamPlant (220 W. Sackett) is open to the

public at no charge. Restrooms – new in

2010 - are conveniently located at the boat

ramp.

Centennial Park, located at U.S. Hwy

50 and Holman, is an excellent place to

barbecue, and features a covered pavilion

that can be rented. Other amenities include

a basketball court, volleyball court, play-

ground equipment, restrooms and picnic

tables. Another thing that makes this park

attractive is the easy access to the hot

springs pool, which is just across the street.

Marvin Park, located along west U.S.

Hwy 291, includes a newly constructed

pump track which is perfect for bicyclists

who want to train for mountain trail riding.

The park also features four ball fi elds, rest-

rooms and picnic tables.

Pickets Park, located on 3rd and Hunt

at Park, features a single-hoop basketball

goal on a concrete pad.

Three pocket parks feature picnic areas: Koenig Park, located at 13th and An-gelview Circle, Nuno Park, located on

Pitkin at Ouray on the Mesa, and Harold Thonhoff Park, located on Poncha Boule-

vard across from the county courthouse.

Mack Witty Park, located on 3rd at

Poncha Boulevard, is a memorial park with

grassy areas but no picnic facilities

Monarch Spur Park, located on “I” St.

at 3rd next to the paved bike and walking

trail, Monarch Spur Trail, includes a picnic

area and viewing bench.

Chisholm Park, located at 324 Hunt,

includes playground equipment, a picnic

table, and two barbecue pits. There is no

restroom at this park.

One opportunity unique to Salida is

Loyal Duke’s Dog Park, located next to

the intersection of Monarch Spur Trail and

Holman Ave. This is a great place to take

your dog for off-leash exercise, play and

socializing with other dogs. The park, which

is maintained by Salida Dog Club, features

two fenced play areas, one for large dogs

and one for smaller canines. As there is no

water available on site, owners may want to

bring water for their dogs. Waste bags are

available, and there are benches in the park.

Personal pet toys are allowed if dogs are

not toy-aggressive.

Buena Vista ParksThe Town of Buena Vista has several

parks to enjoy.

One of the best features at McPhelemy Park at the intersection of U.S. 24 and

Main, is the town lake, which is stocked

regularly with fi sh. The park is also home to

the new Buena Vista Depot Transportation

Museum, set to open this summer. The mu-

seum will be in the restored 1880s depot at

the south end of the park, next to an 1880s

caboose. Both historic structures are main-

Continued, next page

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tained by Buena Vista Heritage. A special

feature of this park is the spillway, which is

lit at night with colorful lights that make a

great photo opportunity. Visitors can feed

the ducks, or visit the library, which is just

across the street. Other amenities include

tot-sized playground equipment, restrooms,

a footbridge to Cottonwood Creek and

picnic areas.

Two new wood sculptures, “The Prospec-

tor” and “The Traveler” have been installed

in the park for the enjoyment of visitors. A

paved path has been added on the east side

of the park.

Columbine Park along U.S. 24 south

of Main is a great place to picnic, especially

when carry-out food is your choice. The

park is centrally located for quick access to

nearby restaurants and shops. In addition to

picnic tables, amenities include restrooms,

playground equipment for older children

including six slides and access to Cotton-

wood Creek. Large, mature cottonwoods

provide deep shade for visitors when tem-

peratures climb.

Forest Square Park along U.S. 24 south

of Columbine Park, is an ideal choice for

people who want to learn more about the

town’s history. The Buena Vista Chamber

of Commerce offi ce, which is in the park,

provides information and maps of the area.

Other amenities include a covered pavilion,

basketball goal, restrooms, picnic tables,

and swings. Visitors can enjoy concerts on

Thursday evenings during the summer.

If you're in the mood for something a

little different, grab your driver and putter

discs and head to Buena Vista's very own

Disc Golf course. The nine hole course

through the sage brush, yucca and scrubby

pines offers a unique high desert landscape

with a fl avor all it's own. Nine additional

holes are slated to open in May 2011 so

come play a few rounds.

River Park Pavilion on East Main Street

features a launch pad for rafters and kayak-

ers, as well as hiking trails that connect to

the Barbara Whipple and Midland trails. This

park is a great area for water sports, and

includes a bridge where visitors can watch

commercial fl oat trips and kayakers. Ameni-

ties include a large round gazebo, rest-

rooms, picnic tables and access to a soccer

fi eld and courts for basketball and tennis.

Buena Vista Whitewater Park, along

the Arkansas river adjacent to Buena Vista

is one of the nation's newest and largest

whitewater parks.

Most days, you can fi nd rodeo kayakers

surfi ng, spinning and doing tricks in each

of the fi ve specially-engineered whitewa-

ter features. Every summer, Buena Vista's

annual whitewater event, Paddlefest, draws

the best kayakers from all over the world

to put on a weekend fi lled with clinics,

competitions and comaraderie. Check the

calendar for dates and times.

On the way south into the South Main

neighborhood, look to your left. Across the

street from the community center and built

by a local downhill mountain biking champi-

on, the Buena Vista Pump Track is a new

kind of bike park. Dirt mounds have been

carefully packed and shaped to create a bike

course that can, with practice, be ridden

without peddling, just pumping! It's great

exercise and lots of fun. Bring your bikes or

grab a rental from a local shop. You'll be glad

you did.

The pump track is open from dawn to

dusk, weather permitting, to bicyclists of all

ages. Helmets are recommended and no

motor vehicles are allowed.

South Main is a neighborhood fi lled

with people who love the river. Follow

any sidewalk east and you'll

quickly fi nd yourself strolling

down a stone-lined riverside

path, listening to the water

tumble over rocks early on it's

journey to the gulf of Mexico.

The trails are part of the Buena

Vista River Park system which

include public walking, hiking

and biking trails. They are well-

marked with interpretive signs

that guide the reader through

the rich history of our town

from mining and railroading to

the present day.

A sitting area often makes

visitors look twice, with its

resemblance to a modern-day sitting room,

complete with a concrete and tile couch,

end table and lamp. A restaurant, art gallery

and other businesses are across the street.

There are no restrooms or picnic facilities

in this park.

Be sure to try the Buena Vista Boul-der Garden and Town Square Boulder

at South Main.

Kids and adults will really enjoy the new

climbing boulders. The boulder in town

square is easy to fi nd but you'll have to

explore a bit to get to ‘The Garden’. Follow

Swift street (it's paved with cobble stones)

to the Buena Vista Boulder Garden; This

public pocket park serves kids and climbing

pros alike with several large, natural-style

boulders that are built specifi cally for climb-

ing. They are covered with rock climbing

holds and routes that range from easy

to hard. Step right up and give it a shot!

For those not yet ready for the cover of

Climbing magazine, The Buena Vista Boulder

Garden is also home to a special, ‘Rocks and

Ropes’ course designed just for kids.

Millie Crymble Park, a pocket park on

Marquette, features a picnic area and play-

ground equipment as well as a sitting area

that provides great views of the surround-

ing mountains.

Poncha Springs ParksVisitors will also want to stop by the

town of Poncha Springs, and its three parks.

Chipeta Park is at 330 Burnett Ave.,

across the street from the town hall. This

park is a great place for history buffs to visit

since the building where the city offi ce is

housed was constructed in 1882 and served

as a two-room school house.

The building is listed on the Colorado

State Historic Registry and once housed

a display of teachers’ memorabilia. In case

visitors need a recess, they can access the

park’s many amenities, including a covered

picnic area, playground equipment, barbe-

cue grills, a basketball court, an area with a

backstop for baseball, a bandstand area with

bleachers and restrooms.

Hoover Park at 80 Evans Ave. features

an open picnic area with a barbecue grill,

benches, playground equipment, a grassy

area and outdoor restroom facilities in the

summer.

Perhaps the best-kept secret of Poncha

Springs is the Disc Golf Course on CR

115 off U.S. 285. Frisbee golfers enjoy the

diversity of the 18-hole course, which in-

cludes many elevation changes and challeng-

es presented by trees and other obstacles.

The course provides a great alternative for

those who want a sport that is inexpensive

and physically accessible for all ages and

athletic ranges. Ample parking and outdoor

restroom facilities are available.

Continued from previous page

Parks

Salida’s Riverside Park has a walking path from which its ideal to stop and skip rocks under the F Street Bridge.

Kevin Hoffman photo

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 15A

by JIM KONOWITZPresident

Arkansas Valley Astronomical Society

The Arkansas Valley Astronomi-

cal Society is a group of amateur

astronomers and people inter-

ested in the night sky. AVAS meets monthly

to stargaze at the wondrous night sky we

all share in Chaffee County. People of all

ages – children through seniors – and of all

knowledge levels from the novice to the

experienced gather to gaze at and discuss

the countless objects we can see with the

naked eye, binoculars and telescopes.

AVAS monthly meetings are always open

to the public. Weather permitting, meet-

ings are usually held once a month on the

Friday or Saturday that precedes the new

moon. This strategy allows for a dark sky

and some future predictability of when

each meeting might be scheduled. One

or more telescopes are always set up for

everyone to do some stargazing. This year

some evenings for lunar (moon) viewing

are being scheduled too.

AVAS welcomes invitations from visitors

and community members to assist with

hosting stargazing parties. Groups we have

worked with include a large group of camp-

ers visiting the area, youth summer camps

and school science classes.

For the past few years we have assisted

the park rangers at Eleven Mile State Park

in evaluating and optimizing astronomi-

cal equipment they own and to purchase

new equipment. Working with them to

host public stargazing in the park around

the time of the Perseid Meteor Shower in

August has become an annual event.

For more information about AVAS visit

www.fourteenernet.com/avas. In addition

to information about the group, news and

plans for the next stargazing opportunity

are available. A link is also provided to sign

up to receive e-mail announcements about

upcoming activities.

Guests welcome to view night skywith local astronomical society

by ARLENE SHOVALDSalida

Whether looking through a

kitchen window or observing

in the isolation of a high coun-

try lake, area bird watchers have a wealth

of opportunities to observe the winged

creatures among us.

Birders — those who observe birds as

a hobby or as a more dedicated interest,

fi nd Chaffee County an excellent place to

indulge their interest, Ann Ewing of the U.S.

Forest Service offi ce in Salida said.

Adding to the appeal of birding is that

it is something in which almost anyone

can participate. Birding sites are found on

wheelchair accessible trails, hiking trails and

comfortable park benches, among other

locations.

“This area is rich for birders. It is relax-

ing to engage one’s senses to enjoy specifi c

breed calls, colors, shapes and activities,”

Ewing noted.

Bird books are available at the U.S. Forest

Service at 325 W. Rainbow Blvd. U.S. 50 in

Salida, at the Arkansas Headwaters Rec-

reation Area Offi ce at 307 W. Sackett Ave.

and at The Book Haven, 128 F St. in Salida

to help those who aren’t familiar with our

feathered friends identify the different spe-

cies.

Ewing said different natural zones in this

area provide ample opportunity to observe

a variety of birds locally. Prime areas include

the Arkansas River corridor, foothills, back-

yard feeders and off county roads.

The forest service offi ce in Salida devel-

oped a birding display and a checklist of

birds that can be observed in the area.

Ewing and birder Sherry York of Salida

suggest the following online resources for

those who wish to learn more about bird-

ing locally and statewide:

Colorado Birding Trail: Chaffee County is

among the areas that comprise the Colo-

rado Birding Trail. Information about the

trail in the area can be obtained online at

coloradobirdingtrail.com. “Once at the site,

click on the Rocky Mountains link and then

on the Headwater subcategory.

Colorado Field Ornithologists: The Colo-

rado Field Ornithologists (zoologists who

study birds) have an informative website

coloradocountybirding.org.

Bird Survey Information: This is the

fourth year of a volunteer program survey-

ing the number of breeding birds statewide.

For more information, or to volunteer to

report your own birding observations, view

cobreedingbirdatlasii.org.

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Page 16A — NowThisisColorado.com

By KEVIN HOFFMANMountain Mail, Salida

August is certain to draw

crowds to Chaffee

County when the best

road cyclists in the world com-

pete against the states high alpine

passes during the USA Pro Cycling

Challenge.

The Category 1 stage race will

host seven days of competitive

cycling Aug. 22-28. Chaffee County

with its central location will be at

the epicenter of the race.

Two stages will take place within

the county on Aug. 23, starting in

Salida, and Aug. 24 routing through

Buena Vista.

Taking place in the heat of the

pro cycling season the USA Pro

Cycling Challenge is being billed as

an American answer to the Tour

de France.

Conceived by Lance Armstrong,

the race is expected to be the

most demanding professional

bike race ever held in the United

States. Over the course of seven

days racers will cover nearly 600

mountainous miles winding over

some of the highest mountain

passes in the country.

With elevations over 12,000

feet, downhills reaching 60 miles

per hour and riders exposed to 50

percent less oxygen than normal,

organizers expect Colorado to

showcase a race that will hopefully

gain global recognition.

Sanctioned by Union Cycliste

Internationale, a European govern-

ing body, the race was fi rst an-

nounced under the Quizno’s name

and was renamed as the USA Pro

Cycling Challenge in April.

The Pro Cycling Challenge will

host as many as 128 professional

cyclists from 16 teams.

With the 2011 Tour de France,

concluding on July 24, top inter-

national teams are expected to

compete. One of the draws is that

the Colorado event boasts high

altitude competition in the middle

of the cycling season for some the

sports brightest stars.

In addition, the Pro Cycling

Challenge will arrive in Chaffee

County at a time when tour-

ism begins to taper and the river

levels are dropping. The event is

expected to provide exposure for

the area and a spike in tourism.

A television deal with the NBC

Sports Group and their Versus

network will provide 25 hours of

coverage during the stages. Versus

will cover 3.5 hours each day and

NBC will carry live coverage dur-

ing the fi nal stage of the race from

noon to 2 p.m. on Aug. 28 while

riders approach the fi nish line in

Denver.

Two stages take place in Chaffee

County including Stage 2, from

Salida to Crested Butte over

SUMMERSUMMER 2011NOWNOW

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Racers in a previous Salida Ominium, now Salida Classic.Photo courtesy Chaffee County Visitor’s Bureau/Brian Stocker/www.stockerphoto.com

Top international cyclists compete in Chaffee County

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 1B

Continued, page 6B

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Page 2B — NowThisisColorado.com

Outdoors

By BEN WYGANTChaffee County Times Correspondent

From a recreation standpoint, the

Arkansas Valley has always been

considered the whitewater pow-

erhouse of Colorado. However, in recent

years the area has become renowned for

its variety of world-class rock climbing

opportunities – from competitions on

artifi cial boulders to classic multi-pitch

trad climbing to the vibrant and emerging

natural bouldering scene.

The newest additions to the valley’s

climbing lineup are the man-made boulders

in the South Main development in Buena

Vista. According to Jed Selby, president of

the South Main Initiative, “Our vision for

the boulders was to have direct, easy ac-

cess to the sport that we love to do.”

The boulders, built in 2009, have quickly

gained plenty of attention. “They’ve seen

quite a bit of use,” says Selby. “A lot of

locals use them pretty regularly and they’ve

also become a destination for travelers

who want to spend an afternoon climbing

in Buena Vista.”

The boulders also have become a local

training ground for climbers seeking to im-

prove upon their skills. According to Selby,

these boulders are designed with holds and

routes that are often more challenging than

the features of natural rock, with lines that

can easily push the limits of even the most

experienced climbers.

“They’re excellent for training,” he says,

“and many people use them for that.”

The South Main Boulders have also

gained much wider regional attention,

thanks to an American Bouldering Series

qualifi er held there last summer. While no

competitions are planned for the immedi-

ate future, the feedback from past events

has been exemplary, and has established

these boulders as a regional climbing des-

tination.

For those climbers looking to venture bit

higher, Chaffee County offers dozens of es-

tablished natural climbing areas all over the

Arkansas Valley. Many of the more popular

areas lie just north of Buena Vista, includ-

ing such classic crags as Bob’s Rock, Turkey

Rock, Pumphouse and Davis Face. Many of

these areas feature granite faces with 50

to 100 feet of vertical climbing, with the

exception of Davis Face, which has several

multi-pitch climbing routes from 400 to

500 feet. A guidebook is available for these

and other well-known local climbing areas

at most of the outdoor shops in the valley.

While the larger rock faces in the area

have seen a fair amount of climbing for

the past several decades, Chaffee County’s

bouldering scene has only recently come

to the surface.

“There’s a growing amount of boulder-

ing around that’s not documented in any

books,” says Dustin Urban, a local climber

who has explored many of the local crags.

Urban recommends exploring the boulders

at the Turtle Rock scree fi eld near the

entrance to Bob’s Rock, the Buenie Boul-

ders that lie on the left side of the road

leading to Ruby Mountain, and the Agnes

Vail boulder in the Chalk Creek Valley.

While a Buena Vista bouldering guidebook

is rumored to be in the works, Urban says

that the most up-to-date resource on local

bouldering information would be www.

mountainproject.com.

“There’s a growing number of people

who are developing the area right now,” he

says. “It’s pretty cool to see.”

Climbers fi nd in-town andbackcountry challenges

The American Bouldering Series climbing competi-tion in Sept. 2010 at the boulders at South Main.

Dustin Urban photo

The Upper Arkansas Valley’s terrain makes it an ideal location for climbers to test their skills.Kevin Hoffman photo

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World’s Longest Highway Chalk DrawingCLASSES - CLASSES - CLASSES

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CR 317

CR 371

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Pine St.

Cedar St.

Gold St.

California St.

S. Railroad St.

Ramsour RdArizona St.

Yale Ave

River Trail

W. Sterling

Park Ln

Beldan St

Court St

E. Main

Brookdale Ave

Cottonwood Creek

MIDLAND

HILL TRAILBARBARAWHIPPLE

TRAIL

VISITOR CENTER/BUENA VISTA CHAMBER

OF COMMERCE

South Main

Gregg Dr.

