Mountain Town Magazine Issue 43 2025

The Mountain Town Equestrian Scene

Rodeos, Ranches & Horses In the Wild

The Vail Valley - A Local’s Perspective

Travel, Wellness, Culinary Treats & More

Is it winter yet?

SEE

VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION

Whether you attend a show at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, compete in the GoPro Mountain Games, volunteer at the Vail Dance Festival, or experience the magic of the Vilar Performing Arts Center, YOU are a part of the Vail Valley Foundation.

The Vail Valley Foundation creates events, experiences and programming to elevate the quality of life in the Eagle River Valley. Get to know everything the Vail Valley Foundation does to empower possibility by visiting vvf.org.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Vail Dance Festival GoPro Mountain Games

Vilar Performing Arts Center

Saddle Up – Our Equestrian Issue is Here! In a land known for skis and snowboards, we decided it was time to celebrate a different kind of ride — one rooted in tradition, grit, and timeless beauty. We are thrilled to bring you the Equestrian Issue of Mountain Town Magazine, a tribute to our mountain town’s enduring relationship with the horse and its deep imprint on our communities.

Over 35 years ago, I left suburban Long Island — a place where horses were rare and riding stables even rarer. My mother, who grew up with horses in Kentucky, often lamented the lack of opportunities to share that passion with me. So when I became a mom, I made it a point to give my daughter a different experience. I found a local facility where she learned to ride, care for, and connect with horses. Today, she’s lucky enough to work with them professionally — and I cherish every chance I get to spend time around these magnificent animals.

In this issue, we dive deep into the world of horses — from the iconic Wild Mustangs of the Wester Slope to the adrenaline inducing action of rodeos, the healing power of equine therapy, and so much more. Our writers have poured their love for horses onto every page, and we hope you’ll feel that same spark as you read.

We kick things off with a story by Katie Coakley, a longtime Vail Valley local who shares her passion for the area and all of its offerings. From there, we continue our Western journey across sections like Mountain Made, Business & Entrepreneurs, Art, Home, Dine Local, and more — all infused with the spirit of the horse and the people who love them.

Our mission is to celebrate the unique character of Colorado’s mountain towns and the people, passions, and traditions that make them truly special. Stay connected with us online and through social media — we’re always sharing stories, inspiration, and updates from the towns we all love.

We’re proud of this issue. We love Colorado’s mountain towns. And we’re willing to bet — you do too.

With Love, Holly

Holly Battista-Resignolo

Founder & Publisher

IMBA professional, Joey Klein, captured our beautiful cover image featuring rider Michelle Zimmerman on the new Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Beavers Loop bike trail that Joey Klein designed.

Photo Credit:

Syan McMurry, CSU Rodeo)

published by MTN Town Media Productions

publisher

Holly Battista-Resignolo

communications

Gaynia Battista

contributors

Katie Coakley, Anna Winger, Shauna Farnell, Lisa Blake, Caren Austin, Gaynia Battista, Holly Battista-Resignolo, Julie Bielenberg, Shawnee Real Bird, Rick Eisenberg

advertising sales

Caren Austin

visionaries

Noah Wetzel, Troy Watts, Holly GoSpritely Media, Meredith Guinan, Andre Silva, Syan McMurry, CSU Rodeo)

cover image

Andre Silva

Cowboys Forever Foundation Summer Rodeo Series Eagle County Fairgrounds design

John Kernaghan

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Photo by Troy Watts

Eagle River Valley

by Katie Coakley

With vibrant Vail as a hub, this mountain paradise has something for almost every peak-loving personality

by Katie Coakley

Situated at the foot of the Gore Range, the Eagle River and its tributaries wind past world-class ski resorts, a former mining town and several tight-knit communities. But this valley—often called the Vail Valley—is home to more than just resorts: It’s a vibrant, year-round destination offering culture, adventure and plenty of reasons to put down roots and stay awhile. From its storied slopes (in both winter and summer) to its thriving arts scene, restaurants and history, the Eagle River Valley has multiple facets that sparkle and mesmerize. Pick your pursuit and enjoy the ride.

Rich land – rich history

The town now known as Vail started in December 1959 when a group of shareholders got together and formed the Vail Corporation; the mountain opened for skiing in 1962. However, the history of this valley starts with miners, farmers and ranchers. The town of Red Cliff, founded in 1879, was a mining town; the town of Minturn, a hub for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads, can trace its roots back to the 1880s and was incorporated in 1904. Avon, which is home to Beaver Creek Resort, started as ranch and farmland, known for its lettuce in the 1920s rather than the ski races it now hosts.

But the story of skiing at Vail starts at Camp Hale. Once the training grounds for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, this rugged landscape shaped elite soldiers like Pete Seibert, who served in the mountains of Europe and returned to become one of Vail’s founders. Camp Hale was designated as a National Monument in 2022, preserved as both a tribute to the past as well as a destination for a wide variety of outdoor adventures from snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter to mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing in the summer.

Now, Eagle County is home to two world-class ski resorts as well as communities where ski bums, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and families blend into a tight-knit culture. Those who come here for the winter often stay for the summers, morphing from seasonal residents to those who call this valley home. It’s hard to escape the allure of adventure, entertainment and life that permeates the area.

An adventure in every season

Though Vail and Beaver Creek are synonymous with skiing and snowboarding, the adventures don’t stop when the snow melts. As soon as the trails dry (head down valley to Eagle to get in summer shape sooner), mountain bikers take to the singletrack while hikers can explore trails ranging from mellow to 14,000 feet. Kayakers, paddleboarders and rafters get a taste of whitewater on Gore Creek (early season), the Eagle River and the nearby Colorado River; fly-fishers find their big fish stories in these same waters, whether in waders or by boat. If birdies and bogies are more your speed, there are a dozen public and private golf courses in Eagle County – depending on the year, you could spend the morning on the ski slopes and the afternoon on the fairway. Then there’s rock climbing, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, paragliding…no matter the season, there’s an adventure for almost every appetite.

Speaking of appetite….

Enjoying all that the valley offers can work up an appetite. With visitors from around the country and the world as visitors, the dining options can be as diverse as its landscape, offering everything from high-end gourmet experiences to beloved local favorites.

In Vail, gourmet destinations like Sweet Basil and Matsuhisa offer world-class fare crafted by renowned chefs. Looking for cuisine that reflects the Bavarian vibes? Pepi’s has been delivering authentic German dishes since 1964 and Alps-inspired spots like Almresi and Alpenrose transport you straight to Europe.

Recently, Vail and Beaver Creek have been recognized as culinary hubs as Mirabelle in Avon, Osaki’s in Vail, Splendido at The Chateau in Avon, Sweet Basil in Vail and Wyld in Avon all earned spots in the Michelin Guide. These accolades further solidified the valley as a top destination for unforgettable dining experiences.

For those wanting something a little less elevated, there are still plenty of options. Westside Café is a locals’ favorite for breakfast, known for its generous portions and creative Bloody Marys; El Segundo is a high-end taqueria, offering up creative street tacos and a reverse happy hour from 9-11 p.m. A recent addition, Avanti at Golden Peak brings the food hall experience to Vail with

options ranging from Mediterranean dishes to ramen. For a meal with historic flare, the Minturn Saloon has been a destination for skiers, fishermen and storytellers since 1901.

But first, we après

Après is a way of life in the valley and is not just limited to the winter. Yes, it started with “après ski,” the time in which skiers and snowboarders transition seamlessly from the slopes to patios and barstools to fortify with beverages and bites, but it has evolved to become a year-round experience.

In Vail, The Red Lion remains a beloved classic, known for its live music and festive atmosphere. Spots like Vendetta’s and Garfinkel’s are other favorite options, known for cold beers and plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun. For a more refined après experience, Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons serves up artisanal cocktails with stunning mountain views and Root & Flower offers an impressive wine selection and creative craft cocktails for those looking to sip in style. Feeling a bit divey? Bad Kitty Lounge concocts tasty cocktails surrounded by a retro vibe.

Then there are the local potent potables. 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co creates small-batch bourbon, vodka and moonshine and has a tasting room where you can find your favorite flavor; Archetype Distilling offers a twist with craft distilled gin and vodka made from grapes. More interested in craft beer? Vail

Photo Credit: Vail Valley Foundation

Feed your soul with music, arts and culture

Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the rich arts and culture scene brings big city performances to an idyllic mountain setting.

The Gerald R Ford Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful outdoor ventures in the state, eclipsed only by the performers that grace the stage. Each summer, the mountains echo with music from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra during the Bravo! Vail Music Festival; other weeks welcome headliners from the rock, reggae, country and bluegrass world. The annual Vail Dance Festival attracts some of the greatest dancers and choreographers from across the globe, bringing breathtaking artistry to various venues. In Beaver Creek, the Vilar Performing Arts Center hosts world-renowned musicians, Broadway-style productions and intimate live performances as well as hosting performers from Bravo! and Vail Dance

Meanwhile, local art galleries in Vail, Beaver Creek and Edwards showcase everything from contemporary sculptures and famous photography to nature-inspired works by regional artists. Public art installations throughout the valley add color and creativity to already picturesque surroundings, blending seamlessly with the area’s natural beauty.

Then there are the events: Throughout the year, the valley comes alive with an array of events to celebrate adventure and the arts. The GoPro Mountain Games kick off the summer with

adrenaline-pumping competitions in kayaking, rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking and more. In autumn, Oktoberfest brings Bavarian cheer to Beaver Creek and Vail with beer, bratwurst and plenty of polka dancing. In winter, the world comes to Beaver Creek for the annual Birds of Prey ski races while the Taste of Vail highlights the valley’s impressive culinary scene each spring. No matter when you visit, there’s always a reason to explore and experience.

Life-long vacation

Amid the activities, events and can’t-miss destinations is the valley’s vibe—a blend of work-for-it adventures and earned relaxation. Days are filled soaking up the sun and high-altitude air: skiing and snowboarding through powder, biking through turning aspen groves and gathering with friends in the afternoon sun. Evenings are spent at an outdoor concert or cozying up at a firepit, catching up and connecting. It’s a place that invites escape yet somehow creates even stronger bonds.

Whether you’re a visitor passing through or someone who decides to make the Eagle River Valley home, these mountains stay with you long after you leave. It’s a place where outdoor exploration is a lifestyle and every season brings a new reason to fall in love. More than just a destination, this valley isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. And once you’ve felt the magic, it never really leaves you.

Photo

Credit:

Vail Valley

Foundation

MOUNTAIN TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Whether you are in Colorado or anywhere else in most of the northern hemisphere, summer is the time for road improvements. We have compiled a list to help you navigate our mountain highways and byways this summer as you head off to enjoy our mountain town communities.

• I-70 Mountain Corridor: June and July bring significant impacts, including traffic holds for rock scaling and blasting, along the corridor between the I-70 Floyd Hill Project and Vail Pass Auxiliary Lane Project, along with five other planned improvement projects. Daytime traffic holds on I-70 and delays can be expected for both the I-70 Floyd Hill Project and Vail Pass Auxiliary Lane Project as crews perform rock scaling and blasting.

• In addition to information found on COtrip.org and COtrip Planner App, motorists are encouraged to sign up for additional text alerts. To sign up, text “vailpass” and “floydhill” (both one word) to 21000.

• US 40 Grand County: Along US 40 from Empire through Winter Park to just prior to Granby, travelers will encounter

RAILS TO TRAILS

Governor

three improvement projects that are expected to cause weekday impacts, primarily focused on resurfacing and safety improvements.

• CO 82 Twin Lakes: Along the popular CO 82, from Twin Lakes over Independence Pass to Glenwood Springs, motorists will experience three projects focused on resurfacing and safety improvements.

• US 160 Pagosa Springs Reconstruction: Archuleta County, construction in downtown Pagosa Springs. Utility upgrades, replacement of asphalt surface to concrete, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements.

• US 550 Coal Bank Pass Wall Replacement San Juan County: work between Durango and Silverton. Rockfall mitiga-

tion near Deer Creek and under-highway wall replacement near the summit of Coal Bank Pass.

• US 160 West Wolf Creek Pass Resurfacing: Mineral County, overlay paving on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass from Treasure Falls to the pass summit. Work also includes deck repairs on the bridge just east of Treasure Falls as well as a culvert inlet repair.

• US 34 and US 36 Resurfacing: Motorists headed toward Estes Park and the east entrance of Rock Mountain National Park will encounter one project enhancing road safety.

Stay up to date on everything happening on our mountain roads by heading to this website:

www.codot.gov/projects/i70mountaincorridor or www.cotrip.org

Polis, Amtrak and Winter Park released the final numbers, and the data

shows that the first season of expanded Winter Park Express service has been a roaring success.

The train operated through a partnership between Winter Park Resorts and Amtrak, running from Denver to Winter Park Resort and the Winter Park-Fraser station during the ski season. Final data shows that ridership in 2025 increased by 153% to a total of 43,919 riders over the same period last winter.

Trains averaged 89% full and most weekends were regularly running at 95% or more capacity.

“Historic ridership increases on the Winter Park Express prove that when Coloradans have more affordable, reliable and safe transportation options to get to the mountains, we flock to it,” said Gov. Jared Polis. “Thanks to this year’s state investment, more Coloradans than ever skipped the I-70 traffic and took the train to the mountains. Expanding this service and delivering Mountain Rail in this

corridor will continue this historic growth, reducing traffic and pollution and saving people time and money.”

Amtrak officials were similarly satisfied with the first season’s results.

“Our train crews and our team of volunteers rose to the challenge of unprecedented ridership for the Winter Park Express, delivering the service safely and successfully,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak executive vice president, strategy and planning. “Thanks to Gov. Polis and Colorado DOT for their support and to our operating partners at Union Pacific, BNSF Railway and Denver RTD for a sensational season.”

Colorado and Union Pacific Railroad have signed an historic agreement to allow UP to continue operations through the state-owned Moffat Tunnel while also permitting the state to operate expanded passenger rail service on Union Pacific rails.

“The Winter Park Express has been a popular way for decades for skiers and snowboarders to easily get to the slopes. As there continues to be more and more pressure on our local roads and highways, the train provides a great alternative for people to get to Winter Park. We’re grateful to CDOT and Amtrak for their continued partnership, helping to make the train more affordable and accessible for everyone,” said Winter Park Resort President Sky Foulkes.

CDOT is in the process of planning the re-establishment of passenger rail service from Denver to Craig, connecting communities in the Yampa Valley with the state’s largest metro area.

Service is expected to start in phases over the next several years, with train service eventually serving Granby, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Craig and other communities.

NON-PROFIT NOOK

CAFE Food Rescue

DIVERTING FOOD SURPLUS INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE IN NEED

by Lisa Blake

What does it mean to rescue food in Summit County? Well, CAFE Food Rescue founder and executive director Diane Calvin will tell you, the first thing to know is that it’s not waste. And it’s not leftovers. None of the nonprofit’s redistributed food has ever come close to being scraped into a trash can.

This is food surplus. It’s the unsold protein boxes and sausage and egg breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks. It’s the trays and trays of untouched chicken tinga and quinoa salads that weren’t used at a Keystone Conference Center convention. It’s breads, produce and bakery desserts from Whole Foods and Safeway that have lived beyond their suggested sell-by dates. In 2024, CAFE (an acronym standing for Climate Action Food Equity) Food Rescue saved 125,123 pounds of fresh and freshly prepared foods from ending up in landfills and compost dumpsters. More than 3,000 volunteer hours contributed to the equivalent of 104,000 meals being distributed across Summit County.

