• Homes starting at 1800 square foot
• 3-car garage minimum / RV garages allowed
• Custom design available
• RV parking and storage on site
• Stucco exteriors with optional stone accents
• Architectural 30-year shingles
• Nature’s Composite fencing
• Pressurized irrigation to lot
• Parks & walking paths
• LOT SALE from $170,000+ Bring your builder
Enjoy an intimate, boutique amphitheater experience in Grand Junction’s beautiful riverfront backyard.
S E E T H E S U M M E R S C H E D U L E : T H E A M P G J . C O M
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Grand Junction’s first-of-its-kind, highly anticipated subdivision, offering resort-style amenities designed for an exceptional lifestyle. This groundbreaking event is your chance to explore the community location, connect with our team, and meet future neighbors. A luncheon will follow immediately after the ceremony at an offsite location.
Groundbreaking | Tuesday, June 17 | 11am
2981 B 1/2 Road
Grand Junction CO 81503
Followed by a light lunch at an offsite location
Info Session | Sunday, July 6 | 2-4pm
Explore Chipeta Hollows: Info and Insights
Chipeta Golf Course
Please RSVP to Wendi Gechter at wendi@boabuilders.com or Abby Schaefer at abby@boabuilders.com
Want a sneak peek at what’s in store? You can visit our website and view plans, videos and more by scanning the QR code.
Resort Style Amenities
Low Maintenance Community
LUXURY RANCH HOMES FROM THE $400S
Landscaping Maintenance Included. Private, Garden Courtyards. Lock & Leave Lifestyle.
COMMUNITY LOCATION
2981 B1/2 Road Grand Junction, CO 81503
MAKER
Lathrop Craft Cutlery: Local Bladesmith Creates Handmade, Quality Kitchen Knives
ART
Rolling Canvas: The Gant’s Creative Community Connection
MUSIC
Summer Beats: Where to See Live Music on the Western Slope FOOD Rooted in Resilience:
Athlete
As summer unfolds across Western Colorado, we enter a season of sunlit mornings, winding trails and wide-open skies. There’s a unique energy to this time of year — an invitation to move, to explore and to imagine what lies just beyond the ridgeline. The horizon feels closer and more attainable, yet still full of mystery and promise.
The theme of this issue is a celebration of that forward-looking mindset. Whether you’re venturing into unfamiliar terrain, starting something new or simply pausing to soak in the view, summer reminds us there is always more to discover — about the world, about others and about ourselves.
In these pages, we spotlight courageous athletes and inspiring adventures while also honoring the quiet beauty of outdoor spaces — from blooming wildflowers to peaceful patio inspiration. We embrace the season’s spirit, raising a glass to all things rosé and to a bourbon collaboration that helps protect our land. As always, we celebrate the arts, featuring a maker of handcrafted cutlery, a mobile artist-in-residence program, seasonal recipes and the vibrant sounds of live music across the region.
These stories reflect a shared pull toward fresh perspectives, wild beauty, bold creativity and the determination to keep moving even when the path is steep. As we look toward the horizon, both individually and together, we’re reminded that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Here’s to the season ahead. May your summer be filled with long light, open trails and the kind of moments that make you pause, breathe deep and keep going.
Kim
Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux +baby Emery and Pepper pup Publishers of Spoke+Blossom Founders of Jaunt Media Collective
Keep in touch with us between issues! Check out our website, spokeandblossom.com, for updates and events, and follow us on social media.
Founder Robin Brown
Publisher
Jaunt Media Collective
Editor-In-Chief
Kim Fuller
Managing Editor
Lexi Marshall
Assistant Editor
Kristen Grace
Art Director
Kitty Nicholason
Community Engagement
Chloe Wasserstrom
Editorial Intern
Jude Bolick
Partnerships
Bobby L’Heureux
Contributors
Ethan J. Adams
Julie Bielenberg
Lisa Blake
E Brumm
Rachael Carlevale
Angela Christensen
Jad Davenport
Charlotte Douglas
Irene Durante
Kim Fuller
Jayme Henderson
Kylea Henseler
Paige Kaptuch
Mitch Korolev
Joe Kusumoto
Duane Lofton
Kristen Lummis
Cover Photograph
Lexi Marshall
Cat Mayer
Chloe Mayer
Maureen McGuire
Kimberly Nicoletti
Ursula Nizalowski
Nickolas Paullus
Jim Pisarowicz
Penelope Powell
Dave Smith
Mary Smith
Sharon Sullivan
Skye Taylor-Lahood
Angela Vesco
Chloe Wasserstrom
Jennifer Weintraub
Melanie Wiseman
Fly Fishing at Wanderland Outdoors
Courtesy of Wanderland Outdoors
Spoke+Blossom Magazine
Jaunt Media Collective 2077 N. Frontage Road / D Vail, CO 81657
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Get in touch! We would love to hear from you. Please send your comments to letters@spokeandblossom.com.
Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission. Printed in Colorado.
Kylea is a freelance journalist and reporter for the Montrose Daily Press. She enjoys writing about the outdoors, travel, culture and local business, and in her free time can be found in the gym or on the slopes.
Paige is a writer, mother and runner in Western Colorado. Her writing has appeared in Runner’s World/Apple News Plus Narrated, Swamp Pink, The Forge, Epiphany and The Masters Review. She has an MFA in fiction from the University of Arizona and just finished her debut novel.
Ursula graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2015. Since then, she has written “YouTube and Me: A Troubling Relationship” in the Green River Anthology, “YOLO” in CMU’s publication The Literary Review and journalistic pieces for the Beacon Senior News and Spoke+Blossom
Kristen is a writer based in Western Colorado. With a background in public policy, raising boys and wrangling dogs, Lummis founded the award-winning snowsports website braveskimom.com in 2010. She is co-author of a book documenting the history of Colorado Mesa University which will be released in summer 2025.
Mitch is a nature photographer and environmental scientist based out of Grand Junction. He seeks to bridge science and art through his engaging imagery of landscapes, wildlife and scientific research. His previous work includes documenting climate change research in the Amazon rainforest.
Sharon is a Grand Junction-based freelance journalist who writes for newspapers, magazines and nonprofit organizations. She has won a Colorado Society of Professional Journalists award and multiple Colorado Press Association awards. In her free time, she enjoys hiking Western Colorado’s public lands.
THE EVER-EXPANDING BOUNDARY OF PERSPECTIVE, POSSIBILITY AND EXPERIENCE. A SHIFTING LINE BETWEEN THE KNOWN AND THE UNKNOWN, URGING EXPLORATION, GROWTH AND NEW BEGINNINGS.
We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic
Compiled by S+B Staff
TAELOUR WAGLER
Owner of The Middle Wellness Center
“At The Middle Wellness in Grand Junction, horizons aren’t endpoints — they’re invitations to embrace life’s liminal spaces. Here, where desert mesas stretch into sky, the horizon mirrors our own journeys: a reminder that growth thrives in the ‘middle,’ where endings and beginnings blur.
Liminality — the art of dwelling in transition — is where healing unfolds. Like the Colorado River shaping ancient rock, we navigate thresholds: between pain and ease, stagnation and renewal. True wellness isn’t about racing toward the horizon, but grounding into the ‘now.’
Our therapies honor this in-between. Through massage and mindfulness, we guide you to find strength in uncertainty, trusting the process as deeply as the desert trusts its endless sky.”
Founding Director of She Has A Name “As a Western Colorado native and the founding director of She Has A Name, horizon speaks to the space between what we know and what could be. In Kenya, I’ve watched young women stand at the edge of possibility with education becoming the bridge from survival to purpose. Here at home, I see our community stretching toward compassion and action. Horizon invites us all to expand — our empathy, our reach, our vision. The horizon is not a limit but a dream. Together, we get to expand — lifting others as we look beyond what we’ve known into what’s waiting.”
Owner of KAI Dispensary “Growing up in Western Colorado, my earliest memories are exploring the winding slot canyons of the Colorado National Monument. We didn’t call them slot canyons then — they were ‘lemon squeezers,’ and they instilled in my siblings and me a lifelong desire to explore. The same way those canyons have shifted over the millennia, Grand Junction continues to see new growth and changes. In our own way, we look to rethink what a retail cannabis experience can be. Filled with the same enthusiasm I had as a kid exploring the rising red sandstone walls, I set out to build a truly remarkable space, and offer a new experience to the community I love. KAI is a place for dreamers, always looking to the horizon for the next adventure.”
what's up in the west
Words by Lexi Marshall | Photos courtesy of Canyon Spirit
The luxury rail experience that has been drawing visitors to Western Colorado since 2021 is getting a new name and an expanded route. Rocky Mountaineer, which has operated its popular Rockies to the Red Rocks route connecting Denver to Moab, Utah, will rebrand as Canyon Spirit beginning in 2026, while adding a third day to the journey that will extend all the way to Salt Lake City.
“For the past 34 years, our luxury rail journeys in Canada and the United States have lived within our Rocky Mountaineer brand,” explains Nicole Ford, vice president of communications, sustainability and stakeholder relations at Armstrong Collective. “By rebranding our southwest rail journeys as Canyon Spirit, guests and partners will have greater clarity about which region of the world they will travel through, and their experience will be even
more closely connected to the rugged, charming landscapes and culture of the southwest.”
For Western Colorado communities like Glenwood Springs that have benefited from overnight stays by rail passengers, the news signals continued tourism interest in the region.
“In 2026, we will continue to offer our twoday Rockies to the Red Rocks route which travels between Denver and Moab with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs,” Ford notes. “This will operate in addition to our new three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route which will extend to Salt Lake City. Guests on both the two-day and threeday journeys will experience the natural beauty and hospitality of Western Colorado with time to spend in Glenwood Springs and Denver.”
The expanded three-day trip launches April 21, 2026, with weekly westbound departures from Denver and eastbound from Salt Lake City.
Prices start at $2,123 per person plus tax, with overnight accommodation in Glenwood Springs and Moab.
One hallmark of the luxury train experience has been its emphasis on regional cuisine and storytelling, something the company plans to continue developing under the Canyon Spirit brand.
“Our Rockies to the Red Rocks route features rich storytelling from our onboard hosts that speaks to the history and landscapes of the areas the train travels through,” says Ford. “This storytelling will continue to expand under the Canyon Spirit brand as our team looks for new stories and interesting facts about the region.”
Passengers can expect menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients such as honey glazed Colorado trout, plus baked goods from Gateaux Bakery in Denver and Afternoon Delight Bakery in Glenwood Springs. The dining experience is complemented by Colorado wines, beers, ciders, spirits, tea and coffee served onboard.
“Our guests will continue to have overnight hotel stays in both Glenwood Springs and Moab as part of our two- and three-day routes,” Ford says. “While in these communities, guests dine and shop in local restaurants and stores, visit local attractions and enjoy local tours. We work with local businesses and tourism organizations in each of the destinations to enhance our guest
experience and provide value to the communities where we operate.”
As a preview of what’s to come, Canyon Spirit is rolling out a summer getaway package that highlights the charm of Glenwood Springs. Guests depart from Denver and enjoy two nights in the scenic mountain town, with access to Glenwood Hot Springs and the newly reopened Yampah mineral baths, plus complimentary breakfast. The round-trip rail journey runs on select dates in June, July and August. Colorado residents booking 2025 or 2026 trips can also save $100 per person (or $200 per couple) when reserving by November 20, 2026.
According to Ford, the train experience offers “unparalleled journeys in our spacious glass-dome trains thanks to the incredible natural scenery, delicious cuisine, attentive service and friendly, social atmosphere.”
Western Colorado communities have more than a year to prepare for this next chapter in luxury rail tourism, ensuring that local businesses can continue to benefit from the visitors who come to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the region from the comfort of a glass-domed train car. :
For more information or to book a journey, visit thecanyonspirit.com, or call their sales center for Colorado resident specials.
Words by Ursula Nizalowski | Photo courtesy of Mary Smith
With summer arriving on the Western Slope, there’s no better time than now to cool off in a refreshing pool. But for the community of Hotchkiss, their public pool is more than just a place to beat the heat — it’s marking 30 years of operation this season.
Originally established on July 12, 1995, the North Fork Pool was born out of a committee’s determination that the North Fork area needed a swimming facility. Through district approval and a generous donation of land by the Horvath family, an 8-acre outdoor area with a pool now stands at 333 Bulldog St. in Hotchkiss. Since then, further additions were built such as a heated therapy pool and nearby skatepark in Paonia. Although the pool has faced its fair share of challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it continued to operate by offering small group reservations.
Then in 2022, a microburst storm flooded the pool with mud, forcing it to shut down. Luckily, “all the lifeguards chipped in to clean” after the Hotchkiss Fire Department drained the pool “and people brought lunches and snacks for the crews while they were working,” says Mary Smith, aquatics manager of North Fork Pool. As a result, the pool reopened after being closed for only eight days. Smith says the pool is loved by the Hotchkiss community not only for its nostalgic feel, but because it serves to keep people aware of water safety through programs offered to kids and adults alike.
These programs include swimming lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics classes and guided workouts. In addition, there’s a Red Cross certification program for people training to be lifeguards, including high school students. For this reason, the pool’s season of operation is “dependent on when the high school lets out for the summer so that we have enough time to get our lifeguards trained,” Smith states. But typical seasons tend to be three months that last through most of summer with reduced hours once the fall semester starts for the high school.
Now for its 30th year, North Fork Pool is going to be open May 31 to Aug. 30, 2025. Various celebratory activities will be occurring throughout the season alongside “fitness challenges that’ll be accessible to all ages and all fitness levels” with prizes given, according to Smith. A dedication ceremony is also being held in June for the Miners Trail being constructed that will connect the pool to the Delta County Fairgrounds to give people a safer route to the pool on-foot and by bike. :
For more information, contact the North Fork Pool Office at 970.872.4244 or facebook.com/NorthForkRecreation.
Words by Sharon Sullivan
Central High School English teacher and newspaper advisor Veronica Daehn Harvey no longer has to use the old desktop computer speakers she purchased at Goodwill to help students hear the lessons she prepares. Thanks to the 21st Century Digital Classroom award her class received, there are now new speakers installed in the ceiling which project audio loud enough for every student to hear.
Harvey’s students also benefit from a new smart board that serves as a second computer monitor that she uses to impart lessons with the touch of her finger. Plus, new microphones that hook up to the new speaker system ensure that hard-of-hearing students can always hear her voice.
In April, the D51 Foundation, a nonprofit that supports local public schools by providing
private support for key education initiatives, donated $35,000 to outfit 10 schools in the Grand Valley with a 21st Century Digital Classroom to help prioritize technology and innovation.
“It’s amazing that the D51 Foundation supports teachers through technology grants such as this,” Harvey says. “I feel very lucky that my classroom was chosen. It really has positively affected the experience in my classroom.”
Items that can be included in 21st Century Digital Classrooms include a teacher computer, pre-wired electrical raceway, an Aquos (smart) Board, document camera, instructional audio system and an interactive video camera.
Other D51 Foundation priorities include funding professional learning for staff, and promoting student and staff wellness, says Angela Christensen, D51 Foundation executive director.
“We seek input from teachers and principals to determine where the funding is most needed,” Christensen says. “Different classrooms receive different equipment. The foundation has supported 35 classrooms with 21st Century Digital technology since the D51 Foundation was founded by community leaders in 2010.”
R-5 High School, an alternative public school with nine classrooms of mixed grades, received an Aquos Board which will replace an old projector with dim lighting. The school also gained a ceiling speaker system and a document camera, which allows students to easily share their work live in the classroom.
