The Denver Post Summer Getaways | 2024

Summer Getaways

For the readers of The Denver Post, Daily Camera, Longmont Times-Call, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Cañon City Daily Record and Greeley Tribune

GRANBY

1. ENJOY A DAY ON LAKE GRANBY

Whether by pontoon or paddleboard, enjoy a day on the water surrounded by mountain views.

2. SPEND SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE RODEO

Grab your boots and hats and come out for a roarin’ good time at the rodeo! Don’t miss this Granby summer tradition at Flying Heels Arena.

3. MOUNTAIN BIKE AT GRANBY RANCH

From lift-accessed downhill trails to beautiful ridgeline crosscountry rides, there are riding experiences for all types of mountain bikers.

4. VISIT THE TRAIN MUSEUM

The Moffat Road Railroad Museum is as much fun as it is educational. It features Colorado’s largest permanent Christmas model train display.

5. TRY THE SUMMER TUBING HILL

Snow Mountain Ranch offers a fun spin on traditional winter tubing. The snow-like surface is misted with water for an exhilarating ride, then a magic carpet takes you back up.

PHOTO: GRANBY RANCH

TOP 10 SUMMER ACTIVITIES

6. CAMP UNDER THE STARS

From campgrounds with full amenities to primitive sites, breathtaking mountain views will greet you each morning outside your tent or camper door.

7. CAST A LINE

Fishing can be found along the Colorado and Fraser Rivers and the shores of Lake Granby. For the little ones, there is a kids fishing pond at Kaibab Park.

8. STOP BY MUSIC & MARKET

Listen to live music and shop for produce, meat, eggs and art on Thursdays. Plus, enjoy food and a beer garden.

9. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN GRANBY

Stroll along Main Street to view colorful murals, visit shops, enjoy lunch on a restaurant patio and sample treats like honey caramels and homemade apple pie.

10. TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

The scenery around Granby is absolutely stunning and worth exploring; take a drive and bring your camera!

On the cover: Mary Claire Friesema hikes the Grays Peak trail and passes by Torreys Peak, which is 14,272feet, in ClearCreek County on Aug. 24, 2023

Photo: Hyoung Chang— The Denver Post

B. Hansen and Donovan Henderson

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST

Seeds blowoff of cottonwood trees in Washington Park in Denver on June 19, 2023.

Explore 10 historic Colorado sites

Visiting these places can help you understand how Colorado has hada complex history

By R. Scott Rappold Special to The Denver Post

Colorado is more than beautiful mountains, windswept prairies, and arid deserts.

It’s the stories of the people who came before us, of the triumphs and tragedies of life in the rugged frontier, of a state and nation going through growing pains.

Life in the West was oftena struggle,

and some places represent our ingenuity and perseverance.

Some places harbor dark secrets, revealing shameful stories.

So, here are some places to visit on your summer travels to help you understand Colorado’s complex history.

At some of these sites, you’ll need imagination to picture what occurred, while others have lasting physical evidence that has survived the centuries.

Mesa Verde/Canyons of the Ancients

Hundreds of years before Columbus, the Ancestral Puebloans, or Anasazi, a large and sophisticated culture thrived

in the Southwest.

They built huge cities and lasting cliff dwellings, yet mysteriously vanished in the 13th century.

You can tour the cliff dwellings on guided tours in Mesa Verde National Park, learning from experts about their lives, society and theories as to why they vanished.

Or you can venture on your own into Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and appreciate how tough life must have been in these arid canyons.

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site

In 1833, there was nothing but

wilderness between Missouri and the Mexican settlements of the Southwest.

The Sante Fe Trail was a grueling journey between the two.

That year, William and Charles Bent and Ceran St Vrain built thefort, the only major white settlement along the trailfor 16 years.

In addition to creatinga thriving empire, thefort served as a meeting place where different cultures could connect, including fur trappers, Mexican traders, white settlers, and the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche and Kiowa tribes.

Thefort has been rebuilt, with living history exhibits that let you appreciate life on the edge of the map.

JOE AMON DENVER POST FILE

Visitors tour the dwellings at Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park on July 12, 2017.

Historic sites

FROM PAGE4

It also represents a shining lost moment because it wouldn’t be long before the United States was at war with Mexico, as well as the Native Americans.

The clashing civilizations perhaps could have builta better future here William Bent himself married a Cheyenne woman and tried to show that peaceful coexistence was possible.

Sand Creek Massacre

National Historic Site

Members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were camped along the banks of Sand Creek in 1864 when 700 men of the Colorado State Militia emerged from the morningfog.

The volunteers began shooting and didn’t stop until 230 were dead, mostly women and children.

The tribe had been trying to report to a reservation peacefully, but confusion and conflicting orders marred the process.

The event was celebrated in Denver at the time, but history has viewed it differently. Gov. John Evans’ name was

HISTORIC SITES» PAGE6

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Historical reenactor and living history interpreter Bob Kisthart, dressed in period clothing, closes up the fort for the day at Bent’s OldFort National Historic Site in La Junta on March 10.

Historic sites

stripped from the famous mountain.

Today, you can see exhibits in the visitors center and take a short walk to an overlook, but you’ll have to use your imagination to picture the horrors of that day.

Relations between the tribes and whites never recovered.

Leadville

No other place illustrates Colorado’s history better than Leadville.

The city at 10,158 feet rose practically overnight after prospectors discovered gold and silver in California Gulch in the 1860s.

Soon, Leadville had elegant hotels, a famous opera house and a population of 30,000 It nearly became the state capital.

But it suffered the fate of most boomtowns in 1893 when the U.S. switched from a silver standard.

Today, you can stroll through town, admiring the beautiful Victorian architecture and touring the numerous former mines while imagining living at

10,000 feet without GORE-TEX.

Independence Pass

Colorado has many mountain passes that will make you marvel at thefortitude of those who built them, none more

so than Independence Pass, the route that connects Aspen with Twin Lakes.

The pass gets so much snow it’s only open half the year, but that didn’t stop the settlers of the Independence boom town from carving out the rugged track

at 12,095 feet.

Today, you can tour that ghost town 3 miles west or hike among the tundra and wildflowers, enjoying the stunning views and pondering life in such an extreme environment.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Deep in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, few Colorado towns are as isolated as Silverton.

It was often cutoff entirely in winter until the construction of this famous railroad in the 1880s.

The train, today reimagined as a tourist attraction, runs 3 hours through improbably rugged terrain.

To ride in a historic rail car past such scenic beauty is an experience you’ll never forget.

Ludlow Massacre site

In the early 1900s, labor relations were tearing the country apart, and the southern Colorado coal fields were to become a flashpoint in the conflict.

The Colorado National Guard came to supposedly keep the peace between striking miners and the owners’ men.

FROM PAGE5

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

A sign that is part of the Bluff Trail Interpretive Walk at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site on Nov. 14, 2022, near Eads.

PATRICK TRAYLOR— THE DENVER POST

Leadville is seen on June 27, 2022

But on April 20, 1914, violence broke out in theLudlow camp that left 25 miners dead, including 11 children.

While nobody knows who fired the first shot, the massacre led to an all-out war that ended when the U.S. Army intervened.

The site, about 12 miles north of Trinidad, still has original buildings anda large memorial,a testament to the mistrust and violence of the day.

Amache National Historic Site

In the barren prairie of southeast Colorado, near Granada, lies evidence of one of America’s most shameful episodes.

After Japan bombed PearlHarbor, hysteria led to the relocation of 110,000 Japanese-Americans to remote internment camps around the West.

Some 10,000 of them were sent to Camp Amache, held as prisoners from 1942 to 1945, far from the U.S. public.

A life-sized monument of a coal car and miners is on display in Coal

Memorial Park along Main Street on Nov. 15, 2022, in Trinidad.

Little remains of the buildings, but the area became a national historic site in 2023 Guides and interpretive signs help visitors imagine the pain of being labeleda threat strictly because of your ancestry.

Camp Hale National Historic Site

As World War II raged, the U.S. Army realized it needed specialized troops for the mountain fighting ahead.

At its peak, 15,000 soldiers trained in what became a virtual city. The division would suffer 5,000 casualties, including 999 killed.

Today, you can take a self-guided tour with interpretive signs to ten stops, includinga handful of restored buildings.

Eisenhower Tunnel

You’ve likely driven the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel, perhaps cursing the heavy ski traffic or frequent closures for hazardous materials trucks.

Building an interstate highway through these mountains was initially considered impossible, and proposals included I-70 ending at Denver.

The Army chose this large valley north of Leadville as the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division.

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From 1942 to 1945, the mountain troopers endured brutal cold and deep snow, learning to ski and fight on flimsy wooden skis while climbing mountains under fire.

Colorado officials knew the state wouldn’t become an economic backwater withouta route crossing the Continental Divide and successfully lobbied the federal government to build the tunnel at 11,112 feet. When it opened in the 1970s, it was the highest tunnel in the world. It took five years to build and remains the highest tunnel in the interstate system. As frustrating as driving may be, it is a crucial corridor connecting the Front Range, the mountain communities, and the nation.

Denver and Colorado became the economic heavyweight of the Rockies, which likely would never have happened had the interstate ended at thefoothills.

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Miners

EXPERIENCE NIGHT SKY MAGIC

Colorado’s 7 beststargazing hotspots

By Brittany Anas Special to The Denver Post

The past year has been an exciting one for skywatchers and stargazers.

In October, the path of a “ring of fire” eclipse clipped southern Colorado, visible from Mesa Verde National Park and its neighbors.

Next came the April solar eclipse, which revved up enthusiasm for astrotourism even more despite Colorado not being among the 15 lucky states in the path of totality.

Now that the sky has your attention, there’sa lot more to marvel at in Colorado’s celestial theater: Helped by recent legislation to turnoff the lights and

make night skies as dark as possible, the Centennial State is vying to become a top astrotourism destination.

In 2022, the state legislature signed a law awarding communities grants to help them darken their night skies.

Colorado is home to 10 International Dark Sky Parks and five communities, many of which have been awarded designations in recent years.

Sections of the state that are high elevation with low humidity have a natural edge regarding stellar stargazing. However, coalitions are working even more to obscure artificial city lights further and promote the idea that the park system stretches beyond land and into the sky.

Colorado may soon be home to the planet’s largest dark sky preserve.

The proposed Sangre de Cristo International Dark Sky Reserve, a swath of 4,200 square miles along the eponymous mountain range, would cover Salida down to the New Mexico border and stretch from Alamosa to LaVeta.

Many small communities with star status celebrate with public stargazing parties throughout the summer.

Here are seven staycation ideasfor aspiring and expert stargazers alike.

Westcliff and Silver Cliff

In south-central Colorado, Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are early pioneers in the dark skies movement, earning the

International Dark Sky Community designation nearly a decade ago.

“The Cliffs,” as they’re collectively known, are likely the highest-altitude dark sky communities. They are perched at 7,867 feet and nestled between the Wet Mountain and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.

Stargazers come here to visit the Smokey Jack Observatory, which has a retractable roof anda SchmidtCassegrain telescope, one of the most powerful telescopes in Colorado.

The observatory hosts several free public star parties and events throughout the summer, during which visitors can see the Big Dipper, zodiac

COURTESY OF VAL SZWARC

Ridgway, a town with Hollywood connections and starry skies, was named the state’s third Dark Sky Community in 2020.

Stargazing

FROM PAGE8

constellations and the Milky Way.

There are daytime parties, too, like solar observations, when you can safely view the sun with special solar filters and potentially witness solar flares.

When you are in town, visit the new Planet Walk, a4 billion-to-1 true-to-scale interpretive walk through the solar system that will give youa sense of how small the planets compare to the vast space between them.

More information: While events at the observatory are free, donations help keep the nonprofit running. To seea schedule of events or reserve a star party, visit: darkskiescolorado.org/events

Lake City

Really want to get away this summer?

With 96% public lands and a population under 500, Lake City, tucked in a valley in the San Juan mountains, is considered the most remote city in the Lower 48 states.

The 58-acre Slumgullion Center, area’s campgrounds. Lake City hosts weekly stargazing

The Lake City Star Fest, a free stargazing event, will be held on June 7-8.

The weekend kicksoff with a mixerat Packer’s Saloon & Cannibal Grill (Colorado History 101: Rumor has it, notorious cannibal Alfred Packer murdered his travel companion in these parts).

More information: lakecitystarfest.com

Ridgway

Ridgway already had some star power of the Hollywood variety.

John Wayne’s “TrueGrit” was filmed here, and the town’s True Grit Cafe pays tribute to the Academy Award-winning Western classic.

Ridgway became Colorado’s third Dark Sky Community in 2020. Top of the Pines, a recreation area at thefoot of the Mt Sneffels Range, is also a Dark Sky Park.

Stargazing while soaking in a hot spring is the most Colorado way to see the night sky, though, something that you can do from Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway.

When the sun is up, explore the arts. Ridgway FUSE is among the state’s first “Certified Colorado Creative Districts,” packed with historic theaters, art galleries, studios, First Friday art walks and an independent film festival.

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HYOUNG CHANG THE DENVER POST

Trained Star Guides point to stars with laser pointers and talk about stars and dark skies during the “Public Star Party: The Awe of the Milky Way” event at the Smokey Jack Observatory at Bluff Park in Westcliffe on June 7, 2019.

Stargazing

FROM PAGE9

La Veta and Cuchara

Down in southern Colorado in Huerfano County, La Veta and Cuchara in Spanish Peaks Country offer perfect stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution, high elevations and low humidity.

Some favorite spots to set up a telescope include Bear Lake Campground, Cordova Pass, Cuchara Mountain Park and La Veta Pass.

About an hour away,Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to North America’s tallest dunes, earned its International Dark Sky Park designation in 2019.

Stargazing here engages all the

senses: Listen for hoots and howls from the owls and coyotes that call the park home and take in the scents of pinon pines and juniper on summer nights.

The area is also a great base camp for the state’s most epic star party: The Rocky Mountain Star Stare, sponsored by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, takes place June 5-9 just outside of Gardner, between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain ranges.

The event brings together more than 300 amateur and professional astronomers for speakers, stargazing, and children’s activities. Registration is required. More information: rmss.org/event-information

Durango

Dark sky destinations dot the West-

ern Slope, including Norwood, Naturita, Ridgway, Mesa Verde National Park and Jackson Lake State Park in Mancos.

Durango is working on getting its official Dark Sky-certified designation, a rigorous process that requires lighting restrictions and robust community support for dark sky protection.

Lion’s Den and Animas Overlook are great star-viewing areas in Durango.

About an hour outside of Durango, Chimney Rock National Monument is greatfor stargazing and hosts full-moon parties.

Visitors can rent dark sky kits from Visit Durango.

The kits come with binoculars, clamps for smartphones so you can take photos through the binoculars, a star finder, a red light and activities for children.

Make Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa your base fora summer stargazing vacation.

The wellness destination has 19 family-friendly mineral pools, including creek-style pools and a cold plunge.

Then, tucked in the pines is a private, adults-only section with 13 hot springs pools, five cedar wood tubs,a second cold plunge and a full-service spa.

Or, finish summer in Mesa Verde National Park, viewing a partial lunar eclipse on Sept 17.

Visibility in the park will begin around 8 p.m. and it will reach its max around 8:45 p.m.

Book a campsite at Morefield Campground or a room at the Far View Lodge.

More information: durango.org/thingsto-do/outdoor-adventure/stargazing/

COURTESY OF MICHAEL UNDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Lake Cityoffers opportunities for stargazing at the Slumgullion Center and weekly stargazing events at Windy Point Overlook during the summer.

Discover your ideal Colorado summer retreat

By Gigi Ragland

Special to The Denver Post

It’s no secret that Colorado is an outdoorlover’s vacationhot spot.

With four national parks, 42 state parks, access to eight national wildlife refuges and more than 300 state wildlife refuges, there’s plenty of nature’s playground available in the state to satisfy the most ardent outdoor enthusiast.

According to a report compiled by the Colorado TourismOffice, 60% of overnight visitors participate in some outdoor activity in the state. That’s higher than the 48% national average.

Residents are lucky. We are usually no more than a 30-minute drive from

a natural scenic location where we can bike, hike, camp, bird-watch, raft, paddleboard or stargaze.

A new breed of accommodations is beginning to fill the needs of campers and outdoor recreational enthusiasts who desire a more immersive natural location to stay overnight —a place that plants them in the place where they want to play and relax.

Answering this call are glamping resorts near national parks, modern cabins set in a forest, private upscale campgrounds and adventure hotels focused on the outdoor experience.

From major renovations and additions to brand spanking new, we presenta sampling of Colorado lodgingfor

those seekinga connection with the outdoors, whether tent camping or a luxury resort.

