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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, [email protected], 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
he H
eral
d D
emoc
rat,
The
Mou
ntai
n M
ail,
& T
he C
haffe
e Co
unty
Tim
es
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
FREEFREE
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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5620 E. Hwy 50
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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
ek
C o t t onwo od
Cree k
Texa
s Cre
ek
Grov
e
Hayd
en Cree
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
H
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
Isab
el N
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
NT
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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719-539-2895
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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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Located Across from the Hot Springs Swimming Pool
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Call 719-395-8458 for hours & information
Buena VistaBuena Vista TransportationTransportation
MuseumMuseumin the narrow gauge railroad depot
~ 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
223 East First St. Downtown Salida
719-539-15oo
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• Zero depth entry level leisure pool
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• 25 meter lap pool• 25 meter lap pool
• Diving Board• Diving Board
410 West Highway 50 Salida719-539- 6738
www.salidapool.comwww.salidarec.com
10am-NoonMon-Sat
ParentParentTotTot
SwimSwim
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.
Birders fi nd region an excellent place to indulge their interests
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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
THIS ISTHIS IS
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
1 2 4 F S t r e e t D o w n t o w n , S a l i d a
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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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505 Macon Ave.,
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MAY - 64th ANNUAL BLOSSOM ART FESTIVALMAY 21st - BREW HA HA
Microbrew Festival & Comedy ExtravaganzaJUNE - JULY - CALLING ALL TRAINS
Art & Photography for the Railroad EnthusiastJUNE-AUG - KIDS SUMMER ART CLASSES
AUGUST - SEPT - ART OF THE TATTOOSEPTEMBER - CHALK IT UP
World’s Longest Highway Chalk DrawingCLASSES - CLASSES - CLASSES
Sto
ck u
p fo
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mer
!ce
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rel
axat
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ARK
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ER
321
Rodeo R
oad
CR
319
CR304Unpaved
CR301
Crossman Ave
Krocesky Dr.Meadow Ln
Jam
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S. Evans
CR 350
CR 372
CR
372B
CR 317
CR 371
CR 313
Baylor D
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Brady Rd
©AVP, 2011Su
rrey
St.
Essex St.Mill St. Marquard Trail
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
06
Blake A
ve
Steele
11
109
5 6
7
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RIVERPARK
WATERCOURSE
WATERCOURSE
CommunityCenter
Boulder Park
Skate Park
Rest Rooms
Pump Track
1
8
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2
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24
24
306
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
Gold Rush Gold Rush
DaysDays
301 E. Main St. Unit 6 •301 E. Main St. Unit 6 • Buena VistaBuena Vista719-395-6585719-395-6585
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
BUENA VISTABUENA VISTA
Look for the Orange Sun!Look for the Orange Sun!
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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: [email protected] 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
AwardAward WinningWinning
AlesAleson Tapon Tap
Wines byWines by the bottlethe bottle
or glassor glass
EspressoEspresso
136 E. 2nd St.in HistoricDowntown
Salida
Mexican Specialties • Homemade Soups/DessertsGiant Burgers • Daily Luncheon Specials
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
11 Miles west of Salida off US 50 • 719/539-6063
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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KAISERKAISER KARVINGSKARVINGS
719-276-0929719-539-5480
COTOPAXI, COLORADOMile Marker 250 Hwy 50 •
Jewelry, Rocks, Crystals,Fossils, Gold Panning
Chainsaw Bears, Moose, Eagles, Benches, Beavers
& Lots MORE! $45 & up
ROCKROCKSHOPSHOP&
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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your pet, We Can!
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719-539-9246
• Spacious Kennels Indoor/Outdoor• All Breed Grooming Services
Personalized care for your Dog or Cat
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"Where the Wag'n Never Stops"
Hwy & F St. • Salida--
OFFALL Wines & Champagne
SALIDA HOMEBREW SUPPLY
112 D E. Hwy 50, Salida (in the alley)
539-9595 • 539-4163
Everything you need foryour homebrewing
WINO WEDNESDAYS
EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF MICRO-BREWED BEERS
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Parts & Accessories Knowledgeable StaffBetter Quality & Prices
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IN THE CURRENT IMPORTSDowntown Salida, 114 E. 1st Street (719)539-2321
from around the worldto our worldto our world
always a new and fun experience
• art • clothing• jewelry • home decor • gifts
2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 7B
Salida &Poncha Springs173
ARKA
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Sand Lake
Crestone
Shavano
W. Park
Gra
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SalidaTrail System
SALIDAGOLFCLUB
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17th
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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
11
15
12
4
9
20
2122
23
8
6
1
5
7
32
14
17
10
HISTORICDOWNTOWN
DISTRICT
291
291
Mes
a A
ve.Heart of the
Rockies RegionalMedical Center
13
Spiral Dr.
Salida
Mtn. TrailsSpiral Dr.
Grand Ave.
151
175
175
150
SmeltertownSmokestack
Smeltertown
State FishHatchery
291160
FrantzLake
144
160
154
152
18
19
WATERCOURSE
South Arkan
sas Rive
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Hulbert
Poncha
Poplar
Nickerson
Hoover RanchPark
Alabama
Angelo
©AVP 2011
Palm
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Wes
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.
Kim
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Chipeta
Pinyon Dr.
Ouray
Ant
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Shav
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La P
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Tom
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Poncha SpringsVisitors Center
True
Hoover Cir.A St.
Ave. SabetaBurnett
Little Rive
r Ln.
Caliente Ln.
50
285
285
50
50
120
115
To Buena Vista
To Monarch
To SalidaCHAFFEE COUNTY
FAIRGROUNDS
4
16
3
5
2
POINTS OF INTEREST1. Town Hall/Chipeta Park2. Chaffee County Fairgrounds3. Hoover Ranch Park4. Visitors Center5. Disc Golf6. Post Office
E. Ouray Ave.
Ponc
ha Sp
ring
s Ln
.