The new equipment is used every day, mentions R-5 principal Nick Steinmetz. “The teacher is thrilled,” Steinmetz says. “Our teachers rotate classrooms so the technology is available to multiple teachers and all students.”
The technology and innovation gifts were paid for via money raised from D51 Foundation’s White Iced Celebration, an annual fundraiser held in February.
Last fall, the foundation gave more than $7,500 to District 51 staff for technology and innovation needs in the classroom. The nonprofit
organization distributes various other grants throughout the year, too.
Other Mesa County schools who received the 21st Century Digital Classroom award include Fruita Middle School, Mount Garfield Middle School, West Middle School, Grand Mesa Middle School, Bookcliff Middle School, Redlands Middle School, Fruita Monument High School and Palisade High School. :
Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photos by Jim Pisarowicz
After moving to Colorado in 2008, Mary Menz “nerded out” while hiking, and just had to know everything there was to know about native plants. Today, she could not be more enthusiastic about sharing her passion with others.
Menz, a retired award-winning writer, partnered with locally recognized Colorado flora photographer, Jim Pisarowicz, to publish two books: Common Wildflowers of the San Juan Mountains and, most recently, Wildflowers of Colorado’s Western Slope. With over 3,200 species of native flowering plants in Colorado, no book covers them all, but Menz’s book highlights 360 and is the only one specific to the Western Slope.
Both books include sighting logs for reference or memento.
“After becoming a hobbyist, I have been mentored by many botanists, attended conferences and became a Colorado Native Plant Master through the statewide CSU extension program,” says Menz. “I started teaching the class in 2013, helping students create their own love of flora out in nature versus cultivated plants from a garden center.”
According to Menz, there is only one true way to observe flora — “the botanist pose.”
On hands and knees, using hand lenses, she and students closely observe many unique
characteristics such as the number of petals and ray flowers, shape or color of the leaf and how it feels between your fingers and, yes, even hair.
“In botany there are more than 300 words to describe how hairy a plant might be,” says Menz. “To identify a species, you need to see if the hairs are pointing up or down, star or feather shaped.”
Observing plants in every phase of their development can be especially interesting. Some flora petals may actually look different after being pollinated.
“The Utah sweet pea vine fades from white to a rusty color, signaling pollinators to not waste their time here and move on to another flower,” says Menz.
Pollinators can range from butterflies and moths to flies, beetles, ants and hummingbirds. Many plants have specialized fly pollinators, like the prairie coneflower, whose associated fly has developed camouflage that matches the inside of the flower to avoid being eaten by birds. The yucca plant has a specific moth pollinator. Without the moth, no yuccas (and vice versa).
“American pika spend their entire summer haying — cutting and cashing stacks of wildflowers to be eaten all winter,” says Menz. “It’s fun to know beautiful flora are not just here to look at, but serve a purpose for animals and plants.”
Learning to observe the environment surrounding a plant is a key part of appreciating flora. What kind of ecosystem does it grow in? What trees, animals and pollinators share its space? Is the area moist or dry? Does the plant grow in water? What’s the elevation? Has the climate shifted? Are the plants emerging earlier or later than usual?
“The sole purpose of flora is to grow, flower and go to seed,” says Menz. “That’s all they’re thinking about.”
All plants have Latin names allowing scientists around the world to communicate in the same language. Common names are derived from people in different regions based on oral history.
“My favorite flower?” Menz ponders. “Lady’s slipper orchid (Calypso bulbosa). It just makes my heart sing!” :
Scenic Drives: Grand Mesa, Owl Creek Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Kebler Pass
Hikes: Highland Mary Lake Trail (Silverton), Cross Mountain Trail (Telluride), The Colorado Trail (Molas Pass), Crag Crest Trail (Grand Mesa)
Tips + Tools: Download the iNaturalist app to map your route, identify plants and share your findings.
• Want to deepen your wildflower knowledge? Join the Colorado Native Plant Society or explore CSU extension classes in Durango or Grand Junction.
• Wildflowers bloom on the Western Slope from April through October, with peak season in the high country typically hitting in July.
• Don’t miss the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, happening July 11–20, 2025, featuring more than 150 wildflower-themed programs. Learn more at crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org.
Words by Jennifer Weintraub | Photo by Kitty Nicholason
Your home is your oasis: a safe space for peace and quiet amidst the busyness of life. But once the weather warms up, the living room loses its charm. We move outside, spending hours soaking in the warm summer air and fresh breeze, only to realize that our backyard isn’t so private.
The pesky neighbor peering over your fence when you step outside for a quiet moment does not provide the sense of solitude you crave from your outside abode. Instead, you shuffle back inside because the idea of small talk before coffee is just too much to handle.
Your backyard should be an extension of your home — a place where you can be your ordinary or eccentric self. Whether you’re sipping wine at sunset, reading a book during the early morning hours or stealing a few minutes of solitude between Zoom calls and snack breaks, privacy transforms an outdoor space into a personal sanctuary. It’s not about completely shutting the world out — it’s about establishing a boundary where your world can breathe.
Luckily, there are easy strategic updates to block out the outside and add beauty inside your space. Ready to reclaim your backyard? Here’s how to hide in plain sight, but with style.
Nature knows best when it comes to privacy. Living fences are lush, effective and look way better than
a boring beige fence. However, you need to be aware of the proper placement of plants.
“Location is everything,” explains Stephanie Bertroch at Bookcliff Gardens in Grand Junction. “You could plant anything and have a beautiful space, but could run into failure for plants to thrive in the future if they’re not selected correctly based on environmental factors like water and sun exposure.” It’s recommended to consult a nursery or garden center before you dig.
For climbing coverage, reach for vines. They wind around trellises, fences or archways, serving as low-maintenance options that provide fast-growing coverage. Bertroch recommends the black-eyed Susan — a stunning, bushy vine that climbs fences and blooms with canaryyellow blossoms. Or, the trumpet vine is a fastgrowing climber that flaunts flowers in shades of pink, red and orange.
Prefer privacy with permanence? Trees and shrubs provide coverage and are relatively easy to care for. Woody conifer trees, such as juniper and blue spruce, grow tall and maintain their leaves throughout the year. In contrast, deciduous trees, such as crab apple, hawthorn or Japanese tree lilac, offer beautiful, full leafy coverage but shed their leaves in the fall. Additionally, Bertroch explains that shrubs such as Hicks Yew and other varieties are ideal for living walls because they’re thick, narrow and tall — but often require trimming.
Want something simple yet stylish? Panels and partitions create privacy and inject personality into your backyard.
Forget a plain white picket fence. Modern privacy screens are equal parts stylish and smart, providing architecturally interesting elements that make a statement. Laser-cut metal panels create intricate shadows and patterns as the sun moves through the sky, turning a functional barrier into a work of art. Lattices, slatted wood and geometric partitions can all create a sense of separation without feeling like you’re building a fortress.
Need something less committal? Foldable panels and retractable screens are ideal for renters or indecisive decorators who want a flexible option for privacy.
Decorate with curtains beyond the bedroom. Outdoor curtains add softness and flair, transforming patios into private cabanas. Suspend them from a pergola or rod installed
along your covered porch to infuse color, texture and privacy. Lightweight fabrics create a breezy, romantic ambiance while heavier options provide more coverage and a cozy, cocooned feeling.
Blocking views from the side is one thing — but what about those second-story windows staring straight into your backyard?
Sail shades are chic and modern, blocking both the sun and prying eyes. Pergolas are perfect for creating an architectural canopy, defining space and providing dappled shade.
Bonus: String bistro lights or add lanterns to turn your private paradise into a cozy twilight lounge.
Privacy isn’t just about blocking views or muffling noise. It’s about creating a serene sanctuary. A place where you can read, nap, entertain or simply exhale — without feeling like you’re on display. Most of all, it should feel like home, even when you’re outside. :
Words + Photos by Jayme Henderson
Fresh blackberries, summer gin and herbal sparkling water come together in this Blackberry Gin Smash. While blackberries are the primary flavor component and the obvious source for the lively pop of color here, it is the cocktail’s lesser-known acidic component — verjus — that deserves further appreciation and explanation.
Directly translated from French, verjus means “green juice.” Verjus is the sour, fresh-pressed juice made from underripe grapes. In the summer season, when wine grapes are just beginning to ripen, deepen in color and develop sugars, winemakers frequently cull or remove underripe grapes, thus concentrating the energy of the vines to produce higher-quality grapes. To avoid letting these culled grapes go to waste, winemakers press the grapes and bottle the juice, resulting in a tangy product that is applicable both in the kitchen and behind the bar.
Making verjus is tedious, however, and getting the timing just right to collect and process these underripe grapes is challenging, leaving many Colorado grape-growers and winemakers
5-6 fresh blackberries
¼ ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
1 ounce gin, like Leopold Bros Summer Gin
2 ounces Horizon Early Season Verjus
4 ounces Dram Holy Basil & Lemon Adaptogenic Sparkling Water
Edible flowers and herbs, for garnish
no choice but to let those grapes go to waste. To offer a sustainable answer to this challenge, restaurant-industry veteran Kevin Murphy launched Horizon Verjus Company, which uses 100% Colorado-grown grapes to make two distinctly different styles of verjus. Murphy’s products not only upcycle a waste product, but they also lessen the collective carbon footprint of shipping citrus, since each bottle of verjus contains the equivalent of 16 lemons or 25 limes, which do not grow locally in our state.
Zero-waste chefs and bartenders are frequently reaching for verjus to add the same zesty kick that citrus brings to a dish or drink. Verjus is a suitable substitute for recipes that call for citrus, wine or vinegar: from vibrant salad dressings and marinades to quick-pickle dressings and bright cocktails.
For this particular cocktail recipe, I intentionally went a little heavy on the verjus, which provided a pleasant, mouth-puckering lift to this berry smash. Because that’s exactly what you need on a hot July afternoon. I also love using Leopold’s Summer Gin, a limited-edition gin that is known for its floral, fruity and citrusy notes. :
1. In a tall glass, gently muddle the blackberries with the simple syrup.
2. Add the gin and verjus.
3. Toss in a handful of ice, top with the sparkling water, gently stir to incorporate and garnish with fresh edible flowers and herbs.
For a spirit-free version, simply omit the gin. This spritz-y drink is just as delicious and balanced as the gin-included version. To add more complexity, consider adding an alcoholremoved gin, like Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative, or swap it for a non-alcoholic herbal distillate, like Seedlip Garden 108.
Are you on “Team Extra Pulp” or on “Team Pulp Free”? If you love the flavor of muddled fruit in your cocktails, but you don’t like dealing with the bits, just take a mixing tin and combine the muddled blackberries, simple syrup, gin and verjus. Shake it all together, strain the cocktail into your glass, top with ice and add the sparkling water.
Words by Kristen Lummis
Leopold Bros., a Denver-based distillery, is all about sustainability. Founded and operated by brothers Scott and Todd Leopold, the 30-year-old company’s first iteration was as a “zero-pollution” brewery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Todd Leopold came to the business with a degree in malting and brewing, while Scott Leopold is an environmental engineer who saw firsthand the significant wastewater impacts of brewing and wanted to develop effective mitigation processes.
Sustainability is sometimes bandied about as a buzzword, but at Leopold Bros., the commitment is real and runs deep in the family’s blood. Proud descendants of American conservationist Aldo Leopold, whose writings shaped modern wildlife and land management, the brothers were raised in Colorado, where their father worked for forestry and public lands agencies. Summers were spent, as Scott Leopold recalls, “in the back of a 1970 Ford Galaxy driving to see national parks, forests and monuments. We were exposed to all that our wonderful country has to offer.”
van Waveren, executive director of CNMA, who encouraged him to visit the Colorado National Monument before leaving the area.
“I got up at 6 a.m. and had the most transformative experience, taking in the views, the way the sunlight interplayed with the rocks, and the incredible bighorn sheep that came right up to my car,” explains Driscoll.
By the time Driscoll returned to Denver, he’d devised a plan. “We’re one of the most environmentallyfriendly distilleries in the world and everything we do is in concert with nature,” he shares, adding that teaming up with CNMA would be something “everyone in Colorado could get excited about.”
Scott and Todd Leopold agreed and are presenting a unique blend of bourbons, aged in a super-sized tank called a foeder. Scott Leopold shares that the whiskey, which is part of the Leopold Bros. Foeder Series, CNMA Edition, will be “a traditional bourbon, with a hint of sweetness, with characteristics of the barrel behind it. It will be a uniquely complex whiskey.”
This summer, Leopold Bros. is taking their commitment to public lands a step further, collaborating with Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) to release a special edition bourbon with 10% of all proceeds donated to CNMA to support the Colorado National Monument.
The partnership came about following a fortuitous meeting at a Western Slope whiskey tasting. At the event, David Driscoll, Leopold Bros. sales and marketing director, met Johanna
1,500 bottles will be available at independent retailers and online liquor stores via a link at leopoldbros.com.
CNMA’s van Waveren is delighted with the partnership and grateful to have additional resources with which to support Colorado National Monument’s mission. “We feel really lucky that Leopold Bros., which makes incredible whiskey, decided to do something to benefit the Colorado National Monument and increase visibility for CNMA,” van Waveren says. “Everybody’s going to be excited about it.” :
Words by Nickolas Paullus
Luminous and versatile, rosé has built a reputation as an “all day” sort of affair. Aromatic and bright, the pink drink has shed many of its previous sweet associations, as the lighter French style of rosé has soared in popularity over the last 15 years.
For nearly three decades, the style popularized by brands like Sutter Home was synonymous with rosé in the United States. Fruity and sweet white zinfandel was the ubiquitous American style. The variety of grapes and styles within rosé is vast: sweet, dry, still and bubbly. Yet the U.S. market leaned heavily on the sweet end of the spectrum until the lighter Provencestyle rosé grew in popularity in the late 1990s.
“Provence has been making and shipping more and more rosé,” says Grappa Fine Wine
and Spirits owner Jonathan Staufer. “It’s light and palatable, which makes sense because no one wants to drink syrah in the Mediterranean when its 90 degrees.” The style is quite popular at the Vail store, displayed front and center in the cellar.
Provence rosé is notoriously clean and crisp, with subtle aromatics that allow the wine to be versatile. Root & Flower owner and sommelier
Jeremy Campbell even suggests that the quality of Provence rosé tends to be very high. “If I was at a wine store and only had $15 to spend, even if it was a producer I’ve never heard of, Provence rosé would be a good bet,” he says.
While Provence bottlings are in many ways the rosé du jour at the moment, rosé is more about process than provenance or style.
Steve Steese is the co-owner and winemaker at The Storm Cellar, a vineyard and winery that produces bright rosés in Hotchkiss. “We basically think of rosé as taking red grapes and producing them as you would white wine,” Steese says.
This means using rich and nuanced red wine grapes, but allowing only minimal skin contact during fermentation. Subtle aromatics and a more balanced palate are lent by the red grapes, but the body is more reminiscent of a white wine. The Storm Cellar embodies these qualities, with vibrant rosés that, as Steese suggests, bring “bright fruit-tones and fresh acidity” to the forefront of the experience.
“This makes it a happy medium style — a light everyday drinker that can be enjoyed really in any weather,” Campbell suggests.
The style is infinitely versatile, “[Pair it] with any white wine food like seafood, cheese and poultry. Yet it can also pair with meat, even something as bold as steak. Think grilled steak with rosemary and thyme.”
This versatility is far reaching. While rosé certainly has connotations of spring and summer associated with it, a good crisp rosé works year-round. Whether you’re sipping poolside in July, toasting golden aspens in September or après-ski in February, its bright acidity and fruit-forward profile make it a perfect companion for any season.