Trailborn Rocky Mountains and Rocky MountainsOutpost

ESTES PARK

Open all year staytrailborn.com

This new hotel company chose Colorado to develop its first property The Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountains Outpost debuted in Estes Park in late 2023.

Trailborn is a new outdoors-focused hotel brand for adventure and nature

lovers with sustainability in mind.Every location is thoughtfully planned with environmentally responsible construction, green building standards and renewable energy to power each property.

Near the east entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, the two new propertiesoffer 86 guest rooms (40 at Trailborn Rocky Mountain and 46 at Trailborn Rocky Mountains Outpost). Think of it as a luxury landing pad for mountain adventures nearby. Head to the national park, then return for a swim in the outdoor pool Relax in one of the outdoor spaces on the patio, porch or by the communal fire pit.

Find eats and libations on-site at the

RETREAT» PAGE 12

PROVIDED BY CHRISTIAN HARDER

Trailborn, a new outdoors-focused hotel brand for adventure and nature lovers with sustainability in mind,offers 86guest rooms split between Trailborn Rocky Mountain and Trailborn Rocky Mountains Outpost near the east entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Retreat

FROM PAGE 11

restaurant, cafe and bar and complimentary nightly campfire s’mores.

Outdoor thrills: Trailborn partnered with local tour operators and guides to create seasonal outdoor experiences Options include memorable hikes via ferrata, fishing and makers classes like a wood-burning workshop Book them in advance.

Ramble Colorado Campgrounds

RAMBLE AT GREAT SAND DUNES open May-October

RAMBLE AT MESA VERDE opens July ramble.camp

Ramble is a new campground experience launched last summer in Mosca, close to Great Sand Dunes National Park. It’s adding to the campground collection with a new site location debuting in July near Mesa Verde National Park and plans to open more in coming years. Set in spacious, secluded natural surroundings, the campgrounds are intended to serve as a basecamp for adventurous outings near national parks, state parks and wildlife refuges.

RETREAT» PAGE 13

PROVIDED BY SAM STARR

Ramble opened itsfirst campground in southwest Colorado near the Great Sand Dunes National Park Each site comes outfitted with afire pit and chairs, so campers don’t need to bring their own.

PROVIDED BY TRAILBORN

Sister Estes Park hotels the Trailborn Rocky Mountains and the Trailborn Rocky Mountains Outpost are modern-meets-rustic retreats with amenities that include two pools,a Mexican-inspired restaurant called Casa Colina,fire pits and game areas.

Retreat

Unlike campgrounds, where sites are right next to each other, Ramble campsites are purposefully designed to be at least 100feet apart so campers can pitch their tents and set them up in a natural environment thatoffers more space and privacy.

TheGreat Sand Dunes location has 25 campsites, and the Mesa Verde location offers 28 campsites.

Ramble ticks the boxes for the serious camp crowdby providing little luxuries in the wilderness, like a bath house with flushing toilets, private hot showers, a camp store for assorted sundries

and water refill stations.

Each campsite includes a shaded canvas picnic structure, dining table, camp chairs, tent pads, fire pit and kitchen area with stove and grill. Plus, it’s dogfriendly After activities, Fido can even enjoya rinseoff at designated areas.

Outdoor thrills: The new Mesa Verda location has direct campground access to thelegendary Phil’s World Simon Draw Trailhead, which is popular for mountain biking.

Outside Design Modern Cabins

SALIDA

Open all year outsidedesign.co

Every individually crafted cabin pro-

ducedby the creators of Outside Design is designed specificallyfor the spot it’s located on within their little enclave of national forest just a 15-minute drive from downtown Salida.

To say it’s a cabin seems almost like a misnomer. The smartly designed compact interior allows enough space to be comfortable whilefocusing on the natural experience of the outside.

“We try to make it feel like you are outside, even if you are not,” says Benjamin Cherrey, creator and designer with the company.

Windows area priority Most cabins have, on average, five, some with 6-foottall windows. The cabin-style glamping experience is perfectfor those who want cabin comforts while immersed and connected to their natural environment.

“The outdoor square footage is almost always bigger than the indoors,” says Cherrey. Each dwelling hasa deck or expanded space, where mostoffer an outdoor hanging bed or hammock to gaze at forest views.

Surrounded by national forest on three sides, the privately owned company designs and builds the cabins.

To date, there are nine sizes to choose from. Each year,a few more are planned to be added to the collection.

In 2024, Outside Design will debut two new cabins: Hillside House and Courtyard Casita, each with its unique design personality.

Outdoor thrills: Relish the peaceful forest setting or hike or mountain bike

PROVIDED BY BEN MOON

Unlike campgrounds, where sites are right next to each other, Ramble campsites are purposefully designed to be at least 100feet apart so campers canpitch their tents and set up their camp in a natural environment thatoffers more space and privacy.

Retreat

one of the many trails in the area, then soak in nearby hot springs.

Dunton Hot Springs

DUNTON

Open all year

duntondestinations.com

It’s not every day you can stay in a 19th-century Colorado ghost town set deep within an alpine valley of the San Juan Mountains and want to.

Once a mining camp, the restored town took seven years to transform into Dunton Hot Springs luxury resort. All the log buildings were restored The cabins, each with a distinctive personality, circle the original saloon and dance hall.

At the same time, you can enjoy the

on-site hot springs in multiple ways, including the restored Bath House, outdoor pools and even one of the cabins.

But the star of the show is the beauty of the mountain setting, where you can hike from your doorstep or mountain bike on lung buster trails, fly fish, climb a 14er orhorseback ride nearby trails.

Then, head to the spa fora therapeutic body treatment. And do it all over again the next day.

Over the past year, Dunton has been busy with multimillion dollar restorations. It remodeled, redesigned and refurbished all cabins and completed soft goods renovations, Plus,a brand new cabin was added to the lineup.

The historic Saloon & DanceHall, Dunton’s main “lodge,” where its fullservice restaurant and bar are located, was completely renovated, including a complete kitchen re-haul.

Outdoor thrills: You don’t have to go far. Walk outside the cabin door and breathe

in the fresh mountain air while you take in spectacular, high-peak views.

Rustic Rook Glamping Resort

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

Open May through the end of September rusticrookresort.com

Motivatedby their love for hiking and camping in Colorado’s great outdoors, Annette and Judah Ostrander created their version of an outdoor campground experience.

After purchasing a property near Great Sand Dunes National Park, the couple builta glamping resort.

Annette Ostrander explains, “the area already had RV camping and tent camping, but no glamping. We didn’t want to take away from the other businesses, we wanted to add options to the area.”

Rustic Rook opened in 2020 and offers two canvas glamping tent options. Both are spacious and sleep up to five people Theyoffer mountain and sand

dune views, some with private bathrooms and separate kids’ tents.

Extra creature comforts like a complimentary hot breakfast with coffee, bedding and towels,a campfire stove with wood, USB chargers and lanterns createa cozy stay.

A new lodging option is set to rent for summer 2024. Five unique refurbished farm grain bins with heating and air-conditioning will be available at the resort.

The two-story layout includes a firstfloor living area, shower/bathroom and a bedroom on the second floor with a king bed.

A telescope is provided for stargazing Outside perks includea charcoal grill, a picnic table and a shaded concrete patio facing the dunes and mountains.

Outdoor thrills: Stargazers will enjoy the dark night skies at this glamping outdoor haven. Check resort dates for free night sky photography classes.

FROM PAGE 13

PROVIDED BY DUNTON HOT SPRINGS

The cabins at Dunton Hot Springs provide a luxurious retreatlocated in a 19th-century ghost town in the San Juan Mountains.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has installed electric charging stations along 17out of 26scenic and historic byways, as part of aneffort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and make electric vehicles more practical and appealing.

Explore in your EV by driving state’s electric byways

By Mindy Sink

Special to The Denver Post

The adventure no one needs this summer is having their car run out of gas— or battery charge for hybrid and electric vehicles. As the state adds more charging stations strategically placed along scenic byways, electric vehicle drivers have more chances to see Colorado scenery.

As of February, 65% of the Centennial State’s historic and scenic byways are “electrified.”

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Scenic & Historic Byway Commission announced that there are now 17 out of 26 byways with electric charging stations within 100 miles along these special roads.

Thiseffort is part of the Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap that was designed to help the

state meet emissions numbersby making electric vehicles more practical and appealing.

It makes sense to be out and about appreciating nature while also protecting it from harmful fumes and pollution any time of year, and these charging stations are part of an eco-friendly initiative for tourists.

A Colorado Electric Byway must either have a dual-port DC fast charging station at least every 100 miles within the start and end of the byway, or if the byway is under 100 miles long, the station needs to be available within 15 miles of the start or end of thebyway.

In addition, nearby communities are being encouraged to install these charging stations at established places frequented by travelers, such as hotels, restaurants and even trailheads.

The three newest Colorado Electric Byways are:

The Peak to Peak Highway between Estes Park and Black Hawk This drive can take about three hours over 55 miles on Colorado 7 to Colorado 72 and then Colorado 119. This mountain drive offers views galore including the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Along the way, travelers can stop in charming towns with distinct character, including Estes Park, Nederland, Allenspark, Ward and Black Hawk.

TheMountBlue Sky Road, which, despitea recent name change, is still billed as the highest paved road in North America where it tops out at 14,130 feet above sea level. This road is subject to seasonal closures and there are reservations required in the summer to minimize impact (go to recreation.govfor fees and details). Along the way, you can visit Mount Goliath Natural Area, a high alpine garden managed by

Denver Botanic Gardens. The byway is 28 miles long and very curvy as you ascend more than 7,000 feet in elevation, so plan for at least one hour to go one way.

TheGoldBeltTourByway is also a National Scenic Byway that takes road trippers through 131 miles of former mining camps and towns. Along the way, the road cuts through Cripple Creek, Victor, Florence and other spots, as well as gives some stunning views of Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Check road conditions ahead of time as some stretches will require a four-wheel-drivevehicle to safely pass.

The remaining nine byways will also be “electrified” in the coming years.

Fora complete list of Colorado’s scenic and historic byways,go to ColoradoByways.com, and fora full list of charging stations, Plugshare.com.

PROVIDED BY THE COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE

KEEP COLORADO WILD

Pass raises $48 million, drives traffic to state parks

Program gives residents discount and access to 42 state parks

By Margaret Jackson

Special to The Denver Post

No matter where you find yourself in Colorado, there’sa state park ready to embrace your arrival.

Colorado’s parks reflect the state’s diversity, whether nestled in the mountains or sprawled across the prairies, alongside flowing rivers or in denseforests. Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure or gather fora family picnic Enjoy snowshoeing in the winter or ambling along serene trails.

From Eastern Plains parks at 3,800 feet to the heights of high-mountain

parks at 9,500 feet, Colorado’s network of parksoffers a plethora of activities for people of all ages.

And now it’s easier and cheaper than ever to get out and enjoy nature thanks to the Keep Colorado Wild program. Througha partnership with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Colorado Parks & Wildlife launched the program on Jan. 3, 2023, to give residents discounted access to the state’s 42 state parks.

Under the program, Colorado residents can purchase anannual state parks pass for $29 normally $80 per year with their annual vehicle registration. Since the program kickedoff,

about 30% of Colorado residents have purchased the discounted pass, raising about $48 million.

The funds help keep parks clean and maintained, supporting search and rescue teams and safety programs.

“The hope is that people will see that it’s a good deal, and it’s a great way to give back to search and rescue, avalanche and contribute to outdoor education,” said CPW Public Information Officer Bridget O’Rourke.

Visitors to state parks show their vehicle registration cards, which have the Colorado Parks and Wildlife logo on them, to indicate they’ve opted into the program. You can also make your pass digital and display it on your phone. Passes are validfor one year or until the vehicle registration expires.

The Keep Colorado Wild passes are linked to the valid registration of specific cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles or light trucks. Purchase a pass for each vehicle you want to use to enter a state park.

Last year, there were 18 million visitors to Colorado’s parks, up from 15 million in 2019.

“It’s stayed mostly the same since the pass has become available,” O’Rourke said “We’re not seeing too much of an increase where it’s overburdening our parks.”

Because visitation fluctuates yearly, Colorado Parks & Wildlife needs to study the impact on the parks over the five years since the Keep Colorado Wild pass became available.

HYOUNG CHANG THE DENVER POST

A cyclist rides the bike around wetland area at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora on March 27.

Parks pass

“We’ve seen an increase in visitation in the last five years,” she said “That’s also when COVID hit and people were flocking to the outdoors. Now we’re seeing it go back to pre-COVID levels.”

Just a few of the parks you can visit using the Keep Colorado Wild passinclude:

• Barr Lake State Park: a 1,900-acre prairie reservoir on the northeast side of Denver knownfor birdwatching. Many bald eagles spend winter in the area, and one pair regularly nests in the park during the summer.

• Rifle Falls: A 70-foot triple waterfall attracts movie crews and photographers from all over. The parkoffers good trout fishing, and the 50-seat Mountain Mist Amphitheater ispopularfor weddings.

• Lake Pueblo State Park: Boating, fishing and water sports are popular at the park, which has 4,600 water acres surrounded by 12,000 acres of land. Anglers can fishfor largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, wiper, catfish and trout.

CPW’s mission is to perpetuate the state’s wildlife resources, providea quality state parks system and provide recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado’s wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs It issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management, protects high-priority wildlife habitats through acquisitions and partnerships, and develops programs to understand, protect and recover threatened and endangered species.

Whether on terra firma, navigating the waterways, atop lofty peaks or traversing the gentle prairie lands amid rural tranquility or the vibrant cityscape, there’s an adventure awaiting in every season.

• Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Near Golden, the park’s 12,000-acre mountain, meadow andforest is a great choice for a close-in high-country hike

The park boasts a 100-mile view of the Continental Divide and 35 miles of trails Mountain bikes and horses are allowed.

• Paonia: Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest, this park near Somerset hasa 334-acre lake along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Jet and water skiing, powerboating, sailing and canoeing are permitted. Two campgrounds offer 13 scenic but primitive campsites with no hookups.

State parks symbolizea promise made by the residents of Colorado more than six decades ago: to preserve cherished landscapes where people of every generation can revel in the outdoors, gain insights into the state’s natural legacy and feel motivated to safeguard it for posterity.

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HYOUNG CHANG THE DENVER POST

Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden in September 2023.

ANDY CROSS— THE DENVER POST

Sunrise over Lake Pueblo State Park for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s annual walleye spawn operation March 22, 2018.

COLORADO’S

NATIONAL PARKS

Discover heart-pounding adventures

Surf sand dunes, scale the face of a cliff, explore a remote inner canyon, or summita 14er

By Jamie Siebrase

Special to The Denver Post

National parks are federally protected places fora reason they’re beyond incredible Colorado preserves some majorly captivatingsites while offering an exciting lineup of recreational activities.

Many guests are content with lowkeyofferings such as hiking, biking,

fishing, wildlife viewing and scenic driving. Some of us crave more. Thrillseekers, read on.

Time saver: A single-day automobile passinto any of Colorado’s four national parks costs $25, or you can purchase an America the Beautiful pass ($80 annually)for hassle-free entry into all national parksfora year.

Surf America’s tallest sand dunes

Readyfora national park experience like none other? North of Alamosa, everyone in your group can enjoy ogling a 30-square-mile dune fieldhousing North America’s tallest mounds of sand: Star Dune (750 feet) and High Dune (699 feet).

Start your adventureat the park’s newly renovated visitor center, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

From here, climb the first ridge to gain views of the site’s sandy expanse. Hiking is a great option inside this park. Measuring in at 0.5-mile round trip, Montville Nature Trail is an easy route with views of Mount Herard (13,345 feet) and the dunes.

Splashing around in Medano Creek is also fun; late May and June are the best times to ride the surge waves, or water wavesformed by snowmelt.

Walking on the dunes is amazing, but adventurous visitors will want to try sandboarding. Some people use modified skateboards, snowboards even trash can lids It’s better to use the

proper equipment, and since the park service doesn’t rent gear, you’ll need to get yours before arriving at the park.

Great Sand Dunes Oasis Store (immediately outside the park) carries the right boards, and Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa is another option You can also rent sand sledsfor younger children.

Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, but it’s a little tougher to turn and change direction in the sand To get started, pick a smaller, shallower dune and work your way up The dunes behind the visitor center are a popular area for first-timers.

Need more adventure? Medano Pass Primitive Road is a four-wheel-

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Clara Abel, 8, surfs down a dune at the Great Sand Dunes near Mosca on June 20, 2019 It was herfirst time sand surfing She and her family came from Raleigh, N.C., to visit theGreat Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

National parks

FROM PAGE 18

driving trail andoff-road route crossing Medano Creek nine times before topping out at Medano Pass at mile 11, at an elevation of 10,000 feet The 22-mile road connects to Colorado 69 after passing 21 free campsites (first come, first served).