Main St.

Cottonwood

Pass Rd.-CR3

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Steele

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RIVERPARK

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WATERCOURSE

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Skate Park

Rest Rooms

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POINTS OF INTEREST

RECREATION AREAS

1. Visitor’s Center/Chamber of Commerce/Forest Square Park

2.Town Hall

3. Library

4. McPhelemy Park

5. Heritage Museum

6. Community Center

7. Public Boat Ramp

& River Park8. Post Office

9.Turner Farm

10. Collegiate Peaks

Golf Course

11. Rodeo Grounds

12. Airport

343 US Hwy 24, South, Buena Vista719-395-6612

www.buenavistacolorado.org

• BUENA VISTA Population, 2,195; elevation 7,964 feet; founded

1879 as an agricultural, mining and railroad center.

1. Visitor’s Center: Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce and Forest

Square Park.

2. Town Hall.

3. Buena Vista Public Library: The library offers a full range of

services including Internet access to check e-mail or log on to news

services.

4. McPhelemy Park and Town Lake: Both are on land donated by

the Buena Vista Land Company when the town was formed. The dam

at the lake has a recessed area under which colored electric lights

are turned on during summer evenings, providing beautiful reflections

in the water. A former depot of the Denver Leadville & Gunnison

Railroad is on site.

5. Buena Vista Heritage Museum: 506 E. Main, the former

Chaffee County Courthouse, was built in 1882-83 and once served

as a school house. The Buena Vista Model Railroad upstairs offers

an excellent historical display of the Arkansas Valley railroad system

in the 1880s.

6. Community Center.

7. Buena Vista Recreational River Park: 90 acres, located at the

east end of Main Street along the Arkansas River.

Boat launch, play wave area for rafters and kayakers, picnic tables,

trails overlooking the Arkansas, access to the river for trout

fishing, (handicap accessible), public restrooms, footbridge across

river, soccer field, softball and baseball fields, sand volleyball court,

basketball court, pump track, disc golf course and covered pavilion.

The park also includes the Barbara Whipple Trail, which connects

to the Midland Trail. Open to hikers and mountain bikers, the trail

continues east about 12 miles toward Trout Creek Pass.

8. United States Post Office.

9. Turner Farm: On West Main Street in Buena Vista, the Turner

Farm is a living history site, complete with an apple orchard, farm

house, barn, and many vestiges of its former heyday. It is open to

tours and to public events, including the annual Apple Fest held in

September.

10. Collegiate Peaks Golf Course.

11. Rodeo Grounds.

12. Central Colorado Regional Airport.

13. South Main and Buena Vista Boulder Park.

VistaBuena

Page 4B — NowThisisColorado.com

Mountains

For more cycling information, be sure to pick up a free copy of the Upper Arkansas Valley Cycling Guide, available at local newsracks.

By KEVIN HOFFMANMountain Mail, Salida

The Upper Arkansas Valley is known

as a mountain biking destination,

drawing riders from across the

region. As summer weather dries mud into

single track the number of trails available

grows exponentially.

A variety of options for riders of any abil-

ity exist across the valley.

Traveling six miles east of Johnson Village

on U.S. 285, Castle Rock Gulch is the per-

fect place for families to spend an afternoon

mountain biking together. Easy, scenic, and

relatively free of traffi c, explore the loop

options of CR 187 and CR 188. While the

full loop is just over nine miles long, many

people prefer to simply explore and gaze at

the rock formations along CR 188. To get

there, exit U.S. 285 at CR 307 and follow it

to CR 187. Turn right and drive about 3.5

miles to CR 188. Park

at this intersection and

start the clockwise loop

by following CR 188

east and downhill.

In the same area, the

riding atop Fourmile

Road east of Buena Vista

offers unparalleled views

of the Arkansas Valley

from Mount Massive to

the northern Peaks of

the Sangre de Cristo

Mountain Range. This

ride begins where CR

375 intersects CR 371

(The River Road) just

south of the old rail tun-

nels, and climbs CR 375

for a little more than

5 miles. At the inter-

section with CR 377,

continue straight and

uphill on CR 377 until

you cross the crest of

the ridge. Glide downhill

for another 0.75 miles

to a large pullout on the

left. Watch for traffi c

on your way back to the

river.

Heading farther north

on U.S. 24 few things are better than a ride

through the lakeside stands of aspen at

Twin Lakes. The moderate single track of

the Interlaken Loop is the best way to do

it. Starting at the Twin Lakes Visitor Center,

ride east on CO 82 for approximately 1.5

miles until you reach the Colorado Trail

intersection. From there a network of trails

take you around the lake and return you

to the visitor center at approximately 14.5

miles.

An advanced cyclist never tires of the

perfect singletrack of the Colorado Trail

between Mt. Princeton and South Cotton-

wood Creek. Fast and technically chal-

lenging, this is a longtime favorite of local

cyclists. The ride begins at the Mt. Princeton

parking area near the Young Life Frontier

Ranch up CR 162 west of Nathrop. Ride up

Mt. Princeton Road for about a mile then

turn right at the singletrack intersection

of the Colorado Trail. Follow this exquisite

line for a little more than seven miles, until

you reach the South Cottonwood Creek

trailhead. Return along the same route

or arrange a shuttle at Cottonwood Hot

Springs and enjoy a post ride soak in the

cool fall air.

Another spectacular autumn ride in the

same area is the Alpine Tunnel Route. Drive

on CR 162 past the Chalk Cliffs area to a

parking area with restrooms on the left side

of the road before the St. Elmo ghost town

15 miles from U.S. 285.

The ride starts with six miles of railroad

grade towards the Ghost town of Hancock.

The Alpine Tunnel Route continues out of

Hancock to the tunnel, constructed in the

1880’s with California Redwood Timbers.

As part of the continental Divide National

Scenic trail the tunnel is closed to public

entry and the east portal on the other

side can be viewed by climbing a trail over

Altman Pass. As an out-and-back the ride

covers 18-19 miles rising to an elevation

of 12,000 feet at the top of the pass. For

those looking for a less strenuous ride fol-

low the signs out of Hancock towards the

seasonal town of St. Elmo which lies closer

to 10,000 ft. in elevation. Depending on

either option there are informative signs

outlining the history of the area.

Southern Arkansas Valley rides also offer

local rides that shouldn’t be missed. For a

shorter outing from Salida a new stacked-

loop system called the Arkansas Hills Trail

System is open to the public. The frontside

trail is easy access from Salida and ascends

the Frontside of Tenderfoot Mountain. To

get to the higher parking and kiosk take U.S.

291 north out of Salida and before leaving

town take a right on CR 175. CR 175 jogs

to the east and becomes Spiral Drive. Fol-

low Spiral about .5 miles past a water tank

to a parking area with a kiosk detailing the

trail system with diffi culties and distances.

Lil’ Rattler and the Backbone trails are

transition trails that lead to more diffi cult

offshoot trails in a stacked loop layout. The

area showcases the rugged desert ter-

Mountain and road cycling a destination for families, pros

Competitors in a Colorado high school mountain bike race at the McMurry ranch near Nathrop added a new dimension to cycling in the area last fall.

Kevin Hoffman photo

Continued, Page 6B

Duck RaceDuck Race

StorytellingStorytelling

Gem PanningGem Panning

Toilet Seat RacesToilet Seat Races

Beer GardenBeer Garden

Kids' ActivitiesKids' Activities

100 Vendors100 Vendors

Buena VistaBuena Vista Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce343 Hwy 24 South, Buena Vista - 719-395-6612

www.buenavistacolorado.org

August 13 & 14, 2011

En

tertain

men

tEn

tertain

men

t

Burro RaceBurro Race

Gold Rush Gold Rush

DaysDays

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Open Mon.-Thurs. 10am-6pmFri. & Sat. 10am-8pm

Family-friendly Books for All AgesSpecializing in:

Christian Books • CDs • DVDs • Greeting Cards

Great Kids' Books and Toys

Jewelry • T-Shirts • Unique Gifts

Locally Sewn Children's Clothes & Accessories

Seasonal Beverages

Son ower BooksSon ower Books

Patio Dining by the FountainPatio Dining by the Fountain

Reservations advised 395-8810Reservations advised 395-8810

Hwy. 24 N. at ArkansasHwy. 24 N. at Arkansas

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Activities

Photo and story

By NATE WARDSalida

The Monarch Crest Crank is the

historic fundraiser for the Chaffee

County Alliance Against Domestic

Abuse (AADA) and this year it will be big-

ger and better than ever.

To start with, the event will now be open

to all ability levels and people who don’t

even mountain bike. AADA will continue to

offer advanced mountain bikers the chance

to ride the famed Monarch Crest Trail, as it

has since 1998.

Less experienced mountain bikers will

now have a chance to ride some of the

great new singletrack in Salida – the Salida

Mountain Trails (SMT). The SMT represents

one of the coolest community trail build-

ing projects in Colorado and the trails

are suited to intermediate and beginner

mountain bikers.

Finally, for those who don’t mountain bike

at all, we now have a

Historic Salida Cruiser

Ride for all ability levels.

This ride will wind

through the streets of

Salida and take in some

of the area’s more

interesting historical

spots. Want to learn

about ghosts, gunfi ghts

and historic architec-

ture without breaking a

sweat? This is the ride

for you.

Entry remains $75,

plus pledges, and

includes the ride, guide,

shuttle, t-shirt and of

course, our legendary

party in Riverside Park

after the ride. The top

fundraiser wins a stylish

new cruiser bike.

Come join us in the

fun and help raise funds

to support the impor-

tant work of AADA.

This year our ride is

on August 21, 2011

and space is limited.

Visit our website for

complete details and

registration – Monar-

chCrestCrank.com.

Crest Crank annual benefi t ride

The Monarch Crest Trail is a renowned area route, and one of the venues for AADA’s fund raising efforts this year.

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 5B

Grace ChurchGrace ChurchEpiscopal / United MethodistEpiscopal / United Methodist

203 W. Main, Buena Vista203 W. Main, Buena Vista

Worship with usWorship with us in thisin this

Historic ChurchHistoric Church

Sunday WorshipSunday Worship 7:30 AM7:30 AM

June, July, & Aug.June, July, & Aug.& 9:00 am& 9:00 am

ALL BO

OKED UP BOOKSHOP

YZ

Est. 1988

Email: allbookedup@amigo.net 134 E. First Street • Downtown Salida 719-539-2344

Antiques, CollectiblesArt & Decor

Heirlooms Gallery

Chaffee County’s Oldest BookshopYZ

New, Used &Vintage Books

Guides & Maps

OpenDailyLunch &Dinner

Wood FiredWood FiredPizza &Pizza & PastaPastaSpecialsSpecials

SaladsSalads

PaniniPaniniSandwichesSandwiches

Wheat &Wheat & Gluten FreeGluten Free ChoicesChoices

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Salida

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Breakfast Served Anytime!

OPEN DAILY 6 am - 2 pm Voted "Best Breakfast" in Salida

U.S. Hwy. 50 E. • Salida • 539-9905

“Quality Foodat Low Prices”

• Mountains • Streams • Kitchenettes • Fireplaces

CABINS at

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116 F Street • 530-0533 • www.kaltoys.com

• Educational Toys & Games

• Infant Clothing & Gifts

• Children’s Books

• Sun Hats

• Outdoor Toys

• Arts & Crafts

348 West 1st St., Downtown Salida 719-539-8636

Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 10:00 pmSunday - 11-8 pm

HUGE SELECTION of wine, liquor & microbrews!

Friendly, knowledgeable staff!Weekly in-house Specials!

• all wine & champagne every Thursday• all beer 10am-noon, Saturdays

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COTOPAXI, COLORADOMile Marker 250 Hwy 50 •

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DOWNTOWN SALIDA105 North F Street •

Page 6B — NowThisisColorado.com

Monarch Pass, and Stage 3, from Gunnison

to Aspen over Cottonwood and Indepen-

dence Passes. Both are expected to be

very diffi cult mountain stages showcasing

the surrounding area.

Stage 2, with its start in Salida, will

feature a racers’ pit in which the cyclists

can interact with the public. There will

also be a parade roll-out with laps around

Salida before cyclists begin racing towards

Monarch Pass.

Stage 3 would likely be billed as the

premiere stage with a similarity to the high

attitude Alpe d'Huez fi nish in the Tour de

France. The back-to-back high altitude

passes during that stage could prove as

the biggest single day challenge for riders.

Buena Vista lies at the low point between

the two passes and will be a spectator

destination for that stage.

The following four stages take riders

to other premiere destinations across the

state.

A crew of about 500 people is expected

to travel behind the racers in an estimated

100 support vehicles accounting for a train

nearly four miles long at times.

The 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stages

Aug. 22 – Stage 1, Prologue time trial,

Colorado Springs

Aug. 23 – Stage 2, Salida to Crested

Butte, the fi rst mountain stage

Aug. 24 – Stage 3, Gunnison to Aspen,

mountain stage routing through Buena Vista

Aug. 25 – Stage 4, Vail, time trail, former

Coors Classic stage

Aug. 26 – Stage 5, Avon to Steamboat

Springs

Aug. 27 – Stage 6, Steamboat Springs to

Breckenridge

Aug. 28 – Stage 7, Golden to Denver

USA Pro CyclingContinued from page 1B

rain east of Salida and remains open until

December.

The system is a work in progress with

volunteers from Salida Mountain Trails add-

ing onto the system regularly. Trail updates

are available at Absolute Bikes in Salida.

For an alpine experience like no other

the Monarch Crest Trail can’t be beat.

This local favorite is usually late to open

due to the elevation, starting at 11, 312

feet; however riding it in autumn offers an

escape from summer traffi c. The Rainbow

Trail along the Silver Creek drainage offers

excellent riding later in the season. The

ride begins at the top of Monarch Pass

and variations continue to Poncha Pass

on U.S. 285 after 28 miles of single track.

Commercial shuttle services are available

through Poncha Springs.

ROAD CYCLING

Skinny tire fans are discovering road

riding fun of the Upper Arkansas

Valley as well. A variety of routes

beckon roadies around Salida, Buena Vista

and Poncha Springs.

Those looking for friendlier terrain can

choose from loops like CR 160-U.S. 285-

Colo. 291 out of Salida or from Buena Vista,

Rodeo Road/CR 321 south to Mount Princ-

eton, then CR 162 to Nathrop and U.S. 285

back to Buena Vista.

Those seeking more challenging rides

have Poncha, Monarch, Cottonwood and

Independence passes upon which to test

their mettle. A few have even ridden all four

— 230 miles, 15,000 feet elevation gain or

so — in one day … but we don’t recom-

mend bragging on this because of the sanity

issues such rides raise.

Early morning, late spring and summer

valley rides are exquisite. A tinge of cool,

warming sun, little if any wind, light traffi c

and open road. Just crank!

Cautionary notes: We’d be remiss if we

didn’t issue some warnings here. Weekend

traffi c on U.S. 50, 285 or 24 can be down-

right nasty, especially summer afternoons.

Be wary on U.S. 50 west of Poncha, espe-

cially of crazy drivers attempting to pass

on the fl ats. Head up, single fi le, far right, on

your toes is absolutely the only way here,

which is good advice on just about any road

any time.

We don’t recommend Trout Creek Pass:

no shoulder, tightening curves, inexperi-

enced mountain drivers and traffi c.

For a complete detail of local mountain

biking get a copies of “Arkansas Valley

Mountain Biking” by Mark Wolff and “Single

Track and Tarmac” by Nathan Ward. Head-

waters of Adventure also released the free

2009 Mountain Bike Guide featuring maps

of many of the listed trails. Many of the

route description were taken from those

guides.

Area cyclingContinued from page 1B

Road cyclists enjoy a spin on U.S. 285 near Salida.Kevin Hoffman photo

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• art • clothing• jewelry • home decor • gifts

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 7B

Salida &Poncha Springs173

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©AVP 2011

VISITOR CENTER/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

406 W. Hwy 50 719-539-2068877-772-5432

salidachamber.org

Maxwell

Illinois

Poncha Blvd.

Ouray

POINTS OFINTEREST

1. Salida SteamPlant2. AHRA3. Salida River Park 4. Salida Skate Park5. Riverside Park6. Municipal Buildings7. Post Office8. Library9. Alpine Park10. Marvin Park11. Salida Golf Club12. County Courthouse13. Hospital14. Salida Museum15. Visitor's Center16. Hot Springs Pool & Centennial Park17. John Held Auditorium

(Salida High School)18. Frantz Lake, Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery19. Sand Lake20.Tenderfoot Mountain21. F22. Division of Wildlife23. Loyal Duke Dog Park

orest Service

16

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Mtn. TrailsSpiral Dr.

Grand Ave.

151

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144

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To Buena Vista

To Monarch

To SalidaCHAFFEE COUNTY

FAIRGROUNDS

4

16

3

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2

POINTS OF INTEREST1. Town Hall/Chipeta Park2. Chaffee County Fairgrounds3. Hoover Ranch Park4. Visitors Center5. Disc Golf6. Post Office

E. Ouray Ave.

Ponc

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Poncha Springs Ln.

E. Sabeta Ave.

E. Poncha Ave.

MAP HIGHLIGHTS:

• SALIDA: Population 5,504; elevation 7,036 feet;

founded 1880.

• Salida Trail: Steam Plant at West Sackett and G

streets; bikers, hikers; loops past Frantz Lake, Mount

Shavano Fish Hatchery, Sand Lake.

1. SteamPlant: Salida performing arts center, outdoor

sculpture garden, river walk.

2. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: Offi ce at

G and Sackett streets; river park, area info.

3. Salida River Park: Downtown river walk,

picnicking, kayak play hole, Coors Boat Ramp, slalom

course, river fun.

4. Salida Skate Park: First and G streets; open from

dawn to dusk.

5. Riverside Park: Kids’ playground, picnic area,

events, festivals, Salida Rotary Amphitheater.