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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RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • COMMERCIAL • RECREATIONAL
W E S H I L L R E A L E S TAT E . C O M
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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2011 Summer Adventure Guide — Page 9B
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!
The Trailhead / Trailhed Cycle & Ski
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-
ing along the river and is a take-out for
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
and has a passageway under the bridge to
the day use site on the north side of the
highway. You will fi nd a “Watchable Wild-
life” exhibit and observation deck over
the river. It's also a great picnic site with
20 campsites and two vault toilets.
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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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132 W. Hwy 50 • 539-2884
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KITCHEN CUTLERYCUSTOM KNIVES
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Arkansas River KOA& Loma Linda Motel
Great People, Great Camping• Camp on the River!
• Riverside pavilion available for rental
• Playground, Mini-Golf, Shuffleboard
• Nightly Hayride and Children’s Movies
• Groups welcome: company picnics, reunions, boy/girl scouts,church groups, military, etc.
• Tent & RV Sites, Kamping Kabins
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Great People, Great Camping• Camp on the River • Wi available• Cabins, Kitchenettes, Motel Rooms• Tent & RV Sites, Kamping Kabins• Nightly Hayride and Movie• Heated Pool, Playground, Mini-golf course• Pets Welcome
www.coloradocampingkoa.com
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
Salida River Rock
ImpressionsImpressions
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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 • [email protected]
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
1
WoodsRustic
3
Paintings ––––––––––––––Jewelry –––––––––––––––Pottery –––––––––––––––Tile ArtFraming –––––––Glass ––––––––––––––––––
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
www.thebooknookbv.com
TheThe
www.rockrungallery.com
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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We are Unique!ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES
HOME DECORTen Showrooms of Furniture
(Hand built, original, variety)East Main St., Across from Court House
719-395-2377
Take a piece of BV
home with you!
Kevin Hoffman photo
Page 20B — NowThisisColorado.com
leadville area location phone
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+Ch
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Men
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+Lu
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+Cre
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+Br
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+Di
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+Li
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+Ca
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Out
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
SUN.
+Ou
tdoo
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ing
+di
ne in
lake
cou
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A Special Publication of The Herald Democrat, The Mountain Mail, & The Chaffee County Times
Incl
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•
Salid
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Buen
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•
Salid
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Buen
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Sur
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Are
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• Po
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SU
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Lead
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• L
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• Tw
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Lead
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• L
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Cou
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• Tw
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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 [email protected]. 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, [email protected], 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
w w w . l e a d v i l l e - t r a i n . c o m
All Aboard!
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The historic mining town of Leadville, Colorado, is tucked away in a magni cent Alpine valley at the base of the state’s highest peak.
View untamed wilderness & wild owers andView untamed wilderness & wild owers and experienceexperiencethe history of Leadville while relaxing on board thethe history of Leadville while relaxing on board the
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad.Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad.
2½-hour Scenic Railroad TripsMemorial Day through September
• Daily TripsDaily Trips • Gift ShopGift Shop
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Forestry TechnicianNatural Resource Management
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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
CALIFORNIA GULCH
CMC
©AVP, 2010
12th St
Nat'l Mining
Hall of Fame
Heritage
Museum
Healey House
& Dexter
Cabin
Lake Co.
Public Lib.
Ice Palace
Park
St. Vincent Hosp.
Lake Co. Aquatic Center
BLIND TOM IRONMINE
GRAHAMPARK
YAK TUNNEL A.Y. & MINNIE
MINE
MINNIE PUMP SHAFT
MINNIE PUMP SHAFT
GREAT SULLIVAN MINE
GREAT SULLIVAN MINE
PYRENNEES
GREENBACK
FINNTOWN
ROBERT EMMETT
MATCHLESS MINE
SMELTER SITE
ROBERT E. LEE
SCALE IN MILES
0 1/4 1/2 1
COLONEL SELLERS S. MOYER MINE
ORO CITY SITE
FOREST CITY
DENVER CITY
COLOMBIATUNNEL
COLOMBIATUNNEL
Mineral Belt RR
7th Street Bridge
5th Street 5th St. Bridge Emer. Veh. Access
TRAILHEADPARKING
POINT OF INTEREST
STORM SHELTER
ELEVATION
MINE
10,000
10,000
9,900
10,500
10,600
10,600
10,240
10,240
10,420
10,200
10,000
PRIMARY TRAILHEAD Mile Markers Start
Here & Go Clockwise Also, Easier Route
THE MINERALBELT TRAIL
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Outdoor Adventure!Outdoor Adventure!
Hiking • Rock Climbing • Swimming • Soccer Camp
• Trips to Denver • Beach Days
• Overnight Campout
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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The Matchless Mine& Baby Doe’s Cabin
The Matchless Mine is owned and operated by the National Mining Museum
Guided Surface Mine Tours Daily 10am-4pmMemorial Day Weekend thru late September (weather permitting)1.25 mi. on E. 7th St. from Harrison Avenue, Leadville CO
719-486-1229 www.matchlessmine.org
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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
• Leadville Ice Palace Model Display • 10th Mountain Division Display• Mining & Boomtown Miscellany• Gallery of Fine Art • Gift Shop
Visit the HERIHERITAGETAGEmuseummuseum
Open Daily10:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M.during the summer season
Sponsored by the Lake County Civic Center Association, a nonprofit organization102 E 9th & Harrison • 486-1878102 E 9th & Harrison • 486-1878
W h e n y o u ' r e i n L e a d v i l l e
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Healy House & Dexter Cabin • Heritage Museum Matchless Mine • National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
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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
ColoradoLeadville
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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 • [email protected]
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