After living in the Netherlands and south India, Calvin says she started to take notice of local values surrounding people and the land.

“Because I’m an environmental engineer by trade, I look at systems,” she says. “I see cycles and circles. And I saw so much food going to waste. At CAFE Food Rescue, we set up logistics and provide the support so our community can help each other.”

When COVID hit and Summit County food insecurity skyrocketed, Calvin decided to launch CAFE Food Rescue, picking up and distributing food herself. Calvin began packaging chef-prepared meals from Keystone Conference Center in their kitchen and now her nonprofit operates out of the old Pizza Hut in Dillon.

CAFE Food Rescue packages and labels food surplus and delivers it to food access partners including food pantries and community dinners who feed hundreds of people every week. They also run small pantries at the Community Care Clinic and Colorado Mountain College campuses in Breckenridge and Dillon.

“Everyone said ‘you can’t do that,’” Calvin says. “So we got with the Department of Environmental Health. We found out what the rules were. And now we’re licensed to package food for retail and for wholesale. We meet all food safety requirements.”

By health standards, there’s a seven-day window from when food is prepared to when it needs to be eaten or tossed out. Having enough staff and volunteers to pick up, package and distribute food is a challenge Calvin and her team are working hard to solve.

STRETCHED TOO THIN?

In Summit County, one in five working-age households don’t have enough income to cover basic needs. After paying for essentials like housing, transportation, childcare, and medical expenses, many families have little left for food.

NEED SUPPORT?

Find nourishment and community at these community dinners and food pantries.

Sunday

Father Dyer Community Dinner Breckenridge 6 to 7 pm

Monday

Dillon Community Church Food Pantry Dillon 4:30 to 6 pm

Tuesday *Pantry*

Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) - Dillon Food Market Dillon 11am to 6pm

Father Dyer Food Pantry Breckenridge 10am to 12pm

*Dinner*

Rotary Community Dinner Silverthorne 5 to 7 pm

St. John’s Community Dinner Breckenridge 5 to 6:30 pm

Wednesday

Family and Intercultural Resource (FIRC) Center - Breck Food Market Breckenridge 12 to 6pm

Dillon Community Church Food Pantry Dillon 4:30 to 5:30pm

Thursday

Family and Intercultural Resource (FIRC) Center - Dillon Food Market Dillon 11am to 4pm

Father Dyer Food Pantry Breckenridge 10am to 12pm

Friday

Dillon Community Church Food Pantry Dillon 12 to 1:30pm

Get Involved

Donate time, funds or food. Sign up to run food or package food. Join the fundraising team and volunteer. Learn more: www.cafefoodrescue.org.

Haus of CuCu

by Shauna Farnell

WHERE: Steamboat Springs

WHAT: Western Boots

Margot Binetti’s knack for boot-making has gone viral. The Haus of CuCu owner and founder tripled the size of her store in downtown Steamboat Springs in 2022 and has since ramped up her supply of designer Western boots, as the waitlist for custom boots gets longer by the day. Growing up in the Yampa Valley, where she participated in 4-H programs and graduated from Steamboat High School, Binetti built a deep appreciation for Western culture and began dabbling in leathercraft at a young age, honing her skills through college and beyond. Her custom boots are made from a vast variety of hides sporting every shade of the color wheel, and an array of patterns, designs, layers, fringe, buckles and accessories, all crafted to each customer’s fashion and/or function requests.

Honeyville

by Shauna Farnell

WHERE: Durango

WHAT: Honey

In 1918, Vernon Culhane made a golden discovery in a tree near his home in Durango. The tree contained honeybees, which Culhane used to build a hive that produced wildly delicious honey. Culhane became known as the local honey man, allowing customers to fill jars directly from his honey farm. These days, Culhane’s grandson Kevin Culhane heads up the business, expanded to honey farms throughout the Rocky Mountains. Honeyville still operates in Vernon’s innovative footsteps, creating a bounty of products based on the sweet liquid gold. These include Honeyville’s signature cinnamon whipped honey, dozens of syrups, sauces and jams as well as body care products. As of five years ago, Honeyville branched into the Honey House Distillery, home of honey-based bourbon, whiskey and rum.

Timeless Trimmings

by Lisa Blake

WHERE: Telluride

WHAT: Handcrafted Belt Buckles

Any cowboy or cowgirl worth their boots knows a well-made belt buckle doubles as a statement piece and a timeless wardrobe staple. Jill Rikkers puts the hours and the love into her handmade serving utensils, hat pins and belt buckles. From her one-woman shop in Ridgway—Beautifully Served by Jill—Rikkers puts her metalsmithing degree from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland to good use. Regional boutiques and loyal followers scoop up her hand-forged copper and stainless steel serving sets and her elevated line of delicately designed stamped, woven and hinged hat bands. A true head-turner, Rikkers’ iconic Telluride Belt Buckle featuring the classic mining camp town’s unmistakable pickaxe is a collector’s treasure.

Find Rikkers’ wares alongside handmade leather belts and custom hats at women-run Crossbow in Telluride.

beautifullyservedbyjill.com shopcrossbow.com

Old Pine Candle Co

WHERE: Evergreen

WHAT: Candles

Old Pine Candle Co started in a small house in Denver, and are now being made in a home studio in the beautiful foothills of Evergreen Colorado. They are clean burning and smell divine! Old Pine Candle Co is a woman owned company, proud to be inspired by the nature surrounding the mountains, and committed to sustainability. The candles are truly a mountain town treasure. You can purchase them online or at many retail stores in Colorado.

www.oldpinecandleco.com

Priorities Eclipse Outlaw

Chase

by International Award Winning Photographer Noah Wetzel

Eclipse Outlaw Chase showcases award-winning Steamboat Springs photographer Noah Wetzel’s 250-hour project, creating a western outlaw chase scene with five horseback riders equipped with pistols and rifles riding full-gallop underneath the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th 2024, in Hill Country, Texas (the last Total Solar Eclipse in America until 2044). Stay tuned for his documentary on this remarkable project. www.wetzelgallery.com

Over Loved Rivers

DO YOU HAVE AN OVER-LOVED RIVER IN YOUR COLORADO TOWN? HELP IS ON THE WAY.

by Emily Olsen, The Colorado Sun

With $417,000 in seed money from a top water agency and Great Outdoors Colorado, a new team is setting out to identify rivers in need of attention to aid fish, anglers and rafters, and keep everyone safe

If a river running through your town is overused and underloved, it might be in line for a first-of-its kind statewide restoration program, designed to assess and improve a river’s health, its recreational assets and its safety.

In March, Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Water Conservation Board approved a combined $417,000 in seed money to launch the program, according to Emily Olsen, regional vice president of Trout Unlimited. The fish advocacy group is helping lead the initiative, known as Colorado Rivermap, along with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The project will launch this year with the selection of a technical team to identify the river segments that are most in need of help, according to Doug Vilsack, Colorado state director for the BLM.

“This is getting the big thinkers together and using the seed funding to see which reaches of rivers need our attention and how much funding we will need,” Vilsack said.

They’ll be looking for parks and river access points that are rundown and in need of repair and restoration. They’re on the hunt for stretches of river that have no access points, and those that have been used so heavily that streambanks are eroding.

Once the inventory is complete, the mapping group will turn to advocacy groups and agencies like GoCo to ask for funding to make the improvements.

Colorado Rivermap has received letters of support from several local governments and counties, including Chaffee and Grand counties. And Olsen said local communities that want to be involved will be key to making sure there is main-street involvement in the work.

“We are going to think hard about where we can add value and find things local communities can support,” she said.

Other backers that will provide funding for the initiative include the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and American Whitewater, Olsen said.

Colorado is known for its scenic waterways and is home to eight major river basins, from the South Platte on the Front Range, to the Yampa River Basin in the northwestern corner of the state, to the headwaters of the Colorado River, in Grand County.

The rivers help lure millions of tourists to the state, intent on rafting and fishing in their waters and camping along their shores.

In 2023 the state saw record-high visits, with tourist numbers hitting 93.3 million and visitors spending $28.3 billion, according to reports by visitor research firm Longwoods International.

But the state’s soaring popularity has also begun to wear on its iconic streams. The waterways, Vilsack said, “will be in tougher shape if we don’t do this.”

The initial survey of the rivers comes as Colorado launches a statewide recreation strategy, said Chris Yuan-Farrell, programs director for Great Outdoors Colorado.

“We are planning what we need for outdoor recreation, habitat and natural resources health. Rivers are obviously a big component of this,” Yuan-Ferrell said.

Initial steps include formation of the technical and mapping team. Olsen said they also plan to dramatically expand the team to include state and federal governments and private businesses with a stake in Colorado’s recreation economy. Vilsack said they expect this work to be completed within two years.

Anyone interested in the project can contact Olsen at emily.olsen@tu.org.

44 Canyon Ct, Eagle, CO 81631

Offered at $3,299,000 5 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 4,869 Sq. Ft.

Welcome Home to your stunning mountain retreat and fisherman's paradise! Perfectly situated on 182 feet of the banks of the Eagle River, crafting a unique and serene environment for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Boasting a beautifully landscaped exterior, with the river flowing through the backyard! Spanning 4,868 sq ft of living space, this 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom features high ceilings, walls of windows, skylights and sunshine galore! LL wine connoisseurs find a dream 340 sq ft naturally cooled inground unfinished wine cellar, ready for personalization. Storage abounds with 3 owners' closets and tons of closets. Located minutes from Vail airport, world class skiing, golf, hiking, biking, restaurants. Added bonus with a fully equipped 1,000 sq ft private access lock-off apartment above the garage for an investment opportunity! 44 Canyon Ct is not just a home; it's a lifestyle.

Telluride with Kids

8 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE TELLURIDE AS A FAMILY

by Lisa Blake

Once you discover tucked-away Telluride’s box canyon magic, it keeps sprinkling whispers, calling you back for more serene seclusion and eye-popping outdoorsy goodness. If you have children, you know that wanderlusting

1. Soar on a Gondola Ride

Catch it from town or from Mountain Village. Either way, Telluride’s free gondola system is a visual treat. Each cabin floats through the air on a cable at 11 mph fueled by wind-powered electricity for 12 minutes of jaw-dropping scenery. Up for a challenge? Ride the gondola from town and then hike back down.

2. Hit Town Park

Grab picnic provisions (try Counter Culture or Baked in Telluride) and head to Town Park for the playground, sports fields and relaxed afternoon nap vibes. The river trail follows the San Miguel River, providing soothing spots to sprawl out while the kids play.

3. Hike Until Their Legs Give Out

Arguably the best way to take in this isolated corner of Colorado is by foot. Telluride is smattered with kid-friendly trails that deliver waterfall and valley-wide eyefuls. Bring snacks, sunscreen and lots of water and trek along Bear Creek Trail, an easy, scenic walk that ends at a waterfall, or the Jud Wiebe Trail for more of a challenge.

4. Visit the Telluride Adventure Center

In summer, the Mountain Village ski area transitions to a playground of chooseyour-own-adventure outdoor activities. Kids love ziplining, rock climbing, and the bungee trampoline. Mountain biking, archery and fishing day camps are also available for kiddos ages 8 to 14.

magnetism is something that begs to be passed down.

Here, our quick guide to returning to Telluride with the kids. (And keeping that contagious mountain town awe alive!)

5. Eat Your Way Down Colorado Avenue

Telluride’s main thoroughfare is lined with colorful shops and restaurants (and that iconic box canyon backdrop). Must-visits include Brown Dog Pizza for delicious slices and old school Pac-Man, The Butcher & The Baker for artisan baked goodies and a memorable Sunday brunch, and La Cocina de Luz for their chips and salsa bar and yummy tacos.

6. Hit a Fam-Friendly Festival

Introduce the kiddos to cinema, mushroom foraging, bluegrass and more at one of Telluride’s legendary festivals. You name it and there’s probably a festival surrounding the hobby or style of music. Fam favorites with interactive kids’ areas include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Telluride Balloon Festival and the Telluride Jazz Festival.

7. Visit the Telluride Farmers Market

The Telluride Farmers Market operates Thursdays June through October and is lined with smiling vendors selling everything from pies and flowers to heirloom tomatoes and Thai tea. Bonus: You can feel good about truly shopping local — everything sold at the market is produced within 100 miles of Telluride.

8. Discover All the Waterfalls

Telluride is surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls, and kids love exploring these natural wonders and feeling the mist on their faces. Make a day of it and hike or drive to Bridal Veil Falls (the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado), Cornet Falls, and Tomboy Falls.

NOW SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

Pets Take An Alpaca For A Walk In Palisade

By Shauna Farnell

There is something oddly soothing about wandering through a fruit orchard with a fuzzy alpaca by your side.

It doesn’t hurt that these llama-camel crossover creatures provide a constant source of comedy, seemingly smiling to themselves behind fuzzy muzzles or bearing toothy grins with crooked underbites.

Sure, they’ll get ornery at times, requiring your full body weight on their rope to peel them away from the delicious ground cover, or tumbling down to roll in the dirt. It’s all quite fascinating and amusing – one of the most worthwhile $20 you can spend on an hour-long activity.

Situated high up on Palisade’s Orchard Mesa amid a selection of wineries, SunCrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works is currently home to 22 alpacas. Owner/operator Mike McDermott grew up in Palisade helping his parents farm peaches, but launched the alpaca operation about 20 years ago, searching for an animal his children could nurture and that his wife, who is allergic to most animals, could hug.

The family fell in love with the alpacas and grew their herd. McDermott purchased a complex knitting machine and begun harvesting fleece every year to make hats, socks and numerous other products.

“They will die of heat stroke if they’re not shaven,” he says of the outercoat removal, which happens every spring. One alpaca carries about 12 pounds of fleece by harvest time. This, combined with the organic cotton McDermott uses in his fiber mix, yields 64 hats.

McDermott is intimately familiar with each of his alpaca’s personality. There’s Patriot, who is calm and ideal for small children, Santa Baby, who enjoys selfies and cheek-nuzzling, Flame and Donut, named after peach varieties, and Jack(Ass), who has kicked McDermott several times.

McDermott hand-selects alpacas to pair with visitors for orchard tours, which take place daily. Tours cost $20 and include a stroll through the orchard with your personal alpaca, learning everything you’d ever want to know about these hardy, fuzzy, goofy creatures. Suncrest also offers tours of its fiber mill. Who knows, maybe you’ll want an Alpaca of your own.

For more information, visit suncrestorchardalpacas.net

Let The Equines See You At Summit Valley Horse Center

By Shauna Farnell

Anyone who’s ever held the gaze of a horse has likely wondered if the gentle creature could somehow peer into their soul.

Summit Valley Horse Center is highly familiar with this mollifying, miraculous attribute among equines. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to facilitate and foster human-horse connections.

Sitting on 80 acres of Summit County ranchland north of Silverthorne, the center partners with statewide horse rescues. Trained volunteers rehabilitate and foster horses into trusted companions that will hopefully be adopted into loving homes.

The center offers year-round riding lessons and horsemanship classes for all ages and levels, including an introductory program for small children with the center’s mini ponies.