To drive this road, you must absolutely must have a 4WD vehicle with high clearance.Or you can ride the road with a fat tire bike. Small SUVs and AWD vehicles will get stuck.

BYOfood into the park, and don’tforget reusable water bottles to refill at the visitor center.

Plan ahead and camp at Piñon Flats Campground An international dark sky park is best experienced on a moonless night.

Scale the face of anancient cliff dwelling

Mesa Verde is a remarkable destina-

tion with 12 trails laid out among nearly 5,000 known ancestral sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.

Learn about the park’s first inhabitants while perusing exhibits at the Mesa Verde Museum.

But first, check your gas tank You’ll driveat least 50 miles inside this massive park, and the only place to refuel is at Morefield Campground.

Since GPS and cell service aren’t reliable inside the park, you should also grab a paper map at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center.

There are many self-guided opportunities to view ancestral sites at overlooks throughout Mesa Verde but to enter a cliff dwelling; you’ll need to book a tour, which isoffered seasonally starting May 12 this year You can reserve your tour up to 14 days in advance on recreation. gov, and you can print or download tickets before arriving.

Mesa Verde’s largest dwelling, Cliff Palace, is a safe betfor cautious guests.

This 45-minute tour crosses one of the park’s largest and best-known ancestral sites and requires climbing down

a steep, irregular sandstone staircase.

A more thrilling option is the Balcony House tour Over an hour, you’ll scale the face of a cliff while climbing a 32-footlong ladder, then crawl on your hands and knees througha narrow squeeze before scrambling up a 60-foot open cliff face with stone steps and two 10-foot ladders.

There aren’t any height or age restrictionsfor tours, but if you’re bringing kids along, they must be able to climb ladders by themselves or be small enough to fit in a baby carrier.

Extend the adventure with a night under the stars at Morefield Campground Sites rarely fill up and can be booked at the Campground Store, by phone and online.

Climb to the top of Colorado’s most popular 14er

First thingsfirst: Rocky Mountain National Parkoffers a timed entry service from the end of May through October; you can make reservations in advance online.

This popular national park supplies hundreds of miles of insanely beautiful hiking trails spread between its Estes Park and Grand Lake entrance stations.

There are plenty of flat, lakeside strolls, not to mention entry-level campingat Moraine Park Campground and wildlife viewing opportunities. (Have you heard a bull elk bugle yet?)

This park’s ultimate adventure, though, is the completely draining 15mile round trip trek to the summit of Longs Peak (14,259feet), a flat-topped monarch visible from almost anywhere inside the park.

The mountain is one of 53official “14ers” in Colorado, i.e. peaks exceeding 14,000 feet. (Technically, 58 Colorado peaks hover above 14,000 feet, but for two peaks to be considered separate 14ers, there must be a more than 300foot descent between the saddle of the peaks, explains Chris Meehan,author of “Climbing Colorado’s Fourteeners: From the Easiest Hikes to the Most Challenging Climbs.”)

Longs has one non-technical route

JOE AMON DENVER POST FILE

Cliffside dwellings carved into cliffs above and below in Mesa Verde National Park.

National parks

to the top: The Keyhole Route. Keep in mind that non-technical doesn’t mean easy.

“I rank Longs among the 14 hardest,” Meehan says, describing the Keyhole Route as a Class3 scramble with no protection like ropes or anchors.

“You’re significantly exposedfor itsfinal parts, including on the Boulder Field, the Narrows and the Homestretch,” he adds, noting that other humans often pose the most risk while kicking rocks on hikers below.

Only experienced and prepared hikers should attempt to summit, andby choosing to climb, you take responsibilityfor your safety.

By mid-July, the snow has usually melted enough that it’s possible to tackle the trek without any specialized

gear Read up on what to pack, then begin your hike from the Longs Peak Trailhead, leaving well before dawn so you can summit and return to tree line in advance of any afternoon thunderstorms.

If you’re going to try Longs, or any 14er, keep an eye on updated weather conditions, and don’t be a fool; if the weather changes, or you realize you aren’t ready, turn around and try again another time.

Rugged wilderness hiking

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is Colorado’s take on the Grand Canyon a vertical wilderness and land of extremes housing some of the oldest exposed rock in the world.

The majority of the park’s annual visitors view the gorge from Black Canyon’s north and south rims, hiking along seven well-marked nature trails.

About half of Black Canyon is designated wilderness, and experienced

backpackers can secure a permit (first come, first served) and descend one of six unmarked routes into the inner canyon.

Permits go fast, and rangers spend lots of time talking unprepared hikers off the ledge, so to speak.

“Witnessing the canyon from river level is an amazing experience, but the routes leading to the inner canyon are so difficult and uncomfortable that they aren’t suitable for the average hiker,” explains Chris Roundtree, a park visual information specialist who has descended Black Canyon multiple times.

In addition to thickets of poison ivy, serious risks include dehydration and life-threatening injury.

“On the arduous return, it’s easy to get lost,” Roundtree adds Cell service below the canyon rim is rare, making it nearly impossible to call for help. Repeat after me: You’reresponsible for your own safety!

I’m certainly not readyfor an

inner-canyon trek.

Curecanti Creek Trail is a safe yet still adventurous alternativefor those of us who’d like to reach the water. Access the trail through the adjacent and co-managed Curecanti National Recreation Area.

The strenuous out-and-back route (2 miles each way; no permit needed) begins at the Pioneer Point Overlook parking lot,off Colorado 92.A gentle drop toward Curecanti Creek takes hikers through an oak and pine forest.

From here, the south-facing route heats up as you enter Curecanti Creek’s canyon. The trail steepens, descending 900feet over a series of rugged, rocky segments, eventually ending beneath sheer canyon walls of ancient metamorphic bedrock.

Leashed pets are permitted inside Curecanti but are prohibited on most Black Canyon trails. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and carry at least two quarts of water per person per day.

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Rocky Mountain National Park visitors take in the view of Longs Peak and other well-known peaks at Many Parks Curve Overlook along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park on May 11, 2022 Many Parks Curve Overlook earns its name for the panoramic views of a myriad of Colorado’s most-visited areas such as Horseshoe Park, Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park, as well its spectacular views of well-known mountain peaks in the area.

SOUTHEAST COLORADO

Much to experience in this high desert haven

Camping, paddling, mountain biking, hiking, history and expansive views

By Morgan Tilton

Special to The Denver Post

Colorado teems with peaks, including 58 fourteeners, more than 600 thirteeners and 32 ski areas— it can be hard to remember that nearly half of the state is flatter and undulating.

Born and raised here, that’s certainly been the case for me.

But skirting either side of the rugged Rocky Mountains, the Centennial State is home to desert mesas, plateaus, and canyons alongside the rolling High Plains full of opportunities to explore.

Pueblo sits in southeast Colorado’s high desert.

You may have heard of the city’s steel mill, green-chili-dressed dishes or the shattering 1921 flood.

Named after El Pueblo trading post, Pueblo was established in 1861 at the former boundary between the United States and Mexico, adjacent to the Arkansas River.

This region holds its ownfor outdoor adventure as much as its high-altitude counterpoints.

From historic downtown Pueblo to the Wet Mountains, put these spots on your road trip bucket list.

HistoricArkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo

Urban hiking in the center of Pueblo, I strolled on a winding paved path through an oasis of calm water channels, vibrant flowers, manicured grass,

HELEN H. RICHARDSON DENVER POST FILE

Bishop Castle, near Rye, has one tower that stands more than 160feet tall and a dragon head made of discarded stainless steel hospital trays.

RJ SANGOSTI DENVER POST FILE

A man sits on a wall at the Riverwalk in Pueblo.

Southeast

FROM PAGE 21

andforest shade.

“This is downtown Pueblo?” I thought, a bit awestruck. I’d been expecting an average metropolitan experience.

This felt like a scene from a movie or a flashback to the canals of Venice, Italy.

It was whimsical, even, with the mosaic tiles and elaborate statues, which shared the region’s history, from river geology to indigenous figures.I suddenly wished there was more time before our dinner reservation.

A stunning bronze sculpture caught my eye: Walks Among the Stars, created by artist Dave McGary in 2004.

The late 18th-century Lakota woman was wrapped in an heirloom patchwork quilt decorated with abstract celestial shapes. She had started making quilts to replace traditional buffalo robes when the North Plain tribes began facing relocation.

The design known as the star quilt represents kinship and prestige.

Nearly 100 years after the Great Pueblo Flood, it was hard to imagine the devastation that wrecked this downtown zone in 1921.

Hundreds of people died in that massive swarm. Looting ensued, and burning lumber dotted the city.

Now it has been designated as the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, aftera 32-acre reclamation project to restore the Arkansas River to its original flow after the diversion resulting from the flood.

Today, visitors can even take a 25-minute guided boat excursion down the canal or cruise on the clear surface in a gondola, pedal boat or kayak.

My travel partner, Eric, andI walked into Brues Alehouse, where we sat at a shaded two-top overlooking the water.

The restaurant is in a renovated building that used to be the old police station. The original police sign and a portion of the jail cell doors were reused in the interior, as were 19th-century columns from the city’s steel mill.

A retired railroad track from Colorado Fuel and Iron which transported coal to run the steel mill rests beneath the bar as afootrest for patrons.

As I bit into the blistered shishito peppers and ranch, I knew I’d sleep well that night at our campsite.

Lake Pueblo State Park

A short drive from downtown Pueblo is Lake Pueblo State Park, where we set up camp while exploring the urban area.

In addition to the refreshing horizon of expansive navy water, we were particularly excited to check out the mountain bike trails.

MORGAN TILTON SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST Walks Among the Stars, a bronze sculpture created by artist Dave McGary, shows the late 18th-century Lakota woman wrapped in an heirloom patchwork quilt decorated with abstract celestial shapes.

Southeast

With 64 miles of singletrack, this hub has earned an attractive local tagline: Fruita of the Front Range.

From our campsite along the Arkansas Loop, near the boat ramps on the southeast side of Pueblo Reservoir, we pedaled to the singletrack, which threads rocky bluffs, ancient Junipers nearing 200 years old, and sagebrush.

Brilliant, blossoming cacti popped in the short-grass prairie andfour-winged saltbush: Pinkflower hedgehog, Plains Prickly Pearand tree cholla.

I tried not to fixate on the plants to save myself from steering into a thorny mess while also keeping my eyes peeled for sharp obstacles on the trail ahead.

As I rode through the prickly succulents towering above me,Ifelt transported into a whimsical Dr. Seuss world, starkly contrasting my usual high-altitude biking.

After circumnavigating the plateau via Conduit Trail, we zigzaggedby bike to the caprock top, where we enjoyed

stunning views of the blue-gray waves ruffled by the wind.

After pedaling an out-and-back on the

Arkansas Point trail, we unmounted and scrambled the rocks. Then we descended the Water Tower trail.

On the 5-mile ride, we hardly scratched the surface of the available trails and are eager to explore more, especially given that the water remains in view —a treat on any arid ride.

As the most visited Colorado state park nearly 3 million people visit every year we made sure to book our campsite in advance.

In addition to our bikes, we also brought our stand-up paddleboards, but we didn’t pump those up because the wind was a bit too strong for our energy levels.

Lake Isabel and Bishop Castle

After enjoying mouth-watering breakfast burritos at Pueblo’s Southwest Deli and Cafe, we ventured west of Pueblo into the Wet Mountains, a Sangre de Cristo Mountains subrange.

The landscape transitioned from a spectrum of burnt orange, squash and

SOUTHEAST» PAGE 24

FROM PAGE 22

HELEN H. RICHARDSON DENVER POST FILE

Windows inside Bishop Castle, the bizarre stone citadel built and owned by Jim Bishop.

MORGAN TILTON SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Lake Isabel is a 40-acre reservoir in the San Isabel National Forest.

Southeast

apricot to emerald, lime and mint.

The name certainly fits, drawing moisture that infuses the valleys and slopes with high grass, pines and aspens.

Our firststop was Bishop Castle,a bizarre stone citadel built and ownedby Jim Bishop The castle is open to the public to explore and climb.

His passionfor the project began in 1971 when he made a 40-foot-tall, cylindrical metal water tower that his dad decorated with stonework.

The result resembleda turret, so Bishop starteda lifelong project that included mixing his mortar, hauling rocks from ditches, pulling granite from the mountains and reusing abandoned railroad ties as the arches.

As we explored the castle, we took our time, admiring the intricate stained glass windows, climbing up steep and winding staircases, and looking out from balconies to geta bird’seye view of the surrounding wooded area Walking through Bishop Castle felt like being transported back to me-

dieval times.

After climbing the steeples, we took a short drive to Lake Isabel,a 40-acre reservoir in San Isabel National Forest.

Surrounded by dense aspens and pines, we hiked around the clear water’s edge, checking out spur trails and eventually stopping for a picnic.

Someday, we’d like to return to explore the string of campsites with dayuse picnic tables and grills along the rumbling Saint Charles River, which flows into the lake and creates a pleasant rumble.

The Civilian Conservation Corps originally made the reservoirfor recreation in 1936, and that purpose remains today.

Stocked with brown and brook trout, we spotted paddlers, birders and anglers along the periphery.

As the sun set, we headed east for dinner at the rustic and casual Three Sisters Tavern &Grill.

The restaurant sits in southern Pueblo County’s Greenhorn Valley, along the Frontier Pathway Scenic Byway.

Aftera long day outside, the pomegranate margarita, tempura avocado appetizer and pub steak entree with poblano cream sauce was just the right refuel.

Pueblo Mountain Park

NATURE & WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTER AND HORSESHOE LODGE

Twenty-eight miles southwest of Pueblo, Pueblo Mountain Park is a 611acre city-managed park with no roads that borders 17,000 acres of San Isabel National Forest.

Flourishing and lush, we drove across the farmlands andfoothills into the forest of century-old Ponderosas to reach the outdoor oasis. We stayed overnight at the Horseshoe Lodge and Retreat Center.

The dense city park reminded us more of a national park a more remote and wild variety and is home to seven miles of trails.

We were thrilled to select the hike to the highest point: The Tower Trail to the fire tower at 7,400 feet.A bit more than two miles round trip, we trekked uphill —a 500-foot ascent via switchbacks through leafy scrub oak, ponderosas and bright wildflowers.

The double-tier lookout was built in the 1930s for recreational purposes From the top, visitors can enjoy the view of Beulah Valley, Pueblo Reservoir and 14,115-foot Pikes Peak.

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Cen-

ter manages the property’s well-maintained trails and lodge. It is a nonprofit dedicated to environmental education and raptor rehabilitation with two public sites: the River Campus in Pueblo and this one, the Mountain Campus on the periphery of Beulah The campus buildings originally were constructed in the 1930s by Works Progress Administration crews and then abandoned.

In 2012, the property underwenta sixyear renovation to become an eco-lodge featuring composting toilets and a biomass boiler heating system.

Adjacent to the lodge’s dormitory rooms is an interpretive center with exhibits covering the wildlife, flora and fauna. Outside, beneath towering pines and the singing cicadas, is a group campfire ring, meditative labyrinth, outdoor amphitheater and gazebos.

That night, we enjoyed walking through the labyrinth and sitting beside a campfire outside our room. By the end of our southeast Colorado road trip, I was surprised by the variety and lushness of the climates in this zone, including the vivid desert blossoms I also enjoyed the community’s celebration of history.

As mountain people, we’ll return for more camping and trail time.

FROM PAGE 23

MORGAN TILTON SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Pueblo Mountain Park is a 611-acre city-managed park with no roads that borders 17,000acres of San Isabel National Forest.

RUNNING AND BIKING

5 lesser-known bucket list competitions

By Shauna Farnell

Special to The Denver Post

Nothing makesfor a summer highlight like getting your blood pumping amid a few hundred fellow outdoors enthusiasts.

There is no shortage of statewide running and cycling competitions from spring to fall, buta few showcase Colorado’s strikingly various corners: high peaks, foothills and even lake-strewn flatlands.

Whether you’re ramping up your heart rate among the purple mountains’ majesty or amber waves of grain, here area handful to mark on your calendar.

Ragnar Trail Colorado

SNOWMASS

June 7-8

This 24-hour trail run relay is designed as an experience to share with a crew of hard-charging friends or family.

This summer, the event, which was masterminded by Steve Hill, is notching its 10th anniversary in Snowmass In 2004, Hill organized his first running event, the 188-mile Wasatch Back Relay.

From there, a nationwide series was born, named Ragnar aftera ninth-cen-

tury Scandinavian king with a heartfor adventure.