“It’s perfect on a warm ski day,” says Staufer. “Honestly, it just looks like liquid sunshine.” Bright and radiant, a wine that conjures Provence — whether under the summer sun or in 18 inches of powder. :
SUMMER RECIPES
Words by Maureen McGuire | Photos by Cat Mayer
Every summer, I am excited for my zucchini to grow. I love the big bright yellow flowers and the big green leaves. The bees love the big yellow flowers, and every once in a while, I am surprised by a fat, fuzzy bumble bee in one, seemingly rolling around drinking his fill of nectar or occasionally taking a little nap. I love the broad leaves and how big the plants can grow. And I love squash.
Whether it is roasted, fried, sautéed, baked, grilled, stewed, pickled or raw, zucchini can unlock culinary creativity because you can do so many things with it. However, for me, there comes a time in the late summer when I just run out of ideas. Or, I get in a rut and do the same recipes over and we end up eating a lot of pasta with zucchini. When this happens, and my
sweet husband grows sick of noodles, I start to grate my zucchini and freeze it in 2-cup baggies to be cooked and added to things later. On the first day of grating the zucchini, we make the zucchini cake as a celebration of the harvest of the many fruits and vegetables (including more zucchini) on the horizon.
Even though in the moment I am tired of the zucchini (or other plentiful crops I am currently eating), I know there will come a time in the not-so-distant future when I will once again enjoy it. I remind myself to be grateful for the bounty, and eat a piece of cake. And even after the cake, and all of the other preparation methods of zucchini, if there is still neverending zucchini, I can always make a casserole out of it. :
SERVES 8
1 ½-2 cups shredded zucchini (not packed down)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick of butter, melted (I browned mine)
½ cup milk
¾ cup honey
Zest and juice of one small lemon
1 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ Tbsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
4 oz cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup finely chopped walnuts for the sides
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease and flour a round cake pan.
3. Combine zucchini and other wet ingredients into a bowl. Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir in dry ingredients a little at a time to the wet ingredients. Stir in the walnuts and the raisins.
4. Bake for 40 minutes. There can be a few crumbs on a knife or toothpick, but not too many.
5. Cool completely before frosting.
1. Whip softened cream until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar. If you like stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar until it is the consistency you prefer. I prefer mine kind of thin, more like an icing and less like a frosting.
2. Do not frost the cake until it is completely cooled. Press walnuts to the sides for decoration and/or to hide any frosting mistakes you made by trying to frost the cake too soon.
3. Store leftovers in the fridge.
SERVES 6
4 large potatoes
3 medium zucchinis
1 medium onion
1 tsp salt for the zucchini
¼ tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and additional salt
1 ½ cups milk
2 Tbsp flour
1 pound cooked shredded chicken (optional)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you like)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease the bottom of your casserole dish.
3. Slice the onion, zucchini and potatoes into approximately ¼-inch thick slices.
4. In a bowl, use the 1 tsp salt and sprinkle all over the zucchini. Toss to coat the zucchini. Let it sit about an hour or two to draw out the liquid from the zucchini. Drain and gently press out the remaining liquid. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels.
5. Beginning with potatoes, layer the potatoes, onion, zucchini, optional chicken and cheese.
6. In a bowl, whisk the milk, flour and other spices. Pour over the layers. Sprinkle more cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake about 15 more minutes.
Experience the West Elk Challenge — a trail run during peak fall colors in the North Fork Valley. Two distances will be offered in 2025, a 26-mile marathon and a 30k/18-mile option. Racers will start at Crawford Reservoir and traverse gravel roads at the foot of iconic Needle Rock before entering the Gunnison National Forest. Both routes will climb singletrack trails through golden aspen groves on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn to Inter-Ocean Pass and then descend into the town of Paonia.
Run, walk or hike through the spectacular West Elk Mountains this fall! This event is a fundraiser for the Nature Connection’s Scholarship Fund that helps get kids and families outdoors. Visit westelkchallenge.com to sign up. Be sure to register by August 31 because this race will sell out!
Escape the chaos and reconnect with nature at Kebler Corner — a charming campground between two wilderness areas, just 30 miles from Crested Butte and 15 from Paonia wine country. With cabins, RV spots, fishing, boating, Wi-Fi and hot showers, it’s the perfect mix of rustic escape and modern comfort. 970.929.5029
keblercorner.com
The accounting firm for business adventurers. Bravuura Advisory helps outdoor industry brands master the cash flow cycle — transforming the chaos of “feast or famine” into the clarity of confident growth. Stay on course, no matter the season. Navigate your financial journey with expert guidance built for bold, outdoor-driven businesses. 970.564.7584
bravuura.cpa
Because movies and mountains can change your life. Join us in Ouray, Colorado, for an intimate weekend of jury-selected films, panel discussions, parties and mountain views.
June 19-22, 2025
Passes now on sale at ourayfilmfestival.com.
Bonfire Oyster Co. brings the freshest coastal flavors to Colorado with unforgettable catering and seasonal pop-ups running through October. Every Thursday, find them at The historic Hotel Melrose, serving their signature oysters in a timeless setting. Fridays, join them at Carboy Winery in Palisade for vibrant events featuring fresh seafood and good company. Sundays, savor brunch at Restoration Vineyards, where exquisite wines, a hospitable atmosphere and a lush lawn set the perfect backdrop for bold flavors. Or elevate your event with their catering services, including stationary raw bars, roaming shuckers serving freshly shucked oysters, and caviar services.
Whether you’re enjoying a pop-up or booking us for private catering, Bonfire Oyster Co. ensures you’ll have an immersive coastal experience, right here in Colorado.
bonfireoysterco.com
BY NICKOLAS PAULLUS
In its aftermath, trauma has a gravitational pull. Seemingly mundane aspects of life are forever transformed, and so trauma has a distinct flavor to it.
Sometimes this influence is direct, logical perhaps. Certain places lay in the trauma’s shadow, certain people bear its weight. Other times, the path is not so direct. Sometimes, trauma shows up in fruit snacks.
Wormwood is an autobiographical apocalypse narrative told through the lens of angels and snack food. The apocalypse, however, isn’t a big Revelation-style end of days, but a personal descent through trauma.
Andy is a down-on-his-luck bartender who, in a drunken stupor, happens upon an equally drunken street preacher who sings the praises of the star Wormwood. Wormwood, in the biblical Book of Revelation , is the star that poisons the Earth’s waters.
Despite dire warnings of impending doom, Andy swigs the preacher’s bottle of vermouth. What follows is five days of apocalyptic visions, manifested each time Andy eats or drinks something.
As celestial hosts tend to, these manifestations offer Andy lessons. Warnings. Each food embodies as itself, to be sure, from a floating popcorn head to a grim candy corn Katrina. They also, however, represent a deeply held truth about the nature of coping and loss. Not the pain of a doomed species, but the singular trauma of a man.
There’s levity here. Andy is aloof, a goof even. He meets whimsical characters like a celery juice robot and a cappuccino toting Capuchin monkey. Despite the whimsy, however, the deep and abiding truth of each character’s character is the point.
Like real trauma, the highs are high, the lows are low — one day’s comfort is another day’s grief.
As with snack food, the book is bite-sized. Each encounter is just a few pages, but the gravity and accumulation of all these moments build to an enormous commentary on trauma. It’s silly — an attempt at working through personal anguish with jokes, puns and absurdity.
The human brain naturally leans on metaphor. Food is no different. It carries with it cultural context and personal meaning.
Wormwood, fantastical as it is, uses peanut butter and jelly and fish sticks to tell a resonant story. A deep story. A true story.
Wormwood is inspired by, steeped in and dedicated to wormwood. So, a wormwoodinfused liqueur (or two) was requisite. Absinthe and vermouth bolster the tequila with bitter and vibrant aromatics, while the blood orange simple syrup adds some bright acidity and sweetness. Complex, with a wee bit of whimsy, just like the book.
2 oz tequila
½ oz sweet red vermouth
¼ oz absinthe
¼ oz blood orange simple syrup
Stir all ingredients over ice until chilled. Strain into chilled, stemmed glass.
Boil 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and one quartered blood orange for one minute. Remove from heat and infuse for 30 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to seven days. :
Wormwood is available at: Lithic Bookstore in Fruita, Paonia Books in Paonia and Curiouser Books in Montrose.
Compiled by S+B Staff
A custom residential design studio based in Paonia, Studio MW showcases modern and sustainable homes inspired by Colorado’s natural and wild landscapes.
This Grand Junction-based coffee roastery shares its passion for quality beans and community connection, offering glimpses into their roasting process and cozy café atmosphere.
@shop.handinhand
Tucked away in Mancos, Hand in Hand is a charming independent book and wine shop offering an eclectic, thoughtfully curated and ever-changing selection of books, wine and unique gifts.
Amanda McCracken
Hosted by Colorado-based writer Amanda McCracken, this podcast delves into the science and culture of longing. With insights from experts and personal narratives, McCracken explores how our longings shape our lives. Her upcoming book, When Longing Becomes Your Lover, is set to release in 2026.
Colorado sisters Nicole and Lexi lead this deep dive into popular fantasy novels, currently focusing on Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm. Their episodes feature chapter summaries, character analyses and world-building discussions, all delivered with sisterly banter.
In this lighthearted podcast, Amy Poehler chats with celebrities and friends about their careers, shared experiences and what brings them joy. Produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite Productions, the show offers a weekly dose of humor and camaraderie without delving into self-help territory.
Words by Kylea Henseler
As fashion gets faster and landfills get fuller, populated by clothes made for just a few wears, many fashionistas are turning to timeless styles made to last.
Vintage shopping gives customers a chance to score statement and staple pieces for a bargain, and it’s enjoying a resurgence as consumers buck the fleeting microtrends.
Whether you’re into ‘70s house dresses or old western hats, chances are you can find your style at a curated vintage shop on the Western Slope. Here is what some local owners have to say about what they have to offer — and how to get started.
Leanna Johnson is an expert at finding pieces from decades past and giving them a second life. Her Montrose shop, which she co-owns with her husband Jordan, is full of fashions the couple has sourced from the community, snagged from
trash bags of discarded clothes and sometimes brought back from the dead.
“We wash things, we repair things and just really try to keep these clothes from ending up in a landfill,” she says.
Mosaic carries men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, primarily from the mid- to late-1900s. Johnson says styles range from boho to southwestern and everything in between, and she emphasized that vintage shopping can be as affordable as buying new.
“I’ll go into Target and find a vintage replica that’s more expensive than what we have the original priced at,” she points out.
Located in Crested Butte, Resilient Threads carries a cool collection of retro t-shirts, denim jackets, old ski suits and more.
“Everything’s handpicked,” says owner Zach Vaughter. He carries some women’s pieces,
but focuses on men’s fashions from the 1950s through ‘90s. Vaughter’s vintage journey began in high school over two decades ago, when some old Patagonia pieces piqued his interest.
Now, his shop has plenty of old outdoor, western and workwear to choose from, including 20th-century Patagonia.
“I’m looking for stuff that was made in the United States, and that’s high quality,” he says.
Sally Jo Ocasio knows the people who visit her Ridgway shop live diverse and wild lives, and her shop has the clothes to prove it.
“I do everything, and you wouldn’t believe what I’ve got,” she says. From a 1700s farming cape to a 1990s Armani dress, Ocasio’s selection spans centuries, ranging in style from cowboy to couture. She gravitates toward bespoke, handmade and unique goods, and has lots of denim.
“Items like that, they’ll always keep their value,” she says. She adds that older pieces are easier to resell than modern clothes.
Ocasio says one of the biggest things vintage shoppers should look at is fabric, as natural fibers like cotton, wool and silk best stand the test of time.
From 1920s ties to mid-century suits and plenty of cowboy hats, Durango’s Old Colorado Vintage is the place to go for statement men’s pieces that were made in the United States.
“The quality was just so much better,” owner Tom Dragt says, before the rise of “throwaway clothing.”
He’s always happy to measure customers for his retro suits, repair damaged garments and share his knowledge.
“When we started slinging vintage, it was a learning process,” Dragt says. Now, there’s plenty of information out there for beginner thrifters.
“Younger people are starting to catch on and learn things,” he says, and social media is a great place to learn about fashion eras and garment quality.
Customers may head to Cahoots for a drink, but owner Crystal Tadlock says they’re often delighted to find they can pick up a vintage ski jacket as well. The cozy Ouray bar doubles as a destination to find curated retro clothing. As Tadlock says, “the more obscure the better.”
While she’s serving up drinks, customers can browse her seasonal selection of styles from the 1980s to early 2000s. There’s even a light-up mirror in the bar, and patrons enjoy trying on new fits for the crowd and giving feedback.
“It becomes like a mini fashion show,” Tadlock says. This bar is all about fun, and Tadlock loves running vintage-inspired drink specials, hosting football parties and keeping clothes out of the landfill. “It’s just a really chill vibe,” she says. :
Words by Chloe Mayer | Photos courtesy of Glenn Lathrop
When Glenn Lathrop moved to Colorado in 1992 to pursue the “ski bum” lifestyle, he didn’t expect to become a dedicated Western Slope bladesmith. Now, he is the proud owner of Lathrop Craft Cutlery, selling handmade, one-ofa-kind chef knives across Colorado.
Lathrop grew up in central New York on a dairy farm. With a never-ending list of things to fix around the farm, Lathrop quickly developed a passion for tinkering and problemsolving. He was initially drawn to Colorado for its flourishing ski culture. However, when he moved to Durango in 2002, he focused his love of tinkering on a small coffee-roasting business. “In the coffee roasting business, people would ask what the best coffee was,” says Lathrop. “I would encourage them to seek out a local roaster in their area, as hand-crafted things are always best when you find a connection to them personally. That’s what I love about craft and locally-made or sourced goods and products.”
After 17 years in the coffee business, Lathrop sold his coffee company and moved to Palisade. “I was looking for the ‘next thing,’” says Lathrop. “I’ve always enjoyed creating and loved cooking, which led me to appreciate handcrafted
chef knives.” He began the journey by taking a two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing class through the American Bladesmith Society, which inspired him to pursue the craft further. He took a second class and dedicated more time to working in his shop to learn how to hand-forge his own custom kitchen cutlery.
In 2022, Lathrop started Lathrop Craft Cutlery, where he sells chef’s knives hand-made in Palisade. Lathrop’s inspiration for his cutlery comes from his roots in the food industry. “It probably all starts in the kitchen,” says Lathrop. “I love to cook and using a really good knife is a lot of fun and makes the job easier.” Lathrop uses his knives daily to identify what works and what doesn’t, which he applies to future designs. “I also have been fortunate to have worked with a couple of other makers who have been very helpful, not only in design but in process,” he adds.
In Lathrop’s shop, where he crafts his knives from scratch, he has a quote pinned above his workbench by Vince Lombardi. It reads: “Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.” Lathrop frequently references
Find Lathrop Craft Cutlery at @lathrop.knives on Instagram.
this in his own work and cites it as his motivation for constantly creating new things. “I seem to be driven by the never-ending desire to always do better,” says Lathrop. He aspires to improve with each knife and learn more to achieve his vision.
Lathrop has recently enjoyed experimenting with Damascus steel to craft his blades, also known as pattern-welded steel. Creating Damascus knives requires an understanding of the metallurgy of different steels and how to deform them. It takes about five times longer to make than a regular steel knife blade. However, this technique results in the layering of two different steel alloys to create intricate, contrasting patterns on the knife blade. “The process is mesmerizing,” says Lathrop, “watching the transformation of layers of steel come into shape.”