Always seeking new members and volunteers to help with ranch maintenance, stall preparation and feeding, the center hosts an Open Ranch Day on June 28, offering ranch tours, pony rides, arts and crafts, skills demonstrations, live music, burgers and brats.

Summit Valley Horse Center is also the direct beneficiary of proceeds from ReSaddled Thrift Store in Silverthorne, which sells and accepts donations of adult clothing and jewelry, household items, small furniture and electronics.

Summitvalleyhorsecenter.org.

WHERE ART meets adventure

Enjoy wide open spaces, thousands of acres of wilderness and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails alongside a thriving arts and culture scene. Explore the heart of Summit County in Silverthorne, Colorado and find where art meets adventure!

Smiling Goat Ranch

OWNER SHERYL BARTO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF ASSISTING HUMANS THROUGH THERAPEUTIC INTERACTIONS WITH HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS

Since 2015, Sheryl Barto has been working tirelessly to help humans heal through interactions with horses and other animals. What began as a program to assist children with autism has blossomed into a destination where anyone with neuropsychiatric conditions are allowed to experience the healing effects of horses, movement, nature and an impassioned, supportive community, free of charge.

As a mother with a child on the spectrum Sheryl transformed her family’s property into a facility to assist children with Autism after learning about The Horse Boy Method, developed by Rupert Isaacson. Isaacson, father of Rowan Isaacson (the Horse Boy), stumbled upon a number of techniques that seemed to bring about better verbal communication with his autistic son using horses. The method evolved and has now developed into a scientifically proven means of gaining communication by re-patterning the brain for people on the autism spectrum.

Smiling Goat Ranch, now a Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit, later expanded to a larger facility and now applies this transforming method using horses, mini-donkeys, mini-horses, bunnies, dogs and goats to help children and adults with autism as well as other neuropsychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The organization has helped more than 400 individuals a year since it was founded 10 years ago. All sessions at Smiling Goat Ranch are customized – therapy plans are created for each individual on a case-by-case basis. Programs are accessible to all, regardless of income. No one is turned away for financial reasons. The Ranch offers services at a true cost of $150/session, with scholarships and subsidies available thanks to generous donors.

This summer, Smiling Goat Ranch will take over the Snowmass Rodeo grounds on Tuesday mornings, offering open houses and private sessions for interested families. A variety of different animals will be on hand each week for therapy, including horses, mini-donkeys, mini-horses, bunnies, dogs and goats.

Starting with a free Open House on June 24, the organization will offer private, customized sessions for families in need from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday until the grounds close in the last week of August.

“The healing powers of the horse calms the sensory system in anybody who has stress,” said founder and executive director, Sheryl Barto.

www.smilinggoatranch.com

The Peak of ROCKY MOUNTAIN Living

Mountain Time Starts Now

Highland Haven Creekside Inn

By Caren Austin

There is an Inn in Evergreen, Colorado that makes coming to the mountains for a stay and play in the summer spectacular. Highland Haven Creekside Inn takes modern mountain luxury to a new level. Situated alongside the stunning Bear Creek, the inn is the perfect place to get away from it all in any season. I was lucky enough to get to chat with the owner of Highland Haven Creekside Inn, Gayle Riley about ownership of this one-of-a-kind beautiful place to stay in in the mountains.

Gail and her husband Statz, who were originally from San Francisco, have owned Highland Haven Creekside Inn since 1979. They vacationed In Evergreen, stayed at Highland Haven and decided that Evergreen was the place they wanted to live. They fell in love with the blue skies, trees and mountains while on their vacation. They decided to purchase Highland Haven. At the time it was merely a motel.

Fast forward to today, the Inn boasts eighteen uniquely different rooms, some with fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and many other amenities. The legendary breakfasts, happy hours, and many other amenities are a huge perk of the inn. The treehouse suite is exquisite, built with logs shipped in from California, and it is the most jaw dropping place to stay at the inn. When you stay there, you will see why. The anchor of Highland Haven Creekside Inn is the Dailey Cabin, named after John Dailey, who started the Rocky Mountain News. The main cabin dates back the 1860’s and was originally built for schoolteachers and funded by the federal government.

Owner Gail Riley is an artist, lover of interior design, and superfan of all things Evergreen. When you walk around the main cabin, and some of the rooms, you can see her art displayed. It is a spectacular touch to the inn. When we spoke, she told me that she loves “love” and in every aspect of the Inn, the love shines through. She came to Evergreen, saw an opportunity to have a 5-star Inn in 1979, and she is a true testament that when you put your heart and soul into something there is nothing that can stop you. Reservations are highly recommended at Highland Haven Creekside Inn any time of the year. Love is everywhere here!

A glimpse of life with Horses in Colorado’s High Country

Photos by Noah Wetzel

A Night at the Rodeo

By Lisa Blake

Colorado

cowgirls and cowboys are riding stronger than ever.

Here’s where to see them and why you should.

The July sun makes its slow descent as a sea of cowboy hats trickles into the stands. A rodeo clown swipes the last bit of crimson paint on his animated face and the scent of freshly tilled dirt and restless livestock mingles with wafts of popcorn and smoky barbecue. It’s Saturday night at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo (pictured above & far left) and the excited energy is thick.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into making it look easy,” says the voice of the Steamboat Rodeo, John Shipley. “When I started

announcing, I’d do two hours of research for every hour of performance. You get into it, the adrenaline hits and I’m on. It’s nonstop.”

For many folks, Shipley says, the Steamboat summer series is their first exposure to competitions like barrel racing, steer wrestling and the ever-popular calf scramble—a giggle-inducing event where kids from the audience run around the arena attempting to pull a pink ribbon off of a calf’s tail.

Shipley moved to Steamboat in 1982 and began entering weekend rodeo competitions. The now veteran announcer caught the rodeo

bug when he decided that, at the ripe age of 28 (most cowboys start when they’re 14), he was going to start riding bareback horses. In 1983, he picked up a microphone for the first time as a last-minute rodeo announcer fill-in.

With that, a career was born. Shipley has announced in all 12 rodeo circuits across the U.S. and says there are amateur “show-deos” and then there are pro rodeos. Running since 1927, Steamboat’s 21-performance Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned summer series is the real deal.

Colorado Rodeo Events Not to Miss

Top of the World Rodeo

Cripple Creek

June 13–15, 2025

Snowmass Rodeo

Snowmass Village

Wednesdays, June 18–August 20, 2025

Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series

Steamboat Springs

June 20–August 23, 2025

The Greeley Stampede Rodeo Series

Greeley

June 25–July 6, 2025

Rooftop Rodeo

Estes Park

July 7–12, 2025

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

Colorado Springs

July 8–12, 2025

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

Castle Rock

July 25–August 3, 2025

The Colorado State Fair & Rodeo Pueblo

August 22–September 1, 2025

Cowboys Forever Foundation

Summer Rodeo Series

Eagle County Fairgrounds

June 20th and 27th, July 4th and 11th,

August 1st, 8th, and 15th

“Rodeo is the original American sport,” Shipley says. “It came from the cattle drives that are unique to our western heritage. For Steamboat, I think it’s a tremendously important tradition. Steamboat was a ranch town before it was a ski town.”

A Lifelong Community

Ninety miles down the road in Silverthorne, 17-year-old Ashley Smith (pictured bottom left) is polishing a rodeo career she’s been shaping since her first competition at age five. The Summit High School senior is looking happily ahead to a summer of Colorado Pro Rodeo Association competitions. She’ll travel the state and beyond, giving it her all in barrel racing and team roping jackpots. Smith, whose mom says has been on horseback since infancy, has competed in every event over the years—barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, team roping, you name it and she’s probably tried it.

“What drew me to the sport of rodeo is the lifestyle, the community and, of course, my love for horses,” Smith says. “I truly have never met a community as strong as the rodeo industry and don’t believe anything will ever compare to it.”

For Smith, competing has helped her build lifelong connections and support teams. Though the sport is extremely time consuming

The successes and even the lessons learned through failure make it all worth it

and requires an elevated level of commitment, the dedicated teen feels an immense amount of gratitude for her time in the arena.

“I have been so incredibly lucky to compete in this sport,” she says. “Rodeo is such a rewarding sport that takes such a tremendous amount of time and effort, but the successes and even the lessons learned through failure make it all worth it.”

All in the Family

Whitney Simmons Lee was introduced to rodeo at a very young age. She and her brother were so inspired by their father’s team roping and calf roping talents, they both went all the way through college rodeo and onto the pro circuit.

Simmons Lee, now 29 and mother to a little girl, is the Colorado State University Rodeo Club Head Coach. The current club roster hosts 10 competing members and a total of 21 club members, meeting weekly and across several practices each week for all events. The CSU Rodeo Club competes within the Central Rocky Mountain region for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association with 10 rodeos broken up between fall and spring semesters.

“I will play a small part in their career as cowboys and cowgirls, but it means a lot getting to be a part of their story,” says Simmons Lee.

Coaches help competitors with horsemanship, fine tuning skills and learning completely new skills from the ground up, while building character and work ethic in and out of the arena. The current CSU program is working to grow its competing numbers and draw more multi-event athletes to the sport.

“As a college coach, watching your athletes develop is such a privilege. They are the building block of any program, and the coaches are the foundation in which they stand,” Simmons Lee says. “When they work together, it is a truly powerful and inspirational journey.”

Chow Time

By Lisa Blake

Chuckwagon Dinner Experiences

Get your downhome fill with dinner and a show at these summertime feasts.

Two Below Zero Chuckwagon Dinner

Frisco

Sturdy draft mule-team-drawn buckboard wagons carry summer diners to this locally loved outfitter’s camp site near Lake Dillon in Frisco. Guests take in stunning Ten Mile Range mountain views on the leisurely ride from the parking area to the game corral where pre-dinner rounds of cowboy golf, cornhole toss and horseshoes help rustle up appetites. Nibble on homemade biscuits and honey and listen for the dinner bell signaling your smoked brisket and chicken, beans, corn and apple cobbler are ready to be savored while the Jackman Brothers’ highly entertaining wild west show unfolds on stage.

Bar D Chuckwagon

Durango

A longstanding Durango tradition and destination in itself, Bar D Chuckwagon is more than dinner and a show. Arrive early and take a short line railroad ride around the property, shop handmade leather goods and western art, and pan for gold. Dine at picnic tables and enjoy a feast of roast beef, chicken, flamebroiled ribeye, baked beans, potatoes, homemade biscuits and more. When you’re done eating, swivel around and face the outdoor stage for a comedy show and old west music by the Bar D Wranglers. The guitar, upright bass and hot fiddle will have you tapping your boots and singing along.

The M Lazy C Chuckwagon Dinners

Lake George

Halfway between Colorado Springs and Breckenridge, this former 1906 homestead makes for an amicable mountain retreat. Load up the family and move into your turn-of-thecentury cabin or horse-flanked RV site for the weekend. The guest ranch and cowboy playground is hugged by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides and wranglers are on hand to get you out on horseback. Large groups can book the event center and a chuckwagon dinner that includes use of the country dining hall, outdoor dinner site, two fire pits, horseshoe pits and a volleyball net. Perfect for a family reunion.

Flying W Ranch

Colorado Springs

Not too far from the Garden of the Gods, chuckwagon dinners at the Flying W Ranch are a throwback epicurean treat. Supper includes smoked brisket, berbere chicken, foil-wrapped potatoes, trail beans, applesauce, Dutch-oven biscuits and spice cake all served on rustic tin plates. The classic western evening is wrapped in a lively performance by the Flying W Wranglers, one of the oldest Western music groups in the country.

Little Wranglers

By Lisa Blake

Horse Programs and Camps for Kids

Sometimes kids need to switch things up, get their hands dirty and care for something larger than anything they’ve cared about before. If your little one is bored with regular old summer day camps, it might be time to sign them up for horse camp.

The following hands-on camps give kids a sense of responsibility and respect for animals—while slyly giving these hard-working ranches and rescues a helping hand.

Far View Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation sprawls across breezy open pastures on the east side of Highway 285 south of Fairplay. Director Kimberly Kissmann looks forward to welcoming groups of excited young day camp attendees every summer.

“I love to witness the self confidence that is gained during these horse connection times,” Kissmann says. “The exposure of magical moments with horses are endless.”

In addition to riding lessons and chores around the property, kids learn the importance of clear communication and listening and the significance of teamwork. Far View also offers private riding lessons, horse connection lessons and Saturday horse clinics. Learn more at farviewhorserescue.com.

Preschool through high school students can sign up for one day or multiple days with Mountain Valley Horse Rescue near rural

Bond. Summer day camps run late May through early August and host a range of offerings. The Horse Heroes Day Camp focuses on service and grooming with a healthy dose of teamwork while the Horse Glamour Day Camp is built around grooming and cuddling horses and spending time outside on the ranch. The H.O.P.E. Day Camp helps campers develop communication and leadership skills as they work with the animals. Find intel on all of these camps at mountainvalleyhorserescue. com.

Cedar Ridge Ranch near Carbondale offers an immersive riding camp where kids learn horse behavior, care, handling and riding techniques while fostering a strong foundation and relationship with horses. This camp is tailored around enhancing childrens’ appreciation of horses while enriching their own sense of self. Horsemanship time is balanced with craft projects like alpaca fiber felting and caring for the ranch’s other livestock. Learn about this equine program at cedarridgeranch.com.

Colorado State University’s Youth Summer Horsemanship Camp invites equine enthusiasts ages 10 to 15 years to join one of its two week-long camp sessions in June. Campers have the option to bring their own horse or lease a CSU horse and learn horsemanship skills from equine faculty and college students

earning their degree in Equine Sciences. Campers stay in the Fort Collins CSU main campus dorms and eat in the dining halls. Students who are 16 and 17 years old can also join this hands-on summer camp as day campers. Learn all about it at k12summer.colostate.edu.

Horseback riding is a small component of the activities and uplifting potential of Roundup River Ranch’s summer camps. Welcoming 7 to 17-year-old children with life-altering medical diagnoses (cancer, heart conditions, anxiety, etc.), camps are completely free and geared toward creating connections, building confidence and joy. Sharing cabins and meals, campers go canoeing, hiking, do arts and crafts and get a chance to trail ride at least one day of the six-day camp near Eagle. There are adaptive saddles for those who need them and an opportunity for all children to soak up the unique serenity that horses offer.

“There’s that intrinsically therapeutic opportunity of trying something new that can build confidence, but horses have that sense and ability to connect,” says Roundup River Ranch’s Sarah Johnson. “You can physically see a child that is anxious or nervous get on the horse, how that calm can happen.” Find more info at roundupriverranch.org.

I love to witness the self confidence that is gained during these horse connection times

Get To Know the Western Slope’s Wild Horses … and Their Friends

By Shauna Farnell

Mustangs have wandered Colorado’s rugged terrain for hundreds of years; you can help take care of them and even take one home

Although Colorado’s abundance and variety of wildlife is widely recognized, the wild horses roaming the Western Slope have managed to stay relatively off the radar. The local nonprofit group that has helped keep these horses alive and thriving for decades has operated in an even quieter corner.

“I love wild horses. They’re just special,” says Friends of the Mustangs (FOM) President Judy Cady. “They deserve the right to be there as much as any other animal. There are just a few of us trying to protect them.”

Working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Friends of the Mustangs oversee the care of the Little Book Cliff herd, a group of horses wandering the 36,000 acres of rugged, mountainous terrain north of Palisade.

