ColoradoLiving_May2025

Levee of Love

Mural project in southern Colorado aims to reclaim Guinness World Record in style

13

Past Comes Alive

Underground history of Colorado preserved at Western Museum of Mining & Industry

18 Camping’s Allure

So what is it about summer weekends in a tent that is so appealing to Coloradans?

22 Summer Getaway

From hot springs and waterfalls to hiking and off-roading, so much awaits in Ouray

32 Home of Legends

The Broadmoor set to add another name to impressive list of golf champions in June

37 Festival Season

Grab a calendar and take notes as we offer 25 options for fun in the coming weeks

42 Flower Power

Colorado florist runs store with sights set on sustainability and responsibility

69 Royal Retreat

Adventure has many different looks in Cañon City with America’s Bridge at the center

Staff

Director of Content/Magazine Editor

Nathan Van Dyne

Art Director/Designer

Nichole Montanez

Designer

Elizabeth Holderfield

Photographers

Christian Murdock

Mark Reis

Writers

Seth Boster

Jennifer Brookland

Stephanie Earls

Kelly Hayes

Debbie Kelley

Jennifer Mulson

Daliah Singer

Callie Sumlin

Publisher Christopher P. Reen

President/Chief Operating Officer

Rich Williams

VP of Advertising

Stacey Sedbrook

Executive Editor/VP of Content

Vince Bzdek

Editor

John Boogert

Acknowledgements

n the heart of the Mile High City, Denver Botanic

Cover art

“Dream Fruit of Psychedelic Produce” by Sean O’Meallie

from collection of John Blythe (photo by Christian Murdock)

Introduction to Colorado lifestyle quite a journey for mom, children after relocating from the Midwest

STEP

TEXT BY JENNIFER BROOKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

ONE

My family recently decided to move to Colorado Springs after weeks of deliberation, several phone calls with the most tenuous of acquaintances, a session with a life coach and a highly subjective weighted pro/con sheet drawn up on a yellow legal pad. As I agonized over our options, I kept searching for the answer to a question I felt would be key to our family’s happiness: What is there to do?

From what I gathered, the answer in Colorado Springs is unanimous. People make their own fun by going outside, and going up. They go hiking.

From our flat, Midwestern rental, I wondered if we could become a Colorado family, and what that even meant. While other children surely grew up fishing and mudding and mountain biking, mine had mostly grown up Netflixing.

So would I be able to turn my suburban brood (ages 4, 6 and 9) into outdoor enthusiasts? I decided to give it my best shot.

We started at Garden of the Gods since I figured millions of visitors a year can’t be wrong. Did you know you can park right next to the astonishing, prehistoric rock formations of the Central Garden? We didn’t, and after a long slog across the “boring” path from the visitor center, nothing could compete with my older son’s annoyance. My little one begged to be carried. Back to the parking lot we trudged. Strike one.

When my mom flew in for a visit, we spent a day exploring Denver Museum of Nature & Science, marveling at the gems and minerals pulled from the earth and polished to luminescence. Then we ventured out to Red Rocks Park, where online reviews promised an easy, 1.5mile hike very suitable for kids.

We started off hesitantly, trying not to reveal to the kids the extent of our navigation fears. But they galloped ahead, kicking up dust and jumping down stairs built into the trail. It was a glorious, blue-sky day, and my confidence grew as I saw them enjoying the walk, finding their own entertainment in the moment, in the movement.

Except now the sky was darkening, puffed-up clouds loomed closer than before and the temperature was dropping. And where were we? Now it felt like we’d been walking forever. How long should 1.5 miles take? Not this long. Were we even on the right path anymore? My mom and I looked at each other with dread and uncertainty as we urged the kids with false cheeriness to hurry up.

We made it back as the first notes of that night’s warm-up began at the amphitheater and the first raindrops began to fall. My daughter announced over and over again that she did the whole thing and hadn’t needed to be carried at all. “The whole hike!” we agreed enthusiastically. And, to each other, my mom and I joked, “All 15 miles of it.”

Later that month, we made another attempt at Garden of the Gods, this time armed with recommendations about where to park and where to hike. My boys bounded over the red earth of Siamese Twins Trail and clambered up the boulders to pose beside the giant hoodoos.

I carefully picked my route up and inched onto an outcropping, the sensation of height and sun and solitude filling me with gratitude — and a certain incredulity that there were no guardrails.

“Hiking is fun,” my oldest said later, not looking up from the couch as he dragged a finger across his tablet. My mouth almost fell open, but I played it cool and simply agreed.

With a success under my belt, we set out for Silver Cascade Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. I picked this hike

after googling “hikes for kids in Colorado Springs” while pumping gas; we’d run out of time to drive to my intended destination after we stopped at Target to buy whistles — my best effort to guard against separation or mountain lion attack.

As we wound our way into the park, the air seemed to turn grayer around us, the pavement rimmed in ice. The kids soon were complaining of car sickness as the road twisted and turned. We hopped out in the parking lot, and I looked down to see my daughter in a pair of water shoes and my older son in a pair of shorts. Who dressed these children? At least we had our whistles.

We walked up to the immediate reward of the waterfall gushing over the rocks. And despite the cold, we proceeded to hike up a trail that can only be described as solid ice. I found this terrifying. My kids found this hilarious. We gripped the handrail and slid our feet up bit by bit. We slipped, we yelped, we blew our whistles. We grinned when we made it to the top, and then the bottom.

“I think I did it,” I thought.

Not so fast, I soon learned.

We drove east one morning to Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Colorado Springs had been sunny and calm, but out in Calhan the cold wind whipped our hair and chapped our lips. Our feet were consumed by sucking mud. This was

Trail guide: Siamese Twins

In Garden of the Gods, it’s best to be on dirt. Let the masses roam the roads and sidewalks. OK, so you won’t escape the crowds by taking the trail to Siamese Twins. Still, the scene is typically less hectic than that of Balanced Rock and those sandstone monoliths in the Central Garden.

To reach the Siamese Twins, you have a few options. For a longer trip on foot, take Palmer Trail, with access points from the Central Garden and all along Garden Drive. The road leads

not fun.

“I hate hiking,” my older son muttered as we slogged our way back to the van.

“I hate hiking,” his little sister echoed, and then upped the ante: “I hate Colorado.”

This was bad. I thought recovery was possible, but with these kids you never know. A policy reversal could come quickly, or negotiations could drag out for months.

The next week we returned to Garden of the Gods to learn about raptors and reptiles. I ply the children with chocolate croissants at the visitor center and casually ask if anyone wants to hike. Miraculously, they agree.

I let the boys get out of sight as they scramble up Sleeping Giant wearing T-shirts in the warm sun. Not being able to see them makes me anxious. But I know that the thrill of hiking is in the challenge, in the uncertainty. I want them to feel like conquerors as they forge their own paths. I want them to look out over an expanse of earth and feel above it all, and part of everything.

Even more than adapting to Colorado life, I want them to see that the incline may be steep and the footing unsure, the wind may whip and the rain threaten, but they can keep going, one foot in front of the other.

And I hope they know their mom is only a whistle blow away, cheering them on.

to parking lot No. 14, home to a Siamese Twins trailhead. Another is at parking lot No. 16, which is where we started.

On the east end of the lot, the connector trail is well-marked, as is the entire loop. We slightly ascended through piñon and juniper and crossed the road to the trail on the other side, coming to a junction. Siamese Twins Trail continued uphill to our right, following a low ridge with open vistas of Pikes Peak and the foothills.

Soon, the great walls of the Central Garden emerge over the greenery. At the destination pillars, the loop continues straight, but you’ll want to veer off for the signature view. We descended the trail to return, finding ourselves in one of those brief, gracious moments of silence and pine shade.

Trip log: 0.8 miles, 133 feet elevation gain, max elevation 6,405 feet

Difficulty: Easy

SETH BOSTER

Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

All aboard the most state-of-the-art cog railway in the world. While the entire experience of riding the railway has been enhanced, the journey itself and the iconic, breathtaking views as you ride to the summit of America’s Mountain remain the same. Visit CogRailway.com to purchase your e-ticket today.

History on display

TEXT BY JENNIFER MULSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

Colorado Springs museum aims to preserve state’s mining past

On a mild Colorado day, a group of twentysomethings is panning for gold.

Not in the hills of Cripple Creek or Victor, but in the troughs at Western Museum of Mining & Industry on the north side of Colorado Springs. They sift their pans through the water, looking for the gold ore flakes that museum staff members collect from around the state. None of them will get rich, but it’s a fun diversion.

“In Colorado, most of the gold is very fine,” Grant Dewey, the museum’s executive director, says. “What’s in here is flake so it takes some skill and practice to get. ... It’d be hard to get value out of it because it’s so small.”

While the gold panners peer through the silt, Ryan Freeny, the museum’s education coordinator, leads a tour for a group of elementary school students. He shows off the “Iron Donkey” trammer from the 1890s and explains how miners used it to bring up ore from the ground for

processing.

“I’ve seen them in Minecraft,” calls out one little girl, referencing the popular video game.

“You came to the right museum,” Freeny replies.

The nonprofit, now in its 55th year, seeks to preserve the mining history of Colorado and the American West. Guests can take a spin through the exhibits, moving from the prospectors of yore into the eventual exploration of space, where we’ll someday mine the moon, asteroids and comets.

Old mining equipment populates the grounds — inside and out — and some of it remains operational, including a giant 1895 Corliss steam engine from the Hollingsworth & Vose paper manufacturing plant in West Groton, Mass. Some of the machinery is put into action during tours or on Super Saturdays in the summer.