The Snowmass edition typically begins with teams of four or eight (depending onhow much running you want to do and how little sleep you’re willing to get) camping in the grass at Snowmass Town Park before embarking on 24 hours of racing.

The course includes three jaw-droppingly scenic (in daylight) trail loops that range in difficulty from “the easiest,” measuring 3.8 miles and climbing/ descending about 600 feet, to the 4.6mile intermediate course with 519 feet of elevation, and the toughest loop, measuring 6.6 miles with an elevation loss/

gain of 1,121 feet.

Benefitting First Descents, a Colorado-based charity that provides outdoor adventure to young adultsaffectedby serious health conditions, Ragnar supports local charities wherever it lands and encourages zany team T-shirts, fun hats, tutus and costumes of choice.

Barr Lake Trail Series

BRIGHTON

July 14

An excellent opportunity to make your foray into endurance racing without too overwhelming a commitment,

COURTESY OF JACE STOUT

The Breck Epic is a must-do event for experienced mountain bikers that covers stunning alpine terrain with challenging climbs.

Competitions

the sixth annual Barr Lake event featuresa 30K and 15K running race on the flattest terrain you’re likely to find anywhere in the Centennial State.

The courses are all dirt. They consist of laps around Brighton’s Barr Lake and max out at only 100 feet of climbing.

Holding true to its “flat and furious” moniker, the Barr Lake 15K has clocked its fastest man and woman winners at less than an hour, while the record time for the 30K stands at less than two hours.

Foco Fondo

FORT COLLINS

July 21

Depending on your route choice, you’re either heading into green, pine tree-laden foothills, through the urban

and suburban corners of this charming northern Colorado university town, or into the landscape many people forget we have here in the eastern portion of the Centennial state—a sea of rolling plains.

Cofounded nine years ago by Fort Collins locals Whitney and Zack Allison, this inclusive gravel bike race hasa distance (and variety of scenery) for every level of rider.

Although the event welcomes one and all andoffersfour courses, including the flat, family-friendly, and noncompetitive 12-miler, the longer routes are challenging.

After the 12-mile route, the Dare You route jumps up to 32 miles, taking you northeast of Fort Collins and through the sprawling and surprisingly hilly plains.

Then there’s this year’s revamped Double Dog Dare You, a 60-mile route that climbs 2,560 feet and promises a fair dose of dirt.

FROM PAGE 25

COURTESY OF RAGNAR

The 24-hour Snowmass trail run relay is a popular event for groups of friends or family who enjoy a challenge.

COURTESY OF CHAD LOVEJOY

The sixth annual Barr Lake endurance raceoffersa 30K and 15K option onflat dirt terrain with minimal climbing.

Competitions

The true Fondos kick in now with the 100-mile Triple Dog Dare You route that heads north nearly to Wyoming before turning West and looping back totown with more than 5,000 feet of climbing.

Finally, for the hardcore cyclists, there’s the classic 118-mile Quadruple Dog Dare Your route, tackling almost 7,500 feet of climbing through farm country and the scenic and mountainous northeast region of Red Feather Lakes.

All roads lead to “the Oasis” upon returning to Fort Collins city limits. The Oasis includes refreshing sprinklers, beer handoffs, and even a few jumps for those looking to freestyle with their narrow tires.

The best part of the day comes after crossing the finish line:a party and

awards at New Belgium Brewing.

Breck Epic

BRECKENRIDGE Aug. 11-16

There is no better bucket list eventfor avid mountain bikers.

Andby avid, we mean fat tire enthusiasts with decent endurance.

In its 16th year, this three- or six-day stage race takes you through some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous high alpine terrain in and around Breckenridge.

Stage distances range from 25 to 42 miles, and they tackle a (literally) breathtaking 3,700 to 7,000 feet of daily climbing.

You’re a hero if you can do the whole race solo, even more so back to back in the new Mega Epic event or on a single speed.

For easier going, there is a duo category (suffer with a friend), or relay,

three-day solo and Gran Fondo (noncompetitive and untimed) categories. Sorry, no e-bikes.

The people who win are seasoned pros, but there is a strong contingent of hard-charging recreational riders The race is capped at 650 competitors.

The vibe and sense of camaraderie are unmatched.

Also new this year, under the title of Breck Bike Week, organizers are turning the event into a full-blown fat tire lifestyle festival with free films, creator workshops anda women’s cycling summit.

Staunton Rocks!

Marathon and Half

PINE

Aug. 24

Launched during the COVID-19 outdoor craze in summer 2021, this scenic pair of trail races takes racers up,

over, down and through the ethereal boulder fields lining the stunning but oft-overlooked Staunton State Park in the mountains southwest of Denver.

Part of an expansive series of trail and road races organized by Gnar Runners from April through December, mostly in Northern Colorado, the Staunton races present a welcoming introduction to longer-distance trail running.

Both courses are primarily smooth singletrack, with numerous sections overlooking panoramas of the Rockies’ endless sea of summits, from Pikes Peak to the Alps.

The half marathon covers 2,200 feet of vertical gain, and the marathon covers 4,500 feet.

Avid trail runners themselves, Gnar Runners know how to please a competitor.

Aid stations are stocked with PB&Js, bacon and popsicles, and there is plenty of revelry. A gourmet, special diet-inclusive barbecue awaits at the finish line.

FROM PAGE 26

LIAM DORAN, PROVIDED BY BRECK EPIC Mountain bikers races on the second day of the Breck Epic six-daybike race, which took participants 41.4miles through the Colorado Trail.

OUTDOOR CONCERTS

7 Colorado venues that take your breath away

Discover fresh-air spots where the tunes compete with and complement the scenery

By Shauna Farnell

Special to The Denver Post

There’s nothing quite like soaking up live music outdoors in the summer.

As if catching a concert in the fresh air, with a fluttering breeze and stars overhead, weren’t alluring enough, Colorado is home to a handful of jaw-droppingly, distractingly scenic venues.

Here are the most beautiful places in Colorado (possibly even the world), where the surroundings amp up the concert.

Red Rocks

MORRISON

Even the world’s most popular artists have admitted to “dreaming” about their day to play Red Rocks.

The venue first hosted musicians in the early 1900s when it only had a makeshift stage.

Magazinepublisher (and early Cosmopolitan owner) John Brisben Walker recognized the epic acoustics between the rugged landscape’s tallest two formations (Ship Rock and Creation Rock). He began inviting musicians to perform

on a simple platform.

He even builta funicular railway to reach the natural amphitheater from the area that is now the lower parking lot.

He sold the venue to the city of Denver in 1928, and after constructing an actual amphitheater, Red Rocks opened in 1941.

Among music history’s Hall of Famers, Nat King Cole, The Beatles (whose 1964 Red Rocks show didn’t even sell out), Jimi Hendrix, the Eurythmics, U2 and Bruce Springsteen have all performed here.

Sitting at 6,450 feet (more than 1,000 feet above Denver), surrounded by hiking trails and accessed by hundreds of stairs, getting to a show here is an experience. Once the music starts, especially if it’s a band you adore, the wall of sound amid the rock formations and panorama of the city lights below is dreamy, indeed. Red Rocks seats 9,525 people using benches running the width of the amphitheater. Some showsoffer reserved seats, some general admission and some a combination.

The 2024 lineup launched in March and lasts until November. It spans every genre, including rock, jam band,

SETH MCCONNELL DENVER POST FILE

Thundercat performs at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 14, 2019, in Morrison.

The Gerald Ford Amphitheatrehosts events and concerts throughout the summer.

Venues

FROM PAGE 28

singer-songwriter, metal and EDM.

Because it’s such a tourist attraction, tickets to all shows get snapped up quickly, so if there’s an artist you love on the calendar, get your tickets as soon as possible.

Bringa rain jacket and an extra layer. It can get cold up there, especially in spring and fall.

Mishawaka Amphitheatre

FORT COLLINS

Known as “The Mish” among locals and CSU students, Mishawaka isstill somewhat of a locals’ secret. But it’s worth the pilgrimage to northern Colorado.

Located in Bellvue, northwest of Fort Collins, the Mishawaka sits on the banks of the Poudre River in Poudre Canyon, which enhances the stage’s acoustics.

Hand-built by motorcyclist and musician Walter Thompson beginning in 1916, the venue originally opened as a dance hall.

The Mish began regularly hosting traveling artists on its outdoor stage in the 1970s.

Since 2010, local music enthusiasts Dani Grant and Matt Hoeven have owned and operated it.

With a capacity of about 1,000 people, The Mish earned a reputation as a hubfor jam bands but now hosts, as its 2024 summer lineup indicates, a variety of genres, ranging from local favorites to national and international acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, The Church and The Disco Biscuits.

In addition to being one of Colorado’s most picturesque outdoor live music haunts, The Mishawaka is also home to an award-winning restaurant with yummy breakfast burritos and a gamut of pub fare for lunch and dinner.

Gerald Ford Amphitheatre

VAIL

Withthe majestic Rocky Mountains rising in every direction, including the snowcapped Gore Range, the Gerald Ford Amphitheatre is unquestionably one of Colorado’s most scenic music haunts.

VENUES» PAGE 30

PROVIDED BY SHOWLOVE MEDIA

PROVIDED BY MISHAWAKA AMPHITHEATRE

The Mishawaka Amphitheatre sits on the banks of the Poudre River in Poudre Canyon, which enhances the stage’s acoustics.

Venues

FROM PAGE 29

Former President and Vail Valley resident Gerald Ford dedicated the venue when it opened in summer 1987, after which Willie Nelson christened its stage.

Since then, “The Amp” has become a fixture for big nights out among locals and a refreshingoff-the-beaten-path stop for touring artists.

The Amp hosts annual summer events like the Bravo! Music and Vail Dance festivals, and its weekday free Hot Summer Nights concerts attract more than 2,500 patrons.

The place is divided into a covered seating area surrounding the stage (many shows have seat reservations), which is welcome cover during a mountain thunderstorm.

Above this is a slanted grassy lawn, where you stake your claim with a blanket or floor chair and, if lucky, a picnic and bottle of wine.

A full bar and elevated concession fare are available at every show.

The Amp’s 2024 calendar is arguably its most star-studded yet, featuring comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short (June 15), Portugal the Man (July 13), the Beach Boys (Aug. 15) and Robert Plant with Alison Krauss (Sept. 1).

Bring rainwearand possibly a puffy

jacket Nights get cold above 8,000 feet.

Dillon Amphitheater

DILLON

Sitting on the shores of Lake Dillon with Peak One and the rest of the Ten Mile Range creatinga jagged skyline on the opposite side of the water, the Dillon Amphitheater might win as Colorado’s No.1 most scenic music venue.

It took a couple of decades for the venue, mainly used for private and local events in its earlier days, to etch its place on the musical touring map.

It has, as its regularly sold-out performances can attest, arrived.

In the last six years, Dillon has hosted the likes of the-B-52’s and Bob Dylan and can pack in a capacity of 3,656.

Concrete bench seats surround the stage, but the elevated lawn section occupies most of the venue’s space.

With few exceptions, most performances are general admission.

Catching a show here is distractingly scenic and a great way to sample local fare, as vendors represent nearby restaurants and breweries.

With a season lasting from mid-June to mid-September, Dillon’s 2024 summer lineup is truly eclectic, ranging from Trampled by Turtles (July 14) to Jason Mraz (July 26) to Indigo Girls & Amos Lee (Sept. 14).

The venue also hosts free performances, including the National Reper-

tory Orchestra’s annual Concert on the Lake (July 1), Movies on the Water and yoga classes.

New this summer, Dillon Amp is implementing a clear bag policy and prohibiting chairs with seats higher than 5 inches.

Again, bring your waterproof layers.

Fred Shellman Memorial Stage

TELLURIDE

The Telluride Bluegrass Festival has become a signature Centennial State event.

Its main stage achieved legendary status partly because of its beautiful backdrop.

Dedicated to “the father of Telluride Bluegrass,” the Fred Shellman Memorial Stage has hosted stars ranging from Johnny Cash to Mavis Staples.

In Telluride Town Park, surrounded by aspens and pines, the rugged San Juan Mountains create a natural, resounding surround sound.

The venue is not only the longtime heartbeat of Telluride Bluegrass, which hits June 20-23 and features headliners such as Lyle Lovett and Sam Bush Band but also Telluride Jazz (Aug. 9-11) and Telluride Blues& Brews (Sept. 12-15).

Levitt Pavilion

DENVER

This somewhat hidden gem is nestled squarely in southern Denver, smack in

the middle of the sprawling, green Ruby Hill Park.

A sort of urban oasis, the stage sits on 80 acres of vibrant grass and bushy trees.

Launched by the Levitt Foundation in 2017 to be “an inclusive gathering place,” Levitt Pavilion concerts are nonprofit, and many are free.

The place also attracts its fair share of big acts, like this summer’s Beach Boys (Aug 14) and Gypsy Kings (Aug 23).

The venue also hosts a regular Yoga on the Lawn series, serves a full bar during concerts, and rotates a lineup of localfood trucks.

Sunset Amphitheater

COLORADO SPRINGS

This new, 8,000-capacity amphitheater, set to open this summer, has all the markings of becoming one of Colorado’s iconic outdoor concert venues.

On the northside of Colorado Springs near the Air Force Academy, Sunset joins indoor music haunt Boot Barn Hall and indoor skydiving facility iFly to make the area one of America’s most unique entertainment hubs.

Local stars OneRepublic christen the place with back-to-back performances Aug. 9-11, and then an ensuing parade of A-listersfollows, including the Beach Boys, Lauren Daigle, Steve Miller Band, Barenaked Ladies, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

COURTESY OF RILEY KISSER

The Dillon Amphitheater, on the shores of Lake Dillon with a stunning view of the Ten Mile Range, has become a popular music venueafter years of primarily hosting private and local events.

Seek 10 Colorado wildflowers this summer

Keep an eye out for these common but strikingly beautiful blooms

By Shauna Farnell

Special to The Denver Post

As Colorado rolls into arguably its most beautiful time of year, even the most barren foothills lining the Front Range turn a vibrant greenfor a few weeks.

If you look closer at this lush ground cover, you’ll be amazed at the detail within the rainbow hues sprouting amid the greenery.

Throughout Colorado and throughout the summer, meadows, lakeshores, riverbanks andforest floors take on a multicolored lining and large swaths of vibrant purple, red, orange and yellow.

The Centennial State is home to countless varieties of wildflowers, but here are some of the moststriking.

Columbine

You can find Colorado’s state flower in at least three color varieties—rich shades of red, yellow and purple—but white and lavender are the classics.

It sits either alone or in bushy clusters, mostly in forested areas and meadows without intense direct sun. It begins to bloom in lower elevations in June but hits its peak in July and August.

Columbines grow rampantly at Trappers Lake near Steamboat Springs. In Rocky Mountain National Park near Cony Lake and on the way up Cony Pass, They can be found in profuse quantities even in late June and above treelinenear snowfields.

Paintbrush

These also come in various colors and can be found in the foothills, high desert and alpine slopes throughout the state as early as April and as late as September.

The scarlet variety is the most com-

mon color around Colorado. Still, you’ll also find paintbrushes running to the warm side of the color wheel in several shades of orange, yellow and even off-white.

If you look closely, the flowers are the green tubes poking out of the colorful bunches.

Green Mountain, on the west side of Denver, is awash in paintbrush blooms in April, May and June.

You can find entire slopes and alpine meadows covered in them in Colorado’s high country in June and July, particularly in the San Juan Mountains.

You might even spot a few lingering paintbrushes in shaded areas near Grand Junction and the Western Slope in September.

Fireweed

Named because it is one of the first plants to spring from the ground after the earth is destroyedby wildfire, these gorgeous, tall stalks feature flow-

FLOWERS» PAGE 32

RJ SANGOSTI DENVER POST FILE Colorado’s stateflower, the columbine, grows in Dillon.

SHAUNA FARNELL SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

The scarlet paintbrush variety is the most common color around Colorado, but you’ll alsofind paintbrushes in several shades of orange and yellow and even off-white.

you’ll find them on not one but two short (about 1.5 miles each) trails at the top of the Eagles Nest gondola, aptly named Upper and Lower Fireweed.

immediately after the snowmelts.

Although they look delicate, their hairy, wooly stems area testament to their hardiness.

small clumps amid pine forests.

Growing low to the ground, their hues can also come in whites and pinks.

ers ranging from orange to magenta and can cover entire swaths of land with their vibrant colors.

A truly thriving organism, fireweed can grow in just about any landscape grassland, pine forests, high desert, you nameit.

There are small seas of them in various areas.

Vail Mountain comes to mind, where

In Crested Butte, you’ll also see the statuesque plants brimming along the 401 Trail.