Ultimately, Lathrop hopes to spread the usage of handmade, quality kitchen cutlery. “The goal is to have more folks using really good kitchen knives daily and to continue creating tools that chefs and home cooks love to use in their kitchens,” says Lathrop. In the world of
bladesmiths, however, Lathrop hopes to become a Journeyman Bladesmith as accredited by the American Bladesmith Society. The process requires a series of difficult tests and judging of finished knives. There are less than 300 Journeyman Bladesmiths in the country, and Lathrop’s training and preparation may take several more years.
Colorado has been a significant influence on Lathrop and his entrepreneurial lifestyle. After moving from New York, Lathrop has lived on the Western Slope for more than 20 years. “Living in Colorado inspires entrepreneurism and the need to be creative to find your place here,” says Lathrop. After selling his coffee roasting business in Durango, it was difficult for Lathrop to imagine living anywhere other than the Western Slope. “Moving to Palisade took me back to an agriculturally-centered small community, similar to where I came from in New York,” he shares. Lathrop is grateful for the close-knit community of local small businesses and the creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who support them. :
Words by Julie Bielenberg
Nestled on 5 wooded acres in the cove of Aspen’s mountain hamlet is The Gant. The upscale resort of luxury condominiums has been a staple of the storied resort town for decades, offering an interior courtyard pool, culinary offerings, outdoor excursions and shuttle service to Aspen’s slopes and historic downtown.
In a town that offers the poshest and most exclusive opportunities and adventures, The Gant is constantly tasked with creating innovative guest experiences that aren’t offered anywhere else in town. The result: a mobile artist-in-residence program that showcases local talent throughout the town, via vans from The Gant. “For over 50 years, The Gant’s vans have been a signature part of our guest experience — and often the first thing guests see when they arrive at the Aspen airport. More than just transportation, they’re a reflection of our commitment to service. Our bell team doesn’t just get you where you need to go — they offer some of the best insider tips on where to eat, ski, hike and explore while you’re here,” shares Lou Eppelsheimer, director of sales and marketing for The Gant.
The rollout of Rolling Canvas was inspired by the resort’s wildly successful 50th-anniversary commemorative gold wraps. “By transforming our legendary Gant vans into mobile works of art, we’re providing a platform for local artists to share their unique perspectives and stories. This initiative is a tribute to the rich artistic spirit of Aspen, and we’re honored to commission and showcase these talented individuals while adding a vibrant new element to the resort and town’s landscape,” describes Eppelsheimer. “To build upon the popularity and momentum, the next wave of vans features four local artists, who each put their own touch on Aspen’s cultural landscape.”
For Aspenites or visitors, The Gant offers a unique experience with its featured artists — an inspiring morning or afternoon session complete with light bites, refreshments and The Gant’s legendary scenery.
“Study of local high alpine flora”
The entire Roaring Fork Valley gave life to Boucher’s design; “With access to the mountains and living a life in the mountains, they are a never-ending source of inspiration for my work,” he shares. His van features an exploration/visual representation of the energy that connects our world. “I want to provide my insight into the world that may not be seen by the naked eye but is present all the time everywhere in everything,” explains Boucher. After selling out his first gallery show at the Aspen Collective gallery last summer, Boucher is poised to leave his artistic imprint for future generations through his public art.
“Vibrant, nature-inspired, reflective”
The grounding nature of the valley inspires artist Kelly Peters to reflect upon this connection in her art. “The most valuable gift the Roaring Fork Valley has provided me is its endless beauty,” notes Peters. “Art is about process over product — exploring, connecting and creating something truly unique.” Peters’ greatest Aspen achievement is successfully transforming her passion for art into a thriving business that connects people with creativity. While locals and visitors benefit from Peters’ artistic gift, she will be painting outdoors, surrounded by the inspirational landscapes of the White River National Forest.
“Poetic reverence for the land”
Uhl’s introspection into the land has provided her an opportunity to grow and thrive in the valley. “It provides constant invitations to explore, delight, rest, push myself and feel held. I feel very held here. The valley resonates with me on a level that makes me feel at home,” explains the artist. And, that is exactly what is on her van display, manifested dreams of living in the magical area. Her wrap depicts a constantly evolving land that offers a space to grow and learn. Uhl’s connection to the valley is deep; she enjoys the vast wilderness and the opportunity the Crystal River has given to her to raise a family and enjoy the seasons on the water.
gantaspen.com/rolling-canvas
“In pace with sundown” Ward’s design takes a different approach to the landscape in reflecting upon the people that have lived and thrived throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. “I wanted to display the ease of access to expansive, uncongested outdoors. I place so much value on quiet, contemplative time surrounded by nature,” shares Ward. The resplendent artist believes in truth with oneself and artwork to allow the audience to find the creative. “I love making a living doing what I love,” he says. “This has always been a dream, and here I am doing just that. It’s a challenge, but sometimes I feel there could be no happier thing.” :
WHERE TO SEE LIVE MUSIC ON THE WESTERN SLOPE
Words by Kylea Henseler
What beats live music on a summer night?
Free live music, complete with mountain views, good friends and cold beverages.
Across the Western Slope, multiple free music series promise great performances and great memories all season long. These concerts bring small communities together to dance until the sun goes down with neighbors and visitors alike.
Whether rock and roll, jazz or rootsy bluegrass is your vibe, chances are you can catch an act that suits your taste at one of these shows. And, who knows — you might even discover a new favorite genre or artist.
Fridays from May to October 7:30-10 p.m.
Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Hotchkiss
With 24 shows planned on Friday nights between May 2 and Oct. 10, 2025, this series has something for everyone, and the location is hard to beat.
“The stage is literally in the midst of the orchard, with peaches, cherries and apples,” says promoter Rob Miller. His company, Pickin’ Productions, organizes multiple concerts across the region each summer. He’s also planning one big ticketed show July 19 at Big B’s, which will feature country act The Wood Brothers.
Parking is a $10 donation at Big B’s, or guests can park free in Paonia and take shuttles provided by the venue.
Miller aims to bring communities together with his shows, and says they draw a mix of locals and tourists, hippies and old ranchers alike sitting side by side. “We take pride in diversity in all ways,” he says.
While shows are free, onsite parking costs $10, which is donated to a local charity each week. Guests can also park for free in Paonia and catch a ride on colorful Big B’s buses which run all evening.
Thursdays in June
6-10 p.m.
Fellin Park, Ouray
Guests don’t just get mountain views at this Ouray series; they’re literally surrounded by the mountains as two to three unique acts play all evening.
Food trucks and libations are always on-site, and each week organizers pair up with a local organization like the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team to run the alcohol tent and collect tip proceeds for the cause.
Dave Jordan & the NIA, a roots rock group from New Orleans, will kick off the series June 5, 2025. This year’s lineup boasts lots of rock and roll, but performers from multiple genres including country and soul will also take the stage.
Wednesdays from late June to mid August
6-8 p.m.
Sunset Plaza, Telluride
With a 25-year track record, the Sunset Music Series has brought lots of music to Mountain Village.
“The talent differs from week to week, but the sense of community remains the same,” says producer Teddy Errico. “We provide an event that brings people together — locals, second homeowners, tourists and music lovers alike.”
Concerts are set for each Wednesday night from June 25 to Aug. 13, 2025, but more dates may be added later in the summer.
According to Errico, the series brings diverse, nationally-touring artists each week. “You might hear reggae followed by mariachi, funk, pop, bluegrass and so much more,” he says.
Thursdays in July 6-10 p.m.
Hartwell Park, Ridgway
The population of Ridgway more than doubles each night of this concert series, as each show brings in around 3,000 attendees.
“The field is just packed,” says Miller, whose company Pickin’ Productions also organizes the Ridgway concerts. “The series just takes over the entire town for the night.”
He says the series started small nearly 20 years ago, and he considers it “the best-kept secret in the West.” These days, it draws crowds from all over the region as well as plenty of tourists.
In addition to a diverse musical lineup, it always boasts a lot full of food trucks and a beverage tent where guests can get cocktails and brews from local companies.
There’s no shortage of free music to be found on the Western Slope, and these are just a few of the series the region has to offer. If you’re looking for more, check out Pickin’ in The Park in Paonia, Music on the Green in Mountain Village, the Thursday Night Concert Series in Fruita and Music on the Mesa in Norwood. :
July to enjoy the Ridgway Concert Series.
FOOD SYSTEMS THRIVE IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO
Words by Rachael Carlevale | Photos courtesy of Valley Food Partnership
In the fertile valleys and high mesas of Western Colorado, a quiet revolution is taking root. Farmers, nonprofits and community leaders are weaving together a resilient food system — one that nourishes both people and the land. By embracing regenerative agriculture and fostering direct connections between growers and consumers, these local food systems are cultivating more than just crops; they’re cultivating community resilience and environmental stewardship.
“Our region is incredibly prolific when it comes to fresh, local foods,” says Penelope Powell of Valley Food Partnership, based in Montrose.
“From cherries and peaches to wine grapes and beer hops, from sweet corn to eggs and kale — we’re rich in both bounty and heritage.”
That abundance is more than seasonal; it’s cultural. Farmers markets, CSAs, food hubs and educational initiatives have turned Southwest Colorado into a microcosm of what’s possible when food is grown, shared and celebrated close to home. Valley Food Partnership has been a cornerstone in this movement, working to connect local agriculture with local people through education, technical support and community building.
“A localized food system is vital to the economic health of small, family-owned farms and ranches, the stewardship of our natural resources and the physical well-being of the communities it serves,” Powell says.
Their programs — like Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers that Thrive, developed in partnership with Holistic Management International — emphasize values-based decision making and regenerative principles: healthy soil, crop diversity and integrated livestock systems. Through tools like Sprout, their no-till seed drill, they’re helping producers increase organic matter, improve water retention and reduce erosion — practices that quite literally build resilience from the ground up.
Each year, Valley Food Partnership also hosts the Western Colorado Soil Health, Food and Farm Forum, drawing farmers, scientists and policymakers into the same room to dig into the future of agriculture.
But the movement isn’t just happening in fields. In kitchens, coolers and delivery trucks across the Western Slope, businesses like Hearty Provisions are forging a bridge between regenerative producers and the restaurants, retailers and institutions hungry for real change.
“Regenerative agriculture is core to everything we do,” says David Demerling, founder of Hearty Provisions. “Every product we source is an opportunity to support land stewardship and long-term sustainability.”
Based in Durango, Hearty Provisions works with regional producers to supply clean, traceable ingredients to businesses that value more than just taste. It’s a mission rooted in transparency — and a belief that every food dollar spent locally is a seed of change.
“At Hearty, we’re connectors,” Demerling says. “We help small farms grow by providing access to consistent buyers. Socially, we strengthen community ties through food. Environmentally, we promote practices that restore rather than deplete. Economically, we keep more value circulating locally.”
In this system, food is never “just food.”
As Demerling reminds us, “Behind every ingredient is a farmer’s hands, a harvest timeline, a soil story. The more we understand that, the more intentional we become — not
Discover our large collection of metal sculptures.
The Food and Farm Forum draws farmers, scientists and policymakers into the same room to dig into the future of agriculture.
just in how we eat, but in how we care for each other and the planet.”
And intention is key. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the fragility of long, complex supply chains, sparking renewed interest in shorter, stronger and more transparent food networks. For Powell, the shift underscores the necessity of relationship-centered systems.
“We believe that building a resilient regional food system starts with building community,” she says. “When people know their landscape, their neighbors and where their food comes from, it fosters a deep sense of place and belonging.”
That sense of connection — between people and the land, between eaters and growers — is the heart of Southwest Colorado’s localized food movement. And it’s not just good for the planet. It’s delicious.
“It actually tastes better!” Powell laughs. “Local food is harvested at peak ripeness, which means it’s not only more nutrient-dense, but also more flavorful. Fresh, in-season food just hits different.”
From soil to supper, these food systems are more than trends — they’re testaments to what’s possible when a region turns toward its roots. With every bite, every handshake and every seed planted, Southwest Colorado is proving that a resilient food future is already here — and growing.
As novelist and environmental activist Wendell Berry so aptly put it, “Eating is an agricultural act.” In Southwest Colorado, it’s also an act of community, care and connection. :
For more information on joining the AgriWest council, email inquiries to frontdesk@gjincubator.org.
HOW THE PRECOURT HEALING CENTER IS TRANSFORMING MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Words by Jennifer Weintraub | Photos courtesy of Vail Health
Colorado’s Vail Valley is a mountain paradise: snow-capped peaks, lush forests and endless outdoor adventure. But beneath the breathtaking views, something far less idyllic lies beneath the surface: a mental health crisis.
Mountain towns like the Vail Valley have struggled with the reality that beauty doesn’t always equal happiness. “People think, ‘I should be happy here, but I’m not.’ Just because you live in a beautiful place doesn’t mean you don’t have challenges,” explains Sally Welsh, director of public relations at Vail Health. Those challenges are magnified by facing high living costs, a transient community and a lack of mental health resources. The toll leaves many feeling isolated and without a lifeline.
But that’s changing.
The Precourt Healing Center is a revolutionary new behavioral health facility in Edwards that reshapes how we approach mental health care. Opened in May 2025, this 48,000-square-foot inpatient center provides healing, hope and holistic care.
The Precourt Healing Center was purpose-built with thoughtful design, amenities and care. Think mental health centers are sterile facilities with padded walls and locked doors? Think again.
“What we’re doing is unique. Not all mental health centers facilitate holistic care that treats
the whole person,” says Teresa Haynes, Psy.D., director of in-patient behavioral health. “We looked at other facilities for insight, but there’s no model like this one. We don’t want to recreate the wheel, but we want to create something better and more effective.”
With 28 beds split between adolescents (12-18) and adults, the facility offers private rooms and bathrooms that feel more like a wellness retreat rather than a hospital stay. Spacious rooms with private bathrooms, calming colors, tall ceilings and windows flood the space with natural light. Instead of cold, clinical hallways, patients walk past colorful, mountaininspired murals painted by local artists.
Every room and corner of the facility is meant to feel warm and inviting while strengthening community and connection. The dayroom, with its oversized chairs and walls soaked in soothing blues and greens, encourages patients to gather, relax and heal together. It leads to the courtyard,
an outdoor space with snowmelt and sunshades to enjoy year-round. Then there’s the gym — one on each floor — because movement is medicine.
Home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals are prepared by an in-house chef and are served family-style.
One of the most innovative elements is the Oxehealth technology, which uses infrared sensors to monitor patients’ vitals. Only one other facility in the U.S. has implemented this technology, which allows for discreet, nonintrusive wellness checks so patients can rest without the disruption of frequent monitoring.
The Precourt Healing Center understands that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, it’s personalized, immersive and creative.
With seven to nine hours of daily programming, treatment focuses on both the immediate crisis and long-term well-being.
Beyond talk therapy, patients engage in art, music, yoga and recreational therapy, giving them multiple ways to process emotions and trauma. “When people are in crisis, this is one of the worst times of their lives. Sometimes, specific words to describe their experience aren’t effective. There are other creative ways for people to process their experience and express what is happening to them,” explains Haynes.
“The goal is to create good habits and a healthy foundation that people can integrate into their lives,” Haynes adds. “Different options work for different people, so we offer a variety of modalities to see what resonates with them.” Additionally, patients attend individual and group sessions to learn tangible skills like emotional regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal skills and stress tolerance — tools that will help them far beyond their time at the center.
This is about long-term change, not just short-term relief.