8. Salida Regional Library: Fourth and E streets;

open to the public.

14. Salida Museum: Memorial Day-Labor Day, U.S.

50 and I streets, next to chamber, hot springs pool,

Centennial Park.

16. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, Salida

Chamber of Commerce and Centennial Park: Hot

springs pool; group picnic area and pavilion; basketball,

volleyball, tennis, fi tness courts; playground; Heart of

the Rockies Chamber of Commerce; Salida Museum.

20. Tenderfoot Mountain: 'S' Mountain, Christmas

Mountain USA; rises 550 feet above downtown.

Gazebo at the top provides great views of Sawatch,

Sangre de Cristo ranges, downtown and river.

21. U.S. Forest Service: U.S. 50, 719-539-3591.

22. Division of Wildlife: U.S. 50,

719-530-5520

Harriet Alexander Field: CR 140, 3 miles west of

Salida; numerous fl ying services.

• PONCHA SPRINGS: Population 474; elevation

7,465 feet; founded 1880.1. Poncha Springs Town Hall: Built in 1882. Originally a school building.2. Chaffee County Fairgrounds: Rodeo grounds, meeting and events center.3. Hoover Ranch Park4. Poncha Springs Visitor Center.

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Page 8B — NowThisisColorado.com

Outdoors

Following are some of the valley’s

recreational trails. An area map is

located on pages 10 and 11B.

Please note, trailheads and road condi-

tions occasionally change. Inquire locally

about conditions before you head out.

Salida areaStarvation Creek U.S. 285 to CR 200, 10 miles southwest

of Poncha Springs.

Attractions: Marshall Pass, Starvation

Creek.

Length: 6.5 miles.

Use: Foot, horse and mountain bike.

Difficulty: More difficult.

USGS map: Bonanza.

Elevation: 9,000-11,000.

South Fooses CreekU.S. 50 to CR 225, 13 miles west of

Salida.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Trout stream, mountain bik-

ing.

Length: 6 miles.

Use: Foot, horse and mountain bike.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS: Garfield, Pahlone.

Elevation: 8,000-12,000.

Pass CreekU.S. 50, 6 miles west of Salida to CR

210, then on CR 212.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Pass Creek Lake.

Length: 4 miles.

Use: Foot, horse, motorcycle.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.

USGS map: Pahlone Peak.

Elevation: 10,000-12,000.

Waterdog LakesU.S. 50, 17 miles west of Salida.

Facilities: Parking off of Hwy 50.

Attractions: High lakes, Continental

Divide.

Length: 1.7 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Garfield.

Elevation: 10,400-11,400.

Mount ShavanoU.S. 50 west to CR 250, north on CR

252 to Blanks Cabin, north one-half mile

to trailhead.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Climbing 14,229-foot

Mount Shavano.

Length: 4 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: Most difficult.

USGS map: Poncha Springs.

Elevation: 10,000-14,000.

Rainbow TrailU.S. 285 south of Poncha Springs; U.S.

50 east, with trailheads at Mears Junction,

Methodist Mountain (P-9), Bear Creek (P-

10) and Hayden Creek (R-11).

Facilities: Parking areas.

Attractions: Streams, Sangre de Cristo

Range.

Length: 52 miles in Salida Ranger

District; trail extends south to Great Sand

Dunes.

Use: Foot, horse, motorcycle.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Howard, Bonanza, Electric

Peak.

Elevation: 9,000-10,000.

Little Cochetopa CreekU.S. 50, 6 miles west of Salida to CR

210. Rough road last 3 miles.

Facilities: Parking area.

Attractions: Trout streams and beaver

ponds, Mts. Chipeta, Ouray.

Length: 6 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Poncha Springs.

Elevation: 8,000-12,000.

Green’s CreekU.S. 50, 9 miles west of Salida.

Facilities: Trailhead, shelter at top of

Continental Divide.

Attractions: Trout stream.

Length: 7 miles.

Use: Foot, horse, motorcycle.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Pahlone Peak, Poncha

Springs.

Elevation: 8,000-12,000.

Browns CreekU.S. 285 to CR 270, 12 miles northwest

of Salida.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Trout stream, Browns Lake

Length: 6 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: More difficult.

USGS map: Poncha Springs.

Elevation: 9,000-11,000.

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Buena Vista areaDenny CreekU.S. 24 to CR 306, 12 miles west of

Buena Vista.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Brown’s Pass, Mount Yale.

Length: 4 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: More difficult.

USGS map: Mount Yale.

Elevation: 10,000-12,000.

Colorado TrailCR 306 west of Buena Vista, or CR 365.

Facilities: Parking, trailheads.

Attractions: Sawatch Range, 14,000-foot

peaks, Harvard Lakes.

Length: 16 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: More difficult.

USGS map: Buena Vista, Poncha Springs.

Elevation: 9,000-12,000.

Alpine TunnelColo. 162 off U.S. 285, North Fork of

Chalk Creek.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Old narrow gauge railroad

grade, collapsed Alpine Tunnel, lake.

Length: 3 miles.

Use: Foot, horseback

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Garfield.

Elevation: 11,000-12,000.

Agnes Vaille Falls

At Nathrop, take CR 162 west about 6

miles to the Agnes Vaille Falls trailhead.

Attractions: Short interpretive trail with

waterfall. Attractions: Mountain goats and

bighorn sheep, Chalk Cliffs, waterfalls.

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 8,600 - 9,200

N. Cottonwood CreekCR 350, northwest of Buena Vista, then

turn on CR 361 to CR 365.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: High lakes, Collegiate Peaks

Wilderness.

Length: 6 miles to Bear Lake; 5 miles to

Kroenke Lake.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS BV, Mount Harvard.

Elevation: 10,000-12,000.

Kroenke LakeTravel north of BV to CR 350, west on

350, 2 miles to junction with CR 361, 1

mile on 361 to CR 365 junction, 2 miles

on 365 to parking for 2WD vehicles. 6

miles total to the trailhead.

Facilities: Trailhead.

Attractions: Collegiate Peaks

Wilderness, breathtaking views of Mts.

Yale, Columbia, Harvard.

Length: 4 miles.

Use: Foot, horse.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Mount Yale

Agnes Vaille Falls near Buena Vista. Chris McGinnis photo

Continued, Page 12B

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Page 10B — NowThisisColorado.com 2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 11B

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Page 12B — NowThisisColorado.com

Trails

Lost Lake, Chaffee County. Chris McGinnis photo

Poplar Gulch12 miles west of Buena Vista off CR 344.

Facilities: Parking area.

Attractions: High peaks.

Length: 6 miles.

Use: Foot, horse and motorcycle.

Difficulty: More difficult.

USGS maps: Mount Harvard, Garfield.

Elevation: 10,000-11,500.

Ptarmigan LakeCR 306, 13 miles west of Buena Vista.

Facilities: Parking area.

Attractions: Lake.

Length: 3.2 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: More difficult.

USGS map: Mount Harvard.

Elevation: 10,500-12,100.

Four Mile CreekCR 371 to 375, 3 miles northeast of

Buena Vista.

Facilities: Parking area.

Attractions: Buffalo Peaks.

Length: 3 miles.

Use: Foot and horse.

Difficulty: Moderate.

USGS map: Buena Vista.

Elevation: 10,000-11,600.

Continued from page 8B

Salida Dinner Menu: M-Th: Filet Mignon (starting at) $8.95

Fri & Sat: Prime Rib (starting at) $10.95 or Roasted Sirloin (starting at) $7.95

Served with salad, house dressing, baked potato &French bread.Sun : Sirloin Sundays 7 oz. $6.95 11oz. $9.95

Served with salad, house dressing, garlic mashed potatoes and french bread.

Buena Vista Dinner Menu: Sun-Th: Filet Mignon (starting at) $8.95Fri & Sat Prime Rib (starting at) $10.95

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The TrailheadWhere Adventures Begin!

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The TrailheadWhere Adventures Begin!

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 13B

Mountains

By BEN WYGANTChaffee County Times Correspondent

They are impossible to ignore. They

affect everything from the names

of local businesses to the local

climate. These enormous mounds of granite

that loom just to the west are some of the

most striking in the Rocky Mountains, and

many of them rise above 14,000 feet. Out

of all the counties in Colorado, Chaffee

County has more “fourteeners” than any

other, making it the ideal destination for

anyone looking to “bag” a few summits.

All of the county’s 12 fourteeners offer

relatively easy access, with well-marked

trailheads and at least one climb on each

peak that is a straightforward Class 2 hike.

However, these straightforward climbs are

certainly not easy.

Keith Baker, owner of The Trailhead

outdoor shop in Buena Vista, says that many

people come to his store every year seeking

information about the local fourteeners.

“The question they inevitably ask me is,

‘Which one is the easiest?’ My response is

that they’re all above 14,000 feet, and with

a fourteener, you either get short and steep

or you get long and still pretty steep. There’s

nothing easy about it.”

Baker has been climbing fourteeners all

over Colorado for the last 11 years, and in

that time, he has amassed a great deal of

knowledge about the pursuit of our state’s

highest peaks. The most important aspect

of climbing these mountains is planning and

preparation. “Climbing fourteeners is one of

the most logistically challenging things you

can do in the outdoors,” he says.

A variety of maps and guidebooks are

available at most of the area’s outdoor

stores. These references are a crucial ele-

ment in any successful climb, as they can be

the difference between an enjoyable day in

the mountains and a frustrating pre-dawn

search for the trailhead. Baker also recom-

mends taking the map with you in order to

identify the surrounding peaks, lakes and val-

leys that you can view from the summit.

As a safety measure, be sure to notify

others of your intended climbing route,

your estimated time of return and any other

aspects of your itinerary that might be use-

ful in case of an emergency. Cellular service

is often not available in many backcountry

locations, but a number of personal loca-

tor beacons and emergency transmitters

are currently available, which broadcast an

emergency signal to local mountain rescue

and 911 centers in the event of an accident.

Baker also recommends an early start

time in order to summit and descend

before the summer’s rhythmic afternoon

thunderstorms overtake the peaks.

“I usually say you should start around 5

a.m. or as close to that as possible,” he says.

Diligently checking weather forecasts be-

forehand and packing the appropriate cloth-

ing are also imperative to a successful climb.

The weather atop a fourteener can change

in a matter of minutes, and the difference in

temperature between the trailhead and the

summit can be drastic, so it is wise to pack

plenty of layers.

Finally, it is recommended that you drink

at least one liter of water per hour while

climbing, since the altitude and exposure

can quickly dehydrate even the most sea-

soned and acclimated mountaineer.

“I always recommend that you take some

kind of water fi ltration or purifi cation

system,” Baker says. “You can only carry

so much water with you at one time, and

when you’re climbing a fourteener you usu-

ally need more than you can carry. You have

to be prepared for everything.”

14’ers dominate landscapeJohn Barker, Adam McCurdy and Jesse Morris are shown on the Ellingwood Ridge of La Plata Peak.

Hiking down Mt. Sherman near Leadville.Chris McGinnis photo

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Outdoors

Please confi rm pricing before mak-ing travel plans.

Most area campgrounds open the

Friday before Memorial Day and

are available through mid-Sep-

tember.

Campers visiting one of the 13 U.S. Forest

Service campgrounds in the Upper Arkansas

River Valley will be able to take advantage

of a reservation system for camp sites. Visit

recreation.gov and use the selection tools

on the left side to reserve your spot.

The campgrounds are semi-primitive,

meaning they have no electricity, water

hook-ups, shower or bathing facilities. They

have tables, fi re rings, trash cans and parking

spaces.

Most campgrounds have water available

from a hand-pump utilized by all campers.

Observe all regulations about dispersed

camping, especially in the Chalk Creek area

and around O’Haver and Cottonwood lakes.

Forest service rangers regularly check these

sites and will ticket campers who are not in

designated areas.

Remember it is illegal to feed bears or

other animals or leave coolers and trash out

where they might get into it. People who

intentionally feed bears or other animals can

be cited.

Campers should call the Salida Ranger

District at (719) 539-3591 for opening dates,

specifi c information or directions. Or, stop

by the offi ce at 325 W. U.S. 50. Offi ce hours

are Monday through Friday, 8 - 4:30.

Salida AreaU.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the

Salida area are Angel of Shavano, O’Haver

Lake, Monarch Park and North Fork.

Angel of Shavano, at 9,200 feet above

sea level, has 20 campsites but none may be

reserved. Maximum camper length is 30 feet

and cost is $15 per night. The campground

also has a group camping area that can ac-

commodate groups of up to 100 people, but

parking is limited. It has to be reserved and

people should call the ranger district for

more details.

Campers choose from variety of sitesU.S. Forest Service and many state campground sites may be reserved in advance.

Continued, next page

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

offers six campgrounds along the Arkansas

River. The camping fee is $16 a night in

addition to a $6 per day motor vehicle

fee that runs from noon to noon. All sites

are open 365 days a year, barring severe

weather. A variety of outdoor recreational

opportunities are available in the area

including fi shing, hiking, mountain biking

and sightseeing.

Reservations may be made up to six

months in advance but not less than three

days in advance online at parks.state.co.us

or by calling the reservation offi ce at the

Denver Area (303) 470-1144 or toll free

800-678-2267 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday

through Friday.

Railroad Bridge north of the town of

Buena Vista has river access for boaters

and gold panners. It has 14 campsites, two

vault toilets and two changing areas.

Ruby Mountain is popular with private

boaters with river access and several

trails leading into the backcounty. It has

22 campsites, four vault toilets and two

changing areas.

At Hecla Junction you can expect to

see all sorts of rafting and kayaking activity.

Fishing is good and hiking opportunities

are available. There are 22 campsites, four

vault toilets and two changing areas.

Rincon offers some of the best fi sh-

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boaters. It has eight campsites, four vault

toilets and two changing areas.

Vallie Bridge in Bighorn Sheep Canyon

is a peaceful respite for overnight river

trips and tent campers. It has 16 tent sites,

a boat ramp and tie-offs and a vault toilet.

Five Points is accessible from U.S. 50

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The North Fork campground, at 11,000

feet, has eight sites. Large campers and RVs

are not recommended and reservations

are not accepted. It is open from mid-June

to the end of September. The road to the

campground is very rough and rocky. Park-

ing in the area is very limited. Cost is $12.

O’Haver Lake campground, at 9,200

feet, has 29 available sites and accepts

reservations for 14. Cost is $15 per day and

campers are limited to 45 feet long.

The campground has accessible fi shing

piers and a day-use fee of $5 is charged for

use of facilities.

Monarch Park campground, at 10,500

feet, has 36 sites and accepts reservations

for 22. Cost is $15 per day and campers are

limited to 45 feet long.

To reach Monarch Park drive west from

Poncha Springs on U.S. 50 about 13 miles.

Turn left on CR 231 and follow the signs.

Campgrounds near Coaldale are Coaldale

campground and Hayden Creek camp-

grounds.

Coaldale campground, at 7,800 feet,

has 10 sites and does not accept reserva-

tions. Cost is $12 per day and campers are

limited to 25 feet long.

Hayden Creek campground, at 8,000

feet, has 10 sites and does not accept res-

ervations. Cost is $15 per day and campers

are limited to 35 feet.

Campers are advised to keep campsites

clean. Keep food and trash inside cars to

avoid contact with bears which are com-

mon in the Buena Vista and Coaldale areas.

Buena Vista AreaCampgrounds near Buena Vista are the

Collegiate Peaks and Cottonwood Lake

campgrounds.

Cottonwood Lake campground was

completely refurbished recently. The Cot-

tonwood Lake picnic area is open for fi sh-

ing, picnicking, etc. The picnic area does not

permit overnight camping.

The picnic area on the eastern shore of

the lake has 17 sites with tables and fi re

rings. Cost is $5 per car and overnight

camping is not allowed.

Non-motorized boats are permitted and

fi shing is allowed from two accessible piers.

Collegiate Peaks campground, at 9,800

feet, has 56 sites and accepts reservations

for 26. Cost is $15 per day and campers are

limited to 50 feet long. The middle fork of

Cottonwood Creek fl ows along the south

side of the campground.

Want to try renting a unique old cabin?

Bassam Guard Station is a forest service

cabin that is available for rent.

The Bassam cabin was built around 1911

and was used by the forest service as a

“guard station” for their employees. The

cabin usually housed one forest guard, his

horse and sometimes his family.

The cabin is available for rent by calling

Reserve USA at (877) 444-6777 or online

at reserveusa.com.

The cabin rents for $50 for one night. It is

small but can realistically sleep 2-4 people.

Tent camping is permitted around the cabin.

Groups are limited to 8 people. Parking

is not available for large RVs. The site can

accommodate one small tent-camper. A pro-

pane stove and propane lights are available.

Pets are permitted. Water is available from

a hand pump. A vault toilet is located near

the cabin.

Campgrounds in the Chalk Creek area

are Mount Princeton, Chalk Lake, Cascade,

Iron City and Bootleg.

These sites are the most popular in the

area and reservations are highly recom-

mended.

Bootleg has no vehicle access but is avail-

able to Colorado Trail hikers. It offers six

tent pads that cost $7.

Mount Princeton campground, at 8,900

feet, has 19 sites and reservations are ac-

cepted for 11. Camping trailers are limited

to 45 feet and cost is $15 per day.

Chalk Lake campground, at 8,700 feet,

has 19 sites and accepts reservations for 18.

Campers are limited to 50 feet and cost is

$13 per day.

Cascade campground, at 9,000 feet, has

19 sites and will accept reservations for 14

sites. Campers are limited to 35 feet and

cost is $15 per day.

Iron City campground, at 9,900 feet, has

15 sites and does not accept reservations.

Campers are limited to 25 feet and cost is

$15 per day.