“One of the more common things we hear is ... ‘I’ve lived here so long and wanted to go and never did,’” Dewey says. “They finally come in, and they’re super surprised. They can’t believe this is here.”

The Farrar family founded the museum in 1970, driven by a passion for collecting old mining equipment and steam engines from across the country. The first iteration, called Museum of the West, first opened at a location on what is

now Voyager Parkway. A few years later, the family bought the current 28-acre property just off Interstate 25 at North Gate Boulevard.

The site was part of Reynolds Ranch, homesteaded by Joseph and Sarah Reynolds in the late 1880s near the long gone town of Husted. On the ranch stood five buildings now registered with the State Historical Society: the Reynolds Ranch House, a Queen Anne Victorian home from the late 1890s, now the last known Victorian-era farmhouse in the county; two bunk houses; and two barns, built in 1893 and 1904.

One of the barns currently is used as a rental facility for events, including weddings, and soon the farmhouse and bunk houses also will be available for rent.

“Colorado has a tremendous history with mining and ranching,” Dewey says. “It’s still a big core of who we are and where we came from. In our case, it’s a place where all generations can merge. The older generation who saw some of this equipment run, it’s reminiscent for them. It brings back positive nostalgia. For the middle generation, it meets both past history and present. But for younger generations, it’s shocking because it’s rare for them to see something big and mechanical in motion.”

WESTERN MUSEUM OF MINING & INDUSTRY

• Hour-long guided tours (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) explore the 12,200-square-foot exhibit hall, with a walk-through model of a mine drift and equipment demonstrations

• Reynolds Ranch House tours (11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mondays)

• Gold panning

• Colorado’s largest collection of fluorescent minerals

• An array of old mining equipment and steam engines

• A display of a rescue pod from the 2010 Chilean mining accident

• 20-minute movies focusing on the history of mining in the Western U.S., the relevancy of mining and how it contributes to our lives, and global mining and what it takes to get a mine running and producing

• A library of history, science, mining, geology and metallurgy books

• Gift shop

• Summer farmers market (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays)

Corliss steam engine.

call of the

TEXT

DEBBIE KELLEY

The psychology behind why many spend summer weekends in a tent

BY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS AND CHRISTIAN MURDOCK

the wild

Why anyone would happily forgo hot showers, dreamy sheets and an indoor commode in favor of scant bathing, a rocky snooze and vault toilets could be traced to a deep, ancestral pull.

Think cave dwelling, teepee living, overnighters along wagon trails.

“We all used to camp out,” said Minette Church, an archaeologist who teaches anthropology at the Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado. “For us, it’s a fun choice to go camping; for people in the past, it was the life you led.”

Unlike today, forebearers bedded down outside not for sport but to survive, work the land and be mobile.

But perhaps the throwback doesn’t go back quite that far.

Church sees cultural influences; her research shows the attraction to 21st-century camping is particularly strong among city dwellers who live in places that are the most urbanized and densely populated.

Each year, many out-of-state visitors come to Colorado specifically to camp, said Bridget O’Rourke, spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which manages upward of 4,400 campsites. But plenty of locals also enjoy the activity.

No matter the style or method — backpacking or glamping, tent or RV — connecting with nature remains a primary incentive for modern-day campers to pack up and head out, according to O’Rourke.

“We have campsites that’ll book six months out from the summer, with July our busiest season,” she said. “A lot start booking in February, and campsites fill up. We have more demand to build more campsites.”

Other entities that oversee camping — on public land and private property — report similar clamor for the state’s estimated 14,000 sites.

“It’s by far and away one of the most popular activities on forest service land in Colorado,” said Chad Schneckenburger, regional trails and dispersed recreation program manager for the U.S. Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region.

The agency oversees thousands of sites in 370 campgrounds in Colorado, as well as a growing number of designated dispersed sites that are undeveloped, not formalized and free to camp

on, he said.

Attesting to the popularity is a survey in the 2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which shows that 28% of respondents participate in tent camping, another 23% in RV camping and 21% in backcountry camping.

The reasons people love to camp are as varied as the constellations visible in a wide-open, inky-black night sky.

The practice of campfire cooking, the challenges of unpredictable weather and the unfettered ability to eschew technology and social media speak to why millions of Americans leave the comforts of home for an outdoor stay.

Humans have an innate desire to commune with nature, O’Rourke believes, as outdoor activity has been proven to reap mental and physical benefits.

Setting up camp and exploring provides exercise, which flushes the lymphatic system and removes waste from the body, sunshine adds vitamins, and aromatherapy from the fresh, earthy smells boosts the immune system, she said.

“You’re bringing yourself to a simpler way of life, focusing on what are you going to eat that day, making sure you have enough water,” O’Rourke said. “Are you going to go hiking or fishing? It can be as relaxing or as challenging as you want it to be.”

The experience can be as simple as

hanging a hammock between trees and reading a book, or watching birds forage while listening to water gurgle in a creek.

And it’s easily accessible to people of all backgrounds, Schneckenburger said.

“We see people from rural or urban areas and all socioeconomic levels,” he said. “For a lot of history, people lived in harmony with nature and relied on the outdoors for food and shelter. It allows us to experience the simplicity and resourcefulness that comes with camping that our ancestors did — sleeping under the stars, waking up to the sounds of nature, cooking over a fire.”

And why is it that coffee, chili and s’mores seemingly taste better when cooked over a campfire?

Camping heightens the senses, O’Rourke said. There’s the views of towering mountains, scents of blooming wildflowers, sounds of falling rain, feelings of crisp, cool air and tastes of a wood-fired meal.

Many families and friend groups have carved out a tradition of returning to a favorite spot every summer. It become a generational pastime, O’Rourke said, as people who camped as a child are more likely to take their children and grandchildren camping.

“Camping strengthens relationships,” she said. “You’re sharing in an adventure and building core memories.”

Campgrounds to consider

Amphitheater, Ouray

Perched high above Ouray at nearly 8,500 feet, this campground offers incredible views of the picturesque box canyon. A variety of hiking trails and waterfalls can be accessed directly from the site. Then treat your tired muscles to the hot springs.

Aspenglen, Estes Park

Situated just inside the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, this is an ideal launching point for a myriad of adventures. The 50-plus campsites book well in advance, especially with the ongoing closure of Moraine Park Campground.

Bellaire Lake, Red Feather Lakes

When you’re packing the SUV for this getaway, don’t forget the fishing poles. Plenty of trout — rainbow and cutthroat — await in the lake, which is flanked by impressive outcrops. Even if you don’t like to fish, you’ll relish the peace and quiet.

Dick/Peaceful Valley, Lyons

Good news: These two aren’t far from the Front Range. Bad news: A lot of people live on the Front Range. But if you can manage to secure a spot, you won’t be disappointed. Middle Saint Vrain Creek runs by this campground on Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Difficult, Aspen

Why splurge for a fancy hotel in the fancy town? Opt instead for a rustic weekend on the outskirts of Aspen. Visit the nearby Grottos to explore the caves or go tubing on the Roaring Fork. Bears have been an issue so keep your food locked away.

Halfmoon, Leadville

If you’ve hiked the standard route for either of the state’s tallest mountains — Elbert and Massive — you’ve seen this option above 10,000 feet. The best sites, though, are the dispersed ones beyond. Just be sure your vehicle can handle the road.

Heaton Bay, Frisco

There are a few quality options for camping on Dillon Reservoir (also check out Peak One and Pine Cove campgrounds). And there are even more quality options for recreation nearby, including boating, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking and biking.

Timber Creek, Grand Lake

This campground stands out for its location. It’s the only option on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s also far less traffic — vehicle and foot — on this side. And there’s majestic moose — plenty of them — a short drive away.

NATHAN VAN DYNE

Knowles Overlook Campground.

Welcome to communit y.

a welcoming

With breathtaking mountain views, miles of trails, and a vibrant sense of community, it’s no wonder Wolf Ranch has consistently been voted the #1 Best Neighborhood in Colorado Springs. For over 20 years, this vibrant master-planned community has been thoughtfully designed to blend natural beauty, everyday convenience, and strong community connections.

What is it like to live here? Wolf Ranch is more than just a neighborhood; it's a community that fosters connections through family-friendly events and activities promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

Looking for upscale living? You will find Wolf Ranch delivers with our diverse range of new homes. Each home is crafted with a focus on natural lighting, comfortable living spaces, and energy efficiency. You can explore available homes for sale on wolf-ranch.com.

With stunning mountain views, a welcoming atmosphere, and a lifestyle built around connection, Wolf Ranch isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s the heart of Colorado living.

TEXT BY SETH BOSTER

48 HOURS in Ouray

In southwest Colorado, it’s amazing what all can be tucked into a box canyon. Herein lies Ouray, surrounded by craggy walls that seemingly can’t contain the options for shopping, dining and sightseeing.

It’s a sight to behold from Main Street: the jagged San Juan Mountains over the canyon, the backdrop of the “Switzerland of America,” as Ouray is called. What better place for a quick summer getaway?

Day 1

It’s a long, picturesque drive from the Front Range, and we’re hungry. We head straight to Maggie’s Kitchen, where customers have scrawled their names and their thanks upon the walls. How grateful we are, indeed, for these juicy, generous burgers.

That’s all the fuel we need and more for the jaunt over to Box Cañon Falls, about a half-mile from town. The 285foot waterfall goes by a lofty moniker: “Ouray’s Wonder of the World.” A short path leads to the cascade through the canyon walls. Also don’t miss High Bridge Trail, with more splendid views overlooking the town.