Before the Precourt Healing Center, mental health patients in crisis faced a harsh reality: a two-hour ambulance ride to Denver or Grand Junction, far away from their family, friends and support systems. That’s a long and lonely road when you are most vulnerable.
Now, people in crisis have a lifeline right in the Vail Valley.
Welsh emphasizes the importance of keeping patients close to their support system.
“It’s hard for people to leave their community for care. It takes a toll on their parents and the whole family. If we can keep people in the community, it will be less of a burden and create a positive ripple effect for their support system.”
The Precourt Healing Center is more than just a facility — it’s a beacon of hope for the Vail Valley and surrounding communities. It represents a shift in how we talk about, treat and prioritize mental health. No one should feel alone in their struggles; now, they don’t have to. :
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Words by Kimberly Nicoletti | Photos courtesy of Wanderland Outdoors
It’s not often you find a professional football player who tackles aggressively on the field but takes a mindful, compassionate approach to leading other outdoor experiences. Yet, that’s exactly what Bobby Massie and his wife, Angel, do. In 2024, they launched Wanderland Outdoors, a Colorado-based, luxury outdoor outfitter.
Before Bobby Massie spent a decade playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears and, most recently in 2021, the Denver Broncos, he grew up cooking outside, over an open fire. His grandma owned a diner in Lynchburg,
Virginia and fostered a love of food and cooking within him.
“We fell in love over being outside and in nature,” says Angel Massie. “The reason my husband and I started Wanderland Outdoors is because we wanted people to experience nature in the way that we do — in a mindful way, with present-moment awareness … on purpose, immersing and healing yourself through nature.”
With a mission to enhance diversity and provide elevated luxury experiences in the outdoor sector, Wanderland Outdoors offers
guided fly-fishing trips, mindful hiking and horseback riding and the Food x Fire Experience, a three-course culinary adventure prepared by Bobby Massie. He curates Food x Fire menus based on guest preferences. Options can include rainbow trout, snapper, shrimp, crab, grilled wagyu or four-hour-hung chicken, along with vegetables and dessert. The couple grows the herbs and vegetables on their homestead in Larkspur. Food x Fire can be a stand-alone experience or added to any excursion.
“The meal prepared by chef Bobby is something beyond remarkable,” says LeCharles Bentley, a Cleveland, Ohio resident.
“His passion for quality ingredients and open-flame cooking shines brightly.”
Wanderland Outdoors provides fly fishing on private and public lands in places like Bailey, Lake George and Rocky Mountain National Park. Other locations for fly fishing and hiking include areas in Eagle, Summit, Boulder and Gunnison counties. Horseback riding takes place at Brown Family Ranch in Steamboat Springs. Full-day trail riding and fly fishing include gourmet meals.
Each experience emphasizes a culture of diversity, kindness, environmental stewardship and respect for indigenous lands. All of the guides subscribe to present-moment awareness, radical compassion and cultural competence. The BIPOC-owned company commits to providing access to the outdoor industry to populations that might not otherwise immerse themselves in nature.
“I don’t consider myself an ‘outdoors’ person, but this experience transformed my relationship with the idea of a nature experience,” Bentley says. “The painstaking attention to detail by Angel Massie exceeded the service of global bespoke standards. When this standard of excellence is then paired with a world-class culinary, it’s a can’t-miss experience … It’s a dynamic experience, and I’m not sure if it’s nature I enjoyed the most or the passion for perfection on display from Angel and Bobby Massie.”
Before launching Wanderland Outdoors, Angel Massie spent decades working in the nonstop-deadline media world as a journalist,
columnist, scriptwriter, television producer and host. Her work has appeared on BET, Complex, Vibe, Essence, ABC, the Real News Network and TV One.
In 2015, her mom passed away suddenly, so she threw herself even deeper into work. Four years later, she started having panic attacks because she hadn’t properly grieved, she says. She turned to therapy, which led her into mindfulness and ultimately inspired her to become a certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide.
“Observing my pain without having to be a part of it really helped me heal,” she says. “I found solace in mindfulness and meditation, and it turned my life around in the way that I think, in the way that I exist and in the way that I exist in nature.”
Her mindful hiking experience begins with centering and breathwork and continues by mindfully moving across the land and meditating in the forest. It ends with a group talk around the fire, along with locally brewed tea and refreshments.
The team customizes each experience for every client, from catching a bunch of fish to simply meandering along the riverside, with special attention to each person’s needs, experience level and desires. Guests can request specific guides based on online bios. Currently, Wanderland Outdoors has four wranglers, 12 fly fishing guides, two mindful hike guides and, of course, chef Bobby.
In the few months they’ve been open, guests already have deepened their appreciation of the land and called the outfit the best guide service in Colorado, Angel Massie says.
“My Wanderland experience was more than I could imagine,” says Kristin Jones of Los Angeles.
“They designed an experience that made me feel safe to explore nature and the world in ways I never imagined I could as a Black woman — all led and curated by an intentional team that looks like me, shares my respect for nature and truly understands the meaning of luxury.” :
wanderlandoutdoors.com
Words by Lexi Marshall | Photos courtesy of Gnara
In the wilds of Alaska, where the mountains are majestic and the crevasses are unforgiving, a young glacier guide faced a dilemma as old as outdoor gear itself: how to relieve herself without stripping down in sub-zero temperatures. While her male colleagues simply unzipped and carried on, Georgia Grace Edwards had to scale ice fields in search of privacy — risking frostbite and dehydration in the process. That moment on the ice sparked a revolution. Edwards returned from Alaska with a mission — to make outdoor apparel that works with, not against, the anatomy and dignity of everyone who wears it. What began in a Vermont dorm room as a prototype dreamt up by Edwards and co-founders Bianca Gonzalez and Charlotte Massey is now Gnara: a fast-growing, female-led outdoor apparel company that’s changing how we “go” in the great outdoors. And yes, you can pee in their pants.
At the heart of Gnara’s breakthrough is the GoFly Zipper — a patented design that runs from the
front fly of their pants all the way to the back waistband, allowing users to unzip just as far as they need for privacy and comfort. It’s discreet. It’s empowering. It’s the kind of genius you wonder why no one thought of sooner.
But that’s the point — until now, most outdoor apparel wasn’t designed with all bodies in mind. Gnara’s GoFly pants, now a cult favorite among hikers, climbers, campers and roadtrippers, are proof that gear can be technical, inclusive and wildly practical all at once.
Gnara’s mission goes far beyond clever apparel. With a tagline of “explore as you are,” the company is focused on making the outdoors more welcoming for everyone.
That ethos is stitched into every pair of pants, from the inclusive size range (00-22) to the company’s sustainability practices. Their mailers, for example, are made from 100% recycled plastics and feature dual adhesive strips for reusability. Their gear is rugged, stylish and ethically made, designed not just to perform but to empower.
“Gnara isn’t just selling pants,” says Edwards. “We’re creating a new standard for what outdoor gear can be — inclusive, durable, versatile and thoughtful.”
Gnara recently teamed up with sustainable outfitter Livsn to launch the Livsn x Gnara EcoTrek Overalls, which bring the same GoFly magic to a tougher, trail-ready silhouette. They’re water- and stain-resistant, flexible enough to climb in, stylish enough to hit the brewery after and, yes, just as easy to pee in.
And that’s the kind of versatility modern adventurers demand. “Our goal was to make something that could go from backcountry to backyard barbecue without skipping a beat,” Edwards adds. And adding GoFly technology took it to a whole new level.
Outdoor recreation is often touted as universally accessible — but for too long, gear has told a different story. The barrier to entry isn’t always physical terrain — it’s discomfort, disempowerment and lack of representation.
Their core values — Be Brave, Empower Others, Stay Curious, Show Grit, Have Integrity, Encourage Play — are more than a mission statement. They’re a call to action for the entire outdoor industry to do better. To make gear that fits real bodies. To question what’s always been done. To recognize that sometimes the smallest
innovations, like a second zipper, can unlock the biggest freedoms.
As Edwards puts it: “The ability to pee outside comfortably shouldn’t be revolutionary, but it is. And we’re proud to be leading that revolution.”
What started as a solution to a very personal problem has grown into a movement, and Gnara shows no signs of slowing down. With multiple product awards and new innovations in the pipeline, the Gunnison, Colorado-based brand is quickly becoming a go-to for those who want to adventure on their own terms.
This year, Gnara reached a new peak: a firstever collaboration with snowboarding pioneer Burton. Together, they’ve created a limitededition ski bib featuring Gnara’s patented GoFly pee zipper system — plus compatible base layers that make mid-mountain bathroom breaks faster, warmer and way less awkward.
For Gnara, the partnership marks a fullcircle moment — from a thrift-store prototype in a Vermont dorm to teaming up with the brand that helped define modern snow sports. The collection is available now for pre-order and will ship ahead of the ’25/’26 ski season.
It’s proof that when innovation meets inclusivity, everybody benefits.
So next time nature calls mid-adventure? You’ll be glad Gnara answered first. :
gnara.com
Compiled by S+B Staff
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Built for adventurers who never go it alone, these radios can keep your crew connected when your journeys are remote. Designed for the backcountry, each features a fourday battery life, a 35-plus mile range in mountain terrain and a carabiner system for secure carry. Dependable, durable and easy to use, this is your go-to for safe, seamless group communication. $110 rockytalkie.com
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It’s an early summer morning in Monument Canyon in Colorado National Monument. Hot already. I’m with my trail-running bestie running down a rocky stretch when we hear a friendly hello coming behind us. A nimble darkhaired guy politely angles by and then triples our pace, disappearing ahead quickly. Later, we realize we’ve had a flyby with Ryan Sullivan — local physician and ultrarunner who in the last few years has started to become a known and
fierce competitor in big name trail ultra races nationwide. Sullivan moved to the Grand Valley in 2018 for his medical residency at St. Mary’s, and fell in love with the area while putting in the mileage to compete with the nation’s best in trail ultra endurance races.
Result highlights for Sullivan from 2024 and early 2025 include fifth overall at the Gorge Waterfalls 100k in April where he ran under the previous course record set by Vincent Bouillard
(who won the 2024 UTMB), second place at the 2024 JFK 50 Mile where he ran the sixth fastest time in the race’s history, a win at the Blue Sky Trail Marathon, first at the DC Peaks 55K, first at the Grand Mesa Ultras 30k, a win and course record at the Quebec Mega Trail 80k and an exciting third male at the Leadville 100 Mile finishing in a time of 17 hours, 21 minutes, 39 seconds.
We’re sitting at Copeka Coffee, and I’m trying to find out Sullivan’s secret sauce. How does he run so far and so fast? Is it his incredibly cute yellow lab Willie sitting with us, who joins him on many dog-friendly trail runs? Is it the perseverance that it took to accomplish the rigors of medical school and residency that he translates to the trail? Is it the proximity to the steep climbs on the Colorado National Monument in his backyard? “The access to the outdoors in Grand Junction is unrivaled,” Sullivan tells me. “I can run into the Monument from my front door; I have hundreds of miles of trails within a 15-minute drive in any direction, and we can get to altitude and mountainous terrain within two to three hours.”
Sullivan‘s training partner and friend, Chris Sovacol, tells me that from looking at Sullivan’s Strava over five or six segment climbs (Dugway, Serpents, Independence Climb, Liberty Cap and Corkscrew), he has logged over 550 miles alone on just those five climbs over the years and that he’s likely run over 1,000 miles on the monument during his short time living in Grand Junction. This does not include miles he’s logged on other trail systems in town. He’s steadily been increasing mileage over the years to 80, 90, 100 miles per week but knows when to back off to prevent injury.
Sullivan claims that one big change in the past few years for him has been simply getting more sleep. “My overall systemic stress levels finally came down once residency ended,” he explains. “Regular sleep schedule, working less, less stressful job and schedule regularity and predictability all played a part.”
Perhaps another ingredient to Sullivan’s recent success is community. Supported by a crew of local runners, Sullivan’s journey
highlights the deep connections forged through endurance sports. “There’s an amazing running community here,” he explains, “and I feel lucky that I have such great friends to run with all the time.” He joined The Mesa Monument Striders when he moved to Grand Junction, where he met Sovacol, Max Robinson and Whit Blair among other fast competitive runners, whom he trains with regularly. “The Mesa Monument Striders host twice-a-week group runs with all different distances and pace groups, and put on all kinds of local events,” he adds. “They’re the most inclusive and welcoming group you could imagine, and the group runs are where a lot of my friends and I met our best friends when we moved to town.”
Sullivan typically starts weekday mornings with his friends, running a loop that includes the Fenceline, Corkscrew and Liberty Cap trails before returning home for coffee and heading to work. On weekends, he meets at local trailheads for longer runs linking trails throughout the Monument. When they’re not in “desert season,” they often train around Ouray for summer altitude training, and often travel
to races to support and crew for each other in different events.
Beyond his impressive results, Sullivan is also unique in today’s hyper-connected world — he trains, competes and succeeds without leveraging social media for sponsorships, staying focused purely on the sport and the face-toface camaraderie it brings. Aside from Strava, Sullivan can’t be found on social media at all. He’s sponsored by the Aravaipa Racing Team, which helps out with race fees, but he’s not required to post. He says that he’s just simply not interested, that he loves running, loves goals, but doesn’t need to prove anything. Yet he understands his privilege. Many athletes can’t afford to be pro without social media, but he’s already worked for the goal of a career in medicine, a yearslong endurance event in itself, and so running competitively is simply a gift to be enjoyed. According to Sovacol, “He stays present and thoroughly enjoys each moment. ‘You’ll have to pry my cold dead body from these trails,’ he once said. I know for a fact he meant it.”
Trails before work Monument Canyon and Liberty Cap
Post-run place to refuel Hot Tomato Shoes
Adidas Adrivac Speed Ultra or the Norda 005
Gear
Janji half tights (for the pockets!) and Raide Research Belt for fluids/energy
Keep your eyes out for him when you’re on the trail — Sullivan has some serious racing coming up for summer and fall 2025, including the San Juan Solstice 50M in June, The High Lonesome 100 in July and Run Rabbit Run 100 in August. :
Words + Photos by Mitch Korolev
When people first hear that I am a scientist, they often assume that I work in a fluorescently lit laboratory with chemicals and test tubes. That’s not the case with the research I conduct for the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. I spend the majority of my working hours in the woods, sometimes hiking several miles off-trail to reach a research site.
There’s a deep connection between humans and nature — one that’s intertwined with a spirit of adventure and grounded in science. With a field season that extends into the winter, my coworkers and I face all types of weather and wildlife, never quite knowing what obstacles lie ahead on any given day.
FIA is a national program, but CSFS manages most of the research plots in Colorado and Wyoming. Colorado has around 4,500 plots, far too many to tackle in a single year. We monitor
one-tenth of the plots each year, meaning researchers return to the same plot once every 10 years. Over time, this process allows us to track changes in tree growth, changes in species composition and disturbances like wildfire and beetle damage.
The results of FIA data directly contribute to an improved understanding of Colorado’s forests. FIA data is open source. Scientists use this research to study a myriad of topics, from the shifting ecological ranges of edible plants to how drought affects tree growth and mortality. FIA data also informed the Colorado’s Forest Resources 2004-2013 report, which evaluated current issues our forests face, including damage from pine and spruce beetles and the connection between drought and the sudden decline of quaking aspen trees. :
I encounter wildlife on the Western Slope almost every day. This time, a herd of wild horses kept me company while on a plot.
At the beginning of this project, the locations of the research plots were randomized. As a result, I often have to take the work truck off the beaten path before I can approach a plot on foot.
A coworker uses a compass to navigate across a plot. Tree azimuths in relation to subplot centers are also collected by compass, which helps future researchers to understand which tree is which.