Designated in 1971 under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act spearheaded by animal welfare advocate “Wild Horse Annie” (Velma Bronn Johnston), Little Book Cliffs is one of only three protected wild horse ranges in the United States.

The Little Book Cliffs horses have allegedly inhabited this area since the 16th Century, descended from the steeds of indigenous tribes and Spanish colonists. The beautiful creatures represent a mix of breeds and bear every

imaginable color, shape and size – palominos, red roans, appaloosas, blacks, paints, bays and sorrels. They travel in bands, some in pairs, others in family groups with young foals.

“They’re like mountain goats,” Cady says. “They’re the most sure-footed horses you’ll ever see.”

Cady, a lifelong equestrian and horse lover, became involved with the mustangs when she and her husband built a home in the area about 38 years ago.

“It just happened that the neighbor had some mustangs for sale. They weren’t broke, but they were tame,” Cady says. “My sister and

I bought them. A little black mare turned out to be amazing. I started riding her. I couldn’t’ believe how much fun that was.”

Cady named the horse Beauty. She was the first of numerous mustangs Cady would personally acquire.

Population control

Like many wild animal species, mustangs often face the issue of overpopulation, the herd growing to the point where there are not enough natural resources available to sustain it. In addition to maintaining fencing, supplying and filling water tanks, FOM volunteers help helping administer birth control and facilitate adoption events when the herd becomes too large.

Last year, the Little Book Cliffs mustang population had swelled to about 230 and 100 horses were removed for adoption. Cady says the maximum number the range can support is 150. Although the State of Colorado and BLM supplies the birth control darts and designates specific horses for adoption, the process doesn’t always go as planned.

“There’s no way you can catch them all,” she says. “To get the full hundred last year, they had to take some off they weren’t planning to. They took off quite a few older horses.”

The older horses are often relocated to the Wild Horse Refuge north of Little Book Cliffs in the more remote area of Sand Wash Basin. It’s the younger animals that are typically selected for adoption.

However, animal lovers beg the question of how wild horses adjust to suddenly being placed in a domestic environment after living free for any number of years.

‘From wild to mild’

“These faithful animals create a strong bond with their new owners,” a BLM representative explains in a video of the organization’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. “Prior to arriving at their new home, they had to find a way to exist on their own. No one brought them a bucket of feed or fresh water. Now with someone to care for them, they show sincere loyalty and compassion. It is a long journey from wild to mild, but these intelligent and hearty wild animals offer their hearts and allow us to train them.”

Cady can attest to the mustangs’ adaptability and loyalty.

“Horses pretty much live in the moment,” Cady says. “They get used to stuff quickly.”

As evidence, she describes another of her favorites.

“The first adoption I got through Friends of the Mustangs was Bill. He was my big buddy, just super gentle,” she says. “I remember one time a cop came to my house and asked, do

those wild mustangs ever calm down? I went outside and sat on Bill. I’d just let him eat. He never ran off. One time he went right over to the horse trailer and loaded himself.”

Cady shares another story in which she and Bill were trail riding and had to climb an extremely steep, muddy slope. She dismounted and held Bill’s tail as he pulled her to safety. On another occasion she and Bill were on a hike with her black lab when the dog’s legs gave out. Cady carried the dog on Bill’s back as the reins hung free. Her mustang Beauty, who her son rode when he was very young, frequently led her out of the dark canyon at night when Cady had lost sight of the trail.

“Bill and Beauty, they were solid gold,” Cady says. “I always trusted them to get me out of predicaments. They were always willing and knew their jobs.”

Like all horses, mustangs each have a distinctive personality. Some are willing and gentle while others are stubborn and standoffish.

Cady has embraced the distinctive character of every mustang she’s adopted and looks forward to getting to those still to come.

“I got addicted to it. Seeing wild horses, I always have my favorites. This mare I’ve got now, she’s a curious one, really funny and smart,” she says. “The one I want is a red roan, a stud with a big, thick neck. When I saw his picture, I was like, I need that guy. I hope they let me adopt him.”

Adopt a mustang

The next wild horse and burro adoption is scheduled for June 26 to 28 at Grand Junction Fairgrounds. Bidding starts at $125. For more information, visit friendsofthemustangs.org/ team-4.

Become a Friend of the Mustangs

The volunteer group can use all the help it can get, even if it’s just a few hours per year. Stay updated on wild horse news by becoming a member for $10 a year. Friendsofthemustangs.org.

How to see the wild horses

About 110 wild horses currently roam the Little Book Cliffs range. The easiest way to get there is from Coal Canyon. From Interstate 70, take the Cameo exit (46 ), east of Palisade, cross the Colorado River and drive past the public service power plant. Stay on the main road approximately 1.5 miles to the parking area. From here, there is a dirt double track that extends past the gate for about 3 miles that is accessible by foot, horseback or mountain bike. There are also a couple of short singletracks suitable for hiking and horseback. The trail head is closed to motorized traffic from Dec. 1 to May 31. The best time to see the horses is in late winter and spring, when they come into the valley to graze.

Home On The Ranch

By Lisa Blake

Colorado’s Top Guest Ranches and Resorts

What do you get when you combine steadfast western roots, ranch life work ethic and a deep appreciation for genuine hospitality? An unforgettable stay at one of Colorado’s beautiful guest ranches.

Speckling all corners of the state, sprawling out on valley grasslands and nooked between rocky canyons and snaking rivers, these often family-owned working ranches and luxury resorts provide a type of respite you won’t find anywhere else. Bonus: They all include a chance to explore the land by horseback.

more fill the hours that you’re not indulging in cookie jar treats, sipping fine wines and soaking in your cabin’s private hot tub.

Gateway Canyons

Former Discovery Channel founder and CEO John Hendricks dreamt up this luxe Colorado red rock resort in 2005 after falling awestruck at the sight of the Unaweep Canyon (Native American for “canyon with two mouths”). Resting on 500 acres and sitting at

or Kayenta Lodge or spacious stays in one of the casitas where custom Peruvian furnishings, vaulted ceilings and a stone tile outdoor shower add special touches. Take in sweeping views of the prominent palisade rock formation rising over 2,000 feet above the small community of Gateway and drink in some of the clearest starry night skies in the state.

Arapaho Valley Ranch

This aptly named rustic family-owned guest

Vista Verde Ranch

Some dude ranches focus on trail riding and equestrian care and others narrow in on going off-grid and fully unwinding. Still others are about the food, wine and pampered downtime. Vista Verde wraps all of these aspects up in a tidy customized all-inclusive bow, allowing guests to choose their itinerary each day from a generous activity and adventure menu. Daily horseback riding with some of the ranch’s 111 horses, archery lessons, guided hikes and fly fishing, mountain biking, paddle boarding and

a comfortable 4,500 feet in elevation, Gateway Canyons feels like a secret hideaway. The Uncompahgre Plateau, Piñon Mesa and La Sal Mountains open up to a vast outdoor playground where guests are encouraged to ride horses, hike or mountain bike in the high-desert ponderosa pine or get deep into the backcountry on an off-road ATV tour. An onsite specialty coffee bar, poolside cantina and southwest-influenced grill satisfy cravings while a pool and clubhouse courtyard invite afternoon lounging. Accommodations span luxurious rooms and suites in the Kiva Lodge

ranch is gently tucked into Indian Peaks Wilderness within the expansive Arapaho National Forest. What it lacks in fancy it more than makes up for in postcard mountain surroundings and wildlife sightings. Generations return year after year — the ranch has been hosting guests since the early 1900s — to connect with each other and with nature. Head out on a waterfall hike, fly high on the “kissing swing” over the Colorado River Valley headwaters and gather around the campfire before settling into your cabin, glamping tent or tipi for a solid night’s slumber.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Resort & Spa

Carving out its own piece of paradise near Winter Park, 6,500-acre Devil’s Thumb is cozy and plush. Consider your stay here an open invite to spoil yourself while still tapping into the untamed wild west energy. Cowboy living and homesteading touches dot the property with plenty of opportunities to ride horses, go fat biking and ziplining, or hit a yoga class before your swedish massage. Families enjoy the year-round heated pool and hot tub, nightly s’mores around the fire pit and help-yourself library game room. Don’t miss dinner at Heck’s where the famous ranch-raised Wagyu burger and cedar plank steelhead trout beg to be savored under the grand lodge’s Douglas fir beams.

Three Forks Ranch

Located 40 miles north of Steamboat Springs on the Colorado-Wyoming border, this Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association property leaves guests wanting for nothing. The massive 280,000-acre working cattle ranch houses 130 trained staff members and certified wellness coaches to cater to your every desire. Visit the hydrotherapy spa, take a private cooking class in the state-of-the-art kitchen and head out on a city slicker cattle drive or a horseback riding adventure with a ranch wrangler at this all-inclusive destination. Stay in a luxurious secluded tree house guest residence on the nearby ridgeline or opt for a stately master suite in the main lodge with a jetted jacuzzi bathtub and views of Three Forks Mountain and the Snake River Valley.

Adobe Homes A STORIED ARCHITECTURAL TRADITION

By Holly Battista-Resignolo

Many Classic Western Homes incorporate an ancient building method using sun-dried mud bricks made from a mixture of sand, clay, and straw (or other organic materials), mixed with water and dried in the sun. These thick bricks are stacked and the walls are then finished with an adobe mud or lime plaster. This construction is particularly well-known in the Southwestern United States, where they were a staple for ancient Pueblo peoples and Spanish colonizers. The durability of adobe construction is evident in structures that have withstood harsh desert climates for centuries. This living space (pictured) is in the Eagle River Inn , a historic lodging establishment in Minturn that has recently been renovated.

The texture of Adobe style structures creates a warm and inviting environment. The stick-lined ceiling in an adobe home is traditionally called a Viga and Latilla ceiling.

Vigas

These are the large, exposed wooden beams (often whole logs) that span the ceiling. They were originally structural elements that supported the roof, but in modern homes, they can also be used for decorative purposes.

Latillas

These are the smaller, slender sticks or branches laid perpendicular to the vigas. They create a distinctive lattice pattern and add visual interest, while also historically helping to support the roof or ceiling.

A Kiva Fireplace is a small “beehive-shaped” fireplace. They are often ornate and contain benches and shelves. Their beauty creates a focal point in living spaces. Used as a source of heat and sometimes cooking these structures date back to the 8th century when they were used for ceremonial purposes.

The combination of vigas and latillas is a hallmark of traditional Southwestern architecture. The Adobe Home is a perfect construction method for ice cold winters too.

The newly renovated Eagle River Inn boasts 13 completely renovated rooms - ten king rooms, two rooms with twin beds and one two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. The boutique hotel’s decor is mountain chic with touches of Southwestern style, a homage to the Inn’s early days. The property also has two outside lounge areas with fire pits right on the Eagle River as well as outdoor seating and a spacious open lawn that’s great for private events and weddings. Guests also have access to a private outdoor hot tub that overlooks the river.

Photo

Credit:

Eagle River Inn

5 Greener Living Goods You Need

MINIMAL IMPACT OWNER VIRGINIA HAMMOCK HELPS LIGHTEN OUR HOUSEHOLD FOOTPRINT.

By Lisa Blake

Looking to make small but impactful changes toward a lighter footprint? Being environmentally conscious means more than recycling and composting these days.

Green living can be viewed through a three-prong lens: There’s actively reducing waste, living toxin-free so we’re not polluting the air and waterways and, finally, avoiding single-use plastics that break down into microplastics.

We tapped Summit County’s green-living gurus at Minimal Impact for approachable ways to make eco-positive changes to your home. Here are five products you can find at the Summit County shops to live a little greener.

Eco Clean Concentrated Laundry Detergent Sheets

Made from plant-based ingredients like corn, coconut and chamomile, these dissolvable sheets are free of harsh chemicals and microplastics. Make the switch and prevent the release of toxins into waterways.

Organic Beeswax Food Wraps

Ditch the plastic wraps and aluminum foil. These handmade cotton cloths are coated with beeswax, plant waxes and organic oils to provide the same sticky

quality as your typical kitchen wraps. Wash and reuse for about a year and then compost.

Package-Free Soaps + Shampoo Bars

By opting for package-free body and hair care and using refillable containers, you drastically reduce plastic waste that piles up in landfills and contributes to microplastic pollution. This sustainable approach keeps toxins off your skin and out of waterways.

All Purpose Multi-Surface Cleaner

Move towards in-house toxin-free, zero-waste cleaning products and breathe easy knowing you’re protecting your body and the environment from harsh and harmful chemicals. Minimal Impact carries a refillable botanical-based formula that kills germs and lifts away dirt.

EcoCoconut Scourer

Free from toxic chemicals and naturally antibacterial, these biodegradable scrubbers are safe on non-stick pans and great on hard surfaces. The highly durable bristles are made from sustainably farmed coconut husks.

WHAT IS MINIMAL IMPACT?

This online and brick and mortar shop incorporates sustainability into all facets of life by providing toxin-free, refillable and zero waste options that are safe for you, your family and our planet.

Minimal Impact also provides consulting and full-service sustainability services for events, businesses and homes.

minimalimpactlifestyle.com

Shop two Summit County locations:

Minimal Impact

281 Main St., Frisco

Minimal Impact

998 Blue River Pkwy., Silverthorne

CATCH A MINIMAL IMPACT WORKSHOP THIS SUMMER AT BRECKCREATE

Greener Gardening May 17, 2025 3pm

Greener Grocery Shopping June 24, 2025 12:30pm

Waste Free Takeout July 12, 2025 3pm

Making Seed Paper August 20, 2025 11:30am

Learn more and sign up at breckcreate.org

Curtis FoundationLegacy

RECONNECTING VOICES & IMAGES OF MODERN NATIVE AMERICANS

By Shawnee Real Bird

The Curtis Legacy Foundation stands at the intersection of history, representation, and resurgence. Its mission is not only to preserve the vast photographic and ethnographic work of Edward S. Curtis, but to evolve that legacy by centering the voices and images of modern Native Americans.

Edward Curtis, known affectionately by indigenous communities as Shadow Catcher, spent the early decades of the 20th century photographing over 100 Indigenous nations. His 20-volume opus, The North American Indian, comprises more than 2,000 images and thousands of pages of documentation. These photographs are revered for their detail and artistry, but their legacy is complex. Created through a colonial lens during a time of aggressive assimilation, they both preserved culture and filtered it through a non-Native perspective.

The Curtis Legacy Foundation honors this duality. Rather than mythologize Curtis’s work, it uses it as a point of departure— sparking renewed conversations about representation, ownership, and identity. At the heart of this mission is the Descendants Project, led by Edward Curtis’s great-grandson, John Graybill and Aapsalooke storyteller Shawnee Real Bird. This initiative reconnects Curtis’s original photographs with their living descendants, creating new dry-plate portraits that reflect the strength and complexity of Native life today.

These contemporary portraits offer something Curtis’s work cannot: self-representation. Where the early images often reflected romanticized depictions, today’s photographs amplify Indigenous agency, resilience, and voice. The visual medium becomes a mirror, not a museum exhibit.

In addition to reclaiming identity through new photography, the Foundation is also committed to bringing Curtis’s Unpublished Work to light. Among his extensive documentation were thousands of images and stories that never made it into public circulation—left in archives or forgotten in personal collections. These unpublished images are critical, not simply as lost pieces of history, but as sacred fragments of family and cultural memory.