We descend back to Main Street for more exploring. That’s the way to describe the shops — an exploration. The street is lined with art galleries and gift shops, including the highly curious Gator Emporium. There’s Ouray Mountain Sports for your adventure needs. There’s Khristopher’s Culinaire for that something in the kitchen you never knew you needed. There’s Columbine Mineral Shop, Ouray Books and The Sock Mine.

And there’s Ouray Alchemist, a must-see. It’s home to a re-created pharmacy of the Wild West.

Another must-see for “True Grit” fans: Ouray County Courthouse, the most prominent and probably most famous building in town. Yes, that’s the courthouse from the John Wayne movie. And if you are truly a fan, you will want to drive to Ridgway for more scenes from the movie.

We celebrate Day 1 with a brewery hop on Main Street: first to the locals’ hangout, The Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Co., and then on to Ouray Brewery, with a simple food menu of American fare and a scenic deck for catching the sunset.

Day 2

It’s a day full of adventure so we need something quick and filling for breakfast. Artisan Bakery & Cafe does the trick: hot croissant sandwiches for the road.

What road? The Million Dollar Highway, of course.

From Main Street, U.S. 550 heads south for a drive you won’t soon forget. That’s for the stunning scenery and for the mining remains recalling the 1800s era that gave the Million Dollar Highway its name. And that’s for the thrill — minor for some, major for others — along the steep dropoffs en route to Silverton.

It might take you an hour to drive from Ouray to Silverton, depending on how much you stop for pictures.

Another option: off-roading with a guide or on your own if you’ve got the vehicle and know-how, bound for such rugged wonders as Yankee Boy Basin or Imogene Pass, the second highest drivable pass in Colorado.

Or seek a nature experience by foot. Perimeter Trail in Ouray is memorable. The trail encircles the forested reaches above town for about 6 miles, showcasing waterfalls, wildflowers and breathtaking vistas. Several bailouts are situated along the loop so you don’t have to commit to the full length. After all, the hot springs are waiting.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool is ideal for kids, who delight in the games and in the slides, and adults, who have the soothing Overlook Pool to themselves.

The day started with the road that brought the town early fame, and it’s winding down with these equally historic mineral waters. It will end with “True Grit” fame: a splurge at The Outlaw, a restaurant that serves up steaks, pastas and cocktails in an old-timey dining room. Ask about John Wayne’s hat.

COLOR me THIS

Former toy inventor finds success in art with his whimsical creations

TEXT BY JENNIFER MULSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

Sean O’Meallie is a man of many shapes and colors. He’s made guns out of gum, crafted balloons, baguettes and body parts from wood, and never met a can of spray paint he didn’t love. His work makes perfect sense when you learn he spent a decade as a toy inventor before transitioning full-time into art.

“Color adds a great deal of importance based on fashions, but some are much deeper associations, like the red, white and blue of the flag,” O’Meallie says. “Why do we connect to it? The people who have studied color ... talk about the emotional connections and sometimes the harrowing yells and screams of certain colors as opposed to the calmness of other colors.”

In his studio, a large board of candy-colored tiles rests on the work table. He’s reworking the piece, which belongs to a Denver collector, and has repainted the back of each tile into a quadrant of complementary colors using the arsenal of paint cans nearby.

In a box next to the piece is a collection of shiny, smooth and multi-colored objects meant to be attached to the tiles in such a way they can be moved around — among them a tree branch, a pear, a hot dog and a pair of lips. O’Meallie

is reluctant to confirm what each might be, leaving it to the viewer to decide. But they share one thing in common — they all call to be held and touched.

“Well, please do, they’re meant to be,” O’Meallie says.

The Colorado Springs sculptor calls himself a “touch monkey,” saying it’s the one sense we can’t live without. His work appeals to a sense of sight as well, exploring color and the relationships between colors, and that’s clear on this day in his studio.

“People make all sorts of associations with color — likes and dislikes,” he says. “If I’m doing it right and paying attention, these tiles could go anywhere. ... There’s no correct conclusion other than to say this gives delight.”

There’s no doubt O’Meallie’s creations provide just that. It explains why he hasn’t stopped exhibiting his works locally, regionally and nationally since that first show in 1994. It explains why his pieces are included in museum collections, such as Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and Museum of Art & Design in New York, as well as public collections, such as Denver Public Library, and private collections of art lovers around the world.

“His work is exciting, introspective, powerful,” says Lisa Hatchadoorian, executive director of Museum of Art Fort Collins, which hosted O’Meallie’s “Head Cheese: A 25 Year Retrospective” in 2022. That show featured more than 150 works.

“He has all these great sculptures that are childlike, and yet some of them have an edge,” Hatchadoorian says. “You have an instinctual response. For me, it’s laughter. But there’s something deeper underneath — what it means to be a kid, what it means to be human — what do these objects mean to us? In a lot of his work, he encompassed the whole spectrum of emotions. He gets to the big issues with a pared-down vocabulary.”

Before O’Meallie became a man who designed toys, he was a boy from New Orleans whose artistic talent revealed itself early, mostly in sculptures and drawings. He made it to college, twice, but dropped out both times.

By 1984, he was in the Springs, making a go at using his artistic skills to earn a living, doing work for interior design and advertising firms and eventually Michael Garman Productions and a greeting card company. It was the latter that helped him connect to a toy inventor licensing representa-

tive around 1987.

Even as a new career was born, O’Meallie continued to hone his artistic skills in his free time. He would then share his sculptures with people around town. Soon, he received an invitation to take part in a group show at a local gallery. Three years later, in 1997, he was offered a show at the FAC.

“The art world was responding to what I was doing,” O’Meallie says.

O’Meallie’s work remains in demand today. He regularly exhibits and does commissions. Every once in a while, he gets a “crazy hair” and decides to do something such as 2015’s “Poly Poly,” an installation of vinyl toy parrots that stretched across a downtown alley, or 2011’s The Manitou Chair Project, a half-mile installation where chairs from residents and businesses were placed like dominoes along Manitou Avenue.

“Sometimes I like doing things that challenge or alter or open the mind, or at least play with the mind, because what a toy,” O’Meallie says. “Sometimes having an art career is figuring out what kind of vehicle you want to make and figuring out where you can drive it.”

Business is POPPING

With more than 40 flavors of popcorn, the choice is hard at Colorado Kernels

TEXT BY DEBBIE KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

No need to look for the yellow brick road to find Colorado Kernels.

From the parking lot of the specialty shop in Colorado Springs, noses perk up at the familiar scent and feet instinctively head that direction.

Inside awaits a magical forest of jewel-colored popcorn selections drizzled and dressed in more than 40 flavors that owner and operator Jannelle Allen concocts and produces on-site.

“Everybody loves popcorn — it’s such a fun snack that puts a smile on people’s faces,” Allen says, fittingly, with a smile. “We love creating new popcorn.”

Varieties are either sweet or savory. There’s huckleberry pie, s’mores and strawberry cheesecake for the sweet tooth; the other end of the rainbow includes such choices as spicy dill pickle, Buffalo Ranch and Hatch green chile cheddar.

Popcorn is easily digestible for most people, Allen noted, and the munchies can “take on any flavor profile so you can really jazz it up.”

For more than two decades now, Allen has been heating up the kitchen with a talent she never expected to discover. As a former finance professional and mom of three daughters, Allen was looking for a career change in 2002 when she came across one of those big kettles for making popcorn and decided what the heck. The recipe is easy: cane sugar, oil and kernels.

Allen started her business by stationing a kettle corn cart outside Walmart stores.

“I thought it would be fun for a short amount of time,” she said.

Fast-forward 23 years: “You never know where life is going to lead.”

Allen flexed her desire to expand in 2014, buying an existing popcorn business at her current fixed site. She continues to set up the popcorn cart for events at The Broadmoor World Arena, Ford Amphitheater, Robson Arena and the Air Force Academy.

Her creations begin with top-of-the-line ingredients, including real butter, cane sugar, pure coconut oil, premium Guittard chocolate, fresh cheese and corn kernels sourced from the nation’s heartland. And she’s continually hatching new varieties, with most holidays getting their own tribute. Valentine’s Day this year brought Cupid Crush, Red Velvet Cake and Be Mine flavors.

“It’s trial and error” and “one batch at a time,” Allen said of new recipes, because cooking the toppings is a fine balance between “just right” and overpowering flavors.

Along with popcorn, her shop makes in-house caramel, taffy and cinnamon-roasted nuts.

Being a Colorado business is a source of pride for Allen, who handcrafts labels for small and large bags and 3.5-gallon buckets of popcorn. The cheery buckets can be custom-designed, and she offers special-occasion buckets, including for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

She also whips up original labels for weddings, showers, anniversaries and corporate events — all bearing the Colorado stamp and a personal touch, such as a photo of the bride and groom for wedding favors.

It’s a simple, yet effective business model.

“We specialize in the best popcorn. It’s what we do.”

LASTING LEGACY

TEXT BY SETH BOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

In fall of 2015, a special occasion returned Jack Nicklaus to The Broadmoor’s golf clubhouse. He was chatting with a group of hosts and admirers that included Jack Damioli, the hotel’s president and CEO. They were upstairs, looking out at the 18th hole.

The Broadmoor is set to add chapter to its rich golf history

“He looked down and said, ‘Let’s walk out there,’” Damioli recalls.

So he and others followed in the footsteps of the legend. That’s Nicklaus — widely considered the greatest golfer of all time, with a record 18 major championships. And by his

own account over the years, it all began here in Colorado Springs, at that 18th hole in 1959.