Prairie crocus

Also called Pasqueflower or Pulsatilla patens, you probably didn’t know these beautiful bulbs could grow in the wild.

However, the sweet white/pink/lavender blooms with their yellow faces sprout in numerous high alpine areas almost

They typically disappear by about mid-June, but in late spring and early summer, you’ll find them along the Frisco shores of Lake Dillon and as early as April in Colorado Springs’ Palmer Park.

Bluebell

Look for these clusters of shy, blue and purplish blooms tucked into high grassy areas along the Front Range as well as in

Fora surefire glimpse of them or even (in June and early July) massive swaths, head to Bluebell Mesa in Boulder.

Wild Iris

See these beauties through August in marshy areas (they prefer wetlands) or surrounding ponds and lakes. They’re also not afraid of high elevation. Entire fields of them can be found at 10,000 feet or higher in South Park.

RJ SANGOSTI DENVER POST FILE

Green Mountain Trail in Rocky Mountain National Parkafter the East Troublesome fire ran through the area These purpleflowers are calledfireweed, and they are proliferating.

SHAUNA FARNELL SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Prairie crocus, also called Pasqueflower or Pulsatilla patens, are sweet white/pink/ lavenderblooms with yellow faces that sprout in numerous high alpine areas almost immediatelyafter the snow melts.

SHAUNA FARNELL SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Look for bluebells— clusters of shy, blue and purplish blooms tucked into high grassy areas along the Front Range as well as in small clumps amid pine forests.

MATTHEW JONAS DAILY CAMERA FILE

Wild irisflowers, Iris missouriensis, are seen at the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson County.

Growing profusely in bushes to heights up to3feet, scentless chamomile is not nativeto Colorado.

Flowers

Also, the short (0.7-mile) Wild Iris Loopnear Three Sisters Park in Evergreen is so namedfor good reason.

Silvery Lupine

SilveryLupine, more accurately a bluish purple (but they can also be white), lines the landscape—forests, meadows, roadsides and mountaintops through August. They grow in cylindrical, sometimes cone-shaped stalks, rising cheerily above surrounding high grass.

They are abundant across the state, but fora magical viewing experience, grab your mountain bike and head to the Lupine Trails in Crested Butte.

Heartleaf Arnica

Flaming up from theforest floor in vibrant yellow clusters, Arnica prefers darker, moist areas such as shaded mountain trails.

The yellow petals are elongated with three prongs at the end, but the leaves of these delicate, ground-sprouting plants are indeed heart-shaped.

In July and August, you’ll see little communities of this flower growing along the shores of Lawn Lake in Rocky

Mountain National Park.

Wild Rose

Like all roses, they grow on thorny shrubs, but their stems bear small prickles rather than thick thorns These delicate pink treasures range in color from pale to rich magenta.

They prefer dry areas and can be found in shrubs and thickets in Colorado’s lowest and highest growing elevations, from forests and meadows. Regardless of color, wild roses always feature five petals, and although they start blooming in spring, they can last well into September in the high country.

Brainard Lake is a great area to spot

them in late summer.

Scentless Chamomile

It’s probably not the best idea to make tea out of this daisy-like flower with white petals and a yellow center.

Emanating no or very little fragrance and growing profusely in bushes to heights up to 3feet, scentless chamomile is not native to Colorado.

It is considered an invasive species in some circles, but nobody can argue that it isn’t pretty.

You’ll see these cheerful beauties in forested areas, drainage ditches and lining roadways and train tracks from May to October.

SHAUNA FARNELL SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Lesser-known range full of history, opportunities

By R. Scott Rappold Special to The Denver Post

These mountains aren’t dramatic by Colorado standards.

The Wet Mountains rise above the southern Colorado prairie like a nondescript green wall, with only the southern tip reaching past the timberline. They might be more at home in the Appalachians than the Rockies.

But don’t be fooled this area is as full of outdoor recreation opportunities as anywhere else in Colorado Plus, it’s within an easy drive of the Front Range.

A battle occurred here in 1779 that sealed the fate of a great Comanche chief.

Home of America’s first national forest campground, it’s where America fell in love with camping.

Few people outside of Pueblo know about this mountain range, so opportunities for solitude abound.

Use this guide to explore the Wet Mountains this summer.

Take a hike

“Smaller in stature than their sister mountain range, the Sangres, the

‘Wets,’ in local shorthand are not short on wonderful hiking and outdoor adventures, plus many treks provide amazing 360-degree views,” wrote Herb Kober, author of the Hiking Guide for the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains.

There isn’t even a National Geographic Trails Illustrated— the gold standard of hiking maps —for the range. So, the nonprofit Trails for All published that book a few years ago.

“The Wet Mountains are thought to be namedfor the amount of moisture and heavy snow that happens in winter compared to the arid plains to the east At

about 12 miles across from east to west, the Wets basically run north to south an estimated 40 miles from U.S. 50 to Walsenburg, topping out at 12,346 feet.”

That high point is Greenhorn Mountain, namedfor the Comanche chief Cuerno Verde, who wore a green horn on his head and dared to defy the Spanish in the 1770s, raiding settlements and stealing horses. They caught up with him somewhere in the vicinity and killed the chief.

That peakoffers the most scenic hiking in the region.

R. SCOTT RAPPOLD SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

The Wet Mountainsoffer easy to moderate hikes and more challenging hikes.

Wet Mountains

FROM PAGE 34

“You can walk around Greenhorn, with the most spectacular views of the Wet Mountain Valley onone side, and you go around to the other side, where you have spectacular views of Pueblo and Pikes Peak,” said Deb Adams, chairwoman of the Custer County Tourism Board.

The easy way to hike it is from the end of Forest Service Road 396, a 5.5-mile round-trip stroll through the tundra.

The hard way is the Bartlett Trail, which starts in the town of Rye and climbs a lung-busting 3,880feet to the summit through all of the high country’s ecosystems.

“That’s the beauty of the Wet Mountains, that there are easy to moderate hikes and also more challenging hikes, whatever a person is lookingfor,” Adams said.

The area around the peak is the only designated wilderness, so you’ll likely share the trail with motorized vehicles elsewhere.

Camping

It’s hard to believe now, but there was a time when people never spent the night in the woods.

In 1919, the U.S. Forest Service tried an experiment, building a campground here.

A newly motorized public embraced the idea, and the Squirrel Creek Campground became the prototypefor thousands of others.

A flood washed it away in 1947, but you can still experience camping before the age of RVs at the nearby Davenport Campground,a tent-only spot built to resemble the old camping experience.

You can hike afew miles down the creek to the remains of the first campground.

By far, the most popular camping spot is Lake Isabel The 40-acre lake, built for recreation, lies in a valley ringed by pines and rolling mountains.

It’s a great spot for (non-motorized) boating, fishing or just getting away from the summer heat of the Front Range.

There are three campgrounds: La Vista, on the lake’s east side; Southside, alonga pleasant creek; and St. Charles, a mile from the lake.

You can also book the Lake Isabel Cabin, a historic ranger station, for $75 per night.

Make reservations at www.recreation. gov.

Dispersed camping is abundant in the national forest; just be sure to pick a spot at least 100 feet from water and be prepared to pack out your trash.

Bishop’s Castle

In 1972, Jim Bishop was building a

cabin on land he bought in the mountains.

After encasing a cistern in stone, so many people remarked that it looked like a castle that Bishop began adding on And adding on.

Today, it’s one of Colorado’s most popular, if strange, roadside attractions.

Towering over the pine trees, it is a monument to one man’s ambition to build something lasting. Admission is free to tour the castle, although donations are accepted You can find more information at bishopcastle.org.

Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

Not everyone wants to enjoy the mountains on a trail or at a campsite.

You also can see it from your car on the Frontier Pathways, a driving loop between Pueblo and Colorado City.

Colorado 96 winds from the prairie uphill to Hardscrabble Pass,a great place to see bighorn sheep.

At McKenzie Junction, turn south on Colorado 165, passingby many of the area’s attractions, including Bishop’s Castle and Lake San Isabel, before leaving the mountains and rejoining Interstate 25 at Colorado City.

If you have extra time, stay on Colorado 96 at McKenzie Junction and drive into the quaint town of Westcliffefor lunch.

The view of the mighty Sangre de Cristo Mountains coming down is one of Colorado’s most stunning roadside views.

“Driving on 96 for the first time, I must have said ‘wow’at leasta dozen times because of the view you get of the Sangre de Cristos,” Adams said.

Find more about the scenic drive at frontierpathways.com.

PHOTOS BY R. SCOTT RAPPOLD SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

The high point is Greenhorn Mountain, named for the Comanche chief Cuerno Verde, who wore a green horn on his head and dared to defy the Spanish in the 1770s, raiding settlements and stealing horses.

The Wet Mountains rise above the southern Colorado prairie like a nondescript green wall, with only the southern tip reaching past the timberline.

the road In March 2023in Trinidad.

10 picturesque mountain towns away from crowds

By R. Scott Rappold

Special to The Denver Post

Colorado boasts some of the most famous mountain towns in the U.S., including playgrounds for the wealthy, such as Aspen and Telluride.

There are posh boutiques, fine dining, stunning views and even more stunning prices. You could spend more on a weekend out than the ski bum washing your dishes earns in a month.

But you don’t have to break the bank fora mountain town experience this summer Get away from the ski lifts and condos, and you’ll find wonderful small towns, places where the mountain-town spirit lives in a (relatively) affordable way.

Here are 10 mountain towns to put on your summer travel list, whether as a destination or just a place to grab a meal on your way through.

Buena Vista

This town in the upper Arkansas River Valley used to be hardscrabble town you drove through on the way to Salida or Leadville. But no more.

Buena Vista invested heavily in developing the area around the river, adding restaurants and shops, a climbing wall and water park.

Where to stay: The Surf Hotel and Chateau, with a bar and restaurant right along the river.

Where to eat: Eddyline Brewing, with two locations and different menus.

What to do: Take a drive on stunning Cottonwood Pass, bringa (nonmotorized) boat to Cottonwood Lake or hike one of the many 14,000peaks in the Collegiate range.

RJ SANGOSTI DENVER POST FILE

Pedestrians cross

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Bathers relax in the waters at Cottonwood Hot Springs at the Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn& Spa In August 2022in Buena Vista.

Mountain towns

Del Norte

This sleepy hamlet in the San Luis Valley, which was left dormant after the closure of the Summitville mine, recently boomed with massive development in restaurants and shops.

The town also hasa new play park on the RioGrande for tubing and surfing, and each August, it hosts the hugely popular Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival.

Del Norte is no longer just where you turn right to ski Wolf Creek.

Where to stay: The Windsor, a restored Victorian hotel with afine-dining restaurant Dog owners will enjoy the Mellow Moon Lodge, where two dogs of any size can stay fora weekly fee of $25per dog. Where to eat: The Colorado Grill and

Taphouseoffersa variety of pub fare and comfort food Three Barrel Brewing is known for its wood-firedpizza.

What to do: Mountain bike the trails around town, go rock climbing or hiking at nearby Penitente Canyonor cooloff on a hot day in the RioGrande.

Georgetown

Some 40,000 vehicles a day pass this quaint former mining town on Interstate 70, but there’s more to do here than stop for gas and a restroom.

With a booming summer scene and dramatic mountain views, it’s a perfect day trip.

Georgetown is also the starting point for the road up Guanella Pass, an easy drive high into the tundra above.

Where to stay: Rose Street Bed and Breakfast is an easy stroll to the shops and restaurants. For hotel-style accommodations, try the new Microtel Inn and

Suites east of town.

Where to eat: Cooper’s on the Creek offersa pleasant patio, pub fare and comfort food.

What to do: Drive Guanella Pass and take a hike up 14,065-foot Mount Bierstadt, known as one of the easiest 14,000-foot peaks to try. Ride into history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad or take a guided rafting trip on ClearCreek.

Granby

This northern Colorado town is no longer just known as the place where a guy builta home-made tank and ravaged it (really, look it up).

Located within an easy drive of lakes, hot springs, skiing and hiking,Granby is a perfect base camp for a few days, where you can enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the crowds of nearby Grand Lake.

Where to stay: Inn at Silver Creek is an

“adventure hotel” with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool and golf course.

Where to eat: Maverick’s Grilleoffers a “Colorado inspired” menu with a Westthemed decor.

What to do: Boat,fish or paddle on massive Lake Granby, take a trip to nearby HotSulphur Springs, a historic spa resort or explore the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park on stunning Trail Ridge Road.

Mancos

You might not expect to find a thriving art scene in the desert of the Four Corners region, but pulloff from U.S. 160, and that’s what you’ll get.

The town boasts eight art galleries, a historicopera house and a vibrant local business scene.

Mancos makes an ideal stopover on the way to Mesa Verde National Park, just five miles away.

FROM PAGE 36

RJ SANGOSTI DENVER POST FILE

People eat breakfast at Debbie’s Drive In in Granby, which serves American food.

Mountain towns

FROM PAGE 37

Where to stay: With fewlodging options, your best bet is the Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde or Durango.

Where to eat: The Boathouse on Grand is open for dinner only Thursday-Sunday, with a constantly rotating menu based on local ingredients.

What to do: Sign up fora tour of the Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde, take a walking tour of the arts district or go boating or fishing at Mancos State Park.

Paonia

This pretty town deep in central Colorado’s mountains isn’t on the road to anywhere.

Thanks to a mild climate, it is the heart of Colorado’s wine country.

In summer and fall, the Kebler Pass Road is open, making for a gorgeous drive into the West Elk Mountains to Crested Butte.

Where to stay: The Hitching Post Hotel and Farm Storeoffers an eclectic Old West feel.

Where to eat: Root and Vine Market is a winery with a breakfast and lunch cafe.

What to do: Take a winery tour in the Napa Valley of Colorado, drive to the north rim of stunning Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, or visit in early July for Paonia Cherry Days, the longest-running community festival in Colorado.

Platoro

Now, we’re wayoff the beaten path This town is 30 miles down winding dirt roads, deep in the South San Juan Mountains, and only exists because of the nearby Platoro Reservoir.

It’s more of a collection of rental cottages thanan actual town, but the gorgeous landscape and proximity to outdoor activities will draw you back It even hasa couple of restaurants far from civilization.

Where to stay: The Sky Line Lodge and Cabinsresemblesa rustic huntinglodge and has its own restaurant.

Where to eat: See above. It’s the only game in town.

What to do: Take a hike into the South San Juan Wilderness, an area so remote it was home to the last grizzly bears in Colorado Go boating orfishing on the gorgeous Platoro Reservoir or take an ATV drive to the top of Stunner Pass. Ridgway

The area between Ouray and Durango in Colorado, known as the “American Alps,” swarms with tourists during the summer.

A group stands along the bank of Platoro Reservoir during the Water Education Colorado 2018RioGrande River Basin tour on June 10, 2018.

But Ridgway, about 10 miles from the mountains,offersa calmer experience You can spend a day hiking or driving in these beautiful mountains and still relax.

Where to stay: Orvis Hot Springsoffers a selection of rooms and campsites in a beautifully landscaped space with multiple hot pools.

Where to eat: The Colorado Boyoffers good pizza and better locally made craft beer.

What to do: Take a self-guided tour of the many old mines on gorgeous Red Mountain Pass Soak at Orvis or drive into Ouray for the large hot springs pool. Hike the Bear Creek National Recreation Trail.

Trinidad

This former coal-mining town in extreme southern Colorado has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, with a thriving downtown (and perhaps the largest per-capita number of cannabis

stores in Colorado.)

There are great mountain biking trails and several lakes.

Where to stay: All the hotels are chains, so take your pick.

Where to eat: For more than 20years, Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Steakhouse has entertained diners with its musical wait staff.

What to do: Take a tour of downtown on the free trolley. Go boating, hiking or fishing at Trinidad Lake State Park. Visit the site of the Ludlow Massacre, where innocent women and children were killed in the 1914labor wars.

Walden

This town in the remote expanse of North Park is idealfor “getting away from it all.”

Its wide-open country makes it the best place in Colorado to view moose and other wildlife, and hunters flock here in the fall to hunt deer and elk. Rivers and lakes are knownfor stellar fishing, and the nearby Mount Zirkel Wilderness is one of Colorado’s last hidden gems.

Where to stay: Bringa tent or camper. Where to eat: Four Winds Pizza

What to do: Hike to Rainbow Lake in the nearby Mount Zirkel Wilderness Go moose watching in State Forest State Park (they have a “Moose Visitor Center.”) Gofly-fishing on the Illinois River.

DENVER POST FILE

The sun sets over Ridgway, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST

Dive into Colorado’s top 10 cool pools

By Brittany Anas Special to the Denver Post

Officially, the first day of summer isn’t until June 20.