Private campgrounds in Chaffee

County include: Four Seasons RV Park, 4305

E. U.S. Hwy 50 (888) 444-3626; Heart of

the Rockies Campground, 16105 W. U.S. 50

(800) 317-4052; Monarch Spur RV Park &

Campground, 18989 W. U.S. 50, (888) 814-

3001; Riverside Lodge Campground, 7870

W. U.S. 50, (719) 539-4888; Arkansas River

Rim Campground & RV Park, 33198 N. U.S.

24, (719) 395-8883; Arkansas Valley Adven-

tures, 40671 N. U.S. 24, (800) 370-0581;

Arrowhead Point Camping Resort, 33975 N

U.S. 24, (800) 888-7320; Buena Vista KOA

Kampground, 27700 CR 303, (800) 562-

2672; Chalk Creek Campground, 11430 CR

197, Nathrop, (800) 643-9727; Fisherman’s

Bridge Campground, 5 miles S. of Buena

Vista, (800) 525-2081; Mt. Princeton RV Park

& Campground, 30380 CR 383, (719) 395-

6206; Snowy Peaks RV & Rentals, 30430 N.

U.S. 24, (800) 954-8481; Valley Mobile RV

Park, 30620 N. U.S. 24, (719) 395-8107.

Leadville/ Twin Lakes Area

There is no shortage of places to camp in

Lake County with three U.S. Forest Service

operated camping areas in the county: Twin

Lakes, Turquoise Lake and the Halfmoon

area, as well as private campgrounds.

Your chance of securing a campsite in one

of the forest service campgrounds is greatly

increased if you have a reservation. To make

a reservation for any of the USFS camp-

grounds call (877) 444-6777 or go online at

recreation.gov.

Fees for camping and day use vary. Fol-

lowing is a list of sites and prices.

$16 a night campgrounds include Baby

Doe, The Belle of Colorado, Father Dyer,

Matchless Boatramp Campground, May-

queen, Molly Brown, Tabor Boatramp Camp-

ground and Silver Dollar.

Dexter Campground at Twin Lakes is

$12 a night. Elbert Creek Campground and

Halfmoon East and Halfmoon west are $13

a night. The latter three are all on Halfmoon

Road.

$5 day use fees apply to Butcher Boy,

Molly Brown, Tabor Boat Ramp, Charles

Boustead Tunnel, Lady of the Lake, Maid of

Eric and several other picnic areas.

Twin Lake Campgrounds include Lakev-

iew, Perry Peak, Twin Peaks and Whitestar,

all at $15 a night. Whitestar also has a dump

station and Turquoise Lake has a dump sta-

tion. The fee for dumping is $10.

The area also has two private camp-

grounds. The Sugar Loafi n' Campground

on CR 4 has RV and tent sites as well as a

recreation room, fully stocked store and

mountain bike rentals plus a nightly slide

show and ice cream social. Call (719) 486-

1031 for information and reservations.

The Leadville RV Corral at 135 W. 2nd St.

offers tent sites and full hookups for RVs

and is just a block from downtown. Call

(719) 486-3111 for information.

CampgroundsContinued from previous page

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Page 16B — NowThisisColorado.com

OutdoorsBy CINDY PERATTThe Rock Doc

Chaffee County has a rich (so

to speak) mining history dating

back over a hundred years ago.

Those California 49ers weren’t the only

ones seeking treasure from Mother Earth

and not all the riches have been in the

form of gold. In fact, Chaffee County is

blessed with many minerals that have not

only contributed to our nations industrial-

ization but also a few folks pocketbooks.

The Upper Arkansas Valley is situated at

the north end of the Great American Rift.

In eons past our valley basically split apart

dropping the valley fl oor in relation to the

high terrain. This created, and exposed,

some of our treasures here.

The lower valley is protected on both

sides by mountains which contributes to

our “banana belt” fame. However, mineral

enthusiasts and gold prospectors appreci-

ate the Rift Zone too as it has created

conditions that are prime for mineraliza-

tion and subsequent exposure of marvel-

ous gems, metals and interesting minerals.

Fun geology facts about Chaffee County:

• The southeast fl ank of Mount Princ-

eton is known as the Chalk Cliffs and they

are quite apparent as you travel along

Highway 285. In fact the cliffs are not chalk

at all but consist of a type of clay produced

by the hot geothermal waters which alter

the granitic rock.

• Our valley has the resources needed

for a number of green energy sources

including: lots of sunshine, rushing water,

wind and geothermal activity.

• A combination of faults, water, plate

tectonics (probably related to the western

coast) and glaciers have combined to cre-

ate our magnifi cent views.

• Mount Antero, one of our fourteen-

ers, is the highest gem locality in North

America. A source of beryllium ore for the

government in the 1950s and early 60s,

the mountain has also been scoured for

beautiful blue aquamarines since the 1800s.

Aquamarines from this mountain are

renowned world wide and anyone famil-

iar with the conditions on the mountain

understands that not all the value is in

the gem. Inquire locally before visiting this

challenging area.

• Ruby Mountain, located in Nathrop,

does not bear any rubies. However, the

lovely spessartine garnets found there do

resemble the red precious gem.

• Mineral enthusiasts generally agree

that the rhodochrosite from Alma is some

of the very best quality in the world. This

mine, which was born as a silver mine in

the 1800s, has more recently been mined

commercially for the gorgeous red/pink

mineral. The mine has been closed for

several years but is still a classic mineral

locality.

• Many metals have been mined in

Chaffee County including silver, gold, cop-

per, zinc, lead and molybdenum.

• Contrary to popular belief, there is still

gold in “them thar hills”. Gold panning is

an increasingly popular hobby that offers

some exercise, new skills and a plausible

reason to play in the water.

• Colorado’s state gemstone is aquama-

rine.

• Colorado’s state mineral is rhodochro-

site.

• We even have a state rock, marble.

If we caught your interest, mineral

related activities in the area include rock

hounding, gold panning, museums, rock

shops and tours. Our local Chambers and

The Rock Doc, located on Highway 285

between Buena Vista and Salida, can offer

suggestions for your adventure.

You might consider the National Mining

Hall of Fame in Leadville, take a tour of old

mines, or visit the Florrisant Fossil Beds

and national monument.

Whatever it is you choose to do, re-

member beauty is not only in our moun-

tainous views but also lies under your feet.

Riches found at feet in Ark Valley

For thousands of years, humans have

crossed through what is today The Upper

Arkansas Valley.

From ancient solstice and equinox align-

ments to modern day mine buildings, it is

common to come across some type of his-

toric site while out and about in this region.

The Federal Antiquities Act of 1906

followed by the Colorado Antiquities Law

passed in 1973 make it illegal to take archae-

ological and cultural resources from state

and federal lands, cities, towns, rivers and

lakes. Examples include mine site items and

Native American projectile points, among

many other artifacts.

The philosophy behind these laws is once

an item is removed from the site, it is gone

forever. The site cannot be enjoyed or evalu-

ated as it was in its original state. In some

cases, sites have sacred and spiritual sig-

nifi cance to Native Americans, and deserve

respect.

In addition, many of these artifacts are

located on private land. Removing items

from such property amounts to trespassing

and theft.

Please respect the area’s heritage and

obey state and federal laws by leaving what

you fi nd where you fi nd it for the next

explorer to enjoy.

“I always like to recommend to folks to

take a picture of an artifact or draw a sketch

to capture a memory of a unique building or

artifact.

“That way they can have a record but not

have to feel that they need to own the ar-

tifact,” Ann Ewing of the U.S. Forest service

offi ce in Salida said.

Pyrenees Mine headframe, Leadville Mining District.

Chris McGinnis photo

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NowThisisColorado.com — Page 17B

Activities

Story and Photo

By THERESA WILLIAMSONBuena Vista

A museum unlike anything Buena

Vista has ever seen is set to

open July Fourth weekend.

“For Buena Vista, this is going to be a big

deal,” said Vic Kuklin of the board of direc-

tors of Buena Vista Heritage, which owns

the 1880s depot which originally sat just

west of where the New Bee’s re-sale shop

is today. Kuklin and other local volunteers

have worked many hours to restore the

building to its original appearance and to

prepare it to house a new attraction for

history lovers.

The new Buena Vista Depot Transporta-

tion Museum – to be located in the old

Denver, Leadville and Gunnison Depot at

the south end of McPhelemy Park – is set

to open over the July Fourth weekend.

The depot, moved from East Main Street

years ago to the Buena Vista Woodland

Brook Cabins property on South San Juan

Avenue, was damaged by fi re in Novem-

ber 2002. Owners Riaan and Marjorie van

Niekerk donated the historic building to

Buena Vista Heritage. During what proved

to be an exciting crowd-drawing spectacle

on June 13, 2003, the depot was moved to

McPhelemy Park. It was set on a new foun-

dation and was destined for renovation.

The fi rst phase of the renovation was

funded by a $105,000 State Historical

Fund grant along with funds from many

other donors. Almost eight years later, the

depot restoration is fi nished, Kuklin said,

but it is unfurnished. Plans are to “furnish

it with period pieces and make it look like

a functioning depot, with living quarters,”

he said. In the old days, the railroad station

master lived in the depot.

“But the big thing in the transporta-

tion museum is the freight room,” Kuklin

said. That’s where the exhibits will be, and

Kuklin expects the museum to be a very

popular draw for tourists stopping or stay-

ing in BV.

Total space in the museum is a little over

1,000 square feet.

Exhibits will focus on three areas of

transportation history in the Buena Vista

area: The Old Leadville Stage Coach Road

which went through Buena Vista, the three

railroads which ran through town and

the Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway,

which went right down Main Street.

The main focus will be on Buena Vista’s

railroad history.

It was very unusual for any town to have

three lines coming through, Vic said.

“They all came this way because they

wanted to get to Leadville … they couldn’t

get to Leadville without coming through

us,” Vic said.

“For mining in Leadville to be profi table,

they needed transportation. They needed

to get people and equipment in and out,

and concentrated ore out.”

Freeport McMoRan donated $33,000

in December 2010, covering about 92

percent of the contract to set up the

museum. The remaining funding came

through Buena Vista Heritage and other lo-

cal sources. The Freeport McMoRan grant

allows the project to be fi rst-class, with

displays to be prepared by Traub Design

Associates, a professional company out of

Spring Hill, Kan. It’s expected to take eight

days to assemble the displays.

“We have seen the designs;

all in 3-D graphics,” Kuklin

said. Displays will be set up

using the latest technology,

illuminated with LED lights.

Some of the items from

Buena Vista Heritage Museum

will be incorporated into the

exhibits.

Exhibits will focus on BV’s

three railroads: the Denver

South Park and Pacifi c, which

later became the Denver

Leadville and Gunnison and

eventually the Colorado and

Southern; The Denver and

Rio Grande, which had a de-

pot at Railroad and East Main

streets; and the Colorado Midland.

When the depot which will house the

transportation museum was built, it was

the Denver, Leadville and Gunnison depot,

built around 1888, and it stood where

Avery-Parsons Elementary School is today.

The majority of the exhibits will be

on the railroads and will include displays,

models, photos, artifacts, fl ip books and

audio features. Brief descriptions will be

available for people who want to “wander

through” as well as opportunities for those

interested in in-depth study.

Some items will be loaned, like the

reproduction dining cart china owned

by Vic’s wife, Sue. Adding to the trans-

portation theme in the park is an 1880s

caboose. In 2005 Sue’s mother, Margaret

Rose, donated an 1880s caboose which

had occupied her backyard in Lincoln, Neb.

The caboose, manufactured for the Fort

Dodge and Des Moines Railroad, now

sits next to the old depot in McPhelemy

Park. Kuklin is renovating the caboose and

hopes to have the work completed in time

for the museum’s summer opening.

A special opening reception for donors

and members of Buena Vista Heritage is

planned for July 1. The museum will then

open to the public with admission prices

and hours to be announced.

Kuklin, who grew up in Nebraska and

moved to Colorado Springs in 1970, said

he got hooked on Colorado Railroad his-

tory after moving to the state. He’s been

in BV since 2001 and joined the board of

Buena Vista Heritage last year. A retired

high school math teacher, he works part-

time for the estimating department of ASI

Constructors, a Buena Vista company.

Kuklin loves railroad history so much

that he gives talks during Gold Rush Days

in August wearing an authentic wool

Denver Rio Grande California Zepher

conductor’s uniform.

New in Buena Vista in 2011:Depot Transportation Museum

The new Buena Vista Depot Transportation Museum, at the south end of McPhelemy Park, is expected to open July Fourth weekend.

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enjoy life a little more

225 F St. Downtown Salida • 539-1512

over 30 single malt scotchespremium beers on tap

WI-FI - TVbar food/snacks

Hattie’s Pubshelter from the storm

happy hour M-F 4:30-7:00

Highway 24 across from City Market - next to 7-11Highway 24 across from City Market - next to 7-11515 Hwy. 24 S, Buena Vista • 719-966-6003515 Hwy. 24 S, Buena Vista • 719-966-6003

ConsignmentConsignment ShoppeShoppe

A BeautifulA BeautifulYoung Again!Young Again!

Clothing • FurnitureClothing • Furniture AccessoriesAccessories

AuthenticAuthenticslow-smokedslow-smokedpitpit BBQBBQ 222 Hwy. 24 S., Buena Vista • 395-6412

ACROSS FROM COLUMBINE PARK

BrisketRibs

Pulled PorkTurkey Breast

Sausage& More

Serving Blue Bell Ice CreamGreat Homemade Sides & Desserts

DailySpecials

EclecticFresh Food

VegetariansWelcome

SweetSmoothies

The Evergreen CafeThe Evergreen Cafe

Voted Best Breakfast & A Great Lunch Too!

2 Blocks N. of the stoplight, Buena Vista ~ 719-395-8984

136 W. US HWY 50 • 719-539-7611

Custom JewelryDesigns

Full Service Jewelry Store

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“River Rock”Silver, hammered against

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NowThisisColorado.com — Page 19B

The Courtyard Gallery & GiftsThe Courtyard Gallery & GiftsThe Courtyard Gallery & GiftsThe Courtyard Gallery & Gifts

Original Art & GiftsCARRYING QUALITY

ART SUPPLIES

310 E. Main Street • 719-395-3299thecourtyardgallery@yahoo.com

Supporting & Showcasing Local Artists since 2002

SUMMER HOURS:Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm

Sun 12-4 pm

8

321 W. Main, Buena Vista, 719-395-3110 ~ www.serendipityyarn.com

OPEN Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-5

9

B-e-v-’s S-t-i-t-c-h-e-r-yChaffee County's Fabric & Quilt StoreChaffee County's Fabric & Quilt Store

1 Block N. of Stoplight, Buena Vista

719-395-8780 • Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5:00; Sat. 9:30-3:00

- Quilt Supplies - Fabric - Notions- Fine Needle Work - Fancy Yarn - Classes

7

Shop Buena Vistaa f u n p l a c e t o v i s i t !

W Main St

24Stoplight 6 E Main St

78

Pine

Mill Street

Railroad St.

Colorado

Court St.

9

Sterling

Gunnison

San Juan

3

21

5

S. Evans St.

South Main St.

4

School StreetCottonwood Ave.

1011

Tabor St.

Charles St.

5

2

Unique Mountain Accents for the Home & Garden

Voted BestVoted Best Gift Shop in BVGift Shop in BV

310 Hwy. 24 S. • 719-395-2561

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South Main St.Open Daily ~ --

Go east at the light to the river, right on S. Main St.

4

Your Home for Quality Used Books127 S. San Juan (3 blocks West of the stoplight, 1 block South of Main Street) • 719-395-6868

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DRIVE-THRUDRIVE-THRUSmoothies Breakfast burritos Antiques Gifts

Five doors south of Jan’s Restaurant719-395-6217

Fresh – Fast – Coffee/EspressoFresh – Fast – Coffee/Espresso Hot or Iced DrinksHot or Iced Drinks

6

10

11• Hunting & Fishing Licenses • Sporting Goods

• Fishing Tackle • Maps • Hiking Boots

• Gifts & Souvenirs • Swimsuits • T-Shirts

• Verizon Wireless • Radio Shack

111 Cottonwood Avenue719-395-2258 • www.hirocky.com

236 Hwy. 24 S. • 719-395-5626236 Hwy. 24 S. • 719-395-5626

– T-Shirts– Fine Arts– Gifts– Antiques

215 Tabor Street • 719-395-5620

OPEN THURSDAY - FRIDAY - SATURDAY 1-5PMOPEN THURSDAY - FRIDAY - SATURDAY 1-5PM

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Take a piece of BV

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Kevin Hoffman photo

Page 20B — NowThisisColorado.com

leadville area location phone

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Casa Blanca 118 E 2nd Street 719-486-9969 Authentic Mexican Food

Cookies with Altitude 717 1/2 Harrison Ave. 303-720-3683Bakery, Bagels and Burritos

The Grill Bar and Cafe 715 Elm Street 719-486-9930 Authentic Mexican Food & Margaritas

Manuelita’s 311 Harrison Ave. 719-486-0292 Authentic Mexican Food

Pastime Saloon 120 W 2nd Street 719-486-9434 Voted #1 Hamburger

Quincys Steak and Spirits 416 Harrison Ave. 719-486-9765 Filet Mignon, Prime Rib and Sirloin

Mt. Massive Golf Course 259 County Rd. 5 719-486-2176Great Breakfast ... Great Views!

Szechuan Taste 500 Harrison Ave. 719-486-0456Chinese and Thai Food

Zichittella’s Italian Restaurant 422 Harrison Ave. 719-486-1298An Italian Experience for the Whole Family

Tennessee Pass Cafe 222 Harrison Ave. 719-486-8101Eclectic Dining

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A Special Publication of The Herald Democrat, The Mountain Mail, & The Chaffee County Times

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Page 2 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

EventsConcerts, competitions, cruisers, fun heat up Lake County’s summer plansAll area codes

(719) unless noted. Events

subject to change. Please confirm infor-mation before making travel plans.