A coworker wraps a tree with a diameter tape. Within a subplot, we record the diameter of a tree if it is greater than 5 inches at breast height (4.5 feet) or at its base, depending on the species.
Tree cores are another method to measure tree growth. Using an increment borer, the tool with the orange handle, my coworker removed a small segment of a Utah juniper tree and counted its rings to establish its age. Don’t worry, this doesn’t significantly damage the tree.
We also monitor and record understory vegetation. This is especially helpful for tracking invasive species, quantifying forage availability for wildlife and estimating the amount of burnable fuels should a wildfire emerge in the area.
My coworker evaluates the crown thickness on a stand of Utah juniper trees during heavy snowfall. If a tree has a thin or nonexistent crown, we evaluate what caused its decline. Fire and bark beetles are two common reasons for tree mortality on the Western Slope.
The structure of each research plot is identical, made up of four circular subplots, each of which has a radius of 24 feet. The same measurements are taken on each subplot. This figure is provided by the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS).
Learn more about the FIA program in Colorado on the CSFS website.
Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman
Just north of Silverton, off the Million Dollar Highway, lies two of the most spectacular alpine hikes in the entire state — Columbine Lake Trail and Ice Lake Trail. Although they are side by side and both share many stunning qualities, one truly stands out.
Due in large part to social media, Ice Lake Trail has become wildly popular, averaging 500 people a day during the summer, eliminating any hope for solitude and damaging the precious high-altitude tundra.
Columbine Lake Trail, just over two miles to the north, remains pristine and tranquil. The trail starts above 10,000 feet with a gain of 2,400 feet over 3.5 miles. The 12% grade is steep and
strenuous. Persevering will reward you with panoramic views of the surrounding rugged San Juan Mountain peaks, sprawling alpine valleys and breathtaking Columbine Lake.
The trail is naturally split into three sections. The first 1.25 miles feature countless steep switchbacks in a dense coniferous forest. Feeling pretty proud as we passed a group of teens trying to find their lungs, our bubbles burst after learning they were from Tennessee. Oh well.
Breaking out of the forest, the trail opens up to an idyllic alpine valley leading to a craggy saddle just over a mile away. Stunning views and
the true beauty of the trail emerge here. Stop often, rest and take it all in.
The saddle is the last kick-in-the-butt before the final third of the trail. The most strenuous part of the hike is over and the most beautiful section can be enjoyed at leisure with only 200 feet of additional elevation gain to the lake. Broad Mill Creek alpine valley is before you surrounded by distant jagged mountain ranges. Life is good!
After 1.5 miles, the jewel of the hike comes into view, tucked in a stunning glacial bowl at nearly 13,000 feet. Cool your feet in the crystal sapphire water of Columbine Lake, meditate, throw out a line or enjoy a trail walk bordering the lake.
The best months to hike Columbine Lake Trail are mid-July through September. The sweet spot is mid-July through mid-August if you want to enjoy vibrant summer wildflowers. Start hiking in the morning and reach the lake by noon to avoid erratic afternoon alpine thunderstorms.
Ample water sources are available to filter, but not until 2 miles into the hike. Pack plenty of snacks, rain gear and layering options. If you’re a fishing fan, throw in a pole to catch a brook trout that Columbine Lake is known for.
Consider your personal acclimation and ability for difficult high-altitude hiking to avoid getting yourself in a compromising situation on the trail. Hiking with two poles are great assists for both the incline and decline.
There are no facilities on the trail or at the trailhead, and always be an ambassador for the environment by leaving no trace.
Parking for Columbine Lake is located just off Highway 550, 18 miles south of Ouray and 5 miles north of Silverton. Turn on Forest Road 820 and stay right. The trailhead is easy to miss as the marker is a simple post reading “Trail 509.” Low-clearance vehicles should park closer to the highway which adds a mile to the hike. High clearance vehicles can drive another .6 miles to the trailhead where parking is limited and a tight squeeze. :
Words by Chloe Mayer
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Girls on the Run (GOTR) Western Colorado, a major milestone for the organization. Since its inception in Grand Junction, the organization has grown to make a significant impact on young girls across the Western Slope.
A nonprofit organization, GOTR creates after-school, physical activity-based youth development programs for elementary and middle school girls. Girls on the Run is the program designed for third through fifth grade girls, while sixth through eighth grade girls participate in Heart & Sole. Both programs focus on building social and emotional skills, connecting with the community and building healthy exercise habits in a positive environment. “The girls are empowered through meaningful team interactions and a curriculum that inspires every girl to recognize
her limitless potential,” says executive director Emily Moen Eastham. “Girls on the Run provides a safe, encouraging space for girls to thrive.”
While “run” may be in the title, GOTR focuses on building a positive, inclusive community for young girls to learn and grow.
GOTR Western Colorado began in 2000, with only 45 girls and six volunteer coaches. Since then, the organization has positively impacted over 36,000 girls across the Western Slope. GOTR Western Colorado now has over 700 coaches and other volunteers, and serves roughly 2,000 girls each year. The program is funded exclusively by community sponsors and donors, whose generosity allows GOTR Western Colorado to have the lowest registration fee in the nation, according to program director Sharon Poling. “We continue to be affordable and accessible to any girl who would like to be a ‘Girl on the Run,’”
says Poling, who has been a member of the GOTR Western Colorado team since its inception.
GOTR is committed to providing a femalefocused space for participants. According to Eastham, research shows that girls often face higher rates of anxiety and depression than boys, and are more likely to experience bullying and societal pressures. “Programs designed specifically for girls provide a safe and supportive environment where they can develop critical life skills, build self-esteem and form meaningful connections with peers and mentors,” says Eastham. GOTR aims to help girls see that other girls experience the same feelings and situations, allowing them to open up and be themselves.
GOTR uses structured, interactive lessons to equip participants with the social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate their experiences. Shawn Carstensen Hays, educator and GOTR volunteer for more than 20 years, sees how these lessons impact participants in the classroom. “I see girls using the tools they have learned, like standing up for themselves and others and solving problems with others,” says Hays. “They participate more in class because their self-confidence has grown, and they develop a stronger growth mindset.”
To celebrate 25 years of GOTR Western Colorado, the administrative team is hosting a
planned event every month of this anniversary year. Events focus on coach appreciation, sponsor and donor recognition and community outreach. “It’s hard for me to believe it has been 25 years since I began my coaching journey with GOTR,” says Poling. “I am constantly amazed by the positive impact this program has on everyone involved. Not only the girls we serve but the volunteers as well.”
The GOTR Western Colorado 5K celebration is an annual, end-of-season event for participants to celebrate how far they have come in the program. Girls from over 40 elementary and middle schools will gather with friends, family and volunteer coaches to run 3.1 miles through Fruita. Every year, community members show their support with colorful signs, music, bracelets and encouragement throughout the run. “The celebratory 5K is a milestone moment, symbolizing the culmination of the program and the personal growth of each participant,” says Eastham. “It allows girls to put into practice the perseverance, confidence and teamwork they’ve developed, celebrating their accomplishments in a supportive and empowering environment.” :
To learn more about Girls on the Run Western Colorado or make a donation, visit gotrwesterncolorado.org
Words by Lisa Blake stay + play
Private, secluded and into-the-wild pampered time where everything is taken care of for you? Yes, please. These Colorado destination ranches are built around fresh-air adventure and the coveted chance to simply get away from it all.
58000 Cowboy Way, Clark, CO
Just north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, luxury is paramount at this posh all-inclusive dude ranch. Old West meets divine rest and countless opportunities for outdoor exploration blanketed in AAA Four Diamond amenities. Kick
back in a well-appointed private log cabin with your own front porch hot tub or attend a good ol’ fashioned western barn dance. Fill your days with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, paddle boarding, fly fishing and a full menu of kids programming. vistaverde.com
3530 County Rd. 83, Tabernash, CO
The caring staff at Devil’s Thumb are highly skilled at making sure you feel right at home. Spread your wings at this beautiful 6,500-acre Rocky Mountain resort just 75 miles west of Denver. Bike through wildflowers, angle for
rainbow trout and gallop atop one of the stable’s many well-mannered horses before settling into your lodge room, log cabin or private guest house. Relax in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, reset with daily yoga and refuel at Heck’s Tavern over a famous wagyu burger. devilsthumbranch.com
17931 W. County Rd. 74e, Red Feather Lakes, CO
The smallest ranch in the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association sets visitors up with an intimate atmosphere and plenty of space to connect. Bond over rock climbing, shooting, rafting, archery, hiking, yoga and disc golf at this rustic all-inclusive Northern Colorado ranch. Take it easy and explore, unwind, sleep in, sing around the campfire and get back to nature. Or hone in on a new hobby and sharpen your western photography skills with an outdoor workshop, take square dancing lessons and enjoy some authentic cowboy poetry. sundancetrail.com
3640 CO-125, Granby, CO
This all-inclusive luxury dude ranch racks up awards for its high-class amenities and down-
home experiences. Enjoy a taste of the American West in spacious private cabins adorned with stone fireplaces, western décor and homey touches. Visit the activity yurt for bikes, fishing poles and more. Sign up for a beehive tour or commit to a full-day working cattle ranch experience. Kids love the game room’s shuffleboard, air hockey, ping pong and foosball along with the outdoor horseshoe pit and volleyball and shuffleboard courts. clazyu.com
3715 Co Rd. 62, Grant, CO
Revamped and reopened in 2025 by Collective Retreats, Tumbling River Ranch rests on Guanella Pass near Georgetown and serves as a serene hideaway for modern explorers. Settle in with morning yoga, explore forest trails on a guided hike or treat yourself to a horseback ride through scenic mountain terrain. Higher adrenaline activities include whitewater rafting, fly fishing and rock climbing. With a focus on slowing down and reconnecting with nature and each other, Tumbling River beckons with warming fires, wellness talks and live music under the stars. collectiveretreats.com/tumblingriver-ranch :
Colorado’s history is alive with people who lived at altitude with ATTITUDE, and overcame many obstacles to follow their dreams.
Discover these tales in coffee table gift books illustrated with antique prints, historical photos, old maps, memorabilia, and pull-out vintage postcards.
Aspen, Denver, Durango, and Telluride. Order books at www.coloradosnowstories.com
Words by Lexi Marshall
It hit me somewhere between the second cider and the first ice cream cone — I could see myself living here. I was wandering through downtown Boise on a golden summer afternoon, warm sun on my shoulders, an easy breeze in the air, when it clicked. This city has all the joys of Colorado — mountains, rivers, good food, craft beer — but without the oversaturation. Boise feels like Colorado’s laid-back little sister who’s figured out how to keep things cool, creative and (semi) crowd-free.
It’s the West’s most underrated, cool city.
Let’s start with home base. Check in at the Inn at 500 Capitol, a boutique stay steps from
downtown’s heartbeat. Each room is uniquely themed (mine had an entire wall-sized mural of a local sports team), and amenities include complimentary bikes — perfect for exploring the Greenbelt (more on that later).
Boise’s compact downtown makes it ideal to hop on an e-scooter for getting around. For longer trips, Uber and Lyft are readily available, though you might find yourself preferring the open-air experience of cruising by bike or scooter.
Kick off your culinary tour at The Wylder, where wood-fired, 52-year-old sourdough pizzas meet thoughtful small plates. Try the “Honey Badger” with Italian sausage, caramelized onion and spicy honey — this dish has a cult following for a reason.
Boise is home to the largest Basque community outside of Spain, and the Basque Block offers a compelling case of how Idaho has conserved and honored a thriving ethnic community. This walkable cultural gem is lined with pintxos bars, murals and artisan shops. Step inside The Basque Market for a glass of wine and some paella, then meander over to Meriwether Cider House a few blocks away, where the lineup of craft ciders includes a crisp hopped cider that’s basically a beer drinker’s gateway to the apple side. Founded by a family of Idaho-transplanted adventurers and former wildland firefighters, this Boise cidery channels their love of the outdoors and good drinks into every hand-labeled pint. Later, stroll the nearby shops for some local charm, like SHIFT boutique, Rediscovered Bookshop and Mixed Greens.
Come nightfall, follow the downtown buzz to Percy , a fresh concept from Wylder Hospitality Group. The name is shorthand for “perseverance,” and you can feel the thoughtful intention in every dish. Expect upscale American cuisine in a warm, thoughtful space. Oddly enough, it’s the Baby Gem Salad I still dream about with its focaccia croutons and insanely fresh horseradish.
Wind down the evening at The Warehouse Food Hall, a community-minded space that combines live music, micro eateries and local brews under one stylish roof. Grab an artisanal cone from The STIL, known for boozy, indulgent flavors like “Ed & Carl Take Reno” with honey bourbon or “Idaho Wilderness” with berries and lavender.
Rise early and head to Camel’s Back Park, one of the best access points to Boise’s 190-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system. A short, steep walk up the hill reveals panoramic views of the city and the Treasure Valley. From there, you can pick a mellow path through sagebrush meadows or go full trail-runner mode.
Just three blocks south is the North End’s Hyde Park, a historic neighborhood brimming with character. Grab an espresso at Hyde Park Coffee House or Certified Kitchen + Bakery,
then browse soy wax creations at Lit&Co. Candles. If you have the time, get your flow on at True North Yoga. This pocket of town blends old-school charm with new, creative energy. Afternoons are made for Boise’s most iconic summer activity: a float down the Boise River. Rent a double kayak for $50 at Barber Park, then enjoy a breezy two-hour float past Boise State campus all the way to Ann Morrison Park. We just Ubered to Barber from our hotel, which worked perfectly. Pro tip: bring a hat, sunscreen and water — and while there’s a $4 return shuttle available (if you had parked, for example), we opted to grab e-scooters at Ann Morrison for the ride back to our hotel, which was a fun way to end the adventure.
After freshening up, dine in style at The Avery Brasserie , a showstopper restaurant inside the Avery Hotel, a 120-year-old property meticulously reimagined. Michelin-Star chef Cal Elliott, a Boise native who cut his teeth at NYC’s Gramercy Tavern and Blue Hill, brings world-class refinement to familiar flavors. The result? A menu that’s elegant yet completely unpretentious.
The next morning, stop at Slow by Slow Coffee, a downtown spot I can’t stop thinking about. I keep a Notes app file of all-time favorite bites and sips, and their cappuccino made the list. This is craft coffee in the truest sense — meticulously brewed and deeply rooted in story. From the beans’ origin to the brewing method, Slow by Slow invites you to be part of coffee’s journey. Each visit brings something new from the country’s top roasters, served by baristas who are equal parts experts and storytellers.
Lace up your shoes again and hit Table Rock Trail, a local favorite that climbs steadily to sweeping views of Boise. On your way down, carve out time to visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a fascinating, slightly haunting stop that’s rich with Wild West history and dramatic tales of escape attempts and inmate life.
Make your way back to the Inn at 500 Capitol, then hop on one of the complimentary bikes and cruise the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile urban path that winds past some of the city’s most beloved parks and public art installations.
On your way, pause for reflection at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a tranquil park filled with quotes and sculpture near the Greenbelt. Then stop for lunch at Green Acres Food Truck Park, where you’ll find local bites, live music and lawn games galore. Continue the leisure ride and you’ll pass the “Ribbon of Jewels,” a series of riverside parks named after notable Boise women — and eventually, you’ll hit wine country. Yes, really.
While Idaho’s Sunny Slope region may get all the wine buzz, Garden City is where wine lovers can pedal between pours. This once-industrial enclave is now home to many blooming wineries, including Split Rail Winery and Veer Wine Project, two must-visits for those craving something different.