For the families represented in Curtis’s photographs—especially those in the unpublished series—reconnecting with these images represents a connection that has been established since time immemorial. The Foundation ensures that these materials are returned to their rightful communities, where they can be interpreted through Indigenous knowledge systems rather than academic abstraction. This act of cultural repatriation turns once-silenced portraits into vibrant oral histories.

Through curated exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, the Edward Curtis Legacy Foundation facilitates a powerful reimagining: one where Native people are not artifacts of a fading past but active storytellers of their own legacy.

In an era dominated by images, who holds the lens—and who controls the story—matters. By placing Curtis’s archive in dialogue with modern Indigenous perspectives, the Foundation helps shift the narrative from disappearance to presence, from being observed to being seen.

Curtis’s camera once captured shadows. Today, those shadows are rising, speaking, and reclaiming the light.

www.curtislegacyfoundation.org

Bottom Right: Vanessa Red Hawk Thompson - by Curtis’s great-grandson, John Graybill, 2023.  Top Right: Vanessa’s great-great-grandfather, Red Hawk by Edward Curtis 1905.

MOSAICS BY SUSAN

By Caren Austin

There are so many fabulous women artists in Colorado, each one is unique. Living in Evergreen, I had the opportunity to meet and take a class from Susan Wechsler at her studio Mosaics By Susan in Evergreen, CO. I was hooked on her passion for what she does, and more importantly, the craft itself. Susan Is breaking glass, breaking boundaries, and most of all, breaking the mold of your typical mosaic artist.

It all started when her grandma passed away. Sitting on the floor with her cousin, they went through her grandma’s china. The china reminded Susan of family dinners growing up, and she knew that it had stories to tell. Susan took the china home and found a few broken pieces, and her mosaic profession began. She is self-taught, beyond talented, and wants to share her love of mosaics to the world.

I got the chance to take one of her classes that she teaches at her beautiful studio. Her remarkable pieces are displayed on the wall around the studio. Some of them look like a painting until you get close and realize that the piece is thousands of tiny pieces of glass, and tile meticulously put together to make truly incredible artwork.

Susan sells her art all over the world to hotels, homes, and stores, so I felt truly lucky to take her class and make my own mosaic. She encourages her students to

bring something meaningful to them to incorporate into their mosaic. I brought a bag full of glass that my husband and I broke in in our traditional Jewish wedding. Rabbi approved, I thought this was a great way to commemorate our special day, every day by putting it into the mosaic. With a bit of Susan’s help, the outcome was not museum worthy, but beautiful, and a personal piece of art that I made, with a memory I will never forget.

Susan has commissioned many pieces for homeowners in our mountain towns. If you have not been to her studio, I encourage you to drop by and say hello. Her work is memorizing, and you might even find something to take home to place on your wall. Her classes fill up very fast, so book early on her website. Susan says, “Never give up on your creative journey”, and that can mean so many things. I promise that a visit to Mosaics by Susan

will inspire you whatever your creative path might be. You can also find all her work on her website at www.mosaicsbysusan.com. I can’t wait to see what she come up with next, all her art is truly one of a kind.

Join us at Breckenridge’s gathering place for exceptional dining. Enjoy unique, open-fire pizzas and creative dishes celebrating local history. Savor modern mountain dining with us.

Find our secret entrance and step into an exclusive lounge where skilled mixologists craft daring cocktails. Immerse yourself in intimate ambiance and engaging conversation for an unforgettable escape.

Rooted in the Rockies, reimagined for today. Unwind at the base of Peak 9, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and embark on authentic mountain adventures in Breckenridge.

547-5550

Shop Local

Take a stroll down any one of our mountain town’s Main Streets and you will be inspired by the dozens of colorful and unique, locally owned shops. Discover specialty wine and food merchants, locally made souvenirs, independent outdoor shops, trendy women’s apparel, home goods, pet supplies and more. Each Colorado mountain town destination offers premier, unique, shopping opportunities that you will rarely find in Big Boxes or Online.

A significant portion of small business spending stays within the local economy helping to keep our shopping districts vibrant and original. So we say, Shop, but Shop Local!

Ruby Jane Boutique, Breckenridge

Dine Local

The Carlin, Breckenridge

Steamboat’s Storm Peak Brewing prioritizes community

CHECK OUT THE BREWERY’S NEW TAPROOM LOCATION THIS SUMMER

By Shauna Farnell

Brothers Wyatt and Zach Patterson stand behind three tenets at Storm Peak Brewing – quality of beer, creativity/ discovery and the Steamboat Springs community. Launched in 2013, Storm Peak landed in its headquarters west of downtown in 2016, added a rooftop in 2021 as well as a second taproom near Steamboat Resort, which relocated to the ground floor of the Steamboat Grand hotel this spring.

“Being here in Northwest Colorado helps us do our own thing and go at our own pace. Our motto has always been slow and steady. We see breweries get big too fast all the time and it’s so hard for them to keep up that growth pace,” Wyatt says. “As for the beer, we continue to brew mostly what we like to drink. We obviously keep the staples around that keep the lights on, but we try and experiment and have fun whenever we can.”

Storm Peak’s brews have won many awards, including its Afternoon Delight wheat and blonde sour Hoochie Mama earning medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Mainstays like the Chowder

hazy IPA and Urban Sombrero Mexican Lager are all-time favorites among Colorado beer connoisseurs.

Wyatt names “whatever is new” as his favorite, but says the Money Trees IPA is his go-to hoppy choice and the Sombrero his personal light beer staple.

“Money Trees is on the lower ABV side and very juicy and fruity with a nice balanced touch of malty sweetness. The Sombrero has a touch of lime, which makes it extra refreshing after a day of fun outside,” he says.

Getting back to its mission, Storm Peak embraces its community – its “drink the Boat” regulars – first and foremost. Many staff have been on board since Storm Peak’s early days. Also, the brewery is constantly donating to and collaborating with local nonprofits.

“This town embraced us and gave us a chance to bring on an incredible team that makes some excellent, award-winning beer,” Wyatt says. “We try and focus on our niche market of Northwest Colorado and stay true to our year-round locals who we see in the taproom long after the resort is closed and the trails are muddy.”

Creekside Cellars

Story by Caren Austin

Evergreen Colorado is home to an international awardwinning winery and Mediterranean restaurant sitting right on beautiful Bear Creek. Creekside Cellars started as a hobby for owners Bill and Anita Donahue, and in 1996, they were bonded as a Colorado limited winery. They opened Creekside Cellars in 2000 and in 2002 and planted their own vineyard in Palisades Colorado.

The winery is tranquil, cozy, and a fabulous place to share wine, conversation, and good times with friends and family. You can sit inside or opt to sit on the deck creekside and have your meal and wine with the sound of Bear Creek right beside you.

Creekside Cellars has plenty of red and whites to choose from. Some of my favorites are the Cab Franc, from Creekside’s own vineyard called The Vinelands. Aged in oak barrels, this wine is truly special and a must try when visiting. On a bluebird Colorado Summer day, the Rose of Mourvèdre is refreshing, with a crisp and slight peppery taste to it. It is the ultimate wine to share with friends and family while taking in that beautiful Colorado mountain air. If you can’t decide, there are also wine flights so you can really taste all that Creekside Cellars has to offer. They have a wine club to join that grants you exclusive access to very exclusive small batch wines.

The food at Creekside Cellars is outstanding. The café has appetizers, soups, salads, and focaccia paninis on fresh baked bread to choose from. You cannot come to

Creekside cellars without ordering their Antipasto Platter. The platter comes in two sizes, and it is not only picture worthy, but delicious as well. Full of cheeses, meats, olives, and veggies, it looks like a colorful painting and can easily feed four. Another must have is the Guido Focaccia Sandwich. The huge sandwich is filled with Sopressata, Genoa salami, pepperoni provolone and finished with oil and vinegar. The sandwich gives me The Soprano’s vibes every time I eat it. I’m from New York and this sandwich is a letter from home.

All the wines at Creekside Cellars are produced in Evergreen right on the premises, and they are a Colorado proud winery. Whether you are a tourist or a local, Creekside Cellars will make your mountain Summer and Fall that much better. All their wines are available for purchase to take home, so you can reminisce of just how good Creekside Cellars truly is. Reservations are highly recommended all days of the week or weekend.

FUN FACT

Creekside Cellars just won Best of Category, Double Gold, Best of Show People’s Choice, and a silver medal from the professional judges at the International Cabernet Franc Competition, the world’s largest Cabernet Franc competition! Yay Evergreen!

Photos by Kevin Austin

Marble Distilling

A DECADE OF SPIRIT, SUSTAINABILITY & COMMUNITY

by Lea Tucker

Nestled in the heart of Carbondale, Colorado, Marble Distilling was founded with a bold vision: to craft world-class spirits using only the finest local ingredients, while setting a new standard for sustainability in the distilling industry. For the past 10 years, this family-owned, female-founded distillery has poured passion, precision, and purpose into every bottle—and every experience.

Led by Head Distiller and Co-Founder Connie Baker, Marble Distilling is proud to be a growing number of distilleries in the world owned and operated by a woman. Baker’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every detail, from the use of 100% Colorado-grown grains to the pristine water sourced directly from the Crystal River. Every sip of Marble’s award-winning Vodka, Gingercello, Moonlight EXpresso, Hoovers Revenge Whiskies - Bourbon, Rye, and Triticale reflects the rugged purity of the Rocky Mountains and the craft of true Colorado spirits.

Marble is also a global pioneer in sustainable distilling. Its custom-built Water Energy Thermal System (WETS) captures and reuses 100% of the process water and harvests energy from the distillation process—saving more than 4 million gallons of water and 2 billion BTUS of energy annually. This commitment to zero waste extends to the grain

sourced from local farmers and reused as livestock feed, making Marble a true farm-to-glass-to-ground operation. Marble is committed to being net zero energy in 2025.

Marble Distilling Co. is also home to the world’s first luxury hotel within a working distillery: The Distillery Inn. Our 5 luxury suites let you Sleep with the Stills while being in the heart of downtown Carbondale – home to world class mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, hot springs, dining and so much more – Carbondale is a quiet gem worth discovering.

As Marble celebrates 10 glorious years, the Tasting Room is evolving. This beloved gathering place will soon become Club Marble—a members-only experience designed for both locals and out-of-towners who share a deep appreciation for the finer aspects of Colorado craft. Members will enjoy curated events, private tastings, cocktail classes, and exclusive access to Marble’s Barrel Club, where they can personalize and age their own one-of-a-kind whiskey.

Marble Distilling Co. was founded on the idea that you can do business differently—with integrity, ingenuity, and heart. A decade later, the journey continues, stronger than ever, and still proudly made in Carbondale, Colorado. www.marbledistilling.com

Barbecue Roundup

HERE’S WHERE TO GET YOUR MOUNTAIN TOWN ‘CUE FIX.

by Lisa Blake

For some, it’s about the fire-kissed ribs and smoky fall apart brisket. For others, it’s the nods to Southern tradition in the form of meticulously fried green tomatoes, bacon-bitted collard greens and buttery gooey macaroni. Anyway you slice it, Colorado is brimming with some of the best barbecue out there. Transplants from Kansas City, Carolina, Texas and beyond have put down roots here and are serving up sauced (or dry rubbed; we hear ya, Memphis) slabs and we can’t get enough. Visit these mountain town pitmasters for your next scrumptious plate.

ASPEN HICKORY HOUSE

Look for this legendary log cabin (you can’t miss the giant bear on the roof) along Main Street and step inside for award-winning fare that has been putting Aspen on the barbecue map since 1988. The baby back ribs are a must try—they’ve won dozens of national and international cook-offs. Bonus: You can get it any time of day. Full breakfast service begins at 8 a.m. and offers up pulled pork and smoked salmon eggs benedicts and smoky ribs with eggs your way.

730 W. Main St., Aspen

MOE’S BARBECUE

Moe’s was born out of three University of Alabama friends’ love of barbecue, blues, college football, and whiskey. Today, the guys have spread their special brand of southern hospitality across more than 50 franchised stores. The formula remains the same: fruitwood-smoked meats, soulful sides, and signature sauces. Find the Eagle outpost in a refurbished gas station along Highway 6.

630 Grand Ave., Eagle

SLOW GROOVIN’ BBQ

Hidden in hard-to-reach tiny town Marble and only open May through October, the secret stash allure of Slow Groovin’ is real. Dip into the tucked-away hamlet for smoked wings, sausage links, pulled pork and brisket paired with a full roster of Colorado craft brews. Treat yourself to a cocktail and sit in the sun. We recommend the smoked bloody mary, spicy paloma or smoky old fashion made with Marble Distillery’s blended whiskey.

101 W. 1st St., Marble

WILDFLOWER BBQ

Summit High School graduates Abel and Alison Beazley launched their counter service, scratch barbecue joint in 2024. The couple brings a quilt of their favorite barbecue styles to hungry diners, along with a dose of fine dining expertise— Alison was the famed French Laundry’s first female expediting sous chef once upon a time. Pop in for lunch and order Wildflower’s smokehouse sloppy joe or maple and sage-rubbed pork belly. Don’t miss their soon-to-be-famous bacon and buttermilk cornbread with whipped honey butter.

842 N. Summit Blvd., Frisco

YAMPA RIVER ICEHOUSE

On a bluebird Colorado summer day when the Yampa River is flowing and the live music is cranking, there’s no better place to be than the Icehouse’s back patio.

The Steamboat Springs barbecue go-to keeps the smoker stacked with Texas-style brisket, ribs, chicken, wings and much more. Try the brisket cheesesteak topped with green chiles, mushrooms and onions or the tender smoked chicken on a salad and dig into sides of crispy brussels sprouts and smoky porky beans.

751 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs

SAWPIT MERCHANTILE

This storied mercantile serves up some damn good barbecue to fill up on your way to Telluride or Norwood with simple, friendly service that you can also enjoy at their counter. Snacks & Apps, Sandwiches, Salads and MEATS; Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, Elk Cheddar Jalapeno Bratwurst. Their sides of Mac & Cheese, Cornbread, Baked Beans, Coleslaw and more bring it all together. Enjoy some Frito Pie too. Stop in and stay or grab and go.

20643 CO-145, Sawpit

Pêche

by Julie Bielenberg

Boutique bistro, Pêche, opened in August of 2018, and has become a keystone of charming Palisade, CO. Originally a grocery store when constructed in 1940, the bones are still evident and intertwined into the eatery’s decor. “We wanted a space of our own to create the food and atmosphere we would want to enjoy,” explains owner Ashley Fees Chasseur.

That whimsical, country-rooted atmosphere and food turned out to be something more than just enjoyment for Ashley, but for the entire Western Slope community. Partnerships with Green Junction Farms, Pea and Posy, Restoration Vineyards, Blaine’s Tomatoes, Abby’s Eden, Buckle Wines, Carboy, Distefano Orchards, Clark Family Orchards, Farm Runners and so many more has resulted in a cult-like following for Ashley’s seasonal dishes.

“We have had the Foie Gras mousse, ribeye and sourdough on the menu basically since inception.They are classics

and delicious,” explains Ashley. As for beverages, the old fashioned and ruby are the most coveted cocktails. “However our Cosmopolitan, margarita, aviation and wine list are also very popular,” adds Ashely.