June4 Turquoise Lake Half-

Marathon. Registration 7:30 a.m., race 9 a.m. Preregistration $30/race-day registration $40. leadvillesportshall.com.4 Bench Rest Varmint

shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range, CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3929. 5 Hatchery 5K Race at

Leadville National Fish

Hatchery, 2846 Highway 300. Registration 7:30 a.m., race 9 a.m. $10 or free for 18 and under or with half-marathon registration. leadvilles-portshall.com.10 Tall Tales and

Legends with lasso-

ing demonstration at Delaware Hotel. 10 a.m. to noon. 486-1418.11 Cloud City K-9 Fun Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. east of Peoples Bank and benefitting Friends of Lake County Public Library. lakecountypubliclibrary.org or 486-2882.11 Action Pistol shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3096. 11 Alpine Orchestra 20th anniversary concert at Annunciation Catholic Church, 709 Poplar. Free. alpineorchestra.org.12 St. Vincent Hospital Foundation Benefit

Tournament at Mt. Massive Golf Course. mtmas-sivegolf.com or 486-2176.12 Mother/daughter Victorian afternoon at Delaware Hotel. 1 to 3 p.m. 486-1418.17 Magic City’s Footlights at Tabor Opera House at 7:30 p.m. taboroperahouse.net. $15 adults, $10 chil-dren 13 to 18, 12 and under free. 486-8409.18 CMP Informal shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. (303) 238-8832. 18 A Night with George King architectural presenta-tion and more. 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. taboroperahouse.net. $15 adults. 486-8409.18 Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad offers 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. rides through Aug. 19. Adults, $32.50; children 4-12, $19.50. leadville-train.com or 486-3936; (866) 386-3936.19 Fathers Day Brunch at Delaware Hotel. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 486-1418.24 Victorian sing-along at Delaware Hotel. 4 to 5 p.m. 486-1418.24 Evening of Leadville History: The Silver Boom,

presented at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $8 children 13 to 18, free under 12. 486-8409.25 - 26 15th-annual Cemetery Project and Leadville

Cemetery Mitzvah at the Temple Israel, 4th and Pine, and the cemetery. Begins with Schachrit Service at 10 a.m. on June 25. bnaibrithdenver.org.25 - 27 Combat Focus shooting at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. (970) 310-7770. 25 Denver Concert Band performs at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. at 7:30 p.m. $15. taborop-erahouse.net. $15 adults. 486-8409.25 Recorder performance at Delaware Hotel. 4 to 5 p.m. 486-1418.25 Lap the Lake 50 Road Cycling Event around Turquoise Lake sponsored by Lake County Recreation. One lap (22 miles) or three laps (50 miles). Register at Lake County Aquatic Center start-ing at 7 a.m., race at 9 a.m. $35 early reg./$45 after May 27. lakecountyco.com/recreation. 486-7484.

25 to 27 Leadville Trail 100 running training camp. leadvilletrail100.com.

July2 Leadville Trail 100 Marathon and Heavy Half

Marathon. 8 a.m. leadvilletrail100.com.2 - 3 ATA Registered 4th of July trap shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up dump road. 10 a.m. $4 per round. 486-0148. 2 - 3 Ice-cream social at Delaware Hotel. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. 486-1418.2 Ballet Ariel in “Avoca” the Tale of Molly Brown at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $5 children 13 to 18, 12 and under free. tabo-roperahouse.net. 486-8409.4 The Leadville Firecracker 5K in downtown Leadville. Register at 8 a.m., race starts at 9 a.m. (970) 485-0168 or 2milehigh@gmail.com. Preregistration at Melanzana.4 Fourth of July Parade down Harrison Avenue, 10 a.m. followed by children’s games on the courthouse lawn. Leadville Lions Club fireworks after dark.7 - 11 Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike training

camp. leadvilletrail100.com.8 Panning demonstration and mining tales at Delaware Hotel. 10 a.m. to noon. 486-1418.9 Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado will host a show at the mining museum convention center from 9 a.m. to 4 p .m. Jim or Barb Sundquist, (303) 674-4658 .9 101st Army Band performs at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Free. taboropera-house.net. 486-8409.9 Madams of Colorado presentation at Delaware Hotel. 7 to 9 p.m. 486-1418.10 - 11 Mother/daughter Victorian afternoon at Delaware Hotel. 1 to 3 p.m. 486-1418.16 Two-gun shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3811. 16 Larry Wilder performs Interactive Americana at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. at 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children 13 to 18, 12 and under free. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.16 Leadville Silver Rush 50-mile Mountain Bike

Race. Start time 9 a.m. at the Cloud City Ski Hut. Applications close July 15 at 5 p.m. leadvilletrail100.com.16 Tea with Augusta Tabor at the Tabor Home at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. $15, reservations required. 486-7368.16 Wildflower Special train ride on Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad train at 10 a.m.. $45 adult; $20 children. leadville-train.com or (866)

Summer Adventure Guide 2011, © May 3, 2011, Arkansas Valley Publishing Co., 125 E. 2nd St., Salida, CO 81201. All rights reserved. Use of any part of this publication requires prior, written permission from the publisher.

Summer Adventure Guide 2011 is a special edition of The Herald Democrat newspaper in Leadville, The Mountain Mail newspaper in Salida and The Chaffee County Times newspaper in Buena Vista. It is distributed free of charge throughout the region, made possible by the advertisers herein.

To contact the editor of this guide, e-mail Chris McGinnis, allnews@chaffeecountytimes.com, or call 719-395-8621.

Cover photos by sandrahalverstadt.ifp3.com.

Mineral Belt Trail Alley Shuffl e racers Leaf Treinen and Greg Race at a previous event.

Continued, Page 13

LEADVILLE, COLORADO& SOUTHERN RAILROAD

326 East 7th • PO Box 916 • Leadville, CO 80461 (719) 486-3936 • 866-386-3936

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 3

Events

Foot races, bike races and even a triathlon will attract athletes and spectators to Lake County

once again this summer.

Events for cyclistsJune 26: The Lap the Lake 50 Road

Cycling Event. Either a one-lap (22 miles) or a three-lap (50 miles) ride in unparalleled mountain scenery around Turquoise Lake. Close parking, race music, plenty to eat and drink, race goody bag, handcrafted awards unique to Leadville, “Lap-The-Lake 50” spe-cial-edition shirt and use of the Lake County pool.

For information, call (719) 486-7484. Register at the Lake County Aquatic Center, 1000 W. 6th St., starting at 7 a.m. Race at 9 a.m. Register in advance at active.com.

July 17: Leadville Silver Rush 50 Mountain Bike Race. Start time is 9 a.m. at the Cloud City Ski Hut just below Colorado Mountain College on U.S. 24 South. There is an eight-hour time limit with a 4 .5 hour cutoff at the halfway point. Applications close June 10, at 5 p.m. leadvilletrail100.com.

July 23-25: The 2011 Courage Classic will start and end in Leadville with Copper Mountain as the base camp.

The three-day event raises funds for Children’s Hospital. Riders are encouraged to register early.

Contact (720) 777-7499 or visit courag-etours.com.

Aug. 13: The Leadville Trail 100Mountain Bike Race. Start time at 6:30 a.m.

The 100-mile race will start on Harrison Avenue and West 6th Street in Leadville and take competitors on a 50-mile out-and-back trail consisting of 90 percent dirt or double-track dirt roads. The bikers turn around at Columbine Pass.

Entries are closed for this race. leadvilletrail100.com

Sept. 3-4: 24 Hours of Leadville. Start time is noon on Sept. 3. Categories include solo – male and female; solo single-speed, male and female; duo – male, female and coed; tandem; four-person – male, female, coed and corporate with up to ten racers. Registration closes June 10. leadville-trail100.com.

Sept. 10: The Mineral Belt Trail GoldTour is a fun bicycle ride on the MBT as Leadville’s fall foliage is at its most colorful. This is not a race. Riders can start when they want in the morning, go as far as they like and return around noon for lunch.

Events for runners June 4: The Turquoise Lake Half-

Marathon. Registration at 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. (719) 486-5317. Those 18 and under participate for free. Individuals preregistered for the Turquoise Lake Half-Marathon participate in the Fish Hatchery 5K for free. Register in advance at Melanzana or at active.com.

June 5: Hatchery 5K race at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, 2846 Highway 300. Registration 7:30 a.m., race 9 a.m. (719) 486-5317. Register in advance at Melanzana or at active.com.

June 25-27: Leadville Trail 100 runningcamp. leadvilletrail100.com.

July 2: Leadville Trail 100 Marathonand Heavy Half Marathon at 8 a.m. Registration closes June 10. leadville-trail100.com.

July 4: The Leadville Firecracker 5K in downtown Leadville. Register at 8 a.m.

July 17: Leadville Trail 100 Silver Rush 50-mile foot race at 6 a.m. Registration closes June 10. leadvilletrail100.com.

Aug. 14: Leadville Trail 100 10K footrace at noon. Registration closes June 10 and opens again on race day. leadville-trail100.com.

Aug. 20-21: Leadville Trail 100 RaceAcross the Sky. 4 a.m. Registration is full for race. leadvilletrail100.com.

Triathlon & duathlonJuly 17: Tri-it-High Triathlon and Du-

it-High Duathlon. First event consists of a 500-meter pool swim, 20-kilometer paved bike ride and 5-kilometer run. The duathlon consists of a 5-kilometer run, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run. Sponsored by Lake County Recreation.

Triathlon limited to fi rst 230 registrations. No limit for duathlon.

Contact Recreation Director Larry Colley (719) 486-7484.

Register online at http://www.active.com/cycling/leadville-co/triithigh-triathlon-and-duithigh-duathlon-2011.

Note to spectatorsThere are a number of great spots to

catch the action and show support during the two 100-mile bike and running races.

Among them is the start/finish area beside the courthouse. The Twin Lakes area is also a good spot. The running race goes through the tiny town of Twin Lakes, located south of Leadville on Colo. 82 on the way to Independence Pass.

The bike race goes over Twin Lakes Dam on the way to the Columbine Mine, making both areas hotbeds of activity for racers and support teams alike.

A good spot to catch the action in the marathon is on East 7th Street at the Resurrection Mine.

Signature races challenge athletes

Entries in to the Trail 100 mountain bike race are highly coveted, but locals such as Eric Godsman always get a slot.

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Page 4 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

Outdoors

Stories and photos

By SUSAN COLEHerald Correspondent

Sporting gorgeous wildfl owers and

open meadows with views of the

surrounding mountains, the hike to

TIMBERLINE LAKE is a real treat for

everyone.

Great for fi shing, the lake also provides

a great place for families. The trail, which

contains some steep passages, may provide

some obstacles, mainly places where the trail

has been overrun with water. However, with

the proper hiking boots – tennis shoes will

work if you don’t mind having wet feet for

the rest of the day – and knowledge of log

water crossings, most will easily make it to

the lake. On the other hand, these obstacles

can be fun, removing the routine of most

hikes. Because there is not a lot of shade on

the trail and because the parking lot can fi ll

up pretty quickly, hikers should get an early

start.

Hikers will begin at the Timberline

trailhead which is to the right of the parking

lot when coming in. At the fork in the trail

take the right fork, which carries hikers past

two metal “xs” that keep motorized vehicles

out. The left fork is the Colorado Trail. The

trail is easily followed after this point.

As mentioned above, the only other

problems hikers will face are the portions of

the hike where water overruns the trail. This

happens fi rst when the trail goes through tall

grass. The only way over this water is through

it. Although this portion is somewhat of a

long patch, there are logs and rocks hikers

can step on to keep their shoes dry. The

trail is again overrun with water at a stream

crossing, the fi rst of two without a substantial

bridge. At this stream crossing hikers can fi nd

a log downstream. The log is not easy to get

to because of willows that border the stream.

The last of these obstacles and the second

of the stream crossings has a log crossing

upstream.

Hikers will then continue on the trail

until they reach Timberline Lake. Those who

would like to move around the lake can fi nd

a footpath to their left. Traveling this path is

defi nitely worth it.

To get to the trailhead, start at the

courthouse on Harrison Avenue and 6th

Street. Take 6th Street west until it dead ends

in a T-intersection. Turn right onto McWethy/

CR 4, then shortly after veer to the left at the

“Y” in the road, and continue several miles.

After crossing the railroad and the river,

continue on CR 4 around Turquoise Lake.

Then continue on the paved road as CR 4

becomes Lake County 9. Turn left fi ve miles

after the dam into Timberline Lake Trailhead.

Use caution, watching for oncoming traffi c.

THE TRAIL TO BUSK CREEK takes

hikers over several small rivers through the

beautiful woods near Turquoise Lake.

As of June 13, the trail was muddy from

spring runoff, but the rivers were full and

therefore exciting to watch. With little

elevation gain, only about 172 feet, and a

distance of only 1.35 miles one way, this hike

serves as a great warm-up for the season. The

hike ends at an open meadow of large rocks,

boulders, and evidence that humans once

occupied the area.

Hikers will begin at the Timberline

trailhead, crossing a plank bridge over a low

marsh. This area of the hike is almost always

wet and will most likely not dry out as the

season continues. Hikers should continue

on this trail until they come to two metal

x’s closing off the wider trail to vehicles, a

“closed to all vehicles” sign, and a wooden

sign that points the way to Timberline Lake

and the Colorado Trail. Hikers should then

turn to the left and follow the narrower path,

the Colorado Trail.

After the turnoff hikers will continue

on a relatively fl at path and cross another

bridge. On June 13 the trail remained shady

under the protection of many pine trees.

Hikers will fi nally come to the fi nal bridge

on the trip. This bridge, however, will not be

crossed. Busk Creek has been reached. To

get to the meadow, hikers should continue

upstream on a faint trail. Although the trail

can be somewhat tricky to follow, hikers will

Hiking trips at altitude bring joys offlowers, lakes, meadows and creeks

HIkers ascend the Timberline Lake Trail near Turquoise Lake.

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 5

fi nd their way if they stay close to the creek.

Uphill of the bridge is a large boulder from

which the trail is easily found. This trail will

eventually dump hikers into a meadow, the

destination.

To get to the trailhead, start at the

courthouse on Harrison Avenue and 6th

Street. Take 6th Street west until it dead

ends in a T-intersection. Turn right onto

McWethy/CR4, then shortly after veer to

the left at the “Y” in the road, and continue

several miles. After crossing the railroad and

the river, continue on CR4 around Turquoise

Lake. Then continue on the paved road as

CR 4 becomes CR 9. Turn left fi ve miles

after the dam into Timberline Lake Trailhead.

Use caution, watching for oncoming traffi c.

The trailhead is on the left of the parking

lot when coming in. Follow the signs in the

parking lot to the Timberline trailhead.

For a shorter, more family friendly

variation, hikers can begin 4.6 miles past the

beginning of the dam where Busk Creek runs

under the road. The trail, although unmarked,

begins at the road to the right of the creek

and continues up the creek. Hikers will also

meet the bridge from the fi rst route but

from below and then continue up the creek

until they too reach the meadow. This hike is

only a third of a mile each way and gains 160

feet in elevation. As it is close to the creek,

however, hearing one another can be diffi cult.

Hikers who are up to the challenge of

this hike to an unnamed lake off of the

COLORADO TRAIL are truly in for a

treat. Although steep

and unrelenting, this

hike rewards climbers

with a calming lake and

beautiful views of the

Mosquito Range.

Hikers will begin

at the Timberline

trailhead parking lot.

However, instead

of starting up the

Timberline trail,

hikers will start at the

opposite end of the

parking lot up a steep

hill.

Shortly after this

fi rst hill, hikers will

come to a bridge on

their right. At the

other end of the bridge, hikers will fi nd a

wilderness permit box. A permit is needed

whenever traveling in the wilderness, and,

because this hike does take travelers into the

wilderness, hikers should fi ll out a permit.

The trail is easily followed from this point.

Hikers will notice a few places where

the woods have been cleared near power

lines before they enter the wilderness. The

trail has steep upgrades for almost the rest

of the hike. Once hikers have climbed up to

the top of a knob at tree line – where the

Mosquito Range is visible – hikers will follow

the trail downhill until they reach a lake on

their left side. Once at the lake, hikers should

remember to pick up after themselves. The

hike, only 4.6 miles round trip, is not very

long, but with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet,

hikers can expect steep grades.

To get to the trailhead, start at the

courthouse on Harrison Avenue and 6th

Street. Take 6th Street west until it dead ends

in a T-intersection. Turn right onto McWethy

Drive, CR 4, then shortly after veer to the

left at the “Y” in the road, and continue

several miles. After crossing the railroad and

the river, continue on CR 4 around Turquoise

Lake. Then continue on the paved road as

CR 4 becomes Lake CR 9. Turn left fi ve miles

after the dam into Timberline Lake Trailhead.

Use caution, watching for oncoming traffi c.

The trailhead is on the left side of the

parking lot when coming in.

Below: an unnamed lake beside the Colo-rado Trail.

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Page 6 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

Climax Mine commemorated during year’s annual Boom Days celebration

The Climax Mine will be honored

this year during the 61st celebration

of Boom Days in Leadville on Aug. 5

through 7.

The mine got its start when a deposit

of molybdenite was discovered on Bartlett

Mountain in 1890. At first no one knew

what it was. By World War I, it had been

identified and was being used as a way to

strengthen steel. The mine grew and pros-

pered, along with the city of Leadville, until

the 1980s, and was essentially shut down

by 1986. However, Bartlett Mountain still

holds one of the best deposits of moly in

the world, and current owner Freeport-

McMoRan is investing millions at the site

with an eye to the mine's reopening, pos-

sibly in 2012.

Current and former Climax miners will

want to purchase the Boom Days belt buck-

le, which depicts the mine.

Over the weekend, locals and thousands

of visitors will turn out in hordes, wearing

garters around their arms, to partake of the

unusual variety of food offered by vendors,

along with different forms of entertain-

ment, celebrating the heritage of this famous

mining town. The celebration has been

honored as a Local Legacy event by the U.S.