That September, the 19-year-old sunk a putt for birdie to claim his first U.S. Amateur Championship — a moment he recounted years later in 2015.

“He said, ‘At that point, I knew I could compete,’” Damioli says. “‘I knew I could be a champion.’”

It is but one chapter in the storied history of golf at The Broadmoor — a history as old as the 107-year-old resort itself. Another will be written this summer, courtesy of the

1916: Spencer Penrose acquires land in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain to achieve his dream for the Grande Dame of the Rockies. The Broadmoor would not be complete without a worldclass golf course, Penrose knows. Donald Ross is hired to design it, his mind set on a masterpiece to outclass Pinehurst No. 2 and a long list of championship courses made over his career.

July 4, 1918: The Broadmoor opened days earlier with a grand gala, and now for Independence Day comes the first match to put the golf course on the map — along with word of the course being the world’s highest, near 6,400 feet. The Broadmoor’s first pro, “Long” Jim Barnes, teams up with U.S. Open champion Chick Evans. Tickets benefit the Red Cross; Penrose pitches in $10,000.

1921: The Broadmoor Men’s Invitation tees off, a tradition that continues today. The Invitation draws some of the most competitive amateurs from across the country.

1927: The Broadmoor becomes home to another prestigious tournament: the Trans-Mississippi Amateur. The first champion is Johnny Goodman, who went on to win the U.S. Open in 1933, the last amateur to do so.

1941: Decorated PGA Tour winner Ed Dudley becomes The Broadmoor’s head pro, splitting time between here and Augusta National. Dudley would remain at The Broadmoor for almost 25 years, bringing along some of his most famous students, including Dwight Eisenhower, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

1942: After a start and stop 14 years prior, The Broadmoor Ladies’ Invitation establishes an annual run. Track and field Olympian “Babe” Zaharias dominates the Invitation this decade. The next decade sees a string of victories by a local, Judy Bell, who will go on to be the first woman elected president of the U.S. Golf Association.

45th U.S. Senior Open, to be played June 26-29.

The tournament returns to The Broadmoor for a third time, tied for most among host sites. It’s no wonder to Damioli.

He credits the resort’s director of golf, Russ Miller, and the man in charge of course maintenance, Freddie Dickman. They’ve both been here more than 25 years, on hand for several of the eight United States Golf Association (USGA) championships played at The Broadmoor.

“The ability to work with the same team over and over and over really means a lot,” Damioli says.

Sure, Dickman agrees. But the credit, he says, stretches over a century — over all the years that saw the creation of this impossibly pristine, incredibly scenic landscape

called the East Course, this series of rolling greens and pine-lined fairways backdropped by craggy Cheyenne Mountain.

Put simply: “It’s a great venue,” Dickman says.

It’s a venue that’s been described as “devilish,” like the mountain’s horns of lore. It was something Nicklaus remarked on during his 2015 visit, as Miller recalled in an interview with Golf Journal.

“He said to me, ‘Russ, I want you to know that Augusta National has the second-most difficult set of putting greens in the world.’ ... I said, ‘So Mr. Nicklaus, you mean these are the toughest?’ He replies, ‘The Broadmoor East are the most difficult set of greens I’ve ever played — fair, but difficult.’”

1952: The East Course opens, the most revered of The Broadmoor’s two courses today. It is the creation of Robert Trent Jones Sr., who added nine holes to nine of Ross’ original holes.

1959: On the East Course, a 19-year-old from Ohio sinks an 8-foot birdie putt to win his first U.S. Amateur Championship — a victory that he will later credit for giving him the confidence he needed to make it in the sport. His name is Jack Nicklaus. A legend is born at The Broadmoor.

1962: Dow Finsterwald becomes The Broadmoor’s head pro. The 11-time PGA winner will go on to spend 28 years in the role, simultaneously serving as vice president of PGA of America. Also this year, The Broadmoor hosts the Curtis Cup, and the U.S. team defeats Great Britain and Ireland.

1964: Trent Jones Sr. returns to design nine new holes while redesigning nine holes of the original course. The result is the West Course.

1976: A third course is added, one designed by Ed Seay and Arnold Palmer. It’s referred to as the South Course, or the Mountain Course.

1982: Just a few years out of high school, Juli Inkster comes to the Springs and wins a third straight U.S. Women’s Amateur title. Two years later, she will capture two major championships in her first full year on the LPGA Tour.

1995: The U.S. Women’s Open tees off at The Broadmoor. Not knowing she had to register to play, a twentysomething from Sweden nearly misses it. Instead, Annika Sörenstam wins by one stroke — her first major championship in what will be one of the greatest golf careers of all time.

1939 Broadmoor Invitation. H.L. Standley/ El Pomar

It’s the natural work of topography and the physical work of Dickman’s team.

The team of supervisors and horticulturalists follows strict, scientific guidelines of an agronomy plan. The plan calls for a certain mix of nutrients to keep the course vibrant; for certain irrigation to keep it that way but also firm; for constant soil testing.

Work ramps up in the days prior to a USGA championship. Mowing happens twice daily. Instead of irrigating, staff fan out across the course to water areas by hand, checking meters that measure desired moisture content. There is heightened attention to every detail imaginable.

That’s why Dickman might be seen with his two border collies. Brothers Blaze and Fly are trusted to chase away pooping geese.

Dickman and the dogs might go by golf cart, or they might walk as he prefers — reminiscing as he goes. He thinks back to 1916, when Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose hired a renowned course architect from Scotland, Donald Ross, to bring him a world-class design.

“They would’ve built the course with just hand labor and horses and mules,” Dickman says. “Your newer courses are shaped by bulldozers and big equipment.”

The resulting layout was fit for “Long” Jim Barnes. Penrose made him The Broadmoor’s first pro — “and paid him very well,” says hotel historian Cynthia Leonard. “He was the highest paid golf pro in the country.”

The money was to send a message, she says: “This isn’t just some golf club and course. This is serious.”

As the long history of USGA championships goes to show, starting with Nicklaus’ victory in 1959. Now comes the U.S. Senior Open.

“It’s a special time not only for our team and our guests, but I also think for the community,” Damioli says.

It’s a time that only comes around every so often. It’s a time that sees dozens of volunteers lend a hand, that sees thousands of spectators line the course and fill the grandstands. They take in the view, awaiting another moment in history.

Only one word describes it, Damioli says: “Magical.”

2006: The Mountain Course gets an overhaul under Nicklaus Design.

2008: The U.S. Senior Open stops at The Broadmoor for the first time. Eduardo Romero of Argentina claims the trophy, but a black bear on the 13th fairway steals the show.

2011: So Yeon Ryu defeats fellow Korean Hee-kyung Seo to win the U.S. Women’s Open.

2016: A landslide closes the Mountain Course.

2018: The U.S. Senior Open returns to The Broadmoor. Former PGA Championship winner David Toms emerges victorious.

2025: The Broadmoor prepares for its third Senior Open, to be played June 26-29. Also this year, plans come to light to reimagine the Mountain Course as a par-3 course near Cheyenne Lodge.

The Broadmoor 1918. The Broadmoor

TEXT BY KELLY HAYES PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MURDOCK

Crested Butte.

25 Colorado festivals to

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TERRITORY DAYS — MAY 24-26, COLORADO SPRINGS

Travel back to the Old West town of Colorado City, a bustling trade hub for frontier folk and miners hoping to hit it big. Territory Days recognizes that pioneering spirit with street vendors, gold panning and Native dancers. This is the 50th year.

MIKE THE HEADLESS CHICKEN FESTIVAL — MAY 30-31, FRUITA

Yes, you read that correctly. In western Colorado, Fruita celebrates Mike, a chicken that reportedly lived for 18 months without a head. Sparing some of the more gruesome details, the town honors Mike’s legacy with chicken-themed activities.

DENVER

CHALK ART FESTIVAL — JUNE 7-8

Watch as blocks of pavement are transformed into colorful masterpieces. More than 200 artists will hit the streets with chalk in hand, hoping to take home the “People’s Choice Award.” Stroll around, see the works and chow down some eats.

FIBARK — JUNE 12-15, SALIDA

Since 1949, whitewater enthusiasts have gathered in Chaffee County to race on the Arkansas River. “First in Boating on the Arkansas” is the nation’s oldest whitewater festival. Beyond the river, there’s a mountain bike race, parade and more.

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WHITTLE THE WOOD RENDEZVOUS — JUNE 19-21, CRAIG

This festival was born in 1999 as a solution to diseased trees that plagued Craig City Park. Instead of tossing out the wood, the town started an event where carvers use chainsaws to transform logs into unique art. There’s also food and beer.

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STRAWBERRY DAYS — JUNE 20-22, GLENWOOD SPRINGS

As one of Colorado’s oldest festivals — this is its 128th anniversary — Strawberry Days is all about the summer harvest. The event lasts three days, but the favorite remains Saturday, when attendees delight in free strawberries and ice cream.

KEYSTONE BACON & BOURBON FESTIVAL — JUNE 21-22

It’s all in the name: bacon-themed food with plenty of bourbon to wash it down. Bacon Bill will host Camp Bacon, teaching bacon songs, testing bacon knowledge and crowning bacon princes and princesses. Did we mention there’ll be bacon?

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COUNTRY JAM — JUNE 26-28, GRAND JUNCTION

Luke Bryan. Bailey Zimmerman. Cody Johnson. Those are the top acts in a lineup of 20-plus country music artists. All told, it’s three days jam-packed with cowboys, cowgirls and guitars. Interested in roughin’ it? There’s a campground on-site.

JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS — JUNE 26-29

Instead of layers of fresh powder, you’ll find green slopes teeming with wildflowers. Enjoy the summer scenery with smooth jazz across 12 venues downtown. Now in its 32nd year, you can attend single shows or splurge on a VIP festival pass.

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TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL — JUNE 26-29

Stretch and connect at this event just a gondola ride away from downtown. Imagine four days of yoga, meditation, music and hiking in the San Juans. Learn from teachers or visit the vendor’s village to find books and gear from the experts.

check out in 2025

BRECKENRIDGE AGAVE FESTIVAL —

JUNE 27-29

Tequila lovers, rejoice. Come celebrate the succulent responsible for fun nights out (and rough mornings after). This event spotlights Mexican culture and cuisine, with tequila and mezcal tastings plus plenty of tasty tacos made by local chefs.

DONKEY DERBY DAYS — JUNE 27-29, CRIPPLE CREEK

For more than 90 years, Cripple Creek has hosted this festival to celebrate the resident donkey herd (yes, the town has its own donkeys). There will be races — meaning runners will try to get the donkeys moving on a lead with mixed success.

GREEN BOX ARTS FESTIVAL — JUNE 27-JULY 12, GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS

For creatives, this is a chance to connect with other artists, learn from masters and be inspired. The festival showcas es dance, music, and visual and performing arts. The Colorado Ballet will headline, and four art installations will be unveiled. 13.

PAONIA CHERRY DAYS — JULY 4-5

There’s nothing like sweet cherries on a hot summer day. And Paonia takes its cherries seriously, saluting the crop with activities such as the Cherry Pit Spit and a baking contest. There’s also a cornhole tournament, talent show and parade.

CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL — JULY 4-6, DENVER

Forget about fireworks. This holiday weekend, enjoy other sights and sounds as more than 250 artists line the streets of Cherry Creek neighborhood. Find everything from ceramics to mixed media at the festival, which also hosts musi cians.

HIGH MOUNTAIN HAY FEVER BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL —

JULY 10-13,

WESTCLIFFE

The Wet Mountain Valley provides the setting. A banjo, fiddle and mandolin provide the tunes. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage headline a lineup that features more than a dozen bluegrass musicians, including traditional and contemporary artists.

CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL — JULY 11-20

This festival, which began in 1986, displays the beauty of the Gunnison Valley. In July, the area is sprawling with wildflowers. Register for guided hikes and garden tours to see the flora. There also will be more than 150 educational workshops.

ROYAL GORGE WHITEWATER FESTIVAL

— JULY 18-19, CAÑON

CITY

It’s another celebration on the Arkansas, with water-based competitions from a raft rodeo to a build-your-own boat race. Hoping to stay dry? Attend as a spectator or take part in the land activities. A highlight for many is the weenie dog race.

VAIL

DANCE FESTIVAL — JULY 25-AUG. 5

This festival brings performers from around the world to venues in the Vail Valley. That means dancers from the New York City Ballet and dancers from the Royal Danish Ballet. There will be 14 performances and more than 30 related events.

LEADVILLE

BOOM DAYS — AUG. 1-3

With burro races and mining contests, this street fair pays tribute to the town’s storied past. Visitors can expect loads of vendors, and guests can watch competitions that date to the 1880s such as hand mucking and single-hand steel drilling.

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EAGLE MUSHROOM & WILD FOOD FESTIVAL —

AUG. 8-10

Mycophiles, gather ‘round. This nature festival returns for its 16th year, educating people on Rocky Mountain mushrooms and wild food found in Colorado. It includes a variety of activities, from mushroom foraging to culinary classes and hikes.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FESTIVAL — AUG. 8-10, LYONS

Where better to listen to folk music than along the St. Vrain River in the heart of the Rockies? Attendees also can camp out at Planet Bluegrass Ranch for the true “Summit of Song” experience, a Lyons’ tradition for more than 30 years now.

ESTES PARK WINE FESTIVAL — AUG. 9-10

For the 10th year, this event outside Rocky Mountain National Park will bring together dozens of Colorado wineries and meaderies. In addition to sampling the wines, there will be plenty of wine-themed goods from vendors and some chocolate.

PALISADE PEACH FESTIVAL —

AUG. 15-16

Who says that Georgia grows the best peaches? Taste and celebrate the sweetness of Colorado peaches at this event. Complete with a peach-eating contest, a peach pit bar and peach cuisine demos, you’ll find everything’s peachy in Palisade.

BUFFALO DAYS —

AUG. 15-17,

GRAND LAKE

Cowboy paint and sip, Western line dancing and an Old West jail photo booth are three of the events planned for the 78th edition of this festival, where the town recalls its heritage with cowboy games, a parade and a buffalo barbecue feast.

HOMEGROWN

TEXT BY DALIAH SINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

Colorado florist pushes importance of sustainable, responsible blooms

HOMEGROWN

The cart is brimming with a rainbow of flowers: sunny marigolds, fragrant calendulas, spherical craspedias and dahlias of all different shades.

Kim Zimmerman, herself a bright sight in an orange jumpsuit, stands behind the cart. She’s explaining to the small group gathered inside her Denver flower shop how to tie the plants together and make a flower crown. It’s one of her regular classes at the store.

Zimmerman makes the process look easy. To be fair, she has had a lot of practice. She started gardening as a kid, watching her grandmother grow vegetables and African violets in the southeast part of the country.

In 2018, Zimmerman founded her own floral concept, Rowdy Poppy, and last June opened the storefront with her partner, Michelle Shields, in the Five Points neighborhood. The floral boutique aims to source all of its materials sustainably and responsibly. Though flowers seem like they would be inherently eco-friendly, the blooms actually can have a significant negative environmental impact. The majority of cut flowers in the United States — around 80% — are imported from countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Holland, so they carry an outsize carbon footprint. They’re also often grown with pesticides and then fumigated post-harvest.

Single-use plastics (think: ribbons and bags) are common in the industry, and the foam that’s employed to build beautiful arrangements is made with formaldehyde.

“I didn’t realize how not green (the industry) was until I got into

Trust the florist and the experts to give you options for things that are seasonal that still give the same kind of impact that you’re looking for.

it,” Zimmerman says. “Sustainability in floristry is actually quite nuanced. There’s a lot of factors that can play into what is a sustainable arrangement or a sustainable flower.”

Zimmerman works hard to do things differently at Rowdy Poppy. She and Shields have a quarter-acre garden nearby, plus their own home garden, where they grow zinnias, dahlias, lisianthus and whatever else they can squeeze into the space.

“I like weird flowers, things you’re not going to be able to get just anywhere and also things that do not ship well,”

Zimmerman says.

Since she isn’t able to produce enough to keep up with the shop’s sales, Zimmerman also purchases from a local flower collective and wholesaler, with a focus on U.S.–grown options whenever possible.

“I describe it to folks as farm-to-table but in the floral industry,” she says. “That’s the direction I’m wanting people to go.”

Zimmerman believes that consumers can, and should, be more responsible when they’re purchasing bouquets. She offers these three tips for flower shopping.

1. Ask where the flowers were grown. Try to find options that were produced in the United States, which can lessen the environmental impact of shipping. The label or sleeve that the flowers are packaged in should show where they’re from, or you can speak to the florist directly. You also can shop at local flower farms, such as Gather Mountain Blooms in Colorado Springs, SheGrows in Arvada and Blossom & Branch Farm just outside Denver.

2. Stay in season. Planning a special event such as a wedding or conference? Ask the florist to use what’s in season, which is more likely to be local or at least U.S.–grown. “Trust the florist and the experts to give you options for things that are seasonal that still give the same kind of impact that you’re looking for,” Zimmerman says.

3. Say no to foam. Floral foam, which is used as a base to help stabilize stems in an arrangement, is a plastic that contains formaldehyde, a toxic chemical. When the foam breaks down, it leaches these ingredients into the water and can harm aquatic animals. A good florist can make do without.

TEXT BY SETH BOSTER ILLUSTRATION BY NICHOLE MONTANEZ

ROOTED IN COLORADO? h

ere’s how the story goes:

In 1893 at a Cripple Creek brewery, a wandering entrepreneur named Frank J. Wisner was experimenting with carbonated water, roots and sweeteners that did not quite achieve the sweetness he sought.

Perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream would do the trick.

“And there it was,” says historian Linda Wommack. “The root beer float.”

The iconic drink was invented here in what was then a bustling mining camp, the center of the Pikes Peak gold rush.

idea after he realized that the snowy peaks of the mountains looked like ice cream floating in soda.”

Specifically, Wisner was inspired by a peak east of town on which he held claims: Cow Mountain. Hence the root beer float nickname: the Black Cow.

Or so the story goes.

Rachael Storm looked into it not long ago. She’s History Colorado’s curator of business and industry.

“I started digging around,” she says, “and I found there’s actually no proof of this.”

The root beer float’s origin story in Cripple Creek is “a lie,” Storm says. “I mean, not a lie, but a myth.”

Wommack is convinced otherwise.

What was it that made Wisner the one to create the beloved treat? And what made Cripple Creek the place? Wommack has wondered those questions.

“Did circumstances make the man, or did the man make the circumstances?” she asks. “I think it just all came together at the right place at the right time.”

Or so the story goes.

The story has been popularly shared over the years; Wommack, whose great-great uncle sparked the gold rush in 1890, has been far from the only source. Gov. Jared Polis has been known to spread the tale on social media when the calendar hits Aug. 19.