Split Rail is exploratory winemaking at its most fearless. From amphoras to concrete eggs, the team experiments with fermentation vessels to coax out the purest expression of the fruit. No shortcuts, just bold, boundary-pushing wines made with intention and curiosity. The tasting room is as edgy as the wines themselves, with vibrant colors, industrial details and a playful vibe.
Down the path, Veer Wine Project has quickly established itself as one of Idaho’s most exciting wine destinations. Founded by
winemaker Will Wetmore and his physician wife Dr. Jaclyn Cooperrider, this boutique winery earned prestigious recognition as Idaho’s 2024 Winery of the Year — with good reason. Wetmore’s experimental approach yields remarkable results, from award-winning grenache and carménère to innovative skincontact riesling and vineyard-fermented malbec. The welcoming tasting room perfectly reflects the owner’s casual personality, while the wines themselves speak with sophisticated eloquence. With Veer’s growing recognition since winning multiple gold medals, it’s become an essential stop on any Boise area wine tour.
End the day at Art Haus Bar, the stylish sidekick to KIN from James Beard Award-winner Kris Komori. No reservations, no pressure — just deeply delicious cocktails, inspired small plates and a perfectly Boise way to close out your stay.
Before leaving town, grab something simple and elevated at ā café, known for locally sourced breakfast plates and thoughtfully brewed coffee.
Then make a final stop at Sunshine Spice Café, a downtown gem run by four Afghan refugee sisters. Their menu of Afghan, European and American pastries showcase rich flavors and family tradition. Co-owner Khatera Shams was even a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Baker. Their saffron latte is pure magic, and don’t leave without a cardamom cookie or two.
Boise exists in that sweet spot between bigcity amenities and small-town authenticity. Here, craft beverages and James Beard-nominated chefs share streets with century-old architecture and family-run businesses. Adventure is always minutes away, whether it’s mountain trails or river paths.
The true magic of Boise is in its balance — a city that’s growing and evolving while staying true to its welcoming, unpretentious spirit. It’s a place where the barista remembers your order, the trail isn’t overcrowded and there’s always a new corner to explore. This is Idaho’s modern mountain town, waiting to charm you at your own pace. :
ONE OF MANY ‘PEARLS’ ALONG THE
Words by Sharon Sullivan
The banks of the Colorado River in Grand Junction were once littered with uranium mill tailings and old junk cars, leaving little public access to the river flowing through town. Then, a group of community leaders, during the mid-1980s, envisioned something different for the river corridor.
The tailings were removed, the junk yard was cleaned up and local leaders began imagining a “string of pearls” along the Colorado River that would include parks and a paved riverfront trail from Palisade to Loma. The Confluence Center of Colorado, currently under construction at 2600 Dos Rios Dr., near where the Gunnison and Colorado rivers meet, will be one of those riverside gems.
Six nonprofit organizations — RiversEdge West, Eureka! McConnell Science Museum,
Colorado National Monument Association, Colorado Mesa Land Trust, One Riverfront and Colorado Canyons Association — are all coming together under one roof at the nonprofit Confluence Center, to create a collaborative hub for education, environmental stewardship and community services.
One Riverfront, whose mission is to foster community stewardship and enhance the river corridors of the Gunnison and Colorado, has had little visibility with an office tucked away in the back corner of a county building, says One Riverfront chairman John Gormley. Awareness of its mission will improve greatly after the nonprofit moves into its new office near the river later this year.
“The six nonprofits all complement one another,” Gormley says. “We’re a group of people
who can work together for the common good. Eureka! has a lot of educational opportunities. We’re taking advantage of the natural classroom right outside the new building.” The mission of Eureka! is to inspire a passion and respect for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) in its communities.
The idea of nature-focused nonprofits coming together to collaborate and share resources is fairly innovative, says Gormley. Already, the group is receiving inquiries from organizations in other parts of Colorado who are interested in building something similar, he notes.
A few years ago, Rusty Lloyd — president of the Confluence Center’s board and executive director of RiversEdge West, which restores riparian ecosystems across the West — began talking with Jenn Moore, executive director of the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum, about creating a shared space to help mission-aligned organizations collaborate more easily.
Moore said she loved the idea; the science museum was already partnering with some of the organizations interested in the project to provide rafting trips and opportunities to participate in native vegetation restoration, as well as hikes and summer camps for kids. The Eureka! McConnell Science Museum will remain at 1400 N. 7th St., while some staff members and programs will be based at the Confluence Center.
“We are relocating our Environmental Institute (for Science, Stewardship and Leadership) to take kids (pre-K through 12th grade) on expeditionary learning experiences outdoors,” where they gain resiliency skills while learning science, Moore says. One program (for 4th-12th graders) takes kids on three-day expeditions where they learn how to research weather, use maps, set up a tent, prepare food and learn about endangered species on the Grand Mesa.
Eureka! is also expanding and building a new STREAM (Moore added an “R” for river) preschool at the center. The preschool will be for Confluence Center employees, and will also prioritize teacher and first responder families, followed by the general public if space allows.
“The Confluence Center will have more community and science education, as well as
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Covering all of Colorado: Front range to Western Slope.
restoration opportunities,” Moore says. “It will build awareness of the Colorado River — the lifeblood of Western Colorado.”
Colorado Mesa Land Trust, Colorado Canyons Association and Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) will also continue to operate out of their current locations.
The Confluence Center will own the building, with a representative from each of the nonprofit tenants on the center’s board of directors.
“We tried to find like-minded organizations centered on being a resource for our land, water, agriculture and public lands, while providing space for other community nonprofits, as well,” Lloyd says. Other nonprofits may be added in the future.
The Confluence Center will have co-working space, plus room for conferences, educational workshops and other events, including fundraisers and celebrations. Plans also include an interactive lobby with interpretive information about the Colorado River Basin, where visitors on the nearby Riverfront Trail will be able to pop in and learn about native plant species and the status of rivers in the arid Southwest.
CNMA, the nonprofit partner of Colorado National Monument, already collaborates with Colorado Canyonlands Association and Eureka! to offer opportunities for youth to participate in outdoor adventure and learning.
National parks do not get to keep all the revenue generated from entrance fees, which makes its nonprofit partners like CNMA essential, says executive director Johanna van Waveren.
“We run the visitor center store, do fundraising events, write grants and have a membership
model,” she says. “We do everything we can to help the park.” Colorado Canyonlands Association similarly supports National Conservation Areas in Western Colorado.
CNMA funds a Ranger Resiliency program that helps local schoolchildren and military veterans by offering outdoor programs designed to improve mental health. Colorado National Monument Association also supports the monument’s Junior Ranger program and — after recent federal budget cuts — the publication of park maps.
Currently, CNMA works out of a cramped office at the visitor center near the park’s Fruita entrance. The office is also used for storage. Plus, community members are unaware of where CNMA is located, adds van Waveren, adding that renting space at the Confluence Center will allow for more public engagement.
“It’s a game changer for us to have a CNMA office in town,” van Waveren says. “It will create more opportunities to engage with the community. Now we have space to grow, hold meetings and collaborate. People will know where we are.”
Cost of the Confluence Center building is $7.5 million. Organizers are continuing to raise funds to complete the project by the end of 2025. There are many ways donors can contribute, including gifts of cash, stock, appreciated securities and IRA charitable gifts. Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and Child Care Contribution Credits are also available. Visit confluencecenterco.org for more information. :
Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos courtesy of Jhova Media
“It was a very lucky day when I connected with Jhova Media,” shares Grand Junction resident Linda Stout. Stout was commissioning a documentary on mental health and the challenges of finding adequate care in Western Colorado. When a friend passed her a card for Jhova Media, she emailed executive producer Herry Fuentes. Jhova’s creative director Jaden Quan returned the call and she felt an immediate connection. “I found that both of them have such maturity and emotional intelligence. It was a slam dunk
when I got to know them and I have no doubt that they were the right filmmakers,” she says. The result was The Invisible Patient, which premiered at the Asteria Theatre in May 2025.
For Fuentes and Quan, The Invisible Patient was a challenge which made them experts on a crisis unfolding in real time when the region’s only residential mental health facility closed. Making the film was “a challenge because so much of it is abstract and nuanced,” explains Quan. “We had to tell the story without boring
the audience and do right by the people who have this affliction and the people who are affected by that. It was like tightrope walking between two skyscrapers.”
If connecting with Jhova was one of Stout’s lucky days, the backstory on how Fuentes and Quan founded a successful film company in their early 20s also seems like a story of great luck. But calling it “luck” simplifies the ambition, drive and foresight with which both men pursue their dreams.
Jhova Media was founded by Fuentes in early 2023. A student at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) pursuing a double major in film and finance, Fuentes’ first move as a business owner was to send a text seeking partners in the company. “Only Jaden responded,” he laughs.
For Quan, a 2022 CMU graduate, the timing was perfect. “I was at a crossroads of where I wanted to take things. Then I get this text message, and it was like, if not now, then when?”
According to Fuentes, the early days of Jhova Media (which is a take on Fuentes’ middle name, not the Hebrew word for God), were “humble.” Fuentes shares that they pride themselves on “being able to make something great out of really not much. We made things that looked like they had more production value, but really, we were just stretching our limits and seeing what we could do.”
Finding work was another challenge. “We used a lot of front door strategies, where you knock on their door and ask ‘you want a video, here’s what we can do.’ But it’s those back door strategies that really work the best, those relationships that you’ve built over time, with your immediate community,” he explains.
Fuentes’ delineation between front door and back door strategies makes a lot of sense, and reflects knowledge gained at CMU and through the Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s Elevar program which provides business and leadership training. Through Elevar, Fuentes and Quan built a relationship with Mike Rushmore, co-founder of the foundation and its current chairman. Impressed by their work, Rushmore and philanthropist Ron Davis commissioned Jhova to craft a documentary showcasing resources and collaboration in the local nonprofit sector.
To give the film a narrative structure, Fuentes and Quan partnered with a family they met through Elevar who were starting a nonprofit called MAS Color to support and advocate for families with special needs children. To incorporate other nonprofit agencies into the story, Jhova pulled together a roundtable where these agencies shared their missions and advice. The result is One Valley, an overview of services within Eagle County seen through the context of one family’s lived experience. Filming for One Valley ended in April and it will be released in summer 2025.
Also premiering this summer is a documentary on the history of Colorado Mesa University, which marks its centennial in 2025. Jhova was brought into the project on the recommendation of the CMU marketing department, where both Quan and Fuentes worked during college. CMU’s President
Emeritus, Tim Foster, is leading the project which will coincide with a book release and a year-long slate of celebratory events.
“It’s another beautiful, right place, right time kind of thing,” exudes Quan, reflecting on the privilege of telling his alma mater’s story. “It’s daunting for sure, because you can’t redo a 100year anniversary. But it’s cool to be able to go to this college, develop an affection for it and give back to the school that put us in the position to start this business.”
After working with Jhova for over a year, Foster is impressed. “Those two young men are just so talented and the quality of work they put out is top-notch,” he shares. “There is nothing they can’t do.”
Sharing stories on screen is a task Quan and Fuentes take seriously. Reflecting on a culture in which everyone can create and curate a personality, Fuentes indicates that
restoring sincerity is one of their goals. “We’re not looking to be quirky; we’re not looking to be cynical. These are people and these are their genuine stories. It’s what makes our formula for documentaries special.”
As for their own stories, Quan grew up fascinated by the “behind the scenes” aspects of film. He began making short movies, including Lego-based stop motion animation, as a child.
During high school, Quan witnessed an oncampus suicide. He shares that he processed this event by picturing it as a movie scene, a technique he’s used during other difficult times. “Maybe it’s some sort of coping mechanism, but that’s just how my brain works. I think the benefit of that is that I can transpose those experiences and that perception into creating something.”
As for Fuentes, he says filmmaking “makes me feel like I have control over not only my own story, but over how people see certain situations, how untold stories open up to people.” Fuentes shares that he can’t tell his story without telling something of his mother’s story, because she inspires him. His mother was a victim of severe abuse who left home, became pregnant and lived on the streets. But she also had a dream — to become a singer and radio personality — and she succeeded.
“Despite the difficulties she went through at a young age, she followed through. She still went on stage and sang her heart out, she still went on the radio,” says Fuentes with great pride. “And I thought to myself, I have many more resources than she did at my age and if I can’t make this Jhova thing work, then who am I?”
“I think what we do is really good, but we’re not at the top or anything. We are very much developing,” Fuentes says, assessing the company’s future. “I think people have high hopes for us and I think they hear our stories. And that, to me, speaks volumes.”
At one point during our interview, Fuentes referred to “luck being a principle of design,” meaning that well-executed deliberative actions create positive outcomes, which may appear as luck. Whether by luck or design, Jhova is elevating documentary film in Western Colorado and sharing stories with the potential to uplift us all. :
HOW BEING A BEGINNER AGAIN LED TO A NEW IDEA OF SUCCESS
Words by Paige Kaptuch | Photos courtesy of Katie Arnold
It’s an August evening in 2018 — still not yet midnight — and 46-year-old Katie Arnold, wearing yellow running shorts and a turquoise tee with her dark hair tucked beneath a visor, has been running the Leadville 100 Trail Run for over 19 hours, along with about 700 others. The iconic high elevation race, starting at over 10,000 feet and known for its 18,000 feet of elevation gain over 100 miles of rugged terrain, has been a bucket list for Arnold. She writes about this experience later, saying, “A long race is like all of life lived in a single day.”
It is dark as she approaches the finish line. She sees a shooting star before she breaks the
tape as the first woman and runs into the arms of her daughters and friends. Running is Arnold’s lifeblood. It’s how she’s processing her father’s death. It is how she’s coped with the challenges of motherhood. It’s been more to her than just competing, but this is a particularly triumphant moment.
Let’s backtrack a bit here.
It’s June 23, 2016 on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, and 44-year-old Katie Arnold — an ultrarunner winning local races, an editor at Outside Magazine and a lifelong journalist and adventure lover from Santa Fe, New Mexico — is here with her husband and
friends, seeking a new adventure far from home and alongside her young daughters. She’s working on her first book, Running Home, a memoir about losing her father, and a memoir about running. Arnold also has a thing for rivers. She’s embarking on six days on the Middle Fork with a large private group of experienced whitewater rafters — a long-planned trip with close to 100 rapids, many categorized as class III-IV.
She explains that, on the Middle Fork, “you travel through a canyon so rugged it’s called ‘The River of No Return.’” There aren’t very many ways in or out once you get going, and she is excited. It’s a beautiful escape, and they do trips like this as often as they can. Arnold loves running, but she also has fallen in love with rivers and fallen in love on rivers. This is also the case with her husband Steve Barrett, and this is precisely why they are here, together. She writes, “rivers are a lesson in constancy
and impermanence, a true contradiction: snow becomes runoff becomes rivers, empties to the sea or is diverted to farm fields, is absorbed by plants, is offered to the world as oxygen, returns to the earth as water or snow, hail or ice and flows again into rivers. Rivers appear to move in one direction, downstream, but their path is circular, infinite.”