Incredible color palettes are infused to every dish ranging from dried flowers in winter on a salad to rainbow radishes shaved on a soup in spring, the regional bounty is incredible and accessible for Ashely and her team. “If it weren’t for the staff, my second family, and their hard work, willingness to come in each day, and grind, and show passion in what they do, and in the restaurant, we would not be here today!”

The modern aesthetic, juxtaposed with country chic is brightly lit with bar seating and tables for reservation. Head to Palisade for a culinary treat.

www.pecherestaurantcolorado.com

breckenridge dining

Radicato

Radicato, the second restaurant from James Beard Award winner Chef Matt Vawter, is a modern Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Breckenridge. Opened in June 2022, Radicato celebrates seasonal and technique-driven cuisine inspired by Italy’s rich culinary traditions, while highlighting locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant showcases everything Breckenridge and Colorado has to offer, exploring connections between farmers and diners while creating an atmosphere that fosters interaction among guests.

Vawter owns and operates Radicato alongside partners Chef Cameron Baker and Director of Operations Patrick Murphy. The restaurant features a team of hospitality professionals dedicated to curating memorable dining experiences and executing Vawter and Baker’s vision of Mountain Italian cuisine. Ingredients are diligently sourced and highlighted on ever-evolving seasonal menus. Open seven days a week, the restaurant offers a variety of dining options from happy hour and an à la carte menu of delicious pastas and entrees to a tasting menu with optional wine pairings.

Radicato’s setting changes with the seasons. In winter, the dining room glows with warm lighting from Blue River Plaza— there’s no better place to watch snow fall on a winter evening. In summer, two outdoor seating areas provide fresh air, the sounds of the Blue River, and stunning views of the Ten Mile Range. The dining room provides an intimate setting where guests can dine and connect. Hospitality remains the central focus of the entire team at Radicato, with the goal of creating world-class dining experiences for all who choose to spend an evening with them.

137 S Main Street Breckenridge CO 80424 www.radicatobreck.com

dining

Rootstalk

Rootstalk is a modern American restaurant founded by James Beard Award Winner Chef Matt Vawter, based on the idea of connection and coming home. Vawter was born and raised in Summit County and spent the formative years of his culinary career in Keystone and Breckenridge. After spending time away from the area, he returned to Summit County with the dream of opening a place of his own and helping grow the culinary landscape in the region. He opened Rootstalk in December 2021, and his commitment to excellence was recognized when he won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef Mountain.

Building on his culinary vision, Vawter established the restaurant in a historic home on North Main Street in Breckenridge. The name reflects the interconnected root systems of Aspen groves that surround Breckenridge, symbolizing the connections fostered between guests, local producers, and the community. Rootstalk explores this notion of connection through its cuisine, hospitality, and beverage programs, bringing together locals and visitors in shared dining experiences.

The team seeks to provide “Elevated, Everyday Dining” to both the local community and out-of-town visitors. The cuisine is ingredient-focused, technique-driven, and deeply committed to quality at all levels. They work with local farms, ranchers, and quality producers from Colorado and across the country. Cocktails are created with intention and given the same level of care as the food. The wine program focuses on small-scale quality producers from across the globe, from classic to more esoteric modern styles.

Dinner service at Rootstalk is available nightly, featuring a range of options that include seven-course tasting menus with wine or non-alcoholic cocktail pairings, a chef’s counter experience, and their à la carte dinner menu. The restaurant can curate an experience for any occasion, big or small.

The restaurant features two distinct dining areas that beautifully complement each other. Upstairs is bright, elegant, and airy, with views of Main Street through front windows. The Root Cellar downstairs offers a more intimate dining experience with a Chef’s Counter for those who love being part of the action. During summer, the patios are abundantly decorated with flowers, offering beautiful al fresco dining. Rootstalk serves as a venue that allows guests to connect with everything Breckenridge has to offer.

207 North Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado www.rootstalkbreck.com

breckenridge dining

HIGH ALTITUDE, NON-ALCOHOLIC Mock One, A Spirits Alternative

MAI TAI (NA RUM)

2 oz Mock One Non-Alc Rum

1 oz lime juice

½ oz orgeat

¼ oz orange liqueur

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain & serve over ice.

Garnish: mint bouquet

MINT JULEP (NA WHISKEY)

2-1/2 oz Mock One Non-Alc Whiskey

¾ oz brown sugar simple syrup*

8 mint leaves

In a Julep cup, add mint and sugar simple syrup. Muddle lightly. Add Mock One Non-Alc Whiskey and fill with crushed ice. Stir to incorporate until frost appears on outside of cup. Top with more crushed ice and garnish.

Garnish: mint bouquet and powdered sugar.

*Brown sugar simple syrup: over medium heat, add 1 cup water and 1 cup brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool, bottle and refrigerate.

PALOMA (NA TEQUILA)

2 oz Mock One Non-Alc Tequila

1-1/2 oz Pink grapefruit juice

½ oz lime juice

Grapefruit soda

Add top three ingredients over salty, spicey, sugar rimmed glass filled with ice. Top with grapefruit soda, stir to incorporate. Garnish: grapefruit slices

TOM COLLINS (NA GIN)

1-1/2 oz Mock One Non-Alc Gin

1 oz lemon juice

¾ oz simple syrup*

Soda

Build ingredients over ice in Collins glass. Stir to incorporate.

Garnish: lemon wheel and brandied cherry

Make it Yourself or Visit: The Breckenridge Distillery or drinkmockone.com

buena vista dining

A Food Truck in Buena Vista serving up Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos, Cold Beer, and Cocktails!

Located at 413 E. Main Street Buena Vista, alley side! Whether you’re fresh off the River or Adventuring in the peaks, Let La Sirena be your Siren Call to delicious Eats! Check us out at lasirenabv.com

The Even Keel Lodge is a home away from home, with three full suites, in the heart of Main Street, Buena Vista. It is aptly named after the state of a ship that allows for smooooooth sailing! The lodge is located above Buena Vista’s burger joint, The Buena Viking! Eat Sleep . Play in Buena Vista.

Check us out at www.Evenkeelbv.com

frisco dining

Vinny’s Euro American Cuisine

With a name like Vinny’s, one would probably think Italian. Is it an Italian restaurant? No. Are their Italian-inspired dishes available? Yes. Vinny began his career before he knew what the word career meant as he assisted his Sicilian grandparents with family meals at home. Chef Vincent Monarca, an East coast transplant who arrived shortly after graduating in 1992 from the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Program, discovered Frisco and called it home. He worked for several well-known restaurants in the area. He was the Chef for a local organic market before he opened the doors to his own restaurant, Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant in Frisco.

Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant recently moved and is located on the second floor of the Frisco Centre, above the Next Page Bookstore. The floor-toceiling windows offer panoramic views of Frisco, Mountain Royal, and Peak One. An elevator to the restaurant and stairs are available for customers. The new restaurant location is the perfect spot for a romantic evening for two and accommodates large groups, including Weddings, and Rehearsals, and company outings.

Chef Vincent emphasizes creating a menu based on the availability of seasonal ingredients, natural hormone-free meats,

wild-caught seafood, fresh organic pasta, and the freshest, local, Non-GMO vegetables he can procure. He incorporates his passion into each dish the restaurant prepares and is proud to serve food that does not require a microwave or pre-made processed foods. Chef Monarca believes that these efforts make the food he serves tastier and healthier for our bodies, the economy, and the planet. Vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores will find something extraordinary for their evening out.

Expect a warm welcome when you arrive, as the restaurant operates like a large family with many staff in place since the restaurant launched. The restaurant has a main dining room, a full dinner menu, and a cozy bistro bar offering small plates, appetizers, and heartier selections. They are well-versed in preparing the menu items and offering the best wines to complement each dish. The small plate selection is a great way to experience a part of the dining room offerings.

Vinny’s dinner menu is extensive, offering classically prepared dishes such as Duck Leg Confit with a white bean cassoulet, Colorado Lamb Shank with Cabernet Demi-Glace, and Aspen Ridge Boneless Beef Short Ribs with a Cabernet Demi Glace – to which I would like to note, his Demi Glace is liquid gold. Another favorite

entrée is the Roasted Prosciutto Wrapped Basil Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. Fish and Steak du jour options are available daily.

Pasta is prepared in the kitchen with all organic ingredients. Every selection is delicious. Try the Linguine and Clams, Bolognese Ragu, or Sausage Rigatoni.

Gluten-free options and Beyond Meat Vegan Sausage, Peppers & Onions, Salad Selections, and more for Vegans and Vegetarians. The Eggplant Tower with Portobello, Roasted Peppers, Provolone, and Marinara is one to try, and their mushroom strudel is a flaky delight. And of course there is Pizza, try the Peak Trail Pizza with Caramelized Onion, Sautéed Shrooms, Arugula, White Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, finished with a Balsamic-Glaze or make your own.

After dinner, I highly recommend their ever-changing dessert selections too. I had the Tiramisu, and it knocked my socks off (it is one of my favorites).

Locals have voted Vinny’s Best Restaurant for many years. If you are heading to Frisco, stop in, it is a local favorite.

Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant 409 Main Street - 2nd Floor #201 Frisco,

www.vinnysfriscorestaurant.com

evergreen dining

steamboat springs dining

Bésame

Mambo Italiano

Surrounded by the snow covered peaks in the picturesque mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Latin-Asian fusion restaurant Bésame takes guests on a vacation. The rich and exotic experience, anchored by Bésame’s tapas selection, features an extensive Spanish-heavy wine menu, stellar cocktail menu, a Diego Rivera motif, and a menu full of Latin surprises.

Surrounded by the snow covered peaks in the picturesque mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Latin-Asian fusion restaurant Bésame takes guests on a vacation. The rich and exotic experience, anchored by Bésame’s tapas selection, features an extensive Spanish-heavy wine menu, stellar cocktail menu, a Diego Rivera motif, and a menu full of Latin surprises.

Bésame draws inspiration from the Chef’s travels in Thailand, Ecuador, Morocco, Peru, and Spain. Alongside classic Spanish tapas with Latin and Asian flair – such as the Patatas Bravas and Grilled Octopus – Bésame has non-traditional tapas like Gyoza “Al Pastor” and Chili Glazed Beef Short Rib. In addition to the large plates like the Cubano, Quesabirria Tacos, and Paella that also serve up to 10 people, Bésame also has Muu Waan, Thai Red Curry, and Pollo A La Brasa.

Bésame draws inspiration from the Chef’s travels in Thailand, Ecuador, Morocco, Peru, and Spain. Alongside classic Spanish tapas with Latin and Asian flair – such as the Patatas Bravas and Grilled Octopus – Bésame has non-traditional tapas like Gyoza “Al Pastor” and Chili Glazed Beef Short Rib. In addition to the large plates like the Cubano, Quesabirria Tacos, and Paella that also serve up to 10 people, Bésame also has Muu Waan, Thai Red Curry, and Pollo A La Brasa.

Bésame’s cocktail program is – just like a good cocktail – strong, fun, and artfully crafted including Spanish classics like the Caipirinha (but with a twist!), five types of Mojito, and a dozen innovative cocktails and mocktails. Original cocktails include The Tipsy Carrot which uses tequila, carrot juice, lime, habanero bitters, fresno chili syrup, and cilantro and Tequila After Dark with Casamigos Reposado, azuca amaro, agave, angostura bitters, orange bitters, dark chocolate, and orange.

Bésame’s cocktail program is – just like a good cocktail – strong, fun, and artfully crafted including Spanish classics like the Caipirinha, five types of Mojito, and a dozen innovative cocktails and mocktails. Original cocktails include The Tipsy Carrot which uses tequila, carrot juice, lime, habanero bitters, fresno chili syrup, and cilantro and Tequila After Dark with Casamigos Reposado, azuca amaro, agave, angostura bitters, orange bitters, dark chocolate, and orange.

Visit Bésame today to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.

Visit Bésame today to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.

818 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.besamesteamboat.com

818 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.besamesteamboat.com

Mambo Italiano, situated in Steamboat Springs, stands as an Italian culinary masterpiece. Since 2016, Mambo has been captivating patrons with its unparalleled Italian menu, wine and cocktail lists, generous happy hour and impeccable service, inviting open kitchen, pizza bar, indoor-outdoor bar, and gorgeous patio, making it the premier dining destination in the Yampa Valley.

Mambo Italiano, situated in Steamboat Springs, stands as an Italian culinary masterpiece. Since 2016, Mambo has been captivating patrons with its unparalleled Italian menu, wine and cocktail lists, generous happy hour and impeccable service, inviting open kitchen, pizza bar, indoor-outdoor bar, and gorgeous patio, making it the premier dining destination in the Yampa Valley.

Mambo has an ever-evolving Italian menu with more than 100 daily bottles from nearly every region in Italy. Italian-inspired cocktails include the classics like Negroni Sbagliato and The Mambo 75, alongside seasonal Mambo cocktails such as The Venetian Spritz with Cappelletti “orange bitter,” prosecco, soda, and orange, and the Caffè e Crema Martini with espresso, Frangelico, Cool Swan dairy cream liqueur, St. George all purpose vodka, chocolate bitters, and coffee beans.

Mambo has an ever-evolving Italian menu with more than 100 daily bottles from nearly every region in Italy. Italian-inspired cocktails include the classics like Negroni Sbagliato and The Mambo 75, alongside seasonal Mambo cocktails such as The Venetian Spritz with Cappelletti “orange bitter,” prosecco, soda, and orange, and the Caffè e Crema Martini with espresso, Frangelico, Cool Swan dairy cream liqueur, St. George all purpose vodka, chocolate bitters, and coffee beans.

Working with Executive Chef Joe Campbell, Mambo’s menu offers fresh new takes on Italian classics, such as Cacio E Pepe Ravioli, Lasagna, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Crispy Artichokes, Prosciutto Di Parma, Steak Florentine, and Chicken Picatta.

Working with Executive Chef Joe Campbell, Mambo’s menu offers fresh new takes on Italian classics, such as Cacio E Pepe Ravioli, Lasagna, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Crispy Artichokes, Prosciutto Di Parma, Steak Florentine, and Chicken Picatta.

Mambo is known for having dedication to and passion for making everything from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients available locally, nationally, and internationally. Visit today to experience the extraordinary dishes, warm ambiance, and culinary journey that Mambo offers.

Mambo is known for having dedication to and passion for making everything from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients available locally, nationally, and internationally. Visit today to experience the extraordinary dishes, warm ambiance, and culinary journey that Mambo offers.

Visit and enjoy:

521 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.mambos.com

521 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.mambos.com

steamboat springs dining Yampa Valley Kitchen

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur Hannah Hopkins in Steamboat Springs, stands as a downtown dining staple. Housed in a recently renovated 1900s farmhouse, Yampa Valley Kitchen features elevated classic comfort food throughout the day, celebrating nostalgic flavors and introducing new traditions.

Hannah Hopkins in Steamboat Springs, stands as a downtown dining staple. Housed in a recently renovated 1900s farmhouse, Yampa Valley Kitchen features elevated classic comfort food throughout the day, celebrating nostalgic flavors and introducing new traditions.

This culinary haven prioritizes Colorado-sourced ingredients, collaborating with local producers such as Hayden Fresh Farm and 7X Ranch. Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dinner menu features inventive dishes like Pig & Apple, Truffle & Herb Frites, and Chicken Almondine. In addition to dinner, Yampa Valley Kitchen also serves a popular breakfast and lunch featuring local favorites like a California Dreamin’ Benedict, Bananas Foster French Toast, Truffalo Burger, and Korean Salmon Bowl.