Congress.

Two days of mining competitions are

featured on Saturday and Sunday, including

double-jack drilling, hand-steeling, jackleg-

drilling and hand-mucking competitions.

Besides events highlighting local his-

tory, other featured events and items over

the weekend include the 63rd Annual

International Pack Burro Race on Sunday,

kids' events, a pancake breakfast, an annual

gun show and more.

Harrison Avenue and 6th Street are closed

off to traffic for the weekend. A number of

the events take place right on the avenue, and

arts-and-crafts merchants set up tents on 5th

and 6th streets. Parking can be found along

the other side streets.

For updated Boom Days information, see

leadvilleboomdays.com.

Above: A children’s event during the annual International Pack Burro Race in Leadville, held during Boom Days each year.

sandrahalverstadt.ifp3.com photo

Area pack burro race dates back to 1949

This year marks the 63rd running of

the Boom Days Pack Burro Race

on Sunday, Aug. 7, in Leadville, the

second leg of the Triple Crown.

The open course consists of 22 miles

following 4-wheel-drive roads to the summit

of Mosquito Pass through the historic

mining district.

The women’s course is 15 miles on roads

with a trail loop around Bald Mountain.

Both courses bring men and women back to

town through California Gulch.

Weight of pack saddle and gear must

be 33 pounds for standard and mammoth

donkeys, and include pick, shovel, and pan.

Post-race weigh in is required for winners.

The open race starts at 11 a.m. followed

by the women’s race at 11:15 a.m.

Spectators will have the opportunity to

win a cash prize by guessing the time of the

winning racer in the open course.

Burro racing originated in 1949 when the

fi rst race was held from Leadville to Fairplay

with Melvin Sutton of New York State the

winner in fi ve hours, ten minutes and 41.5

seconds.

The race, held on Saturday, July 30, 1949,

began in front of the old Lake County

courthouse and ended at the Prunes

Monument in Fairplay after a rugged trip

over Mosquito Pass.

The initial race was cosponsored by

the Fairplay Chamber of Commerce and

the Rocky Mountain News, and it drew

21 entries. It was then called the Rocky

Mountain Pack Burro Championship Race

and began at 10 a.m.

The Leadville race will be preceded by

the World Championship Pack Burro Race

in Fairplay Sunday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m. See

burrodays.com.

On Sunday, Aug. 14, the Gold Rush Days

Pack Burro Race will take place in Buena

Vista at 11 a.m. This is the fi nal leg of the

Triple Crown.

Events

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 7

MountainsMineral Belt Trail nationally recognized

Leadville’s Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6-mile, non-

motorized, paved, two-lane trail that winds

around and through Leadville.

The trail was designed and built to provide a 12-foot-

wide paved surface with adjacent 3-foot-wide soft surface

recovery zones, and includes two grade-separated bridges

crossing county roads. It has an average grade of three

percent, with maximum sustained grades of five percent.

Mile markers and signs tell the users what the altitude

is on various parts of the trail. These were placed as the

result of visitor surveys conducted on the trail.

In 2002, the Department of the Interior honored the MBT by designating it a National

Recreation Trail.

The MBT passes through the historic and famous Leadville Mining District while offer-

ing spectacular views of the 14,000-plus-foot-high mountain peaks of the Sawatch and

Mosquito ranges.

Scattered along the trail are many mining relics of the past. One will see a number of

head frames, adits, tailing piles and various pieces of mining equipment such as ore cars,

dynamite cars, man-trips, rock drills and more.

Take time to read the interpretive signs and visit the information kiosks along the way.

Each has a story as well as a picture of what occupied that particular site more than a cen-

tury ago.

It is not necessary to travel the entire 11.6 miles to enjoy the trail. There are fi ve

recognized accesses offering the opportunity to do shorter sections at a time: Ice Palace

Park; Lake County Middle School; U.S. 24 at Dutch Henry Hill; County Road 2 at California

Gulch; and the East 5th Street Bridge.

Dogs are not prohibited on the trail, but they must be leashed, and owners must clean

up after them. For information on the trail and scheduled events, visit mineralbelttrail.com.

Sage Mae McGinnis (R) and grandfather George Barnett stop on the Mineral Belt trail to check out locomotive cars formerly used in a mine underground. The trail has many history, geography and mining displays along the route. Chris

CMC TRAIL SYSTEM

SlaughterhouseGulch

CR 6

CR 2

LEADVILLE OVERLOOK

Sawatch Range Overlook

Crystal Lakes Ext. Midland RR

La Plata Smelter

Rest Stop Benches

Sighting Scope

LEADVILLE

CARBONATE HILL

FRYER HILL

POVERTY FLATS

HWY 91 US 24

US 24

EVANS GULCH

IRON HILL

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CMC

©AVP, 2010

12th St

Nat'l Mining

Hall of Fame

Heritage

Museum

Healey House

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Ice Palace

Park

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SCALE IN MILES

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Page 8 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

ActivitiesUnderground tour at Hopemore minegives visitors sense of working hardrockStory and photos

By BECCA KATZHerald Correspondent

Ever wanted to go underground? If

so, an underground mine tour in

Leadville is open for business.

After following East 5th Street (which

becomes CR 1) well past the Mineral Belt

Trail, signs herald the “Hopemore Mine

Tour.”

At that turnoff, tuning the radio to 104.5

FM will pipe miner’s whoops and hollers

and a masculine narrator’s voice into the

car with stories of “gold in them thar hills”

and fortunes made and lost up in what was

known as Leadville’s gold belt.

Past several no-trespassing signs, a couple

of structures dot the hillside, and a few

yellow signs say “Park Here.”

This welcome greets all visitors to Bob

Calder’s Hopemore Mine Tour, the only

underground mine tour in Leadville.

It is followed by a storied explanation of

the area’s rich mining history, provided by

Calder himself, and then a 600-foot descent

into the earth through the Hopemore mine

shaft for an exploration of the tunnels or

“drifts” below.

The Hopemore Mine was a working

mine, owned and operated by Capital Gold,

as recently as 1999. The area is still thought

to be rich with minerals including gold, zinc,

silver and lead.

The mine was shut down around 2000

due to a drop in ore prices and decreased

availability of ore in the area.

Asked why he purchased the inactive

mine, Calder explained, “I wanted to do it

to highlight mining history and the famous

heritage of Leadville’s historic mining

district.”

Calder became interested in mining

history as a miner starting in 1974. While

working, the old guys on the job would tell

him stories and tales of mining history.

His goal for the tour is to bring those

stories to light, sharing them with locals and

visitors alike.

“I want to show people how important

mining is to our lives and to the history of

Colorado,” Calder said.

Before descending the mine shaft, Calder

hangs washers on the “in” column of the

“brass board” to record how many people

are entering the mine. Upon exiting the

mine, those washers are returned to the

“out” column, indicating that people are no

longer underground. In the mining era, this

system was designed to ensure that no one

was left down below.

Now its purpose is more educational,

as Calder keeps his tours small, preferring

to emphasize quality of experience over

quantity of visitors.

Prior to actually stepping in the cage,

Calder shows the hoist used to lower

visitors into the mine.

“I’m overseen by the Colorado’s Division

of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, and I have

to be approved by them. I had to get their

O.K. to even open. I also check the hoist

every day – there are four or fi ve different

safety devices that work with the hoist,”

Calder said of the safety measures in place.

Underground the air is a chilly 45-

55 degrees, even on a warm summer

day. Water drips through the rock walls,

collecting in muddy pools on either side of

the ore-cart tracks.

Exiting the cage, visitors are greeted

by an ore cart capable of hauling one ton

of mineral-laden dirt. If a miner was lucky,

there would be 60 to 70 ounces of gold in

that ton of dirt, valued at about $20 per

ounce in the 1890s.

Calder follows the tracks through the

tunnel, pointing out the ore-rich rock ribs

along the tunnel walls, shining his headlamp

along the walls, which are also dotted

with a relatively modern luxury in the

underground mining world: light bulbs.

In the dim light underground, Calder’s

appreciation for mining, especially the

rigor of the job, is evident when he fi elds

questions and even when he talks of the

mineral composition of the area.

He caters his tour to the interests of

his visitors, speaking of mining history to

history buffs and about geology to rock

hounds.

While underground, Calder also

demonstrates mining techniques, with

everything from hand steel to mechanized

drills running on compressed air and water.

Want to go?Where: Drive up East 5th Street (CR 1)

past the Mineral Belt Trail. Look for signs on

the right.

Cost: $20/person, ages 9 to 99 (surface-

only mining tours offered for families with

younger children)

What to wear: closed-toed shoes and a

warm layer for underground

When: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are preferred.

Call 486-0301.

Bob Calder is shown with his Australian shepherd,Archie, and a “mucker” used to move ore fromthe tracks into the ore carts. Below: Undergroundat the Hopemore.

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 9

OutdoorsHut, yurt system favorite way to experience backcountry trails, sights and mountain ranges

Huts and yurts are favorite ways

to see the backcountry at any

time of year.

10th Mountain Division takes

reservations for huts, ranging from cabins

located within a few miles of a trailhead

to backcountry shelters that are many

miles from any other signs of civilization.

Web pages for each hut include photos,

hut history, some information on suggested

routes and more. The site also includes

a planning map that shows general hut

locations, information pertaining to safety

and hut-trip logistics, and a way to order a

print brochure.

The 10th Mountain’s Fowler/Hilliard

Hut burned down in fall 2009, but has been

rebuilt and is available now.

Two yurts are located at 12,000 feet,

above Empire Reservoir in Leadville, west of

the Mosquito range. They are the Emma Yurt

and the Marceline Yurt.

Each yurt sleeps fi ve comfortably and is

equipped with one double bed and three

single bunk beds, a wood stove, fi rewood

and an axe, a propane cooking stove, a

propane light, table and chairs, basic cooking

utensils and dishes.

Visitors can use the yurts as a base camp

to explore the thousands of acres of public

lands that make up their backyard: Empire

Gulch, Empire Reservoir and Gold Basin.

The yurts are available year around.

Information on the 10th Mountain

Division Huts is available at huts.org.

For information on the yurts, see

leadvillebackcountry.com.

Built in 1986, Harry Gates Hut was the fourth structure added to the 10th Mountain system. It is the largest of the 10th Mountain-owned huts, with two floors. It can sleep 16 people.

Courtesy photo

mineral specimens and tools associ-

ated with railroading, mining, farming

and ranching.

Among the newest of the “old”

items donated to the museum in the

spring of 2011 is a Williams Parlor

Queen organ, donated by Vernelle

Austin. The organ, dating from about

1900, was in her family for decades.

Rod Schleicher a local piano and

organ expert, refurbished the organ

and visitors to the museum are wel-

come to play some of the old tunes

on it.

The United Methodist Church

recently donated an oak display cabi-

net to show some of the smaller and

more delicate historical artifacts.

The museum collection, first dis-

played in 1954, was started by Harriet

Alexander, the first Salida city council-

woman, and Byrd Raikes Fuqua, pro-

prietor of Byrd Colony dude ranch

near Mount Princeton. The museum

was moved to its present location in

1976.

More information can be found on

the website atsalidamuseum.org or by

calling 539-7483.

Area museumsContinued from page 14

Among the most recent items donated to the Salida Museum is this Williams Parlor queen organ. Visitors are welcome to try out some of the old tunes on the instrument. From left are Bob Campbell, museum vice president, Rod Schleicher who refurbished the circa 1900 organ, and Vernelle Austin who donated it to the museum.

Arlene Shovald photo

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Memorial Day - Labor Day

Sold at participating museums and the Leadville/Lake County Chamber of Commerce (809 Harrison Ave.).

More information 719-486-3900

Page 10 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 11

ActivitiesScenic mountain railroad returns for season, special night, wildflower and rafting rides

Originally narrow gauge, the former Colorado & Southern Line served Leadville’s booming

mining mineral belt in the late 1800s. The line was converted to standard gauge in 1943 to meet the growing need for molybdenum, a steel-strengthening agent from the Climax Mine, during World War II.

Visitors and residents begin their trip on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad at the historic depot at the corner of East 7th and Hazel streets in Leadville. The construction of the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad depot was complet-ed in 1893 for the Colorado, Leadville & Gunnison rail line. Now owned by Ken and Stephanie Olsen, the building has been entirely renovated and houses the LC&S ticket office and gift shop. The depot was used by passengers until 1937 and was later used as a stationmaster’s house and a rental.

The last working steam engine in the United States, the 641, is on display outside the depot. It was used continuously on the line from 1943 until it was retired in 1963.

Today the relaxing, two-and-a-half hour train ride follows the headwaters of the Arkansas River through aspen, pine and spruce forests to scenic Fremont Pass. The ride is complemented by a colorful com-mentary on the history of Leadville’s mining boom.

Views of the upper Arkansas Valley become more expansive as the train climbs along its route. Each trip stops at the histor-ic French Gulch water tower, which serviced the old narrow-gauge engines, for photo opportunities of Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s high-est peak.

A gift shop is located at the depot, and concessions are available on the train. Riders are asked to bring a jacket or sweater, as weather conditions may vary.

The train departs weekdays at 1 p.m. from May 28 through June 17, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from June 18 through Aug. 19 and then at 1 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. and 2

p.m. weekends from Aug. 20 through Oct. 9. Sunday mornings there is a three-hour trip to the top from June 19 through Aug. 21.

Tickets are $32.50 for adults, $19.50 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under.

Get seats in the caboose for $25 or in the engine for $35.

Special train rides and tours this summer include the following:

July 16, July 30 and Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. – The Wildflower Special rides will enable passengers to see the Alpine flowers at their peak. The train tour is $45 per adult and $20 per child.

Also available is a catered box lunch on the lawn of the Healy House Museum including a stroll through the heritage gar-dens. Following lunch will be a private guid-ed tour of both the Healy House Museum and the Dexter Cabin.

Sept. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Photo Special including opportunities to get off the train and photograph the area's autumn beauty.

July 30, at 6 p.m. – The Night Ride Special, featuring an evening BBQ. This two-hour ride is $60 per adult ($30 per child).

A half-day of rafting with Noah's Ark & a two-hour Scenic Train Ride with Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad.

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Company is only 45 minutes south of the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. Check in at 8 a.m., two hours of rafting through Browns Canyon (class III and III+ whitewater).

Lunch will be provided upon arrival at the Leadville railroad train station. Check-in time for the train ride is 1:15 p.m. and train departs at 2 p.m.

Adult package: $88.40 ($93.90 w/ user fees & taxes)

Child: $64.40 ($72.40 w/ user fees & taxes).

Call (866) 386-3936 or visit leadville-train.com.

Leadville children enjoyed a day on the train last year during a field trip.Courtesy photo

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Page 12 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

Twin Lakes

The Interlaken

The area’s most famous hotel, The

Interlaken, was constructed on the

south shore of the lower lake.

Interlaken can be accessed by foot, bicy-

cle or boat. The hike to Interlaken is beautiful. The

trail stays relatively close to Twin Lakes, making it possible at the beginning of the hike to hear the lake splash up against the shore. Although there is little net gain in elevation, the trail contains many hills. The hills are fairly tame, however. The only down side here is that hikers have hills to climb in both directions on the trail.

Eventually the trail turns inward and far-ther away from Twin Lakes. The trail then approaches the restoration of the Dexter house. This restoration is open for hikers to explore but not for overnight shelter.

Built in 1895, Dexter Cabin at Interlaken still contains all of its original floors, walls, ceilings and architecture. James Dexter built it as a summer home for himself and his family. It changed hands several times until the last owner, Eugene Bond, bought it in the 1930s. The Bonds used the cabin as a summer home until 1950. Eventually, it was condemned and acquired by the Bureau of Reclamation.

The cabin was moved 150 feet away from the shore of Twin Lakes so that the dam could be built in 1972. Two years later, the U.S. Forest Service took over ownership of Dexter Cabin. In 1974, the cabin was named to the National Historic Register.

It was boarded up for years until the summer of 2004 when restoration began. In the summer of 2006, a European-style, rolled-seam metal roof was installed.

The trail continues a little ways farther and takes hikers right up to the Interlaken Resort. A rival to the famous Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, the hotel once featured fountains, Kentucky bluegrass extending to the lake’s shore, a dance pavilion, blacksmith shop and barn, and an indoor, two-story outhouse.

Several buildings are still standing here; however, they are not safe enough for explorers to wander inside.

The trailhead can be accessed by taking

CR 25 from Colo. 82.

Twin Lakes and The Interlakenbeautiful, historic, unique to area

Several trails and access roads run along Twin Lakes. The Interlaken, a former resort, can be reached by a predominantly shoreline hike. sandrahalverstadt.ifp3.com photo

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Twin Lakes

The village of Twin Lakes, fi rst

known as Dayton, came into

being when gold was discovered

in the area. Dayton developed as a center

of commerce for area miners in the 1860s and became the county seat.

Added to the National Historic Register in the 1970s, Twin Lakes continues to charm the visitor with structures dating back to the 1870s.

After the silver boom in Leadville in 1878-79, Twin Lakes became a popular summer resort, attracting the well-to-do populace with spectacular scenery and the state’s largest glaciated lake.

Twin Lakes is located on Colo. 82, 18 miles southwest of Leadville and 38 miles east of Aspen over Independence Pass. The pass is generally closed Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day weekend.

Begin your visit at the Twin Lakes Historic District Information Center in “downtown” Twin Lakes, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. It is located in the old Red Rooster Tavern, a popular 19th-cen-tury tavern and brothel.

Between the late 1870s and 1884, this building was a general store. Then it changed hands and became more of an entertainment center. Gambling, such as billiards and cards, took place on the fi rst fl oor which also served as a dance hall. Upstairs was a brothel.

Other buildings in the historic park include the assayer’s offi ce and the Fine family house, which dates back to the 1880s, and the Clarion Hotel.