Read his post in 2021: “On this day 128 years ago, the delicious Root Beer Float was invented right here in Colorado by Frank J. Wisner. ... It’s reported that he came up with the

At the time, in 1893, Cripple Creek was on its way to booming — drawing millionaires such as Winfield Scott Stratton and hopeful millionaires such as Wisner. Storm’s research led her to Wisner’s claims on Cow Mountain, but she could not definitively place him at any brewery.

“There was a Cripple Creek Bottling Works that was founded in 1893,” Storm says. “But they would’ve been bottling beer then. They would not have been bottling soda.”

Soda was found in pharmacies, such as Palace Pharmacy in Cripple Creek. Soda was, indeed, the creation of pharmacists; the carbonated beverage was thought to soothe aches and pains. It was sold by the likes of Robert McKay Green,

said to be a vendor at a Philadelphia exhibition in 1874.

Reports surfaced of Green running out of sweet cream for his sodas. He supposedly turned to another vendor selling ice cream. And thus another root beer float invention story emerged that year.

Storm suspects the invention could have come even earlier, though documentation is lacking. But her point is clear regarding Wisner: “Even if his story was true, we have a story that predates him by 20 years in Philadelphia.”

We have Census data that places Wisner in Chi cago in 1900 and in the decades before his death in 1936. It’s not clear to Storm how long Wisner lived in Colorado. A newspaper mentions him having “gone east” from Cripple Creek in 1888.

From what Storm could tell, his mining venture failed.

“People come out, they buy mining claims, they think they’re gonna strike gold, they don’t strike gold, and they go back wherever they come from,” Storm says.

Wisner went back to Chicago, where it ap pears he sold real estate, Storm found.

She also found a curious letter that was post ed online in the early days of the internet. It was signed by Mike Lynn, president of the root beer-making Cripple Creek Cow Moun tain Gold Mining Co. based in a suburb of Chicago. Lynn wrote of his great-grandun

“And according to his own stories (which were wonderful to hear according to my Dad), uncle Frank came up with a lot of business ideas to support his mining dreams,” Lynn wrote. “Cripple Creek in the 1890s was full of over nite millionaires ... and my uncle was going to be the next one come hell or high

Lynn continued about Cow Mountain and “one moon-lit nite and the snow capped peak.” The view “reminded him of a scoop of ice cream floating on top of ‘black cow mountain’ and ... well you can

Those were the storied days of the Wild West, “where you could make something of yourself,” Storm says. “I think Frank went back to Chicago — he had failed — and he wanted something to bring back from that.”

The ending Storm imagines: “He had Cow Mountain, and he was probably sitting with his nieces or nephews or whomever, and they had a Black Cow one day and he said, ‘Oh, you know what, I actually invented

He did, Wommack maintains.

But yes, she has wondered about the man and the circumstances. She has wondered about that view of Cow Mountain — about that scoop of ice cream he allegedly saw.

“I’ve tried a couple of times, but I don’t know,” she says. “I can’t see it.”

he art felt

TEXT BY SETH BOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MURDOCK

ne morning this spring, as dawn broke over the mountains in southern Colorado, Valrie Eisemann loaded her truck with paint and climbing gear and drove about 65 miles to her canvas: a concrete wall angling high above the Arkansas River.

She arrived at her place along the Pueblo Levee Mural Project.

Over the past four years, Eisemann has been among the artists rappelling down the 30-foot wall in an effort to reclaim a record. Guinness World Records listed the Pueblo Levee as the largest outdoor mural for almost 20 years before the wall came down for reconstruction.

The Pueblo Levee Mural Project is more than just an effort to reclaim a record though.

“This is what can come out of something that’s terrible,” Eisemann said. “It shows that something can come out of tragedy and become something beautiful.”

Tragedy overwhelmed Pueblo in 1921. That June, the Arkansas swelled and roared, destroying much of the town and claiming hundreds of

lives.

The levee was built in the flood’s wake. It would span nearly 3 miles between the river and the city’s core. It would rise about 65 feet. And over the decades, it would be covered in paint — by vandals, as some saw them.

Cynthia Ramu knew them as artists.

She started painting along the wall in the 1980s. “People were like, ‘You’re doing that graffiti,’” she recalled, “and I was like, ‘Hey! We’re in the Guinness Book of World Records! What are you talking about?’”

The record was largely thanks to her. Ramu built relationships with naysayers, with the governmental approving powers that be, and she rallied artists to fill blanks and expand the colorful scene reflecting atop the river.

Over the years, Ramu saw the project make lifelong friends out of strangers. She saw young, struggling people find purpose. Artists would sleep in their vans or in her yard. They were amateurs and professionals from near and far, some continuing careers and others using the wall to launch one.

There was a physical strain to painting along the 45-degree angle, but there was also mental and emotional relief. There was something about the fresh air, the rushing river below, the birdsong. There was a chance to leave a legacy.

Ramu met a woman who was dying. “She said, ‘I always wanted to do a piece on the wall.’ And I said, ‘I can make that happen.’”

The record was marked in 1995: a mural occupying about

200,000 square feet. The record stood until 2014. That’s when work started to replace the crumbling levee. Ramu watched murals jackhammered, watched the wall drop to its new 30-foot height, and she often cried.

“It was like watching my life go down the river,” she said.

Construction finished in 2020. Then Ramu got to work. She got to work with the Pueblo Conservancy District overseeing the levee. Early talks were tense, Ramu recalled.

“To some, it was still just graffiti,” she said. “They were like, ‘Maybe we don’t want anything on the wall.’”

Whether the lawyers and engineers liked it, the artists were coming, Ramu suggested. “I said, ‘If we created a process, I would be glad to help you figure it out.’”

An application process was created. Artists would submit proposals adhering to a set of guidelines while also waiving liability. More than 100 artists have been approved over the past four years, some from as far as Canada and New York. Most are close by, including Shannon Palmer, the artist known as Deadhand.

The levee, she said, represents “the resilience” of her hometown. And it represents something more, she said: “It’s the heart of Pueblo.”

The heart started beating in the ‘70s. A teenaged, ragtag bunch known as the Tee Hees would paint the levee under the cover of night, their flashlights alerting police. The Tee Hees were known to escape by hopping the adjacent train.

Nonsense, thought local artist Dave Roberts.

“He believed in supporting creativity and bringing people together,” Ramu said. “Someone needed to stand up, and he stood up.”

Roberts negotiated the first deal with the Pueblo Conservancy District. He held an annual Paint-A-Thon.

“He would show up with a bunch of paint from the recycle store, and people could just grab it and go paint whatever they wanted,” Ramu said.

Roberts died in 2021, just as the new era of the Pueblo Levee Mural Project was beginning. He would be proud, Ramu thinks. But it’s not quite the Paint-A-Thon he knew.

As stated in the application, artists must abide by certain themes — largely related to local nature, history and industry. The aim is to prevent anything that might be considered offensive.

Ramu understands as a diplomat. As an artist, she worries about expression being suppressed. “I fight a lot,” she said.

But the project is not about fighting, she knows. She knows it to be about the contrary — the theme of the mural being painted one morning this spring.

Eisemann arrived to finish her mandala, a splash of pink and white around a yellow circle like the sun. “Power in unity” would be the words in the center.

“Which is what this whole project is about for me,” Eisemann said. “It’s people coming together and showing strength in community.”

TEXT BY STEPHANIE EARLS

I’d been on the road for three days, sardined in a Honda Civic with two cats and half the bare essentials of a fresh start. The eternity of seamless skyline had been broken only by occasional billboards and fence-pinned plastic bags, flapping like birds in a harsh wind.

Colorado residents go to great lengths to capture stunning mountain scenes

I was starved for a change of scenery.

Somewhere east of Limon, I called my Colorado Springs friend to alert him of my impending arrival — and to ask when the heck Colorado stops looking like Kansas.

“Just wait for it,” he said.

I then called my dad, driving in the car behind me with my dog and the other half of my stuff, to share the experience when “it” finally occurred.

Nothing, nothing, nothing ... then BOOM!

“Wow-de-dow-dow,” said my father, who only applied that phrase in the most sublime of circumstances.

Thirteen years later, and more than a decade after buying a house on the city’s west side, that view of Pikes Peak still inspires and amazes. I just wish I didn’t have to sit in a lawn chair by the alley to enjoy it in my jammies.

You’d think when you live in the shadow of a 14,115foot mountain, there wouldn’t be a bad seat in the house. To be fair, even the obstructed views are likely only a few steps from the breathtaking ones — from the city’s abundant parks and open spaces, and even its sidewalks. But there’s no denying the hand-stack game of a growing metro has arrived, with vigor, at the base of America’s Mountain.

As the city gobbles up the forever plains to the east and swells skyward downtown, it’s important to remember that we’ve been jockeying and one-upping our neighbors for desirable sight lines for longer than you’ve been alive.

For generations, the residents of my 1924 home needn’t even venture outdoors to gaze on the glory of their surroundings.

On a lazy summer weekend before the pandemic, a former occupant and her daughter were on a nostalgic stroll through the neighborhood when they saw my car in the driveway and decided to stop. The brief tour and conversation that ensued left me feeling more connected to his-

tory and to my home, and also with a lingering sense of loss for a thing that had never been mine.

As one of the women explained, the big western-facing window in the living room once boasted a postcard-worthy panorama of Pikes Peak. There was a desk in front where her father would work. How glorious!

These days, all you can see is the siding of my neighbor’s house.