This culinary haven prioritizes Colorado-sourced ingredients, collaborating with local producers such as Hayden Fresh Farm and 7X Ranch. Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dinner menu features inventive dishes like Pig & Apple, Truffle & Herb Frites, and Chicken Almondine. In addition to dinner, Yampa Valley Kitchen also serves a popular breakfast and lunch featuring local favorites like a California Dreamin’ Benedict, Bananas Foster French Toast, Truffalo Burger, and Korean Salmon Bowl.

Since its 2020 debut, Yampa Valley Kitchen has pioneered the Yampa Valley dining scene’s mocktail culture, presenting a full menu with the same creativity as cocktails. Savor renowned mocktails like the Orange Julius, Matcha Mint G&T, and Watermelon Tonic, showcasing Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dedication to innovative, alcohol-free options.

Since its 2020 debut, Yampa Valley Kitchen has pioneered the Yampa Valley dining scene’s mocktail culture, presenting a full menu with the same creativity as cocktails. Savor renowned mocktails like the Orange Julius, Matcha Mint G&T, and Watermelon Tonic, showcasing Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dedication to innovative, alcohol-free options.

Join us at Yampa Valley Kitchen in celebrating the fusion of classic and contemporary flavors.

Join us at Yampa Valley Kitchen in celebrating the fusion of classic and contemporary flavors..

207 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.yampavalleykitchen.com

207 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.yampavalleykitchen.com

ASPEN SNOWMASS • BRECKENRIDGE • MAUI • STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Welcome to Dolores Bike Hostel (DBH)

A Community Gem

by Rick Eisenberg

In the funky town of Dolores, Colorado nestled in the Four Corners region of Southwest Colorado, a small but vibrant boutique hostel stands as a testament to the power of bringing adventurous people together and creating community.

The idea for DBH came in an endorphin induced vision by Jake Carloni, owner and proprietor of the hostel, towards the end of one his typical long, arduous trail runs on the Black Goat trail above town. As he looked down at the town, he knew that he had to create something extraordinary. This vision became reality when Jake purchased an old building in town and almost single-handedly gutted and remodeled it, culminating in the grand opening of the Dolores Bike Hostel in the fall of 2023.

Dolores boasts a small-town vibe, with the hostel echoing its charm throughout its cozy and intimate setup. It features a collection of bunk rooms and private rooms, including two six-person bunk rooms, four private rooms, and one short-term apartment. Shared baths are available, but for those who prefer a bit more privacy, there’s also a 5 person suite with its own bathroom. The hostel can accommodate up to 25 guests, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

DBH doesn’t just offer a place to sleep, it offers an experience. Guests have the opportunity to cook meals in the full, well stocked kitchen. Trailheads at either end of town offer a gateway to 70+ miles of single-track, and at the end of a long day, a sauna and cold plunge are on site to help recover and restore. The hostel’s large outdoor patio, with a converted 23 foot 1971 Airstream Safari serves as a bar, creating a

unique venue for relaxation and gathering where guests and locals can gather and enjoy live music, games, and camaraderie.

The hostel is not just for overnight guests; it’s a hub for the local community as well. It hosts events such as craft nights, a book club sponsored by the local library, and a weekly run club. It also plans wildly fun events like the Annual Speed Puzzling Competition (a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity), Hostelween (an all-out obstacle course and open house for Dolores students) and The Dolores Beer Mile (for the gastrically tough).

For adventurous spirits, Dolores is a base camp for numerous outdoor activities. From mountain biking, gravel touring and hiking to rafting on the Dolores River and swimming in McPhee Reservoir, there’s something for everyone. The hostel caters exceptionally well to bikers, with many guests exploring the area’s renowned trails, including Boggy Draw, Phil’s World, and the many High Country Trails towards Rico and Telluride.

Dolores itself is a delightful town, with coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and the Galloping Goose Museum adding to its charm. The Dolores River Brewery, just a block away, has an amazing beer garden, live music, and is a frequent stop for guests.

The Dolores Bike Hostel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a community hub, a meeting place for kindred spirits, and a gateway to adventure. If you’re visiting from one of the 25 countries currently represented by past guests or a Mountain West local just passing through, the Dolores Bike Hostel offers a warm welcome, a taste of the unique spirit of Dolores, and “The Best Rest in the Southwest”.

For more information, please visit: www.doloresbikehostel.com

Find Wellness In Ranch Life

C LAZY U RANCH HOSTS

OFF-SEASON WELLNESS

WEEKEND INCLUDING FOOD

PREPARATION CLASSES, STRESS MANAGEMENT, WORKOUTS AND TRAIL RIDING

by Shauna Farnell

Anyone who ambles into the wilderness atop a trustworthy steed can attest to the wellness benefits of this activity alone. Paired with an entire weekend of nutritious meals, cooking tips, workouts, yoga and soaking up the peace of ranch life, there’s no question that your health – both physical and mental – will take an upturn.

Katie Hardie (Hardie Peak Performance) heads up cooking and food preparation classes, workouts, stress and recovery seminars during the wellness retreats, which take place at C Lazy U Ranch in Grand County every spring and fall.

Meanwhile, guests have access to all the ranch has to offer at an off-season rate, including trail rides, gourmet meals served family style in the ranch restaurant, yoga, archery, ax-throwing, hot-tubbing, cold-plunging and the relaxing ambiance of a weekend on the range in cozy individual cabins with wood-burning fireplace.

Hardie’s food preparation classes include useful tips for seasoning (hold shaker high for maximum distribution), knife use (always keep the tip on the cutting board, push away and down when cutting) and heating techniques (who knew that seafood should always be cooked at medium high)? All lessons are accompanied by wine and hands-on opportunities for practice.

On guided trail rides, visitors and their horses head off to explore the ranch’s sprawling, 8,500-acre property. You’ll wander up and down hillsides, through tunnels of trees and splash through rivers and creeks. Every morning and afternoon, the dozens of horses galloping to and from the stable from their pastures in a swarm of flying hooves and manes is a sight to behold.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll map out a personal plan to continue working on wellness, whether that entails making more time for yoga or weight-lifting, setting a firm sleep and wake schedule, walking more often or simply working on mindful breathing.

“It’s important to ask yourself what wellness rituals you can incorporate into your routine,” Hardie says. “And it’s not just about getting your heartrate up. Restorative time makes us more productive and efficient.”

C Lazy U Ranch’s next Wellness weekend is set for Nov. 7 – 10.

Hike, Soak, Camp

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF COLORADO’S HOT SPRINGS AND STAR-SPANGLED CAMPING AFTER A DAY ON THE TRAIL.

by Lisa Blake

Summertime in Colorado is nothing short of blissed out magic. Trails spiderweb the state in an endless traverse of wildflowers and waterfalls draped in that oh-so-divine smell of sun-baking pine needles. Here, we present our picks for dreamy hiking days followed by nourishing soaks and a sleeping bag slumber under the stars. Call on these trails, pools and campsites for a quintessential Colorado summer experience.

DESTINATION: OURAY

HIKE: Ouray Perimeter Trail

SOAK: Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center

CAMP: Amphitheater Campground

Ouray’s rugged beauty sprawls in every direction. Set out on the 6-mile Perimeter Trail loop and take in incredible San Juan Mountain views and cascading waterfalls. Pack your stamina and a few snacks—this moderate hike welcomes 1,499 feet in elevation gain. Wipe the sweat and swap hiking boots for flip flops before heading to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool in town where five geothermal pools range in temperature from a relatively cool 74° to a soul-soothing 106°F. At the end of the day, settle into basecamp at the Amphitheater Campground a few miles outside of town. Set up under the shade of the surrounding peaks and pines and enjoy the peaceful remoteness of it all.

DESTINATION: PAGOSA SPRINGS

HIKE: Opal Lake

SOAK: The Springs Resort

CAMP: East Fork Campground

Treat yourself to a short but rewarding 2.4-mile roundtrip trek to a stunning reflective lake. Opal earned its name from the milky coloring it gets from inlet mineral deposits. This favorite family hike begins with a moderately steep grade before flattening out into gorgeous aspen stands and canopies of spruce and fir. In town, the Springs Resort celebrates a 2025 expansion that adds 20 new hot springs pools, a new geothermal spa, a geothermal greenhouse and a greenhouse-to-table restaurant to the already breathtaking resort. Fall into your tent exhausted in the very best way at the 26-site East Fork Campground, perched on a ridge above the East Fork of the San Juan River.

DESTINATION: GLENWOOD SPRINGS

HIKE: Grizzly Creek

SOAK: Iron Mountain Hot Springs

CAMP: Glenwood Canyon Resort

Bypass the crowds (and the required permit) at Hanging Lake and stroll Glenwood Canyon along Grizzly Creek. A great summer hike, the 7-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek for easy cool down splashes and pup sips along the way. Dip into 16 soaking pools on a terraced slope overlooking the Colorado River at Iron Mountain Hot Springs and reap the untreated and chemical-free benefits of the water’s natural minerals. For those who prefer to camp with running water and a real bed (we get it), bring your RV or book a cabin at Glenwood Canyon Resort. The only campground in Glenwood Canyon offers riverside stays just outside of town for easy access to shops and restaurants along with rafting, hiking and hot springs.

DESTINATION: STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

HIKE: Fish Creek Falls

SOAK: Strawberry Park Hot Springs

CAMP: Steamboat Lake State Park

Fish Creek Falls is incredibly popular for good reason. The 2.5-mile walk takes you from the parking lot to two amazing waterfalls. Cross bridges and rock outcroppings along this well-worn path and set up a picnic above the second waterfall for epic sunbathing and people watching. For an iconic Colorado hot springs experience, book a shuttle to rustic Strawberry Park and soak in natural pools surrounded by stone masonry and forested hillsides. (Tip: Strawberry Park is adult-only and clothing-optional after dark.) Looking for something a little more accessible? Old Town Hot Springs in the heart of Steamboat Springs is adding four new pools and a spacious deck this summer. Exhale and get away from it all with a campsite 27 miles north of town at Steamboat Lake State Park where paddleboarding, birding, fishing and boating await.

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Grand Junction

A SANDSTONE FOODIE AND BIKING OASIS ON THE WESTERN SLOPE

by Lisa Blake

Grand Junction is emerging as an economic hub, drawing attention for its buzzing commerce, I-70 access to all things west, sandstone and riverside recreation, and up-andcoming restaurant talent.

Here’s how to spend your time in Grand Junction this season:

Ride Bikes

Junction boasts some of the state’s most celebrated singletrack. Do like the locals do and hit up Lunch Loops. The trail system just 10 minutes from downtown serves up challenging terrain and spectacular views in a short punch of time.

Families and kiddos love the biking trails at Three Sisters Park and expert riders head straight to the notorious Palisade Plunge—a mixed bag of bold terrain with an ending rivaling Moab’s famed Whole Enchilada.

Hike The Colorado National Monument

Dubbed Colorado’s unofficial national park, the Colorado National Monument sits high on the Colorado Plateau. Hike into sandstone and granite canyons and enjoy popular trails like Devil’s Kitchen and Coke Ovens or challenge yourself on the longer Liberty Cap trail.

Get Out on the Water

Grand Junction lies at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, offering up tons of opportunities to float, paddle and play all summer. Paddleboard, kayak and tube the Colorado River at the 140-acre Las Colonias Park. The riverfront area is home to outdoor concerts and the Edgewater Brewery.

See the Wild Horses

Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Preserve is home to roughly 100 wild mustangs roaming more than 30,000 acres of rugged canyons and plateaus. One of only three ranges in the U.S. dedicated to protecting wild and free roaming horses, this is a true wild west sight to see.

Stroll the Sculptures

One of the nation’s first free outdoor sculpture exhibitions, downtown Grand Junction’s public art program turns 40 this year. Art on the Corner features more than 100 permanent sculptures from artists across the country and makes for an entertaining summer’s eve walkabout.

Eat + Drink

The local dining scene is heating up and chefs are calling on the agriculturally dense region’s bounty. Nosh innovative tacos at Tacoparty, dine on the rooftop at Devil’s Kitchen, see why everyone is talking about Bin 707 Foodbar, order wine flights and curated boards at Cruise Control Kitchen, and check out The Goat and Clover’s hearty Irish dishes.

Thirsty? Seek out talented brewers at Ramblebine Brewery, Base Camp Beer Works and Trail Life Brewery, where you can get your bike tuned while sipping an IPA. Savor craft cocktails fireside while you catch whiffs of the bordering lavender farm at Highlands Distillery.

TWO NOT-TO-MISS BIKE RIDES IN STEAMBOAT AND BRECK

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

AIRPORT GRAVEL GRINDER LOOP

22 MILES

When you hit the rural roads around Steamboat Springs, you can pedal for miles through ranch country, past hay bales and mountain passes with panoramic views of the surrounding Flat Tops. To get a small taste, this short, flattish loop involves 1,075 feet of climbing and descending with no major climbs and is suitable for gravel riding newbies. Comprised mostly of paved roads with

little motorized traffic and a few miles of smooth dirt, you start from downtown Steamboat and head west along the Yampa River Core trail, turning right on Elk River Road. After about a mile and a half, just past the airport, take a left on CR 44. You’ll suddenly feel you’re the only one on the road, except for the massive Sleeping Giant filling the landscape to your left. After pedaling past some curious horses

and ranch land, you’ll turn left on Hwy 40, then, after a little over a mile, a right onto dirt road CR 33. From here, you’ll begin to get a low bird’s eye view as you gradually climb and plateau, re-entering civilization. From 33 CR, you’ll complete the road loop and take a right onto the Yampa River trail to get back to town.

BRECKENRIDGE

FIRECRACKER LOOP

25 MILES

Some of the nation’s best mountain bikers hammer through this 25-mile loop twice every Fourth of July for the annual Firecracker 50 race. The route samples Breck’s most scenic singletrack, a gem for intermediate to expert riders (sorry, no e-bikes on the majority of these trails). Plan for at least 3 hours, gaining and losing about 3,400 feet. The race starts on the pavement from Main Street downtown to Boreas Pass Road, but riders wanting to hit dirt earlier can start at Carter Park, slogging up the switchbacks to Moonstone Rd, then quick left on Boreas. Continue past the gate onto the dirt Boreas Road, taking in the sweeping views of Quandary and other high peaks. After about 6 miles, take a left at Bakers Tank, the large red vessel used by the railroad during the mining days. From here, the next few turns are not well marked, so peek at a map. When the trail splits, stay right onto Mountain Pride, then left onto Pinball Alley. Turn right onto the wider dirt track (Iowa Mill Road). Continue past the historic Iowa Mill Mine and turn left onto Hannah’s Way. This section traverses across the wildflower-strewn Mt. Baldy for about a quarter mile. Turn left onto Nightmare on Baldy, descending fun, narrow switchbacks to Sallie Barber Mine. Turn right onto Sallie Barber Road and descend for 1.5 miles before a sharp right turn onto French Gulch Road. Pedal for about a half mile before turning left onto Little French. The toughest section of the ride, climb a rocky drainage where only heroes can stay in the saddle. At the top of the climb, turn left, cross the picturesque stream and continue onto Little French Flume. After about a mile, this becomes Lincoln Park Road. Again, consult a map as signage is unclear for several left turns. First left onto Forest Queen Road, then Prospect Hill Road, then onto Mineral Hill trail, then back onto Prospect Hill Road. The next left is clearly marked, a thrilling flow descent – Sidedoor. Freeriders, be sure to take the right-side off-shoots to hit log features and jumps. From the bottom of Sidedoor, turn left onto Minnie Mine. Cross French Gulch Road to Reiling Dredge, over a narrow wooden bridge. After passing the historic dredge (a machine used to mine gold) on your left, stay right on B&B. After about a mile, in an open meadow, turn left onto V3 and climb steadily over a couple tricky rock sections to a right on Barney Ford. Pedal for ¾ mile until a right onto Barney Flow. Enjoy the panorama of Breckenridge Ski Area as you swoop over a series of jumps. Cross Moonstone Road and continue right onto lower Barney Flow, with optional log and bridge features. When the trail splits at the flume, stay left to continue down the Carter Park switchbacks to finish.