Unofficially the season kicksoff with your first dip in the pool or cannonball however, you prefer to make an entrance.

While there are plenty of pools around the state, someoffer superlative swims thanks to their views, water park amenities and, yes, even a climbing wall that juts above the water.

Here are 10 of Colorado’s most unique swimming poolsfora memorable swim this summer:

Scott Carpenter Pool

BOULDER

Scott Carpenter (or “Scotty” as its fans call it) is an all-out fun zone with a lazy river, slides,a high dive and a lap pool.

But leave it to Boulder’s park and rec team also to install a climbing wall that towers above the pool.

The wall was builtby Colorado-based

Eldorado Climbing Walls, and each summer it commands a steady line of kids (and kids at heart) waiting to take turns climbing up the wall and plunging into the pool.

1505 30th St., Boulder; bouldercolorado.gov/locations/scott-carpenter-pool

Historic Eldorado Springs Pool

ELDORADO SPRINGS

The historic Eldorado Springs Pool opened on the Fourth of July in 1905 and eventually became known as the “Coney Island of Colorado.”

Its ballroom hosted big acts such as Glenn Miller and Hot Rize, and Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower honeymooned in a nearby cabin.

After going througha historic designation process and shutting down for improvements in 2019, the spring-fed pool reopens this summer in its prime location at the base of the Rocky Mountains and adjacent to Eldorado Canyon State Park.

“The pool holdsa special place in the

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Sarah Welsch, 17, rides The Wave at Water World in Federal Heights in July.

PROVIDED BY JONATHAN THORNTON BOULDER PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

A climbing wall towers over the Scott Carpenter Pool, which also includes a lazy river, slides,a high dive anda lap pool.

down

Pools

hearts of many, and we’re committed to ensuring it remainsa cherished destination for generations to come,” says Erica Larson, director of human resources and resort operations.

294 Artesian Drive, Eldorado Springs; eldoradosprings.com/swimming-pool

Water World

FEDERAL HEIGHTS

Colorado is landlocked, but don’t let that stop you from boogie-boarding or surfing.

At 70 acres, Water World is one of the largest water parks in the country.

In addition to the dozens of tube rides and slides, the park has two wave pools. Cowabunga Bay, near the park’s entrance, is for body surfers who can launch from a platform into a steady set of gentle waves.

Thunder Bay is the main wave pool, which hasa giant Pepsi logo and churns outa steady stream of ocean-like waves fora few minutes several times each hour.

Other ways to beat the heat include laps in the lazy river (steeryour innertube underneath a waterfall) or catching some waves on the surf simulators.

Water World celebrates its 45th anniversary this summer.

8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights; waterworldcolorado.com

The Springs Resort

PAGOSASPRINGS

Every nature-loving Coloradoan likely has a favorite hot springs destination, and the state has so many of these geothermal tubs bubbling up that a historicloop connects some of the famous ones.

In the southern part of the state, The Springs Resort’s two dozen pools sit on the banks of the San Juan River.

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Peoplefloat

The Lazy River at Water World in Federal Heights in July. Water World, which is managed by Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation,offers multiple ways for people to escape the heat when temperatures near triple digits Up to 10,000people visit the park on hot summer days. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

PROVIDED BY THE SPRINGS RESORT

The Springs Resort’s two dozen pools sit on the banks of the San Juan River.

Pools

What sets these pools apart is that visitors can enjoy unique experiences in them, like a floating aqua massage and morning yoga sessions in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

Overnight guests get 24/7 access to the pools, which means soaking under the stars.

323 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs; pagosahotsprings.com

Gardenof the Gods

Resort & Club

COLORADO SPRINGS

Hiking, segway tours and horseback riding are popular ways to see the impressive sandstone rock formations that make up the Garden of the Gods.

But when it’s time to unwind, check into the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club and head to the infinity pool for

evolved into mini water parks.

Explore this assertion at The Splash at Fossil Trace, which has a 25-meter lap pool with eight lap lanes, and when you takeoff your goggles, you’ll getfoothill views.

Entry to this 10-acre aquatic center is $11 for Golden residents and $13 for non-residents.

The park also hasa zero-depth leisure pool with a playground, small water slides, sprayfountains and tube and body slides.

When it’s scorching hot, position yourself near the 500-gallon dump bucket called the “Tipper,” which brings cool relief.

3151 Illinois St., Golden; splashingolden.com

Clayton Hotel& Member’s Club

front-row views of the rocks that jut towards the sky.

From your lounge chair, you can spot the Kissing Camels formation.

In the summer, the infinity pool is an adults-only hangout.

3320 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs; gardenofthegodsresort.com

The Splash at Fossil Trace

Some of the best municipal pools have

DENVER

Staycationers and members can lounge at the Clayton Hotel& Member’s Club’s rooftop pool in Cherry Creek. The pool, lined with blue-striped

FROM PAGE 40

PROVIDED BY GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT & CLUB

The infinity pool at Garden of the Gods Resort & Cluboffers front-row views of the rocks that jut towards the sky.

PROVIDED BY CLAYTON HOTEL &> MEMBERS CLUB Members and guests lounge at the Clayton Hotel & Member’s Club’s rooftop pool in Cherry Creek.

Pools

FROM PAGE 41

daybeds,offersa European beach club vibe.

It’s adjacent to the Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, which serves refreshing cocktails such as the Queen Bee, a gin libation with lavender, sage and honey syrup.

233 Clayton St., Denver; claytondenver.com

Pirate’s Cove

ENGLEWOOD

Pirate’s Cove hasa 35-foot tower with three slides.

Your challenge: Figure out which one is the fastest.

Or,fora more leisurely pace, plop down in an innertube and enjoya ride along the lazy river.

The water park also has pools, a diving board, a spray garden anda sand area for building sandcastles.

Throughout the summer, Pirate’s Cove hosts adults-only nights with live music. This summer’s dates are June 19, July 10, July 24 and Aug. 8.

1225 W. Belleview Ave., Englewood; englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library-golf/pirates-cove

The Bay Aquatic Park

BROOMFIELD

Broomfield’s outdoor water park is a hit with families anda great placefor young kids.

The Bay Aquatic Park has a tot pool with mini slides for kids 6 and under.

It also hasa leisure pool, more slides, an interactive water play structure and plenty of lawn spacefora picnic.

The aquatic park also hosts water aerobics classes.

250 Spader Way, Broomfield; broomfield.org/2651/The-Bay-Aquatic-Park

Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center

THORNTON

Whether lightning shuts down your go-to outdoor pool or you need a break from the sun, the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center in Thornton has a great indoor pool for families.

The pool gota face-lifta few years ago, and the most exciting features are a NinjaCross obstacle course system and a climbing wall.

The pool has a mini wave pool,a play structure, and a 20-person hydro-jet spa.

11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton; thorntonco.gov/recreation/facilities/Pages/ carpenter-recreation-center.aspx

PROVIDED BY CITY OF ENGLEWOOD

Pirate’s Cove hasa 35-foot tower with three slides,a lazy river, pools, a spray garden, and a sand area for building sandcastles.

PROVIDED BY MARGARET W. CARPENTER RECREATION CENTER

The Thornton rec center pool provides a mini wave pool, a play structure and a 20-person hydro-jet spa, NinjaCross obstacle course system and a climbing wall.

MOUNTAIN RESORT

Vail’s secret: Summer reigns supreme

By Shauna Farnell

Special to The Denver Post

Longtime Vail residents fondly say, “Winter is great, but summer is why we live here,” despite the global popularity of its ski slopes.

While the winter experience at the sprawling slopes of the Bavarian-style resort is spectacular, Vail’s summer adventures are next level.

Offering an abundance of treasures one typically seeks in Colorado’s High Countryfora summer getaway— great hiking, biking, golf, and sunny patios Vail also throws in extras like llama picnics,a world-class farmers market, and one-of-a-kind festivals.

Hiking

Berry Picker is a challenging trail with multiple access points from Vail’s base area. It weaves across streams, over thick roots, and around clusters of columbines, wild roses, and berry bushes.

The trail, measuring more than 3 miles with more than 2,200 feet of elevation gain, opens to colorful meadows with impressive views of the valley below.

If your knees aren’t up for the descent, you can also download the appfor free on the Eagle Bahn Gondola.

The big hubfor hikers, however, is East Vail.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACK AFFLECK

Berry Picker is a challenging hiking trail with multiple access points from Vail’s base area It weaves across streams, over thick roots, and around clusters of columbines, wild roses, and berry bushes.

Vailoffers several hiking trails with spectacular views.

picturesque but requires more than 3,000 feet of climbing to reach through similarly scenic, aspen and fir tree-lined terrain.

Mountain range from delightfully flowy (Radio Flyer) to super steep and technical (Old Nine Line).

day, you can rent a golf bike rather than a cart to navigate the 18-hole course.

While parking is nolonger allowed at the trailheadfor the incredibly popular Booth Creek waterfall hike, the free Town of Vail bus makes it easy to get there.

A bit farther into East Vail, you’ll find trailheads for a series of less-used but equally rewarding routes.

Pitkin Creek Trail also leads to views of a glistening waterfall after about 3 miles of reasonably strenuous initial climbing through aspen glades, lodgepole pine, and wildflower meadow. A couple more miles of less steep terrain will take you to the serene Pitkin Lake. Arguably, Deluge Lake is even more

Although it has no sparkling lake at its endpoint, Big Horn takes you to an old mining cabin via ethereal aspen tunnels, boulder fields, and pine canopies.

Biking

Although a popular shuttle route, the paved recreation path from the top of Vail Pass down to Vail is dangerously steep, narrow, and unpleasant in places.

The far more appealing section of the path stretches along Gore Creek from West Vail to East Vail, with stunning views of the snowcapped Gore Mountains ahead of you and plenty of picnic areas and rest stops along the way.

For mountain biking, the trails on Vail

Drive about 25 miles west of Vail and discover a new landscape (swap out the alpine terrain and pine treesfor high desert and sage bushes) through the expansive network of singletrack surrounding the town of Eagle.

Golf

As far as views go, you’ll be hardpressed to stay focused on your shot when swinging toward the distractingly beautiful postcard view of the Gore Range from Vail Golf Club, which recently completed a massive renovation of its greens.

ItsGrill on the Gore restaurant serves fantastic sandwiches.

For those looking for a multi-sport

Sunny patios

Celebratinga whopping 50 years in Vail, The Alpenrose is not only a festive and iconic haunt where you can nosh on your favorite German-Austrian comfort fare (schnitzel, pretzels, strudel, etc.), but it boasts one of the best patios in town, teeming with flower boxes and great people-watching potential.

For decades, Pepi’s Gasthof Grammshammer has been a classic patio that reflects the spirit of Vail. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an oversized pint of pilsner or a fresh fish dinner.

As in winter, you’ll often soak up the rays to live après tunes on the weekends. Yet another longtime mainstay with

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COURTESY OF JACK AFFLECK

Vail Pass stretches along Gore Creek from West Vail to East Vail, with views of the snowcapped Gore Mountains and plenty of picnic areas and rest stops.

arguably the best prime rib in the state is Lancelot’s small patio on Gore Creek.

Vail Brewing’s village taproom patio, with a fire pit, provides a bird’s-eye view of the Solaris courtyard bustle.

In Lionshead, there’s no better place to keep an eye on summertime slope action than from the elevated vantage point of Garfinkel’s deck.

Festivals

Set asidea few hoursfor the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show, which transforms Vail Village into an extravaganza of color, energy, creativity, and enticing aromas every Sunday from midJune through early October.

Although it takes place in April, the Taste of Vail is one of the nation’s hidden gem wine and culinary events. It is the ultimate way to sample bites from all of Vail’s top fine-dining haunts and sips

from more than 100 wineries around the world. Marking the transition from winter to summer, and with many seminars and events selling out in advance, it’s one to mark on your calendar for next year.

Vail’s unequivocal summer kickoff event, not to mention one of the most thrilling, multi-sensory experiences of your life, the GoPro Mountain Games, unfold June 6-9.

Along with a nightly lineup of live music featuring Xavier Rudd, Lotus, and Dispatch and free daytime concerts, the Mountain Games cover a gamut of high-altitude activities trail running, biking, climbing, kayaking, flyfishing, paddleboarding, and dog-diving competitions— as well as yoga, art, free seminars, and heaps of swag.

Anyone who appreciates dance and has yet to see the Vail Dance Festival has been missing out on one of the world’s most impressive displays of the artform.

Celebrating its 36th season with 13 of the country’s most talented ballet and

dance companies, catch Vail Dance from July 26 to Aug. 5.

Animal add-ons

We can all agree that hiking is better with a friend, but nothing beats a fuzzy four-legged friend with an underbite, especially one carrying a gourmet picnic.

Paragon Guides has a team of llamas, each boasting their adorable personality, for their Take a Llama to Lunch excursion.

Situated unassumingly across the highway from Vail, Vail Stables is the ultimate hubfor exploring the lush green landscapes as the pioneers did on horseback.

It’s also a surprising spot to enjoy hooved creatures of a different variety.

The Stables delivers a daily happy hour beer garden featuring roaming ponies and baby goats.

Lastly, for the ninth year running, the Stablesoffersa fun— and funny— goat yoga class. The Town of Vail free bus includes a new stop at the Stables, so you don’t have to drive.

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Vail Stablesoffersa fun— and funny goat yoga class.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACK AFFLECK

The GoPro Mountain Gamesoffer thrilling, multi-sensory experiences.

LODGING ADDED

Pagosa Springs is having a moment

By Mindy Sink

Special to The Denver Post

Pagosa Springs is becoming an increasingly popular getaway with natural amenities. From river domes to chic tiny homes, new lodging options appeal to every kind of traveler.

“During the pandemic, we lost inventory allocated towards workforce housing and saw increased visitation,” said

Jennifer Green, executive director of Visit Pagosa Springs. “Businesses saw an opportunity to provide new, unique lodging accommodations to meet the needs of a variety of travelers.”

Just undera six-hour drive southwest of Denver, Pagosa Springs is home to about 1,600 people. Forests and wilderness surround this small town, and 2.5 million acres of the San Juan National Forest are nearby.

The San Juan River flows through downtown’s heart and just past what is believed to be the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs aquifer.

In the winter, Pagosa Springs is popular with skiers who visit the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area; in summer, it’s time for whitewater rafting, tubing, hiking and fishing. Year-round, people stop here to soak in the hot springs.

Many properties in Pagosa Springs

are situated for the best vantage point to the San Juan River— whether that means easy access, views, or ambiance.

Pagosa River Domes is a new development right on the water. The name says it all: 14 individual insulated geodesic domesoffering year-round glamping vibes and comfort.

The side of the dome facing the river is clear (with curtains for privacy), so you

JOE AMON DENVER POST FILE

The San Juan River running right through town in 2017in Pagosa Springs is one of the biggest attractions to the area.

PAGOSA SPRINGS» PAGE 47

Pagosa Springs

can put your feet up on the deck and relax. It’s a short drive into town from this lodging choice.

The domes were a new project after the owners of the historic Nightingale Motel renovated it with a modern mountain aesthetic in its 17 guest rooms and cocktail lounge. This motel is within walking distance of many of Pagosa Springs’ favorite amenities.

High Creek Lodge& Cabins is the reborn High Country Lodge, just outside of town Itoffersa more remote feeling in the mountains and easy access to local hiking trails. This two-story buildingoffers standard guest rooms, larger suites with separate living and sleeping spaces, and individual cabins.

For those who want to try outa tiny home, The Drift has 13 little spaces that give you your own home away from home.A shared courtyard is available for travelers who want to make new friends here, and the lack of shared walls gives guests a feeling of their own space.

This place was designed by local architects and is locally owned. It is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and, of course, hot springs.

Many people come to Pagosa Springs to soak, and the Springs Resortoffers a variety of soaking options (including a cold plunge right into the river!). Spa treatments, dining options, and benefits for being an overnight guest are also available Those benefits include a Deep Sleep Tray with items to help you snooze deeply and 24/7 access to soaking pools.

With all these new lodging options in 2024, it’s hard to believe that 2025 will welcome even more choicesfor this small town when The Springs Resort expansion opens. They are adding 78 new guest rooms, 27 soaking pools and water features, anda new restaurant here.

You don’t have to be an overnight guestat The Spring Resort to soak, so grab a day pass and head over from whereveryou lay your head.

During your stay, stroll the town’s new Sculpture Park, which opens in June You’ll see murals and sculptures by talented local artists who were commissioned to create pieces that tell stories about the people of this place.