Installing a picture window doesn’t mean you get to own the eye candy. But you can capitalize on the peepholes within the property purview, right?

Enter Brandon Frontino, of Colorado Shed Crafters, a man with a dynamic perspective on, well, perspectives.

After more than 12 years in the business, he’s seen the lengths to which people will go to showcase their slivers of a vista in a structure the world used to consider a utilitarian addition.

“Windows, tons of windows — that’s always really huge with customers,” Frontino said. “You know, 8-foot walls and picture windows or sliders, to maximize their view as much as humanly possible.”

I asked if he’d ever built a double-decker shed, and Frontino pointed out that a two-story shed of less than 200 square feet would look kind of like a silo. Any bigger, and you’re in Accessory Dwelling Unit territory, and that requires a permit.

“You can build a deck off it, though,” he said.

(Note to self: Check city code re: installation of a widow’s walk) I chose the southeast edge of the property, one of the few spots that still boast a mostly clean bead on the mountain, looking west down the alley. A few weeks later, Frontino and his team arrived. Within days, I had a new shed, with a sliding glass door opening to Pikes Peak.

It’s my she-shed, and my see-shed.

I don’t think I’m blocking anyone else’s mountainscape, but if so, sorry about that. I’m sure some new element — a future neighbor or possibly a tree — will show up to balance the karma.

Until then, I’m going to enjoy my room with a view, and hope the scenery and horizon stay exactly the same.

STATELY

ZOO MOOSE A RARE SIGHT

These days, Atka is living his best life at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

The Alaska moose is a sight to behold in the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit. But his arrival in Colorado Springs was the result of unfortunate circumstances.

Outside Anchorage, Alaska, a hiker and Atka’s mother came into contact. The moose was wildly protective of her newborn; to save himself, the hiker killed her. But he stayed with the baby moose until wildlife officials retrieved him and took him to The Alaska Zoo. After living there for a bit, Atka was trans ported via FedEx plane to Colorado. He was 8 weeks old and 90 pounds when he arrived in July 2020.

Nearly five years later, he’s grown ... a lot. Alaska moose can grow to be almost 1,400 pounds, so he might be done growing in a year or two.

According to Rachel Wright, the zoo’s public relations and social media manag er, it’s highly unusual for a zoo to have a moose, as most don’t have the space for such a large animal. So Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is known as the moose zoo around the U.S. due to its rare family member, and the zoo offers animal encounters with Atka, with the potential of feeding him a snack

“You can always feed a giraffe a cracker,” Wright said, “but to feed a moose a cracker is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Fun fact: Moose noses are big for a reason, warming up the often frigid air of their habitat before it goes into their lungs. Also, when they dive under water to eat algae, their noses will close up so they don’t inhale water.

JENNIFER MULSON

BOB BEAMON SETS AN OLYMPIC RECORD BY JUMPING 29’ 2 1/2” AT THE 1968 MEXICO CITY GAMES

THE MUSEUM THAT

BREAKS RECORDS

At the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, you don’t just visit history—you experience it.

Test your speed. Feel the thrill of competition. Get inspired by the journeys of America’s greatest athletes. It’s more than a museum—it brings history, innovation, and inspiration to life.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

AMERICAN LEATHER

STRIKING STEAMPUNK DESIGN

Aged iron and sandstone finishes create a unique industrial look

ANTIQUEINSPIRED DIAL

A convex glass crystal protects the dial, ensuring it remains dust and damage free. The aged iron hands beautifully complement the design.

IDEAL SIZE

Slim profile makes it perfect for narrow hallways, while its sophisticated presence complements larger living spaces.

weet, creamy tea swimming with chewy tapioca boba pearls — otherwise known as bubble tea — was originally invented in Taiwan in the 1980s, but it’s never been more popular in the U.S. That trend is in full swing here in Colorado, where Taiwanese franchises such as Happy Lemon and Gong cha have been popping up along the Front Range to satisfy thirsty customers. There are plenty of independently run homegrown concepts as well, with their own unique takes on the trendy teas.

What’s behind the beverage boom? While the classic iteration involves brewed black tea, non-dairy creamer, ice and boba (plus the requisite oversize

straw to suck up the pearls), part of the drink’s current popularity can be attributed to the proliferation of flavor innovations and customizations.

Behind the bar, bobaristas (yes, that’s really what they’re called) are mixing up tea drinks infused with fanciful flavors such as ube (sweet purple yam), taro (a nutty root vegetable), black sesame and cucumber-y winter melon fruit. Bubble tea enthusiasts know that one key to the drink’s appeal is the bouncy textural sensation of the boba, but there’s also an ever-expanding repertoire of mix-ins and toppers to contribute an even wider range of textures to each drink. These include “popping boba,” which burst with fruit juices, cubes of flavored

jelly, custard-like puddings, sweet red beans and luxurious mousse-like toppers, including the slightly salty “cheese” foam made with cream cheese. There are also more health-conscious options than ever, including drinks made with fresh dairy and plantbased milks (rather than powdered creamers), real fruit, probiotic yogurt and antioxidant-packed matcha green tea. The drink menus continue to grow beyond milk tea as well, expanding to incorporate espresso-based beverages, fruit teas, frappes, slushes, punches and more.

Whether you’re craving a sweet, milky treat or a light, fruity refreshment, bubble tea shops encourage exploration

and customization. It’s common to choose the sweetness level of your drink as well as the amount of ice and which add-ins and toppers you want in pursuit of your own slurp-able masterpiece. Here are a few of our favorite bubble tea shops in Denver and Colorado Springs.

Milk Tea People

Located in downtown Denver, this minimalist tea shop is the height of artisan milk tea. Inspired by traditional tea ceremonies of Kyoto, Japan, expect to find premium teas, house-made syrups and foams, and grass-fed dairy at this tucked-away destination. Try the ceremonial-grade matcha, which is whisked by hand. milkteapeople.com

Tea Street

Independently owned by siblings Patrick and Victoria Lam, this Denver favorite for high-quality milk teas recently expanded with a Parker location. The number of add-ins is truly dizzying, from clear “crystal” boba and house-made taro pudding to lychee bits and coconut sea salt foam. The roasted caramel milk tea, which combines Taiwanese roasted tieguanyin oolong, non-dairy cream and scratch-made caramel, is heavenly. teastreetdenver.com

Kochi Boba

Located in downtown Colorado Springs, this Vietnamese- and veteran-owned bubble tea shop is committed to sustainability and uses plastic-free packaging. Enjoy your drink — plus handcrafted Vietnamese fare and mochi donuts — in the bright, welcoming space. Try the honey green milk tea infused with tropical longan fruit or add bouncy boba to the traditional Vietnamese coffee. kochi-boba.restaurants-world.com

Bubbles N’ Bites

True to its name, this Colorado Springs destination serves appetizers including fried dumplings, chicken wings and bubble waffles alongside its extensive menu of milk and fruit teas, slushes, smoothies and lemonades. All of its drinks are brewed with alkaline ionized Kangan water, which supposedly makes for more delicious beverages. Try the bright purple butterfly pea tea or indulge in a bit of fusion with the Mexican-inspired sweet and tangy mangonada smoothie. bubblesnbites.dine.online

Sharetea

This global franchise — which has grown to hundreds of locations since its inception in 1992, including five in Colorado — offers an authentic bubble tea experience with ingredients shipped directly from Taiwan. Lovers of the chewy texture of boba will delight in the QQ Happy Family, a classic milk tea loaded with big boba, mini boba, red beans, caramel pudding, herb jelly and lychee jelly. 1992sharetea.com

TEXT BY DALIAH SINGER

pring showers bring May flowers — and, more importantly, farmers market season. Though Colorado is known mostly for its Rocky Ford cantaloupe, Olathe sweet corn and Palisade peaches, regional farmers grow so much more. Here, a guide to some of the other produce you’ll encounter at the market this summer — plus, two recipes to make the most of your fresh finds.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, cabbage. They all grow well in this state’s cool climate, which is why Colorado is one of the country’s top lettuce producers. Many of these greens are accessible nearly year-round.

Onions

Local farmers generally grow what are known as storage onions, so they are harvested in fall and winter. By the time we enjoy them, they’ve matured to the point of intense flavor. White, yellow, red and pearl varieties are available.

Peppers

Pueblo’s green chiles are, of course, the star of the local nightshades. But the Centennial State is also ripe with bell peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, serranos and more. (Note: Most hit stands later in the summer.)

Potatoes

The San Luis Valley is a potato hot spot: the second largest fresh potato-growing region in the country, in fact. Yukon Gold, russet, fingerling, all blue, Colorado rose and purple majesty varietals are just a small taste of what’s produced in the area.

Beets

These brightly hued root vegetables are accessible starting in July. Pro tip: Vitamin-rich beet greens can be washed and used similarly to spinach or Swiss chard — simply sauté them or add them as a raw ingredient in salads.

Asparagus

One of the state’s earliest crops, these spear-topped veggies typically are harvested between mid-April and mid-June.

Carrots

Colorado carrots are sweeter. It’s true: Warm days and cool nights help condense the sugar content in these orange wonders, which show up in the middle of June.

Cherries

Cherry season begins in late June, and the sweet fruit is generally available through the end of July. Most come from the Western Slope, with Bing, Rainer and Sweetheart among the many varietals grown there.

Strawberries

These berries are considered a lower-maintenance, perennial crop — making them worth a try in your own home garden! Plus they’re ready earlier than other berries, debuting at markets in early June.