The hotel operated between 1882 and 1893. Guests at the hotel slept dormitory style on cots set up in parallel rows.

Prehistoric artifacts dating back 2,000 years have been found in the vicinity of Mount Bump. Pine and spruce trees exhibiting mid-19th century Indian peelings can be seen on the summit of the hill.

The climb up Mount Bump is a steep ten minutes, but there is an easier trail as well. Exhibits at the top interpret the soaring peaks, riparian habitat, geology

and the human impacts on Twin Lakes.

386-3936.17 Leadville Trail 100 Silver Rush 50-

mile foot race at 6 a.m. leadvilletrail100.com.17 Tri-It-High Triathlon and Du-It-High

Duathlon. Lake County Recreation. Individuals $55 before June 20, then $65. Teams $100 before June 20, then $110. lakecountyco.com/recreation. 486-7484. 22 Victorian hat-making class at Delaware Hotel. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 23 Mother/daughter Victorian afternoon at Delaware Hotel. 1 to 3 p.m. 486-1418.23 Characters from the past wandering streets of Leadville with meet/greet at Delaware Hotel. Noon to 4 p.m. 486-1418.23 - 25 Courage Classic Bike Tour from Leadville to Copper Mountain to Breckenridge to Leadville. (729) 777-7499 or couragetours.com.23 Carin Mari, guitarist/singer/song-

writer, performs at Tabor Opera House at 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children 13 to 18, 12 and under free. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.24 Fast-draw competition in front of Delaware Hotel. Noon to 3 p.m. 486-1418.30 Action Pistol shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3096. 30 Cowboys and Indian (Yampa Valley

Boys and Leon Joseph Littlebird) con-

cert at Tabor Opera House at 7 p.m. $15 adults, $8 children 13 to 18, 12 and under

free. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.30 Wildflower Special train ride on Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad train at 10 a.m. $45 adult; $20 children. leadville-train.com or (866) 386-3936.30 No Moon Night Golf at Mt. Massive Golf Course. mtmassivegolf.com or 486-2176.31 Night Ride featuring a barbecue

special on the Leadville, Colorado &

Southern Railroad, 6 p.m. Adults, $60; children 4-12, $30. leadville-train.com or 486-3936; (866) 386-3936.

August5 - 7 Boom Days celebration. leadville-boomdays.com.5 - 7 Annual Gun Show at Sixth Street Gym. 486-1801. 5 Keir Royale and Anikka perform com-

edy and magic at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $5 children under 18. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.6 Wildflower Special train ride on Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad train at 10 a.m.. $45 adult; $20 children. leadville-train.com or (866) 386-3936.6 Con Fuego! performance of Spanish

dance and guitar at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. at 7:30 p.m. $15 adults. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.

12 Story of the Ice Palace presented at Delaware Hotel. 10 a.m. to noon. 486-1418.13 Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike

Race. 6:30 a.m. leadvilletrail100.com or 486-3502.13 History of Hats and tea at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. at 1 p.m. $15 presentation only or $30 for presentation and tea at noon. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.14 Mother/daughter Victorian afternoon at Delaware Hotel. 1 to 3 p.m. 486-1418.14 Leadville Trail 100 10K Run. Noon. leadvilletrail100.com.19 Pirate Scramble at Mt. Massive Golf Course. mtmassivegolf.com or 486-2176.20 - 21 Leadville Trail 100 Race Across

the Sky. 4 a.m. leadvilletrail100.com.20 Cowboy Pistol (wheel guns only)

shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3096. 20 Club Championship Tournament,

Round 1, at Mt. Massive Golf Course. mtmassivegolf.com or 486-2176.20 Leadville, Colorado & Southern

Railroad offers 1 p.m. rides weekdays and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. rides weekends though Oct. 9. Adults, $32.50; children 4-12, $19.50. leadville-train.com or 486-3936; (866) 386-3936.20 Dan McGowan performs music and

comedy at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave., at 7:30 p.m. $15 per per-

son, under 12 free. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.21 Women On Target shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up dump road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-0148. 21 Club Championship Tournament,

Round 2, and Lake County Open at Mt. Massive Golf Course. mtmassivegolf.com or 486-2176.27 - 28 Appleseed Project shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5. 486-3096. 27 Andrew Johnson, pianist, performs at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children 13 to 18, 12 and under free. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.

September2 - 3 Molly Brown reenactor in Delaware Hotel lobby. 4 to 5 p.m. 486-1418.3 Two-gun shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3811. 3 - 4 12/24 Hours of Leadville, a Trail 100 bicycle race. Starts at 10 a.m., Sept. 3. leadvilletrail100.com.3 Andrew Johnson, pianist, performs at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children 13 to 18, 12 and under free. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.10 Golden Oldies (before 1900) shoot at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up

CMC road. 10 a.m. $5. 486-3929. 10 Mineral Belt Trail Gold Tour. Start in the morning, go as far as you want to and return to lunch at the foot of Dutch Henri Hill. mineralbelttrail.com.11 National Mining Hall of Fame and

Museum opening of new exhibit: World of Molybdenum The Making of a Modern Metal. 486-1229.15 Judy Collins performs at Tabor Opera House, 308 Harrison Ave. 7 p.m. $40. taboroperahouse.net. 486-8409.17 Used Book Sale to benefit the Lake County Public Library, 8 a.m. at the 6th Street Gym.17 St. Patrick’s Day Practice Parade, Harrison Avenue around noon.17 Public sight-in at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5. 486-3096. 17 - 18 Photo Special train ride on Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad train. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Adults, $32.50; children 4-12, $19.50. leadville-train.com or 486-3936; (866) 386-3936.20 Model T Touring Club comes through Leadville in the afternoon. 486-1418.24 Victorian funerals: procedures and

etiquette presentation at Delaware Hotel. 4 to 6 p.m. 486-1418.25 Public sight-in at Leadville Rod and Gun Club range up CMC road. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5. 486-3096.

Top of the Rockies Byway

The Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic

Byway represents an opportunity for all to

enjoy Colorado at its best. Traveling along

asphalt-paved scenic U.S. and state highways that are

maintained for year-round safety, the route offers up-

close vistas of 11 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks. The

route traverses three national forests (Arapaho, White

River and San Isabel) and three designated wilderness

areas (Mount Massive, Holy Cross and Eagle’s Nest).

The headwaters of three major rivers, including the

Arkansas River, are adjacent to the route.

For the visitor wishing to get in touch with

America’s history, there is everything from the World

War II 10th Mountain Division’s Camp Hale to the

rustic towns of Minturn, Red Cliff, Twin Lakes and

Leadville. With the legendary silver-mining town of

Leadville at its hub, the visitor can encounter the life

and times of towns that continue to maintain their

rich historical mining heritage, culture and traditions.

The route connects the designated sites of

Leadville (a National Historic Landmark District) to

Twin Lakes (a National Historic District) to Interlaken

Resort (a National Historic Site) to Camp Hale (on

National Register of Historic Places). Included in

the Twin Lakes Historic District is the Mount Bump

archaeological interpretive campsite. This prehistoric

campsite indicates Native Americans lived in this area

when the first Europeans arrived in the early part of

the 19th century.

Independence Pass was added to the byway in May

2007. Colo. 82 crosses the pass at 12,095 feet, connecting

Twin Lakes and Aspen. It opens around Memorial Day,

weather permitting, and stays open until snow closes it

in the fall.

The Climax Molybdenum Mine, the world-class ore

bodies that brought seekers of wealth and fame to

the Rockies by the thousands, the highest railroad line

in the West, the 120-year-old Leadville National Fish

Hatchery, and the federally chartered National Mining

Hall of Fame and Museum provide endless opportuni-

ties for visitors to explore pure Colorado along the

Top of the Rockies Byway route.

Collegiate Peaks Byway

The Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic

Byway offers a drive-by view of some of

Colorado’s most scenic and historic areas.

Travelers on the 57-mile byway through Chaffee

County are treated to a concentration of mountains

over 14,000 feet on one side and the Arkansas River

on the other, while passing national forests, public

lands, active ranches and natural hot springs.

Designated in 2005, it is the newest Colorado

Scenic Byway and the state’s 25th.

Starting at Colo. 291, the byway winds southeast

through downtown Salida, recognized as the largest

historic district in the state. At the junction of U.S.

50, the byway heads west toward Poncha Springs.

Turning right at the junction of U.S. 50 and U.S. 285,

the route heads north on U.S. 285, with views of

Mount Shavano (14,229 feet), Mount Antero (14,269

feet), and Mount Princeton (14,197 feet) on the left.

Intermittent views of the Arkansas River, reportedly

the most commercially rafted river in the nation, are

on the right.

Just after Nathrop, at the junction of U.S. 285 and

U.S. 24, the byway continues straight through historic

Buena Vista, followed by views of Mount Yale (14,196

feet) and Mount Harvard (14,420 feet).

The byway ends where Top of the Rockies Byway

begins, just north of the Chaffee County line.

Byway travelers can not only gawk at spectacular

natural wonders, but also stop and learn about the

area’s history, as well.

The Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory board,

under the administration of the Greater Arkansas

River Nature Association (GARNA), is dedicated to

adding to the byway’s natural charms by providing

historic information and strategically placed pullouts

to emphasize views.

“The byway is just one way we can generate visitor

interest in our county. The board is hard at work

developing a wayside comprehensive plan throughout

the entire byway, with pull-out signs and ways for folks

to enjoy the byway and learn about history,” Alison

Ramsey, director for GARNA, said.

Since its inception, the board has garnered grants

for various improvement projects.

In 2010, GARNA, acting as the administrative arm

of the Collegiate Peaks Scenic & Historic Byway and

the Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board

began construction of the Collegiate Peaks Byway

Interpretive Center at Poncha Springs. Funding is

provided by the Federal Highways Byways program.

This brand-new facility will replace the Poncha Springs

Visitor Center and is designed to be partially self-

service so when it is not staffed, visitors travelling

through can still obtain information. The center will

also house heritage displays to help illustrate the area’s

sense of place.

The Heritage Board is also developing a

comprehensive wayside interpretive plan for the

Collegiate Peaks Byway as well as conducting

interviews of longtime residents to capture their

stories for future use in interpretive, educational

and resource protection projects. The Heritage

group is also well underway in conducting a survey

of all historic resources in the county. This project,

made possible by a grant from the Colorado State

Historical Fund, will identify county heritage resources

and will assist in developing awareness, enhancing

understanding of preservation needs within the county,

and providing a foundation for future projects within

the heritage area for both county staff and citizens.

For more information, visit collegiatepeaksbyway.org

or garna.org.

291

82

91

9

9

9

24

24

24

24

285

285

24

6

6

6

La Plata Peak

Huron PeakMissouri Mtn

Mt Oxford

W Buffalo PeakE Buffalo Peak

Mt Belford

Mt Harvard

Mt Elbert

Mt Massive

Mt Columbia

Mt Yale

Mt Princeton

Mt Antero

Mt TabequacheMt Shavano

Mt Ouray

Chipeta Mtn

WinfieldVicksburg

Johnson Village

Trout Creek Pass

Nathrop

AlpineIron City

St Elmo

4WD Rd.

Tincup Pass

Hancock PassAlpine Tunnel

Hancock

GarfieldMaysville

Cleora

TurretHecla Junction

Poncha Springs

Leadville

Mears Junction

Monarch Pass

Poncha Pass

©AVP, 2008

Marshall Pass

Centerville

Browns Canyon

Aspen Ridge

Buena Vista

Salida

Granite

Minturn

Avon

EdwardsVail

Dillon

Breckenridge

Frisco

SkiCooper

CopperMountain

RedCliff

Gilman

Fairplay

SouthPark City

Garo

Como

Alma

TwinLakes

AnteroReservoir

Balltown

To AspenTo Independence Pass

Cottonwood Pass

Independence Pass

VailPass

FremontPass

BattleMountain

PIKENATIONAL

FOREST

WHITE RIVERNATIONAL

FOREST

ARAPAHOENATIONAL

FOREST

SAN ISABELNATIONAL

FOREST

COLLEGIATE PEAKSWILDERNESS AREA

Closed in Winter

Closed in Winter

Closed in Winter

Closed in Winter

Clear Creek

Cottonwood Creek

Chalk Creek

South Arkansas River

Trout Creek

Arkansas River

Arkansas River

S. Platte River

Arkansas River

LEGENDHwy

Gravel Rd

4 Wheel

Drive

Rivers &

Streams

Collegiate Peaks Byway

Route

Top of the Rockies

Byway Route

Mt. Pass

Mountain

Lake

70

7070

82

Byways highlight history, county's allure2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 13

Events From Page 2

CollegiatePeaks Byway

Top of theRockies Byway

Page 14 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

LEADVILLE AREAHeritage Museum102 E. 9th St.

This building was home to

Leadville’s first library. Named for

Andrew Carnegie, who donated the

funds to establish the library, it was

opened Jan. 4, 1904. It served as the

local library until 1971.

In 1971, Leadville’s local historical

society, the Lake County Civic Center

Association, acquired the building and

now operates the museum housed

there. The museum holds Leadville

memorabilia — Victorian furniture,

mining and boomtown miscellany.

There is a scale-model replica of

the world’s largest palace of ice built in

Leadville in 1896 and a display of pho-

tographs and mementos of the 10th

Mountain Division at Camp Hale. Fine

art, mining dioramas and a gift shop

are also located at the museum.

The museum is open from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m. during the summer months.

486-1878

National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum 120 W. 9th St.

Opened to the public in 1987, the

National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum

boasts more than 70,000 square feet of

exhibition space dedicated to telling “the

story of mining, its people and its impor-

tance to the American public.”

Featured exhibits include the Hard Rock

Mine, Gold Rush Room, Prospector’s Cave,

Coal Mine, Industrial Minerals Room and

Crystal Rooms showcasing artifacts dating

back to the ancient copper mines of Cyprus

through to the modern day.

The museum is also home to the

National Mining Hall Of Fame honoring

individuals for their significant contributions

to mining.

The museum will open two major,

permanent exhibits this year, Expanding

Boundaries – Harrison Schmitt and the

New Mining Frontier featuring a rare piece

of moon rock and World Of Molybdenum

– The Making Of A Modern Metal (Sept

10), which tells the story from the 1879

discovery of molybdenum through today.

For information, 719-486-1229. mininghallof-

fame.org.

Healy House &Dexter Cabin912 Harrison Ave.

August R. Meyer, a prominent min-

ing engineer, built this nine-room, two-

story structure for his family in 1878.

The site for the home was selected

for its terrific view – something you

will no doubt appreciate after you

climb the steep knob, known locally as

“Capitol Hill,” to get there.

Meyer built the first reduction and

ore-sampling works in Leadville in

1877.

In 1881, the building was sold to

the Methodist Church to be used as a

parsonage.

Cousin Nellie Healy, a school

teacher in Leadville, was an heir to

the property. In 1936, through her

efforts, the structure was given to

the Leadville Historical Association,

and then presented by that associa-

tion to the state historical society. It

is operated today as a museum by the

Colorado State Historical Society.

Open from mid-May through early

October, the buildings are open from

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 486-0487

The Matchless Mine1.25 miles on East 7th Street

The Matchless Mine symbolizes the

incredible wealth and good fortune of

the boom days and the lonely seclu-

sion of those who waited for the

“good times” to return again.

Once owned by “Silver King”

Horace Tabor, the Matchless is the site

of the lonely vigil, demise and death of

the famous Baby Doe as she waited in

vain for the mine to reopen.

Guided surface tours daily, 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m., explore the Tabor legend

and the history of this mine including

Baby Doe’s Cabin. 486-1229 or match-

lessmine.org

The Tabor Home116 E. 5th St.

The Tabor home was built by

H.A.W. (Horace) Tabor in about 1877

at 512 Harrison Ave. and moved to its

present location in 1879.

Horace and first wife Augusta main-

tained their home here until 1881, when

Horace moved to the Windsor Hotel

to be close to his mistress, Baby Doe.

The Tabor triangle grew into a national

scandal and finally ended in divorce and

Horace’s marriage to Baby Doe. Augusta

received public support, but was hurt

deeply by the divorce, and H.A.W. never

regained his former prestige.

The Tabor Home will be open

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and

Saturday from Memorial Day weekend

until the middle of October. from 10

a.m. until 4 p.m.

Any change from these hours

will be posted on the front doors.

leadvilleassembly.org. 486-7368

Tabor Opera House308 Harrison Ave.

Said to be the grandest theater

between St. Louis and San Francisco,

the Tabor opened in November 1879.

H.A.W. Tabor built the structure for

about $40,000. It seated 880 within

its luxurious interior of red plush

seats and a curtain depicting the Royal

Gorge.

Visitors are invited to tour the

opera house including a museum on

the second floor, Tabor's Second Story.

The museum is designed in a time-

line fashion starting with the general

stores that H.A.W. and Augusta Tabor

ran during the days of the silver and

gold strikes. It includes the building of

the opera house, including some of the

famous performers.

Then comes the entrance of Baby

Doe on the scene, the Tabor divorce,

the marriage of H.A.W. and Baby

Doe, and finally the deaths of Augusta,

H.A.W. and Baby Doe.

The changes in ownership from

Tabor to Weston to the Elks and then

to the late Evelyn Furman are covered.

Several items will be introduced to

the museum this summer including

a copy of “Star of Blood” written by

Silver Dollar, Horace and Baby Doe

Tabor’s daughter. Also, Jackie Meissner

has donated some of her husband’s

geology materials.

Dr. Emmett L. O’Leary also has

donated information and photos on

Leadville history that date back to the

1950s.

It is open during the summer on

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. 486-8409 or taboroperahouse.org

BUENA VISTA AREABuena Vista Heritage

Buena Vista Heritage exists to pre-

serve and share the history of Buena

Vista and Chaffee County. The non-

profit organization owns and manages

several historical properties in Buena

Vista and St. Elmo.