She and her husband are in their own raft (he’s on the oars), and they’re on the first mile of the trip, the first rapid. Arnold skillfully describes the scene, the mechanics of how the boat wraps around Doors Rock, how she resists falling and what happens when she finally does in the opening scene of her book Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World. Arnold says the resistance is symbolic. “When you resist things, they become worse.” While in the water, she describes, “Right away, I can tell something is wrong. My left knee is flopping, loose, like a wobbly chicken fat jostling in its joint, side to side, up and down.” The
group is faced with a decision about what to do with her and ultimately, someone suggests that it seems like a dislocated knee and she accepts this narrative. She doesn’t want to try bushwhacking with all their stuff two miles back upstream. She can’t walk. It’s not a heroic decision to stay on the river. “It was out of fear.” She’s convinced she can continue on the river, despite the pain. She doesn’t want to leave her husband, be evacuated alone. She spends the rest of the trip sitting on a cataraft with twin pontoons. Her toes “balloon(ed) up, fat and stuffy like miniature hot dogs — diminutive versions of my humongous, grotesque knee.” There’s nothing to do but sit in the unknown of what has happened to her leg. She writes that “not knowing is a form of wisdom,” and that “running long distances boosted my tolerance for uncertainty.” It is by no means easy. For a reader of her work, it begs the question for many of us — what would we do? How would we feel?
Days later back in Santa Fe, X-rays show that she’s fractured her tibial plateau. The
surgery will involve plates and screws and a trauma surgeon who will need to rebreak it to fix it. The surgeon says what no athlete wants to hear: “You should find a new hobby. Running is a terrible idea. If I were you, I’d never run again.” After surgery, she’s non-weight-bearing for 14 weeks. As she says, “[I had to] come up with my own narrative for my own healing … I had to hold the possibility that he was right, but also the empowerment that I could rewrite my own story.”
For the ensuing months, Arnold describes injury as “a skip in time, a record needle slipping its groove.” She is someone who usually starts her day running up Atalaya Mountain in Santa Fe, and movement is an important part of her creative process as a journalist. And now, she sits. She replays the accident. She struggles in her marriage, dealing with anger at her
“Running long distances boosted my tolerance for uncertainty.”
“Over time I’d boxed myself into a rigid idea of success that was difficult to sustain … but my broken leg had broken the cycle. Like it or not, I was a beginner again.”
husband and his mistake on the river and the reality of their life. She has to grapple with it all — mid-life, marriage, kids. Running gives her a wildness, and now she is stopped. She talks about how “injury fills me with a curious emptiness.” She describes her attempt to run on the page of the book she’s writing about running.
Her friend
Natalie Goldberg, a fellow writer, gives her a book: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryū Suzuki, where Arnold learns the simple principles of zen, including being present. And also, among other things, the concept of being a beginner. “Over time I’d boxed myself into a rigid
idea of success that was difficult to sustain … but my broken leg had broken the cycle. Like it or not, I was a beginner again.” She keeps it simple, low pressure in her study of zen ideas, and finds it helpful as a mental tool in all aspects of her recovery and as a new way of approaching life. It was a long two years that brought Arnold to race in Leadville in 2018. She dealt with fear and took her time but she also returned to rivers, and has completed the 2024 Leadville 100 MTB race, among other adventures. She shares her creative process with others in her Flow Camps. These retreats held at both High Camp Hut near Telluride and Willow House near Big Bend National Park are a great way to unplug and spend time moving and writing in an inclusive safe space outside. :
Learn more at katiearnold.net/retreats.
Compiled by Jennifer Weintraub
Animas River Days
Durango, CO
May 31-June 1
Feeling the summer sizzle? Cool down on the river with splashworthy fun at Animas River Days. Experience numerous water races and sporting events, including stand-up paddling, river surfing, freestyle kayaking, downriver races and a local favorite — a river viewing party.
animasriverdays.com
Steamboat Art Museum
Printmaking Exhibit
Steamboat Springs, CO
May 31-August 31
The Steamboat Art Museum’s summer exhibit features “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion.” The exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience of contemporary printmaking, a hands-on process that produces unique, original pieces. steamboatartmuseum.org
GoPro Mountain Games
Vail, CO
June 5-8
The GoPro Mountain Games gathers athletes, art and music in a three-day event with races for everyone — from professional athletes to amateurs. Celebrate the spirit of the mountains by watching or competing in rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, slacklining and mountain-inspired sports. mountaingames.com
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival
Palisade, CO
June 6-8
Palisade has been picking, fiddling and two-stepping under the Colorado sun for 16 years. The Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival brings together top bluegrass acts and emerging Colorado artists for nonstop, family-friendly tunes, good vibes and riverside revelry at the Riverbend Park in Palisade. palisademusic.com
Telluride Balloon Festival
Telluride, CO
June 6-8
Hot air balloons soar over the Colorado sky at the Telluride Balloon Festival. Don’t miss the Balloon Glow on Main Street on Saturday night for a fantastic sight. telluride.com
Vail Craft Beer Classic
Vail, CO
June 13-14
Like beer? Us too. The Vail Craft Beer Festival encourages you to sample 35+ local Colorado brews, seltzers and spirits at the two outdoor Grand Tasting events. Plus, there’s live music and food trucks all weekend. vailcraftbeerclassic.com
Ouray International Film Festival
Ouray, CO
June 19-22
Lights, camera, mountain magic!
The Ouray International Film Festival features thought-provoking independent films, engaging panel discussions with filmmakers and activists, plus lively parties. Watch movies that challenge and inspire in the historic Wright Opera House. ourayfilmfestival.com
Aspen Ideas Festival
Vail, CO
June 25-July 1
Designed to spur conversations that matter from people who inspire, the Aspen Ideas Festival brings together ideas that spark wonder. Attendees can interact with artists, scientists, scholars, economists and business leaders for thoughtprovoking conversations that will shape tomorrow and help us understand today. aspenideas.org
Country Jam Colorado Grand Junction, CO
June 26-28
The infamous three-day music festival is back for an unforgettable weekend of music and entertainment. Jam out with dozens of country bands, including headline acts from Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Bryan. Book passes, camping permits and hotel rooms online. countryjam.com
Telluride Yoga Festival
Telluride, CO
June 26-29
The longest-running yoga festival in the country brings together renowned yoga teachers and experts from around the world for a four-day yoga and wellness gathering. With over 100 yoga, meditation, hiking, music, wellness, workshop and outdoor adventure offerings, participants will enjoy a memorable weekend in the picturesque mountain village of Telluride. tellurideyogafestival.com
Eagle Flight Days
Eagle, CO
June 27-28
Celebrate Eagle’s history with a festival full of family fun! Everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the Splash of Color Fun Run (1 mile), a parade, interactive games, kids’ zones, pancake breakfast and food vendors. eagleoutside.com
Colorado Lavender Festival
Palisade, CO
June 27-29
Immerse yourself in the 14th annual Colorado Lavender Festival, a celebration of nature’s healing power. From self-guided farm tours to seminars and cooking demos, workshops and vendors, the festival draws lavender lovers and growers from around the state. coloradolavender.org
Paonia Cherry Days
Paonia, CO
July 4-5
For nearly 80 years, Cherry Days has been serving up smalltown charm with a side of sweet nostalgia. It’s the kind of festival where neighbors gather for competitions like the cherry pit spit, cornhole tournaments and skate competitions. Add a dunk tank and the cherished Cherry Days Parade for a lot of community spirit. paoniacherrydays.com
Cattlemen’s Days
Gunnison, CO
July 10-12
Saddle up for the Cattlemen’s Days, a 125-year-old tradition of ranching culture. Colorado’s oldest rodeo features horse shows, concerts, cowboy poetry, barrel races and a carnival. cattlemensdays.com
Four Corners
Gem & Mineral Show
Durango, CO
July 11-13
Discover treasures from around the world at the 70th Annual Gem and Mineral Show! Sixty vendors showcase extraordinary rocks, gems, fossils and more. Sign up for classes and kids activities like gold panning and treasure hunts. durangorocks.org
Crested Butte
Wildflower Festival
Crested Butte, CO
July 11-20
Initially bloomed in 1986, the Wildflower Festival offers over 150 workshops in wildflower expertise such as painting, photography, culinary arts and guided hikes. Celebrate and surround yourself with the natural beauty of the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org
Art in the Park
Steamboat Springs, CO
July 12-13
Art in the Park is one of the largest festivals in Northwest Colorado that draws local and country-wide artists. Over 120 artists display handmade paintings, sculptures, clothes and crafts in Steamboat Springs. steamboatcreates.org
Leadville Silver Rush 50 MTB
Leadville, CO
July 13
Challenge your grit and determination on a 50-mile course — the Silver Rush 50 MTB — that packs a punch with technical climbs and high-speed descents among Leadville’s stunning vistas. With 8,000 feet of elevation gain, this event is perfect for qualifying for the LT100 MTB. leadvilleraceseries.com
Mesa County Fair
Mesa, CO
July 15-19
Experience the timeless charm of a classic county fair in Mesa! Enjoy a family-friendly night out with classic carnival rides, circus performers including stilt walking, juggling and aerial acrobatics, delicious food and live animal shows. mesacountyfair.com
Creede Gravity Derby
Creede, CO
July 19
Gear up for the freestyle soapbox derby down Creede’s Main Street! Races kick off at 9 a.m. with four age groups and a double elimination showdown. There are only three rules: steer, brake and stop — let gravity do the rest! creede.com
Eagle County Fair & Rodeo
Eagle, CO
July 21-26
Giddy up at the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo! Arrive early to experience carnival games, rides, 4-H Livestock Exhibits and kids’ crafts before witnessing professional rodeo events. Secure your tickets early online. eaglecountyfairandrodeo.com
Vail Dance Festival
Vail, CO
July 25-August 5
Vail Dance Festival is a two-week event that brings all forms of dance and rhythm to the stage in Vail. Artists from all over the country perform various dances, from classical ballet to contemporary beats.
vaildance.org
Boom Days
Leadville, CO
August 1-3
Celebrate the old west and mining heritage with burro races, mining skill contests and a street fair with over 100 food and craft booths. Join locals and visitors for three days of fun, food, arts, crafts and family activities in an authentic Wild West town. leadvilleboomdays.org
The 8th Annual River on the River Buena Vista, CO
August 2-3
River Runners hosts a music festival at The Beach, a popular restaurant, bar and outdoor music venue at River Runners Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River. Saturday starts with evening music, followed by Sunday’s Bloody Mary Session. whitewater.net
Vail Wine Classic
Vail, CO
August 7-10
Sip, swirl and savor wine from over 100 vineyards around the world at the Grand Tasting. Or, take your passion to new heights with wine hikes, educational seminars and perfectly paired lunch and dinner events at the best restaurants in Vail. vailwineclassic.com
Up in the Sky Festival
Aspen, CO
August 8-9
Aspen’s newest summer music event hosts two days of live performances with Rüfüs Du Sol, Kacey Musgraves, Glass Animals and more at the base of Buttermilk Mountain. Dance under the stars in a beautiful mountain setting. aspensnowmass.com
Telluride Jazz Festival
Telluride, CO
August 8-10
Perch yourself atop the San Juan Mountains and take in timeless tunes. The Telluride Jazz Festival features live jazz music in an intimate atmosphere for an immersive cultural experience. telluridejazz.org
Ridgway Rendezvous
Art & Crafts Festival
Ridgway, CO
August 9-10
The gateway town to the San Juan Mountains hosts an arts and crafts festival as picturesque as its surroundings. Over 100 artists set up in the spacious town park for a weekend filled with art, live musical entertainment and children’s activities. ridgwayrendezvous.com
57th Annual
Palisade Peach Festival
Palisade, CO
August 15-16
Celebrate sweet, juicy peaches at a summer fruit festival with peachthemed activities and contests, cooking demos, orchard tours, Feasts in the Field dinners and live music at this quaint festival on the river in Palisade. palisadecoc.com
Durango, CO
August 22-23
Over 40 breweries offer unlimited craft beer and cider tastings at the San Juan Brewfest. This intimate beer festival caps how many tickets are sold, so you don’t have to wait in long lines. Plus, live music is on tap nightly.
sanjuanbrewfest.com
Aspen, CO
August 29-August 31
Experience the renowned JAS Labor Day experience, set against the breathtaking Elk Mountain Range at Snowmass Town Park. This year, Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz and Luke Combs headline this festival with two stages of music, food, crafts and one of the country’s most exclusive VIP experiences. jazzaspensnowmass.org
Grand Traverse Run & Bike
Crested Butte & Aspen, CO
August 30-31
Whether you race on foot or bike, the Grand Traverse Mountain Run is a point-to-point ultra marathon spanning 40 miles from Crested Butte to Aspen. Runners travel across the Elk Mountains while gaining 6,000 vertical feet. Alternatively, bikers can set out the following day on a similar point-to-point course. cbnordic.org
Beaver Creek, CO
August 30-September 1
Don your dirndl and bring your appetite — Oktoberfest arrives in Beaver Creek. With German fare, frothy beers, family fun zones, lively competitions and showstopping headlines by night, it’s the ultimate alpine celebration. beavercreek.com :
who we are
Words
The aroma of roasting coffee beans permeates the air shortly after 6 a.m. when Josiah Abshear and his brother Jonathan begin roasting beans at their Grand Junction shop for delivery to customers that afternoon. The coffee beans are not only freshly roasted — they’re organically grown, Fair Trade Certified and delivered in a glass jar.
Abshear, 26, began roasting coffee beans — and drinking coffee — at age 10. He became fascinated with the process after his father was given a roaster as a gift, soon becoming his family’s primary roaster. By middle school,
Abshear was earning money roasting coffee beans for friends and extended family.
After gaining experience as a barista and working for a coffee roaster, and earning a degree in economics and finance from Colorado Mesa University, Abshear opened Roastiva at 554 25 Rd. on March 1, 2021. His brother became a co-owner.
Whole beans and ground coffee typically come in nonrecyclable plastic bags that end up in the landfill. However, Abshear wanted to be environmentally friendly, so opted to package his beans in reusable glass jars for free delivery.
Akin to the milkman of yore, Roastiva’s two delivery drivers drop off glass jars filled with coffee beans roasted to order, and pick up customers’ empty jars to bring back to the shop. Customers receive a reminder text the day before delivery. “It worked out for the customers — that convenience,” Abshear says. For customers who reside outside the Grand Valley, Roastiva ships the coffee in 100% compostable packaging.
The Abshears roast beans on Monday morning for delivery that afternoon in Grand Junction; on Tuesday, beans are roasted for same-day delivery to the Redlands; beans are roasted Wednesday morning for Palisade, Clifton and Orchard Mesa delivery; and on Thursday, beans are roasted for customers in Fruita. They sanitize the jars on Fridays, and are available in the shop to assist walk-in customers.
“Comparing Roastiva coffee beans to those found in the grocery store is like comparing apples to oranges,” says Abshear, adding that the coffee in stores is often roasted a year or two prior to hitting the shelves. Plus, “Organic farms
tend to be a lot higher quality of beans,” he adds. “Customers get a higher quality coffee.”
Roastiva sources its raw beans from Café Femenino, a coalition of women-owned cooperatives that support social justice and empower women coffee producers worldwide. Its plantations are located in Mexico, Guatemala, Sumatra and Ethiopia, where the Café Femenino Foundation — to whom Roastiva donates — funds various community projects. The coffee roaster also gives 5% of its profits to local causes, with projects identified as priorities by its customers.
Roastiva additionally sells coffee beans to more than a dozen local businesses, including nearby Great Harvest Bakery, where Abshear directs customers who stop in his shop seeking a cup to go. Roastiva doesn’t brew coffee — it only sells the beans, which can be roasted light, medium, dark, decaf or as an espresso blend, along with caffeinated and decaf cold brew. :
Roastiva is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. You can visit their website at roastiva.com.
The Precourt Healing Center is Eagle County’s first-ever inpatient behavioral health facility. Serving adults and adolescents as young as 12, services are offered in both English and Spanish, encouraging a unique care experience that truly supports the healing of each individual. If