COURTESY OF THE SPRINGS RESORT &> SPA

The geothermal pools at The Springs Resort & Spa at 323Hot Springs Blvd in Pagosa Springs. The hot springs are found on the banks of the San Juan River in mineral-rich, geothermal pools. The resort says on its website that the pools contain 13minerals in their waters that include potassium, magnesium, zinc, lithium, iron and manganese that help to promote healthy skin, lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and muscles and increase energy.

JENN FIELDS DENVER POST FILE

Steam rises from the springs along the San Juan River near the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs on July 12, 2017

Experience the charm of aspen trees

First carbon-positive hotel in the country set to accept reservations in September

By Mindy Sink

Special to The Denver Post

Summer is not the time for leaf peeping in Colorado, but it might be the time to consider aspen trees in Denver this year.

Whenyou picture aspen trees, the fall season comes to mind as their bright green leaves transition to their iconic golden, orange, and even red colors.

But Populus, billed as the country’s first carbon-positive hotel, is set to open later this summer.

You can make reservations starting in September, which means the opening of this building, designed to resemble the bark of an aspen tree, might coincide withthe trees’ annual color change. The fall equinox is Sept. 22.

The hotel combines eco-friendly construction, materials, and collaborations with agricultural andforest partners to achieve its carbon-positive goals. The hotel’s carbon footprint isoffsetby planting trees in the mountains, sequestering more carbon than the building emits throughout its lifecycle.

Designed by Studio Gang and developed by Urban Villages, Populus will have 265 guest rooms labeled as Grove or Aspen rooms, except the Pando Suite on the top floor.

In non-hotel terms, a Pando is the world’s largest tree, whichat first appears to be asingle tree but is connected bya massive root system. It spans over 100 acres in a national forest in Utah.

Every room will include “Aspen-eyeshaped windows” to take in the city views (and perhaps even some distant mountain views to the west) surrounding the hotel. Some windows provide a spot to nestle, described as a “hammock” like one might hang from tree branches.

Prices for the rooms will start at $299.

Although details like names and menus will be available when the hotel opens, two restaurants are planned at Populus: one on the ground floor and one on the rooftop, wherea garden terrace and bar will be open to the public and hotel guests.

Check the hotel’s websitefor upcoming events, including guest speakers or curated culinary experiences. These events will take place in rooms that function as coworking or meeting spaces by day and become social venues when needed.

a Colorado Rio Grande Cottonwood log desk in reception; and distressed wood slats on the lobby ceiling sourced from reclaimed Wyoming snow fencing.

The hotel often uses the word “biophilia” to describe those who love nature Another soon-to-be popular word here might be “dendrophile,” a tree lover.

Visit the nearby Denver Art Museum now through Aug. 11 to see the “Biophilia: Nature Reimagined” exhibit, which includes a model of Populus.

Biophiles may want to check out Civic Center park across the street from Populus. There, they can help plant the extravagant floral displays during Civic Center SPARKLES This year, the city is relying on volunteers to do the planting, as budget cuts only left enough to purchase the flowers.

The idea is to feel connected to nature while in the city, so guests will notice that the lobby mimics a forest floor, and the guest rooms have wood accents and earthy color palettes.

Some details have been made avail-

able about unique design elements, such as the lobby’s hanging sculpture, which was made from the root structure of mushrooms and is called The Reishi Tapestry; a wood-shingled wall in reception that used beetle-kill trees;

There are other events happening in the park year-round, such as Civic Center EATS, where food trucks gather during lunchtime on Wednesdays and Thursdays; check the Civic Center Park Conservancy websitefora complete calendar of concerts, stargazing, and more.

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST

Construction continues as exterior panels are installed on the Populus Hotel on Feb. 26 A pedestrian walks past the Aspen treeinspired hotel, at 14th and Colfax avenues.

COURTESY STUDIO GANG

Each room will have unique Aspen-eye-shaped windows thatoffer city and possibly mountain views, with some providinga cozy “hammock” spot for relaxation.

SAN LUIS VALLEY

Overnight stays, exclusivefilms at Frontier Drive-Inn

By Margaret Jackson Special to The Denver Post

A hidden gem of nostalgia and adventure lies in the vast expanse of the San Luis Valley and endless stretches of open road:a restored drive-in movie theater thatoffers accommodations for overnight stays.

Far from city lights, the Frontier Drive-Inn in Center is a cinematic sanctuary, a testament to abygone era.

Originally called the Frontier Drive-In, the theater opened in 1955 and was one of the few places showing Spanish-language films in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the venue screens everything from cult classics to kids’ movies and the occasional art film.

“We don’t share our movie titles until you’re actually on site,” Frontier owner Luke Falcone said. “We want people to come for the full experience We’ve shown horror films on Halloween and

hada weekend of just baseball films.” While the popcorn is always free, the Frontier wants to expand its food and beverageofferings. Guests can use the shared kitchen and rent cooking equipment to prepare meals.

Before Falcone took over, the last movie shown at the drive-in was in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Falcone cleaned up some of the original Arch projectors, speaker system, and popcorn machine to display on site.

Lodging on site

The Frontieroffers guests accommodations, including two pods, each with five yurts clustered around gas firepits and spa-like bathhouses.

Each yurt is equipped with a queen bed, sitting area, and pellet stoves designed to provide a low-maintenance inunit fire to provide heat. Or choose one of a pair of Steel-

PHOTOS BY JINTAK HAN— THE DENVER POST

The sign for the Frontier Drive-Inn, formerly known as the Frontier Drive-in, is lit up in Center in 2022.

Respecting Dark Skies

master sheds, retro-fitted with custom wood-paneled interiors, private bathrooms, and in-floor heat.

But the Frontier isn’t the only drive-in movie theater in the valley. The Star Drive-In in Monte Vista screens movies nightly from mid-May through mid-September.

Like the Frontier, the Staroffers lodging at the Best Western Movie Manor, where guests can watch movies on the big screen from the comfort of their rooms.

“We didn’t want to step on their toes, so we thought about how do we turn this into a business that has enough interest,” Falcone said.

“We realized we had to import the customerfor that. We’re all in the built-environment space, and this wasa unique opportunity to test out different construction methodologies.”

Parts of the San Luis Valley, like Crestone, are designated Dark Sky communities, and theGreat Sand Dunes National Park is a Dark Sky Park.

“People give us a hard time about our lighting, so we keep it low,” Falcone said.

“We don’t want to interfere with your movie experience, but it’s also a Dark Sky-designated place.”

Falcone’s investment hasn’t stopped with the Frontier Drive-Inn. He also purchased the old movie theater in downtown Center, which will open this summer and show movies during the day and in inclement weather.

“Our plan is not to run that like a blockbuster movie theater where we’re showing the big summer films,” he said.

“We plan to program that as a service to the Frontier We’re in early talks about hosting smaller film festivals.”

In addition to restoring the theater, Falcone plans to renovate the building to includefour apartments and install

three Airstream trailers on its side.

Falconepurchased the theater from Steve Huey, an engineer from the Kansas City area who purchased five buildings in downtown Center In addition to selling the movie theater to Falcone, Huey sold a building to a friend from Lawrence, Kan.

Since discovering Center, Huey and his friends have hosted four Summer Solstice events, which aim to attract a community of artists to the sleepy town.

Huey is importing bands from Lawrence and has lined up artistsfor performances and installations, including Amy Kligman, Misha Kligman, Marie Bannerot McInerney, Cory Imig and Caleb Taylor.

Hyeyoung Shin will conducta twoday hands-on workshop teaching traditional Korean paper casting.

“It’s going to be a lot bigger this year and more art oriented,” Huey said. “When we move out there and live out there, we’ll do more of this in our space.”

Get to know Center

Center’s history dates back to the mid19th century when settlers, drawnby the fertile soil and promise of a new life in the American West, began establishing homesteads in the valley.

With the arrival of the Denver and RioGrande Western Railroad in the late 19th century, Center emerged as a hub for agricultural activity, particularly potato farming.

Center experienced growth and development with the expansion of irrigation systems and the establishment of agricultural cooperatives in the early 20th century.

Huey said Center appeals because it’s still untouched, unlike other towns in the valley along the highway.

“All have had some sort of revitalization,” he said “None of that has ever happened in Center. Very little has changed in 30 years. It’s a blank slate— you’re not fighting something that was already there.”

FROM PAGE 49

JINTAK HAN THE DENVER POST

A family watches a short documentary about Mexican immigrants at the Frontier Drive-Inn.

AROUND COLORADO

Telluride Bluegrass “festivarians” race to get a close spot to the stage during the annual “running of the tarps” on thefirst day of the 50th Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Town Park in 2023.

The ultimate guide to 2024 summer festivals

By Sarah Kuta

Special to The Denver Post

I made a big mistake last summer.

Instead of exploring Colorado,I gallivanted around Europe and other parts of the United States.

Call it pent-up post-pandemic wanderlust or whatever you want, but I swearI blinkeda few times, and suddenly it was September.

I spent so much time traveling that I missed summer in Colorado and I’ve been kicking myself ever since. Dramatic? Maybe, but it’s true.

This summer,I won’t make the same blunder. You’ll find me right here in the Centennial State, camping and hiking

with my dogs, sipping drinks on sunny patios, trying to level up mymountain biking skills, and otherwise soaking up the state’s abundant natural beauty.

Perhaps most importantly, I’ll try to hit as many summer festivals as possible, using the list below as a guide. I hope you’ll do the same.

May

MAY 24-27

Planet V. If you’re lookingfor a Burning Man-style experience without leaving Colorado, make plans to attend Planet V. It started during the pandemic as an impromptu gathering of friends from the famous Nevada desert festival and has since blossomed

into a three-day extravaganza featuring camping, music, art and camaraderie. It’s held at CampV, a remote southwestern Colorado mining town reborn as a hip glamping destination. CampV, Ee 26 Road, Vancorum

MAY 24-26

MeadowGrass MusicFestival. Congrats, you made it to summer Your reward? Three days of jamming out to folk, Americana, bluegrass, rock, country and other genres with fellow music lovers in the Colorado sunshine This festival, which is now in its 15th year, also has camping, yoga, craft beer, kids’ activities, hiking and workshops. For budding musicians, there’sa youth

songwriting contest, too. La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs

MAY 24-27

Boulder Creek Festival. Boulderites have been ushering in summer with this creek-side fête for over three decades. Held over Memorial Day weekend, the Boulder Creek Festival brings together more than 30 bands and entertainers forfour days of outdoor performances in the shadow of the Flatirons. Local food vendors, a painting competition, free skate lessons, kids’ activities,a beer fest, and other events

WILLIAM WOODY, SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Festivals

round out this family-friendly gathering. Stick around through Monday to run, walk, or watch the Bolder Boulder 10K race.

Boulder Creek Path, 1212 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder

MAY 25-26

Denver Arts Festival. You’ll walk away feeling inspired by the Denver Arts Festival and you might just come home with a new piece of art, too. This two-day gathering features the work of ultra-talented Colorado artists (and a few from outside the state, too) specializing in photography, ceramics, mixed media, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry and other mediums. There’s also live music, food and drink vendors, anda placefor kids to make their own masterpieces.

Central Park Conservatory Green, 8304 E. 49th Place, Denver

MAY 25-27

Territory Days. No time machine is required here: Step back in time at Territory Days fora snapshot of life before Colorado became a state in 1876. Now in its 49th year, this three-day event includes Wild West-themed activities like train rides, gold panning, a mechanical bull and even a “cowboy church” service. Dozens of musicians will also perform throughout the weekend, with country music singer Dillon Carmichael headlining this year’s festival.

Old Colorado City, Colorado Avenue between 23rd and 27th streets, Colorado Springs

June

JUNE1

Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival. This one-day bash has all the makings of a good time: Live music, food trucks and Colorado wine. All the delectable beverages available at this festival including wine from over 30 wineries, meads and glögg— are made here in the Centennial State.

Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs

JUNE 1-2

OutsideFestival. New this year, the Outside Festival features live music, film screenings, vendor demos and wellness activities There will also be talks by athletes, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs, including snowboarder Shaun White, rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, and filmmaker Cory Richards, to name a few. The musical headliners are Thundercat and Fleet Foxes.

Civic Center Park, Denver

Stacy Furukawa, hand in foreground,

artist ChelseyChristy,

as

ists were selected to participate in this year’s Boulder Plein Air Festival. They’ll spend June 1-7 taking their easels to various Boulder County locales and painting whatever inspires them When they’re all done, you can admire their work at an exhibit in downtown Niwot from June 8 to July 5.

Niwot

JUNE 5-9

Rocky Mountain Star Stare. Astronomy is having a moment this year, thanks to the total solar eclipse that was visible from part of North America on April 8. Keep the momentum goingby attending this multi-day stargazing extravaganza organized by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society. Late-night Dark Sky observation sessions are the main events, but you can also attend lectures and hang out with other Copernicus wannabes while camping under the cosmos.

Gardner

JUNE 6-9

JUNE 1-2

Denver Chalk ArtFestival. What some people can do with a few chalk sticks anda sidewalk square is amazing. Seefor yourself at the Denver Chalk Art Festival, which fills the sidewalks of Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood with colorful, whimsical

street art. More than 150 artists will be participating. 12th Avenue and Bannock Street, Denver

JUNE 1-JULY 5

BoulderPlein AirFestival. Aftera rigorous jury process, 40 art-

GoPro Mountain Games. Hosted by the Vail Valley Foundation, this festival is jam-packed with sports, art, music and other types of family-friendly fun. Watch high-flying dogs soar through the air in pursuit of a toy and marvel at freestyle kayakers as they showoff their coolest tricks Athletescompete

FESTIVALS» PAGE 53

JEREMY PAPASSO— DAILY CAMERA FILE

Don Enlow dances with Sheila Whitman while listening to live music during the BoulderCreekFestival in 2016.

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

holds an umbrella up to keep cool while she watches and supports her friend and chalk

center,

she works on her chalk artpiece during the 20th annual Chalk ArtFestival in 2022in Denver.

Festivals

in everything from slacklining and fishing to rock climbing and disc golf and there are nightly concerts.

Vail

JUNE 8-AUG. 11

Colorado ShakespeareFestival. The show must go on: Crews are renovating the historicbuilding surrounding the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, the primary venuefor the Colorado Shakespeare Festival at the University of Colorado Boulderfor the last 60 years. As a result, this year’s performances will take place indoors at the RoeGreen Theatre (which is freshoff its own renovation) So, while you won’t be able to gaze up at the stars during the shows, you will still be able to catch top-notch performances of “Macbeth” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor” both by William Shakespeare— as well as “Arden of Faversham,” writtenbya mysterious unknown author.

University of Colorado Boulder campus

JUNE9

Boulder Jewish Festival. Head down to the Pearl Street Mall for an afternoon of food, art, music and camaraderie at the Boulder Jewish Festival.

Boulder

JUNE 13-16

Parker Days. Back in the 1970s, Parker Days was just a small community fair Fast-forward 48 years, and it’s ballooned into a big annual event that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees. Enjoy carnival rides, cooking demos, silent discos, live music, games, street performers,food, and other family-friendly activities all weekend long.

Downtown Parker

JUNE 13-16

FIBArk Whitewater Festival. The Arkansas River fills with snowmelt in late spring and early summer, creating a whitewater playground for rafters, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. This long-standing annual event held since 1949 celebrates the spring runoff with a variety of whitewater races, live music, a skateboarding competition and other festivities.

Salida

JUNE 14-16

Food & Wine Classic. This Aspen culinary gathering usually sells out, but if you can snag a ticket, you can attend cooking demonstrations, rub elbows with chefs and celebrities, and enjoy samples of food, wine and spirits from more than 150 brands.

JUNE 14-15

Vail Craft Beer Classic. Life (and summer) is short. Drink the beer all the beers— at this sunny mountain beer fest, which features refreshing pours from across the state.

Vail

JUNE 15

Lake Dillon Beer Festival Sample brews from Colorado establishments like Cohesion Brewing, Ratio Beerworks and Telluride Brewing while gazing out at the cerulean waters of Lake Dillon This event benefits the Colorado Brewers Guild and the Blue River Watershed Group, so if you care about supporting craft beer and healthy rivers, get yourself here.

Dillon

JUNE 16

Flatiron Sounds MusicFestival. Held in the shadow of the Flatirons on the grounds of the Colorado Chautauqua, this one-day bash hasa beer garden, a vendor market,food and live music. This year’s musical guests are Clay Street Unit, Two Runner, Jake Leg, King Cardinal and Alexa Wildish.

Boulder

JUNE 19-23

gether top-notch comedians from around the nation,focusing on highlighting women and diverse comics.

Boulder

JUNE 20-23

TellurideBluegrassFestival. This popular music fest often sells out, but those lucky enough to grab tickets are in fora treat. Four days of camping, music, workshops and just vibing while being surrounded by the beauty of Telluride’s craggy peaks— what could be better?