Buena Vista Heritage Museum

506 East Main St.

Buena Vista, CO

(719) 395-8458

Buena Vista Heritage MuseumOpen seven days a week through

September 30. The tall brick build-

ing was built in 1882 as the Chaffee

County Courthouse. In 1932, the

county seat moved south to the larger

city of Salida. The public school system

utilized the building from 1935 until

1972. Buena Vista Heritage started

restorations in 1974 and opened the

local history museum in 1976. Exhibits

cover the area’s railroads, mines,

lifestyles and agricultural history. An

archive houses historical newspapers

and books.

The Buena Vista Model Railroad,

upstairs, is a working HO model wind-

ing through a historic diorama of the

entire valley.

“The Madams of Central Colorado”

performance is at the Buena Vista

Heritage Museum July 2 at 7 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. More

information is at buenavistaheritage.

org/Madams. Last year’s performance

filled the house to overflowing. This

dramatic presentation explores the

lives of some of the area’s “soiled

doves” through an educational and

entertaining program. All proceeds

benefit BV Heritage. Although tasteful

with no foul language, this show is not

recommended for children because

of the subject matter. Tickets are on

sale at the Buena Vista Chamber of

Commerce office and at the museum.

For more information call (719) 395-

8458 or (719) 395-6612.

Turner Farm829 West Main St.

Buena Vista

This two-acre site encompasses the

headquarters and apple orchard of

the historic Turner Farm. Open hours

depend on volunteer availability and

restoration work. Buildings include the

1890s homestead cabin, 1912 farm-

house, garage, barn, chicken coop and

mother-in-law cabin.

The Turner Farm Marketplace will

be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays,

from June 5 through Sept. 4.

Apple Fest, Turner Farm’s annual

old-fashioned fair, is Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-3

p.m. Musicians perform all day while

visitors pick apples, churn butter, tour

the buildings, eat and enjoy the laid-

back country atmosphere. A tour of

Mount Olivet Cemetery also is set for

Sept. 10 at 3 p.m.

Buena Vista DepotMcPhelemy Park

U.S. 24 and Main Street

Buena Vista

Built in 1890-91 by the Denver,

Leadville and Gunnison Railroad,

formerly the Denver, South Park and

Pacific Railroad, this depot originally

stood just east of the BV Heritage

Museum. It was moved in 1927 after

the “South Park Line” shut down.

The depot served as the office and

residence of the Woodland Brook

Cabins until damaged by a fire in 2002.

The owners donated the depot to BV

Heritage. It was moved to the park

restoration is now complete. The new

Buena Vista Depot Transportation

Museum is expected to open in this

building July Fourth weekend. The

museum will feature exhibits on the

Old Leadville Stagecoach Road which

went through Buena Vista, the town’s

three railroads and the Pikes Peak

Ocean to Ocean Highway which ran

through town on Main Street. Located

next to the museum is an 1880s

caboose which is being renovated and

is also expected to open for tours July

Fourth weekend.

St Elmo Schoolhouse & Town Hall

CR 162

St. Elmo

BV Heritage restored the one-room

schoolhouse, used from 1880 until the

1940s. The display combines authentic

St. Elmo artifacts with typical school

equipment from the era. The original

Town Hall burned down in 2002. The

current building is a replica, finished

in 2009. Exhibits on mining and the

St. Elmo area are in development. will

open for the summer in mid-June.

Check http://buenavistaheritage.org or

call 395-8458 for days and hours.

Maxwell Creek Schoolhouse

Corner of County Roads 321

(Rodeo Road) and 326

Buena Vista

Also known as the Mount Princeton

Schoolhouse, it was one of the two

dozen one-room schoolhouses

serving the children of the outlying

ranches and mining camps until the

1950s. Buena Vista Heritage over-

sees the property for the Colorado

Department of Education. There is a

small parking lot, but the schoolhouse

is not open to the public.

Other BVH events:Buena Vista Heritage 10K Run is

set for Saturday, June 4. Headquarters

for the race will be at McPhelemy Park

in Buena Vista. Runners will be bussed

to the starting line at the historic

Maxwell Schoolhouse on CR 321. The

last bus will leave the park at 8:45

a.m., and the race will start at 9 a.m.

The event is a fundraiser for Buena

Vista Heritage and the Buena Vista

High School girls cross country team.

Entry fee is $20 if postmarked by May

25 and $25 on race day. The downhill

course takes runners past historic

buildings and properties in Buena Vista

– including the historic Kelly Ranch,

the Turner Farm, the Bonney House

and others - and back to the park, fin-

ishing at the old Denver, Leadville and

Gunnison depot. Walkers are welcome

Forms and more information are

available at the Buena Vista Chamber

of Commerce office, 395-6612, or by

e-mail at kathi@buenavistacolorado.

org.

Miniature Dollhouses Exhibit will be July 9-23.

Between Fences, a Smithsonian

Institution traveling exhibit, will be Aug

12-Sept. 29, upstairs in the museum

until Sept 29.

Historic Cemetery Tours

explore Mount Olivet Cemetery with

costumed “residents” telling their sto-

ries. Tours meet at the cemetery on

CR 321 (Rodeo Road) on June 23, July

3, Aug. 13, and Sept. 10.

Free Day at the Buena Vista

Heritage Museum in honor of

Colorado Day is Aug. 1.

King Boletus Mushroom Festival, Aug. 20-21, is a two-day

seminar with lectures and mush-

room-hunting forays. Reservations are

required.

For more information on any of the

BV Heritage properties, reservations,

and up-to-date event plans, contact:

(719) 395-8458

E-mail: buenavistaheritage@msn.

com.

Web site: buenavistaheritage.org

SALIDA AREASalida Museum

Visitors can see what “old Salida”

was like at the Salida Museum, 406 1/2

West U.S. 50, behind the Chamber of

Commerce and next to the Salida Hot

Springs Aquatic Center. The museum

is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

seven days a week, from Memorial Day

through Labor Day. Admission is $3

for adults, $1.50 for ages 12 to 17 and

$1 for children age 7 to 11.

The Salida Museum includes more

than 5000 artifacts dating back to

1880 when the town began and even

further. When the Denver & Rio

Grande Railroad reached the area in

1880, Salida prospered as a hub for

trains shipping ore and bringing sight-

seers in to enjoy the natural wonders

of the mountains.

Artifacts include items from the

area’s first Native American residents

along with vintage household furnish-

ings, artwork, historical photographs,

Museums,events showcase history

Healy House. sandrahalverstadt.ifp3.com photo

The model railroad exhibit at Buena Vista Heritage depicts aspects of the town at the turn of the 19th Century.Wendy Oliver/BVH photo.

Continued, Page 9

Activities

2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 15

Four-wheel-drive roads on

U.S. Forest Service land of-

fer spectacular scenery and

access to remote high-mountain

areas – a pleasant break from the

usual highway trip.

Check with the U.S. Forest

Service Salida Ranger District of-

fi ce, 325 West Rainbow Blvd. (Hwy.

50), Salida; the Leadville Ranger

District, 810 Front St., Leadville;

or a local chamber offi ce for maps

and suggestions for trips.

Regardless of the path you

choose, attention to the weather,

good maps and safe driving habits

are important. All four-wheel-drive

roads should be driven slowly and

carefully to maintain control over

bumps, rocks and ruts. In addition,

blind curves, wildlife, bicyclists,

horseback riders and all-terrain-

vehicle riders are common on

many roads.

ATV riders need an off-highway-

vehicle registration from the state.

Remember to check your vehi-

cle before heading out. Check tire

pressure and all fl uids and visually

inspect the vehicle for anything

that may cause a problem. Carry a

cell phone; although in some loca-

tions it may not work, it’s always

handy. Ensure your vehicle has a

spare tire in good condition. Some

four-wheelers keep a full-sized

spare.

Other equipment to have is a

hand-winch, jack, shovel and tow-

strap. Pack cold-weather clothing

and extra food and water, espe-

cially in the valley’s often-unpre-

dictable weather.

Wilderness areas such as Col-

legiate Peaks and Mount Massive

are, by regulation, permanently

closed to motorized and mecha-

nized vehicles, including mountain

bikes. Mileage is measured one

way, unless otherwise indicated.

Leadville AreaFremont PassChalk Mountain (Forest Road

134)

Length: 2.9 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins 9

miles north of Leadville on Colora-

do 91 and ends at the top of Chalk

Mountain.

Description: Old growth spruce/

fi r forest, alpine meadows. View of

Mount of the Holy Cross, Chicago

Ridge and Climax Molybdenum

Company mining operations. During

the 1970s, Chalk Mountain served as

site of an observatory, constructed

by Louisiana State University.

Halfmoon Halfmoon Road (Forest Road 110)

Length: 14.8 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins

approximately one mile west of U.S.

24 on CR 300 (Fish Hatchery Road)

and ends on private land at Cham-

pion Mine.

Description: Road is passable by

passenger car for the fi rst 7.1 miles

to the Mt. Massive trailhead. Remain-

ing is rough, four-wheel-drive road

along valley fl oor. Gradual climb with

a few steep pitches.

Hiker access to: Mt. Massive, Mt.

Elbert, North Halfmoon Lakes and

Colorado Trail.

South Halfmoon Road(Forest Road 110.3A)

Length: 4.6 miles

Road beginning and end: Road be-

gins on the Halfmoon Road 2 miles

west of the Mt. Massive trailhead and

ends at the Iron Mike Mine.

Description: Very rough four-

wheel- drive road with a few diffi cult

stream crossings. Experienced four-

wheel drivers only. Climbs into large

open alpine basin.

Hiker access to: Casco, French

Mountain and Echo Canyon - no

defi ned trails.

Turquoise LakeHagerman Pass (Forest Road 104)

Length: 7.3 miles from Turquoise

Lake Road to the pass, 22.5 miles

from Turquoise Lake Road to Nast

(beginning of pavement on east side

of pass).

Road beginning and end: Begins

on the south side of Turquoise Lake

about 4 miles west of the Sugar

Loaf Dam and continues on to the

White River National Forest past

Ruedi Reservoir and onto Colo. 82

at Basalt.

Description: Although not one of

the more diffi cult passes in the area,

four-wheel-drive vehicles are highly

recommended as road clearance is

an issue.

At the top of the pass, 12,075

feet, there are great views of the

Turquoise Lake area to the east and

the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to

the southwest.

This is a good scenic drive for

viewing wildfl owers, pikas and

marmots. Just east of the pass, look

to the south over Hagerman Lake

to see remnants of the Colorado

Midland Railroad.

Hiker access to: Colorado Midland

Trail, Colorado Trail, Native Lake and

Windsor Lake.

Bear Lake (Forest Road 107)

Length: 4.5 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins

on the north side of Turquoise Lake.

Ends at the Holy Cross Wilderness

boundary just east of Bear Lake.

Description: Fairly easy, although

steep, four-wheel-drive road through

lodgepole pine and spruce/fi r forests.

Great views and hiking access from

the end of the road.

Hiker access to: Colorado Trail

Segment #9.

Twin LakesLost Canyon (Forest Road 398)

Length: 8.5 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins

on U.S. 24 just south of the Granite

store. Ends at wide alpine meadow

to the northeast of Quail Mountain

near an ongoing privately owned

mining operation.

Description: First few miles of

road accessible by passenger vehicle.

Rough and rocky beyond that point,

high-clearance 4WD recommended.

The road winds through lodgepole

stands, passes an abandoned placer

operation on Lost Canyon Creek

then heads above timberline. The

broad alpine meadow permits views

of Clear Creek valley to the south,

Boswell Gulch to the west and Lake

Creek valley to the north. Excellent

opportunities for observation of al-

pine tundra, wildfl owers and wildlife.

Hiker access to: No defi ned trails.

Flume Creek (Forest Road 399)

Length: 4.2 miles, from Lost Can-

yon Road to road end.

Road beginning and end: Begins

on Lost Canyon Road (Forest Road

398) approximately 1.3 miles from

U.S. 24. Ends at Flume Gulch.

Description: Good road that winds

through the forest and climbs quickly

above Twin Lakes before descending

into Flume Creek. This road dead ends; there is no access to Twin Lakes.

Hiker access to: No defi ned trails.

South Fork Lake Creek

Sayers Gulch (Forest Road 382)

Length: 2.1 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins at

South Fork Lake Creek Road (For-

est Road 391) 2.7 miles southwest

of Colo. 82 and ends at wilderness

boundary.

Description: Rough road with a

signifi cant stream crossing at the be-

ginning. Continues into alpine valley

with willow and beaver ponds.

Hiker access to: Sayers Gulch.

McNassar Gulch (Forest Road

394)

Length: 1.5 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins

at South Fork Lake Creek Road, 3.3

miles southwest of Colo. 82, and

ends at gate with hiking access only

on private road above gate.

Description: Rough road with a

few steep switchbacks. Wonder-

ful viewing of wildfl owers in upper

reaches of valley.

Hiker access to: Upper McNassar

Gulch and Grizzly Peak, elevation

13,988 feet. No defi ned trails.

Peekaboo Gulch (Forest Road

393)

Length: 2.3 miles

Road beginning and end: Begins

at South Fork Lake Creek Road, 4.6

miles southwest of Colo. 82 and

ends just below Red Mountain.

Description: Rough road that

winds up into alpine valley.

Hiker access to: No defi ned trails.

Buena Vista/Salida areas

Mount Antero – Mount Antero is

14,269 feet high, with roads leading

to within one-half mile of the peak.

The road is narrow and extremely

diffi cult, with a serious water cross-

ing. Switchbacks are dangerous.

Only experienced mountain drivers

should attempt this trip.

New interpretive signing and

informational brochures for this area

were complied by the U.S. Forest

Service and High Rocky Riders OHV

Club.

Fourmile Travel Management Area – The Fourmile area encom-

passes 100,000 acres of U.S. Forest

Service and Bureau of Land Manage-

ment public lands. Maps and trail

signs indicate roads open to general

driving, extreme jeeping, ATV-only

or single-track (dirt bikes), as well

as trails reserved for nonmotorized

recreation.

Hancock Pass – Hancock is south

of the historic town of St. Elmo on

FR 295. It reaches 12,000 feet and is

9 miles long. The surface is poor and

it is recommended for experienced

drivers only.

A long scenic and historic loop

is to head over Hancock and then

Tomichi Pass into Whitepine in

Gunnison County. Take Old Monarch

Pass to U.S. 50 back into Salida. In

July and August this route is ex-

tremely busy.

Grizzly Lake is for experienced

travelers only. Huge rocks, deep

holes and steep grades are encoun-

tered.

Hayden Pass crosses the Sangre

de Cristo Range southeast of Salida.

The road starts east of Salida on

U.S. 50 at Coaldale. The fi rst mile is

rough, but views from the summit

are outstanding.

Tin Cup Pass, southwest of Buena

Vista, takes off from St. Elmo. It’s a

dozen miles across the Continental

Divide and takes you to the town

of Tin Cup. This trip is of moderate

diffi culty.

Bassam Park and Aspen Ridge are

east of Buena Vista off U.S. 24/285.

Five miles after crossing the Arkan-

sas River, look for the Bassam Park

Road (Forest Road 307) turning to

the right.

Further south is Marble Quarry

Gulch and the ghost town of Turret.

ATVs are not allowed on county

roads in the town of Turret.

Green’s Creek is an easy 7 miles

from the start of the trail to its

junction with the Monarch Trail. The

trail from CR 221 up Green’s Creek

offers excellent scenery and unde-

veloped camping. Green’s Creek is

open to foot, horse and single-track

motorcycle use only.

Rainbow Trail is a route recom-

mended for motorcycles. It starts

west of Poncha Springs, just off CR

200 and travels east along the base

of the Sangre de Cristo mountain

range for approximately 100 miles.

Drivers should always stay on es-

tablished roads and trails. Not doing

so causes environmental damage.

Remember to respect the envi-

ronment. When using a motorized

vehicle on U.S. Forest Service land,

let your passing be as unnoticeable

as possible.

For more information on OHV

routes, call the U.S. Forest Service at

539-3591.

Motorized Vehicle Use Maps are available for both

the Leadville and Salida

ranger districts.

• Leadville is at 810 Front

Street, Leadville, (719) 486-

0749.

• Salida is at 325 W. Rain-

bow Blvd. (Hwy. 50), Salida,

(719) 539-3591.

These maps show motor-

ized road and trail routes,

areas designated as open to

motorized travel and give

information about types of

vehicles allowed, seasonal

closures and travel rules and

regulations. It is the motor-

ized user’s responsibility to

reference the MVUM and to

stay on designated routes.

Routes designated for mo-

torized use may not always

be signed on the ground

but will be identifi ed on the

MVUM.

Jeeping near Twin Lakes. sandrahalverstadt.ifp3.com photo

Our fi ve-acre property overlooks Twin Lakes, Independence Pass and Mount Elbert. We have two guest rooms each with their own private bath, private entrance and one of the fi nest views in Colorado right out your front door.

The Black Cat Bed and Breakfast The Black Cat Bed and Breakfast is the newest B&B in Twin Lakes. Twelve miles south of is the newest B&B in Twin Lakes. Twelve miles south of

Leadville, Colorado, and 40 miles east of Aspen. Leadville, Colorado, and 40 miles east of Aspen.

719.839.0678 u www.blackcatbb.com

4wd routes access remote areas

Outdoors

Book Mine The last working mine in Leadville

• Maps • Recreation Guides • Local History • Magazines

• Children’s Books • Toys • Audio Books • Greeting Cards

Summer Hours 9a - 8p daily

6th & Harrison in Leadville 719-486-2866 • bookmine@bresnan.net

Reading for theR O A Dand Beyond

BookMine

WATCH FOR AUTHOR SIGNINGS AND OTHER EVENTS.

Page 16 — 2011 Summer Adventure Guide

RIO

GR

ANDE SCENIC

RAILR

OA

D

EST. 1878