Interesting Events at Elevation

HERE ARE A FEW EVENTS YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF HERE IN COLORADO’S MOUNTAIN TOWNS:

76th Annual Burro Days, Fairplay

July 25–27, 2025

Fairplay’s most beloved summer tradition returns for another year of quirky races, live entertainment, and family fun! Get Yur Ass Up the Pass™ and celebrate the rich mining history of Fairplay with a weekend packed with events for all ages.

What to Expect: Burro Races, Parade, Unique Races , Arts, Crafts & Food Vendors, Live Music & Entertainment, Cowboy Church Service and Family Fun. Make it a weekend getaway and experience all that Burro Days and Fairplay have to offer! Stay tuned for more details as the event gets closer.

www.exploreparkcounty.com/event/burro-days

Carve Wars, Purgatory Resort

August 1 -3 , 2025

The greatest chainsaw carving competition in the country returns to Purgatory Resort! Come watch these amazing artists create magnificent works of art right before your eyes! Grab a raffle ticket on Saturday of the event for a chance to win a free carving! Winners are chosen after 3pm Saturday, during the auction.

You can bid on your favorite works during the auctions on Saturday and Sunday and take home your newest piece of home decor!

www.purgatory.ski/event/carve-wars

Heritage Fire Snowmass, Snowmass Village

August 2, 2025

Heritage Fire Snowmass returns to Snowmass Village, Saturday, Aug. 2! The town’s largest annual culinary event, Heritage Fire is a live-fire, open-air tasting experience featuring some ofColorado’s most talented chefs who take attendees on a delectable journey set against the stunning backdrop of the Roaring Fork Valley.

www.heritagefiretour.com/tour-dates/snowmass-co

Aspen Fashion Week, Aspen

August 7 – 12, 2025

Aspen Fashion Week is a highly anticipated event that promises to be more than just a series of runway shows. It is a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation and the rich tapestry of the fashion industry. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Aspen, this inaugural event will bring together the fashion elite, designers, influencers and enthusiasts alike, all eager to witness the unveiling of groundbreaking designs that reflect contemporary trends and the unique style of Aspen. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities including captivating runway shows that showcase the latest collections, exclusive pop-up shops featuring emerging designers and curated workshops designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

www.aspenfashionweek.com

Bites & Bubbles at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, Leadville

August 23, 2025

This is a first ever Food and Wine Festival at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, it’s a collection of local Colorado artisans promoting their libations and snacks. The event is for all ages and will also feature art, music, mobile sauna, and nature exploration on their trails.

www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/bites-bubbles-at-tennesseepass-nordic-center

Crested Butte Film Festival

September 24 - 28, 2025

Enjoy exceptional immersive and captivating films in a unique mountain setting. Crested Butte Film Festival enriches their audiences by sharing conversation and community while connecting us to the larger world. CBFF is a community-based film festival for the people of the Gunnison Valley Region & everyone adventurous enough to make the journey. Founded in 2011, the festival brings the best new films of the year to Crested Butte at the peak of scenic aspen season.

www.cbfilmfestival.org

Durango Cowboy Gathering, Durango

October 1 - 5, 2025

The Durango Cowboy Gathering is a fun-filled five-day event that captures the true spirit of the American cowboy through song, music, and stories. Cowboy poets and musicians from all across the country will perform in various venues throughout Durango, including the Doubletree and Strater Hotels. They also will visit area schools to entertain students with stories and songs about our Western culture and lifestyle. www.durangocowboygathering.org

Original Thinkers. Telluride

October 2- 5, 2025

Original Thinkers endeavors to discover and introduce new thinking around the complexities and challenges of our ever changing world. Original Thinkers curates creative, fresh and thought-provoking programming that shines a spotlight on a host of new voices, artists, thinkers, storytellers, and visionaries and invites audiences on a transformative journey to listen, think deeply, see possibility and embrace new ideas.

www.originalthinkers.com

June 15, 2025

JUNE

Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com/event/estes-park-marathon/15830/

June 15, 2025

FIBike MTB Race, Salida www.colorfulcolorado.com

June 17, 2025

Mountain Goat Kids’ Trail Running Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/athletic-events/ mountain-goat-kids-trail-running-series/

June 17 – 23, 2025

Artsweek Golden, Golden www.foothillsartcenter.org/art-events/artsweek/

June 17, 2025

Pagosa Night Rodeo, Pagosa Springs www.visitpagosasprings.com/index.php?section=events&evtid=5397

June 17 – 19, 2025

Vail Lacrosse Tournament, Vail www.vail.com

June 18, 2025

Snowmass Rodeo, Aspen/Snowmass www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-rodeo/2025-06-18/

June 18, 2025

Summer Lecture Series, Early Mountaineering in Summit County. Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/history-heritage-events/historic-lecture-series/

June 18, 2025

Davos Dash – Mtn Bike Race, Vail www.vail.com

June 19, 2025

Wild West Rodeo, Carbondale www.carbondale.com/events/

June 19 – 22, 2025

Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-bluegrass-festival/

June 20 – 22, 2025

Food & Wine Classic, Aspen www.aspensnowmass.com

June 20, 2025

Grand Opening of Creekside Park, Beaver Creek Resort www.beavercreek.com/

June 20, 2025

Cowboys Forever Foundation Rodeo Series, Eagle www.eagleoutside.com/events-calendar-2/

June 20 – 22, 2025

Strawberry Days Festival, Glenwood Springs www.glenwoodchamber.com/strawberry-days/

June 20 – 22, 2025

Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/calendar#!event/2025/6/20/leadville-trail-100-runcamp

June 21, 2025

Snowmass Community Kickoff, AspenSnowmass www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-community-kickoff/

June 21, 2025

Estes Park’s Backyard Ultra Race, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com/event/estes-parksbackyard-ultra-race/15562/

June 21, 2025

Summer Pop-Up: Solar Pop-Up the Summer Solstice, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/history-heritage-events/historic-lecture-series/

June 21 – 22, 2025

Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

June 21, 2025

San Juan Solstice, Lake City www.businessdirectory.lakecity.com

June 21, 2025

Reds Whites and Brews, Steamboat Springs www.steamboatchamber.com/event/redswhites-and-brews/9044/

June 22, 2025

Silverthorne Art Stroll, Silverthorne www.silverthorne.org

June 24 – August 5, 2025

SBP Race Series, Aspen/ Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/sbprace-series

June 24, 2025

Friends of Folk Music Festival, Estes Park www.estesartsdistrict.org/friends-of-folk-festival.html

June 24, 2025

Pagosa Night Rodeo, Pagosa Springs www.visitpagosasprings.com/index.php?section=events&evtid=5397

June 25, 2025

Snowmass Rodeo, Aspen/Snowmass www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-rodeo/2025-06-25/

June 25, 2025

Summer Lecture Series, Backyard Garden Judo, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/history-heritage-events/historic-lecture-series/

June 25, 2025

Son of Middle Creek Enduro, Vail www.vail.com

June 26, 2025

Sinfónica de Minería in Avon, Avon www.avon.org/2525/Sinfnica-de-Minera-in-Avon

June 26, 2025

Wild West Rodeo, Carbondale www.carbondale.com/events

June 26, 2025

Music and Market in the Square, Kremmling www.business.kremmlingchamber.com

June 26 – 29, 2025

SBT GRVL, Steamboat Springs www.steamboatchamber.com/event/sbtgrvl/9045/

June 26 – 29, 2025

Telluride Yoga Festival, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-yoga-festival/

June 27 – 29, 2025

Breckenridge Agave Festival, Breckenridge www.gobreck.com/event/breckenridge-agave-festival

June 27, 2025

Cowboys Forever Foundation Rodeo Series, Eagle www.eagleoutside.com/events-calendar-2/

June 27 – 28, 2025

Flight Days, Eagle www.eagleoutside.com/events-calendar-2/

June 27, 2025

Fruita Fourth Friday, Fruita www.fruita.org/parksrec/page/fruita-fourthfriday

June 27 – 29, 2025

2025 Blues From The Top Music Festival, Winter Park www.playwinterpark.com

June 28, 2025

Aspen Gran Fondo, Aspen/Snowmass www.gosnowmass.com

June 28, 2025

Summer Block Party, Aspen/Snowmass www.gosnowmass.com

June 28, 2025

Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com

June 28, 2025

Slacker Half Marathon, Relay and 4 Mile Races, Loveland Ski Area www.visitclearcreek.com/featured-events/

June 28, 2025

Ridgway RiverFest, Ridgway www.ridgwaycolorado.com

June 28 – July 6, 2025

Vail Lacrosse Shootout, Vail www.vail.com

June 29, 2025

ArtWalk, Crested Butte www.artistsofcrestedbutte.org/art-walk/

June 29, 2025

The Mines of Mount Royal Bike Tour, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

June 29, 2025

Summer Pop-Up: Birds of Prey at the Historic Park Gazebo, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

June 30 – July 6, 2025

Telluride Plein Air, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-plein-air/

JULY

July 1, 2025

Mountain Goat Kids’ Trail Running Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/

July 1, 2025

Rim Rock Rodeo, Fruita www.gofruita.com/event/rim-rock-rodeo/

July 2, 2025

Wellness Wednesday – Freedom Flow, Dillon www.townofdillon.com

July 2, 2025

True Western Roundup, Durango www.durango.com/event/true-western-roundup/

July 2, 2025

Summer Lecture Series, Stories of the Mountain Man Trapper, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/history-heritage-events/historic-lecture-series/

July 2, 2025

Walkabout Wednesday, Palisade www.palisadecoc.com/walkabout-wednesday/

July 2, 2025

Summer Wednesday Art Walks, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/summer-wednesday-art-walks/

July 3, 2025

39th Annual Salute to the USA, Avon www.avon.org/414/Salute-to-the-USA

July 3, 2025

Wild West Rodeo, Carbondale www.carbondale.com/events

July 3, 2025

MTCB Independence Day Celebration, Mt. Crested Butte www.gunnisonvalleycalendar.com

July 3, 2025

Fireworks Display, Fruita www.gofruita.com/event/fireworks-display/

July 3 – 6, 2025

4th of July, Granby www.destinationgranby.com/events/4th-of-july/

July 3 – 4, 2025

Independence Day Celebration, Lake City https://businessdirectory.lakecity.com/events

July 3, 2025

MTCB Independence Day Celebration, Mt. Crested Butte www.gunnisonvalleycalendar.com

July 3 – 6, 2025

Park 2 Park Artisan & Food Market, Pagosa Springs www.visitpagosasprings.com/index.php?section=events&evtid=7056

July 3 – 4, 2025

75th Annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, Pagosa Springs www.visitpagosasprings.com

July 3 – 5, 2025

Fourth of July Celebration, Steamboat Springs www.steamboatchamber.com/event/ fourth-of-july-celebration/9046/

July 3, 2025

Telluride Art Walk, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-art-walk/

July 4 – 5, 2025

South Park Bluegrass Festival, Alma www.exploreparkcounty.com/event/ south-park-bluegrass-festival/ July 4, 2025

Independence, Beaver Creek Resort www.beavercreek.com

July 4, 2025

4th of July Celebration, Breckenridge wwwgobreck.com/event

July 4 – 6, 2025

Annual Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade, Buena Vista https://business.buenavistacolorado.org/events/

July 4, 2925

Fourth of July Old Fashioned Family Parade, Carbondale www.carbondale.com/events/

July 4 – 5, 2025

Red, White, Brews & Tunes presented by Odell Brewing Co, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

July 4, 2025

First Friday, Durango www.durango.com/event/first-friday

July 4, 2025

July 4th in Durango, Durango www.durango.com/event/july-4th-in-durango/

July 4, 2025

July 4th Kids’ Bike Parade, Eagle www.eagleoutside.com/events

July 4, 2025

Cowboys Forever Foundation Rodeo Series, Eagle wwweagleoutside.com/events-calendar-2/

July 4, 2025

4th of July, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com

July 4, 2025

First Friday! Art Groove, Estes Park www.estesartsdistrict.org/first-friday.html

July 4, 2025

Frisco’s Fabulous 4th of July, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/festival-events/ frisco-fabulous-4th-of-july/

July 4, 025

4th of July Kids’ Fishing Derby, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

July 4, 2025

4th of July Celebration, Glenwood Springs www.visitglenwood.com/area-info/signature-events/

July 4 – 5, 2025

Summer Holiday Weekend Entertainment, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park www.glenwoodcaverns.com/events/

July 4, 2025

4th of July, Golden www.visitgolden.com/events/annual-events/4th-of-july-festival/

July 4, 2025

Independence Day Fireworks, Grand Lake www.gograndlake.com/4th-of-july-fireworks/

July 4, 2025

Fire up the Cliffs, Kremmling https://business.kremmlingchamber.com/

July 4, 2025

July 4th in Leadville, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/listing/july-4thin-leadville/

July 4, 2025

First Friday Art Walk, Montrose www.visitmontrose.com/event/first-friday-artwalk/2148/

July 4, 2025

4th of July in Ouray, Ouray www.cityofouray.com/news_detail_T2_R585. php

July 4 – 5, 2025

Paonia Cherry Days, Paonia www.paoniacherrydays.com/

July 4, 2025

First Friday Art Walk, Ridgway www.ridgwayfuse.org/firstfridays

July 4, 2025

Annual July 4th Kids Fishing Derby, Salida

July 4, 2025

First Fridays in the Salida Creative District, Salida www.salidachamber.org

July 4, 2025

Fourth of July Concert with the National Repertory Orchestra & July First Friday Concert with Robert Randolph, Silverthorne www.silverthorne.org

July 4, 2025

Silverton’s 4th of July Celebration, Silverton www.silvertoncolorado.com/events

July 4 – August 23, 2025

Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series, Steamboat Springs www.steamboatchamber.com/event/steamboat-pro-rodeo-series/9043/

July 4, 2025

Rundola, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/rundola/

July 4, 2025

Vail America Days, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/vail-america-days-4/

July 4, 2025

Rendezvous Run for Independence, Winter Park www.playwinterpark.com/article/rendezvous-run-independence

July 4, 2025

4th of July Celebration, Winter Park www.playwinterpark.com

July 5 – 10, 2025

Estes Park’s Rooftop Rodeo, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com/event/estes-parks-rooftop-rodeo/15959/

July 5, 2025

Goods in the Woods, Keystone Resort www.warrenstation.com/event

THERE ARE SO MANY EVENTS WE CANNOT FIT THEM ALL - SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW AND LEARN ABOUT THEM ON OUR WEBSITE:

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