Telluride

JUNE 20-23

Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Experience. This annual music fest is a highlight of summer in the Roaring Fork Valley Performances occur at venues all over Aspen throughout the long weekend, and you’ll have plenty of time to squeeze in some other activities, like mountain biking and al fresco dining. This year’s line-up includes Cory Henry, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Bobby Rush and many others.

Aspen

JUNE 20-AUG.1

ley. If you can only make it to one or two, prioritize concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, which is a gorgeous, open-air theater nestled among the mountains.

Vail

JUNE 21-23

Strawberry Days. This nostalgic, fruit-centric festival harkens back to simpler times when summer was as sweet as a just-picked strawberry It dates back to 1898 and features an old-fashioned parade, live music, family activities,a pancake breakfast, running races, anarts and crafts village, and, yes, free strawberries and ice cream.

Glenwood Springs

JUNE 22-23

Baconand Bourbon Festival. The crispy, salty, savory taste of bacon pairs nicely withthe velvety smooth notes of vanilla and baking spices you get from a sip of bourbon. Fortunately for us, this match made in heaven is thefocal point of this two-day bash in the mountains.

Keystone

JUNE 22

FROM PAGE 52 FESTIVALS» PAGE 54

Aspen

Boulder Comedy Festival. Who couldn’t usea good laugh right now? This hilarious gathering brings to-

Bravo! Vail MusicFestival. For six weeks every summer, internationally acclaimed orchestras visit Vail to deliver awe-inspiring performances at venues throughout the Vail Val-

Red, Whites &Brews. The Yampa Valley is lush and gorgeous in the summer. And if you need a reason to drive

WILLIAM WOODY SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Telluride Bluegrass attendees set up spots close to the stage on thefirst day of the 50th Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Town Park in 2023.

Festivals

up there, plan a trip around this oneday gathering that includes beer, wine and live music.

Steamboat Springs

JUNE 26-JULY7

Greeley Stampede. You don’t have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to have fun at theGreeley Stampede,a long-standing Northern Colorado tradition. This 13-day festival hasa jam-packed schedule, filled with rodeos, concerts,a carnival, a Western art show, parades and more This year’s headliners include T.I. with Waka Flocka Flame, Chris Young with Hailey Whitters, We The Kingdom with Colton Dixon and Cheap Trick with Romero.

Greeley

JUNE 26-AUG 18

Aspen MusicFestival and School

This is a milestone year for the Aspen Music Festival and School: It’s celebrating 75 years of classical music performances in the Roaring Fork Valley Since 1949, this beloved annual event has been mentoring young artists and bringing the community together for emotional and thought-provoking concerts. This year’s 53-night season is themed “Becoming Who You Are.”

Aspen

JUNE 27-30

Telluride Yoga Festival. You owe it to yourself to take a few daysoff and focus all of your energy on your health and well-being The Telluride Yoga Festival is the perfect place to do just that, with wellness classes, yoga and meditation sessions, outdoor adventures, live music and joyful dance circles.

Telluride

JUNE 28-30

Colorado Lavender Festival Peaches may get all the attention, but lavender also grows heartily on the Western Slope. Celebrate this fragrant, light purple herb by taking a guided farm tour, participating in workshops, and attending seminars at this festival, which is organized by the Lavender Association of Colorado.

Palisade

JUNE 28-30

Blues From the Top MusicFestival. Spend the weekend recharging in the mountains while listening to artists like BenHarper & The Innocent Criminals, Big Head Todd & the Monsters and Eric Gales at this immersive music fest This event, organized by the Grand County Blues Society, also featuresa silent auction and night shows around town.

Winter Park

July

JULY 5-7

Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Good news: With the Fourth of July on a Thursday this year, you can easily make this a long weekend and what better way to spend your time than surrounded by art? This three-day gathering features the work of 250 artists, who were selected bya jury from more than 1,900 applicants These ultra-talented creatives specialize in everything from jewelry to photography, and if you see something you like, you can buy it and take it home.

Cherry Creek North Shopping District, Denver

JULY 5-10

Rooftop Rodeo. This Estes Park event’s clever nickname is the “rodeo with altitude.” And, it’s true: You can

FESTIVALS» PAGE 55

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Visitors looks at work by photographer Darren Olson of Minneapolis on display at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in 2023, in Denver Olson prints much of his work on aluminum that he says helps to create bright highlights, deep color tones and helps make photos “pop.”

Festivals

watcha Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association performance each night of the festival at 7,522 feet above sea level. There’s also a patriotic parade, an adorable muttonbustin’ event, and a high-energy “cash catch” that involves kids trying to grab a$5 bill attached to a sheep.

Estes Park

JULY 5-AUG.4

Colorado Music Festival. There’s somethingfor everyone at the Colorado Music Festival, which runs throughout July and August in the shadow of the Flatirons at the Colorado Chautauqua. Performances range from a family-friendly stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ “Green Eggs andHam” to fullblown symphony concerts.

Boulder

JULY 11-14

High Mountain HayFeverBluegrass Festival. Jim Lauderdale is the headliner of this year’s four-day event, which helps raise moneyfor Custer County charities. Other nationally recognized bluegrass performers on the schedule

include Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Laurie Lewis and the RightHands and Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, among many others.

Bluff and Summit Park in Westcliffe

JULY 11-14

Boulder Environmental/Nature/ Outdoors Film Festival This inspiring event spotlights films about the natural world and features screenings, Q&As, live music, and receptions.

Boulder

JULY 12-21

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. Most people know summer, fall, winter and spring. But, in Colorado, there’s a fifth name to add to this list: wildflower season Crested Butte goes all out in celebration of this colorful time of year, with a 10-day bash that includes everything from photography workshops and Jeep tours to guided hikes and watercolor workshops.

Crested Butte

JULY 13

Colorado Brewers Rendezvous Need an excuse fora mid-summer road trip? Get tickets to this craft beer celebration, which helps support the Colorado Brewers Guild and the Salida Chamber of Commerce Salida

JULY 13-14

Art in the Park. Stroll in the sunshine through Steamboat’s West Lincoln Park, where more than 130 gifted artisans will be displaying their sculptures, paintings, leather goods, clothing and more. Stop by the beer tent for a refreshing beverage or tap into your creative side at interaction stations throughout the park Kids can play aroundon inflatables, too.

Steamboat Springs

JULY 13-14

Snowmass ArtFestival This juried art show features photography, sculpture, wood, glass, ceramics, painting and other works created by local and national artists.

Snowmass

JULY 13-14

Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival. What’s more sophisticated than grooving to jazz while sipping wine? You can be your best self at this two-day gathering in the mountains.

Keystone

JULY 26-27

Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. Prepare yourself for some serious only-in-Colorado fun. Watch (or participate in!) the stand-up paddleboard pa-

rade, laugh at the ingenious designs for the build-your-own-boat race, and coo at the adorable pups fearlessly crushing it during the “weenie dog” race Silly events aside, this fest also includes more serious rafting races, a mountain bike ride and a trail run.

Cañon City

JULY 26-28

Buffalo Bill Days. It all started back in the 1940s, when members of the Buffalo Bill Saddle Club started making trail rides up to William Cody’s grave on top of Lookout Mountain Today, that beloved annual tradition has ballooned into a full-blown community celebration, complete with live entertainment, arts and crafts,a parade and muttonbustin’.

Golden

JULY 27-28

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. This is the largest dragon boat festival in the nation how lucky are we to have such a vibrant Asian Americanand Pacific Islander (AAPI) community right here in Colorado Watch exhilarating races, feast on scrumptious Asian cuisines and get inspired during traditional and contemporary cultural performances. Sloan’s Lake, Denver

FESTIVALS» PAGE 56

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Drummer Roman Burly, in front, and Sternsman Song Ear, in back, push team Charles Schwab to keep rowing together with the beat of her drum as they head towards the finish line as they compete in the 23rd annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake in Denver in 2023.

Festivals

JULY 26-28

Mountain Fair Carbondale is such a cool, quirky Colorado gem— and this festival really embodies everything that makes this mountain town so special Art, live music, pie- and cake-baking contests, wood-splitting competitions, yoga, drag queen story times and so much more are on the schedule This year’s live music line-up includes Dragondeer, Triptides, Kiltro and many other talented musicians.

Carbondale

JULY 26-AUG.5

Vail DanceFestival While lots of Colorado festivals showcase visual arts and music, fewfocus on dance which is part of what makes the Vail Dance Festival so special. You can enjoy 13 performances by some of the best companies in the nation, including Dance Theatre of Harlem, Limón Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Colorado Ballet and DanceAspen.

Vail

August

AUG. 1

Denver Burger Battle. Whether you love a classic cheeseburger or a gourmet patty with tons of toppings, you’re sure to find the burger of your dreams at this foodie fest. Sample burgers from 20 top Denver restaurants, then vote on your favorite (Esteemed local judges also taste and vote on their favorites.) Proceeds go to Firefly Autism, which supports children and families living with autism spectrum disorder.

Auraria Campus, Denver

AUG. 2-4

Leadville Boom Days. This is fun at 10,158 feet above sea level. Leadville Boom Days celebrates the Old West with burro races, mining skill contests, gunslingers anda street fair with more than 100food and craft booths. Be sure to bring the little ones, too, because this festival is super family-friendly.

Leadville

AUG. 2-3

Olathe Sweet CornFestival. We should all bow down to the hardworking Olathe farmers who grow such succulent sweet corn for us, year after year This two-day fête pays homage to this starchy yellow vegetable with events like a parade, a corn-eating contest, a fire department water fight,a demolition derby, a karaoke contest, and other corny activities.

Olathe

Time starts on the men’s corn eating contest at the Olathe

Corn festival in Olathe in 2008. The men were given 10 minutes to eat as much corn as possible to earn a grand prize of $100 Each ear averages 177calories and 800kernels.

AUG. 3-10

Sand & Sage Round-Up. When was the last time you road-tripped out to Colorado’s Eastern Plains? If it’s been a while, make plans to attend the Sand & Sage Round-Up, which doubles as the Prowers County Fair Enjoy a week’s worth of wholesome activities, ranging from a parade to a carnival.

Lamar

AUG. 3-4

Bluegrass & Beer Festival Listen to your favorite string bands while sipping craft beer and enjoying the gorgeous mountain weather in Keystone. More than a dozen bluegrass musicians will be playing throughout the weekend, including Pert Near Sandstone and Shadowgrass.

Keystone

AUG. 8-10

Colorado Brazil Fest Organizedby the Boulder Samba School, this lively

event celebrates Brazilian culture with dance and music performances. You can get in on the action, too, by participating in classes and workshops.

Boulder

AUG. 8-11

Vail Wine Classic. Vail may be knownfor its skiing and snowboarding, but it’s equally as fun (and beautiful) in the summer Soak it all in while sampling wines, attending paired dinners and listening to insightful seminars.

Vail

AUG. 9-11

Rocky Mountain FolksFestival Folk music fans from all over the world flock to Lyons every summer for this event, organized by Planet Bluegrass. Michaela Anne, Peter Mulvey, Jamestown Revival and the Watson Twins are just some of the talented musicians playing at this three-day extravaganza.

Lyons

AUG. 9-11

Telluride JazzFestival. Music, culture and community take centerstage at the Telluride Jazz Festival, which has been luring audiophiles to the gorgeous San Juan Mountains since 1977 This year’s line-up includes Christian McBride, Marco Benevento, Antibalas, Cool Cool Cool and many other top jazz musicians.

Telluride

AUG. 10

Boulder Taco Fest Can you ever have too many tacos? According to the organizers of this Boulder festival, the answer is a hard “no.” If you feel the same way, grab your friends and head to this fiesta, which includes tacos from restaurants and food trucks, tequila tastings and craft beer, live music, kids’ activities and lucha libre wrestling matches.

Boulder Civic Area and Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

FESTIVALS» PAGE 57

PHOTO BY WILLIAM WOODY SPECIAL TO THE DENVER POST

Sweet

Festivals

AUG. 10-11

Plein Air ArtFestival. You haven’t lived until you’ve witnessed anartist painting en plein air, a French phrase that means “outdoors.” It’s a peaceful, inspiring practice that brings together nature and art. The organizers of this annual event invite 20 artists to spend a few days soaking up all the beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley Then, their artwork gets judged and displayed and made availablefor you to buy and bring back home.

Snowmass

AUG. 10-11

Estes Park Wine Festival. Enjoy unlimited tastings at this 9-year-old fes-

tival, which takes place in the heart of Estes at BondPark.

Estes Park

AUG. 17

Cidermass. Hard cider is definitely having a moment right now, thanks to its versatility and lack of gluten See what all the fuss is about while sampling the delicious creations of more than 20 different distilleries and cideries from across the nation.

Snowmass

AUG. 22-24

Breckenridge Wine Classic. Calling all oenophiles: The Breckenridge Wine Classic is for you. Try wines from around the world, rub elbows with winemakers, attend seminars and treat yourself to paired wine dinners and lunches.

Breckenridge

AUG. 22-24

Durango Blues Train. Chug along on a historic steam-powered train while listening to live blues performances This unique event, organizedby the Durango& Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, takes riders on a musical journey through the scenic San Juan National Forest When you’re not gazing out at the views, walk from coach to coach to hear each of the six musicians.

Durango

AUG. 23-SEPT.2

Colorado State Fair Whether you’re a transplant or a Colorado native, celebrate the people and traditions that make this place so specialby attending the state fair Live music, 4-H competitions, a carnival, horse shows, fine arts exhibitions, kid-friendly activities and more are all on the docket.

Pueblo

AUG. 16-17

Palisade PeachFestival. Palisade peaches are one of the key reasons we all choose to live in Colorado Eat your fill of the state’s juicy, coral-colored fruits at this two-day event, which is now in its 56th year. Stock up on peaches from Western Slope farms, listen to live music, munch on bites from food trucks and soak up the beauty of harvest season, all while admiring the views of the Book Cliffs. Palisade

AUG. 30-SEPT.1

Four CornersFolk Festival. Live music, nature and community what more could you possibly need? This beloved event, now celebrating its 28th year, delivers on all three with performances in the shadow of the rugged San Juan Mountains.

Pagosa Springs

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST

Carnival rides light up the night sky during the Colorado State Fair in 2019in Pueblo.

Festivals

FROM PAGE 57

AUG. 30-SEPT.1

Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ Labor Day

Experience The organizers of this Roaring Fork Valley music fest always manage to landbig-name artists and this year is no exception. Brandi Carlile, Sting and Tim McGraw are headlining, with additional performances by the Black Crowes, OneRepublic, Lukas Nelson, Michael Marcagi and the War and Treaty.

Snowmass Village

AUG. 31-SEPT.2

Labor Day LiftOff. Be sure to pack your camera for this one. Hot air balloons in a variety of colors and patterns will be soaring through the air

withthe mountains as their backdrop during this three-day fest You can hitcha ride onone or take in the magical scene from the ground Also, enjoy beer and wine tastings, concerts, drone shows, food vendors, an evening balloon “glow,” and more.

Memorial Park, Colorado Spring

September

SEPT 6-8

Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival. This annual fête attracts dozens of Scottish and Irish clans (and fans of Celtic culture) to Estes Park for music, whiskey tastings, dog exhibitions, bagpiping competitions, highland dance, strongman competitions and other beloved activities.

Estes Park

SEPT 6-7

Union PeakFestival. Copper Mountain has become a year-round destination, thanks in large part to events like this one. The schedule is jam-packed with live musical performances, sports clinics, art and other festivities.

Copper Mountain

SEPT 13-15

TellurideBlues & BrewsFestival. This year, the Telluride Blues& Brews Festival is turning the big 3-0— and they need your help to celebrate. Soak up the gorgeous San Juan Mountain views and sip craft beer while listening to gospel, indie, rock, funk, blues, jam-band and soul musicians. This year’s headliners include BenHarper & the Innocent Criminals, Gary Clark Jr. and Joe Bonamassa.

Telluride

SEPT 13-15

Snowmass Balloon Festival. Back for its 49th year, this colorful tradition features more than 30 hot air balloons floating serenely across the skies of Snowmass. Catch liftoff in the morning, or stay up late for the “Night Glow” event on Saturday.

Snowmass

SEPT 14

Snowmass Wine Festival. In need of one last quick weekend in the mountains before fall sets in? Ask your GPS to take you to the Roaring Fork Valleyfor this half-day, wine-centric gathering, which supports scholarships awardedby the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village. Festivities include more than 30 tables of wines from across the globe, bites from local eateries, music and a silent auction.

Snowmass

KELSEY BRUNNER THE ASPEN TIMES

Hot air balloons rise above Snowmass Village on the last day of the 46th annual Snowmass BalloonFestival in 2021.

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