Green Beans

There’s nothing quite like the crisp snap of a green bean right off the vine. Colorado farmers grow both pole and bush beans, and the veggies become available in July.

ASPARAGUS & SNAP PEA SALAD

Ingredients

2 cups water

1 bunch asparagus, sliced into bite-size pieces

2 cups snap or snow peas, sliced into quarter-inch pieces

2 tablespoons goat or feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon cilantro, chopped

3/4 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

3 to 4 cups lettuce (arugula, sorrel and/or spinach)

Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Boil water.

2. Add the asparagus and 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Boil for 1-2 minutes or until tender.

3. Drain and place the asparagus in a bowl of cold water. Once cool, remove asparagus from the water and place in a mixing bowl.

4. Add peas, cheese and cilantro.

5. Place oil and vinegar in a small bowl. Stir together vigorously with a fork until well mixed.

6. Pour the dressing over the asparagus mixture. Toss together, gently, until it becomes creamy.

7. Add greens. Toss lightly. Adjust salt to taste.

GRILLED CORN SUCCOTASH

Ingredients

1 cup yellow onion, diced small

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 quart grilled corn (cut off the cob)

1 pint edamame

1 cup red bell pepper, diced small

1 serrano pepper, minced and seeds removed

1 tablespoon salt

1 cup scallions, sliced thin

Directions:

1. In a large sauté pan, sweat the garlic and onion in oil.

2. Add the corn, edamame, peppers and salt, and lightly sauté.

3. Add the

scallions and check the seasoning (add more salt if needed).

4. Spread the vegetables out on a sheet tray and allow to cool.

5. Enjoy on its own, add to a salad or pair with jumbo scallops.

COURTESY OF CHEF MAWA MCQUEEN (MAWA’S KITCHEN, ASPEN)

COURTESY OF CHEF MATT COLLIER (BOULDER COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS)

Rodeo

To recall the days of the wild, wild west, you can spend hours perusing one of Colorado’s impressive museums. Or you can buy a ticket to a rodeo.

The state’s western heritage remains strong, and it’s displayed each summer at classic venues from Gunnison to Greeley. There’s mutton bustin’ for the kids. There’s bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing for the finest cowboys and cowgirls around. And then there’s bull riding for the bravest of them all.

Toss in cool nights and spectacular scenery, and it’s easy to see why the tradition continues today.

So pick out your best jeans, flannel, boots and hat, and make your way to a big corral. (And, whoa, pardner. Don’t leave that house without the biggest, shiniest belt buckle you own.) Here are five of the best:

June 14-15: Evergreen Rodeo at the El Pinal Arena is a Father’s Day tradition in the foothills west of Denver. evergreenrodeo.com

June 25-July 6: Greeley Stampede at Island Grove Regional Park is so big that it requires two full weekends. greeleystampede.org

July 5-10: Rooftop Rodeo in the Estes Park Events Complex boasts a rich history spanning more than a century. rooftoprodeo.com

July 8-12: Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at Norris-Penrose Event Center is the second oldest event in Colorado Springs. pikespeakorbust.org

July 10-12: Cattlemen’s Days in Gunnison, aka the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos,” is the oldest one in the state. cattlemensdays.com

NATHAN VAN DYNE

SUNDAY, AUGUST

Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge

COLORADO CHRONICLE

HIGH COUNTRY TRAIN PAVED WAY FOR RESORT

Take Boreas Pass, just south of Breckenridge. Follow the pavement until it turns to dirt. The rugged past reveals itself along the tight, steep grade through aspen and rock.

The road is the abandoned bed of what became known as the High Line.

This was the nation’s highest narrow gauge, connecting Denver to the mines of Leadville via Boreas Pass above 11,000 feet, crossing Breckenridge as it went below. At least 150 lived near the summit, bent on serving the railroad that would transform the isolated mining camp into the bustling resort hub it is today.

From 1882 to 1937, the train ran against the odds.

Grainy photographs flash in a video that plays in the town’s welcome center. They are scenes of man and train combating the wintry extremes of Boreas, the Greek god of the north wind.

Here’s a picture of “bucking,” the term for locomotives charging and reversing and charging again to break snow. Here are men digging where machines failed. Here’s one toppled train after another, victims of ice or avalanche.

In the welcome center video, a railroader descendant reflects: “There weren’t any John Waynes. They were just ordinary people. They saw a job that needed to be done, and they went out and did it.”

SETH BOSTER

Locomotive on west side of Boreas Pass in 1904.

Margaretta M. Boas Photograph Collection via Pikes Peak Library District

GORGE OUS

TEXT BY SETH BOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS

In Colorado Springs, there’s “America’s Mountain.” About an hour’s drive to the southwest, there’s “America’s Bridge.”

The Royal Gorge Bridge officially established the trademark in 2019 — 90 years after the stunning achievement that was its construction. In 1929, the bridge opened as the world’s highest suspension bridge, spanning the rocky mouth of the gorge almost 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River.

The world turned its eyes to Cañon City then. It was thanks to a Texas businessman, Lon Piper, who contracted a brave team to build his vision for the Royal Gorge Bridge and Amusement Co. The team took only six months to build the bridge — a remarkable footnote in what was a record-setting engineering feat. (China now boasts the world’s highest suspension bridge; the Royal Gorge Bridge remains highest in the U.S.)

Piper’s vision has become Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. And while the bridge remains the main attraction, there are many, many more now.

Amusements

The gorge is not just connected by the bridge. Another thrilling way of crossing is via a gondola paneled by windows, affording panoramic, hair-raising views. The trip floating 2,200 feet is included with general admission.

Also included with general admission ($30 for ages 12 and older, $25 for ages 3-11): access to the bridge; Tommy Knocker Playland, with a ropes course, carousel, slides and tunnels; Plaza Theater, with regular performances; and the scenic visitor center, where you might get a bite to eat.

Other amusements carry an extra cost. That includes Royal Rush Skycoaster, which lives up to its name. Passengers reach speeds upward of 50 mph in a free fall from the ride’s high perch. If that doesn’t get the adrenaline pumping, Cloudscraper Zipline will.

Skycoaster tickets start at $41, zipline tickets at $52 and bundles at $82.

On the wild side

The latest, greatest attraction at the park is Royal Gorge Via Ferrata.

That’s Italian for “iron way,” a nod to World War I soldiers who built such routes through the Dolomites. Several via ferratas have come to Colorado over the years, but this one is in a class of its own.

Via ferratas often are described as safe introductions to rock climbing. Visitors are protected by a harness and rope as they clip their way through iron footholds and handholds spanning the gorge’s rugged faces and narrow ledges high above the river. A short training session is followed by various guided tours spanning one hour to five hours.

Tours range from $100 to $160, with general admission to the park included.

Whitewater thrills

The Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge is not for every rafter. It’s a bucket-list trip for a reason — for the fast, choppy water that is not for the faint of heart, especially not

when high water yields Class V rapids.

But guides tend to be accommodating; check conditions and see about a half-day or full-day outing with a local outfitter. Nearby Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the more family-friendly destination.

All aboard

We’ve covered the Royal Gorge by foot, bike, climb and raft. Royal Gorge Route Railroad is your option by train.

Open-air cars allow passengers to feel the wind on their face at the floor of the canyon, where the river tumbles beside the tracks. One takes in the views with a drink from the full-service bar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as well.

Fares vary depending on coach and deluxe classes, or a seat in the Vista Dome; $99-$144.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Hit the trails

In recent years, a trail revolution has taken place on the Royal Gorge’s north rim.

The result: 20-plus miles of singletrack for mountain biking, hiking and running. The trails are a perfect (and free) way to admire the iconic views.

Oh, and there’s camping.

Fremont Adventure Recreation, the nonprofit overseeing the trails, recommends starting from East Ridge Campground and Canyon Rim trailhead for easier routes. For longer treks, the nonprofit’s website includes more recommendations and maps. You might study up and pick a course to the top of Fremont Peak or over to Point Alta Vista, a newer addition to the network. This is a historic, scenic point that has been restored, reached now via boardwalk along the old train trestles.

By the numbers

1,260: Feet the Royal Gorge Bridge spans

1,257: Wooden planks covering the bridge

956: Feet above the Arkansas River

4,100: Steel cables suspending the bridge

2 million: Pounds the bridge is built to hold

125: Wind speeds (mph) the bridge is built to withstand

$350,000: Cost to build the bridge in 1929. That’s closer to $6.5 million today.

TEXT BY JENNIFER MULSON

Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Kent Nishimura

Spectacular sunsets, full moons and shooting stars are perks you won’t see included in the price of a concert ticket at any of Colorado’s amphitheaters. But they’re all part of the overall experience — an experience that’s quickly become a rite of summer for residents and visitors alike.

Besides, you haven’t really seen a show until you listen to jazz trumpeter Chris Botti belt out a brassy “Ava Maria” as the moon brightens behind him at Red Rocks. Or until you watch dramatic storm clouds cloaking Pikes Peak suddenly shift to reveal a canopy of stars while rock band OneRepublic dances across the stage at Ford Amphitheater, the latest open-air venue to decorate the state.

“I wanted to build the Sphere of amphitheaters,” entrepreneur JW Roth said, referencing the one-of-a-kind destination in Las Vegas.

Ford Amphitheater features firepits in each of its 90 luxury suites. Food trucks selling burgers, corn dogs, funnel cakes and ice cream dot the inside of the state-of-the-art venue. Premium canned beers and canned cocktails also are on the menu. And a fine dining restaurant and specialty bar will open later this year.

“Ford Amphitheater is gorgeous,” Gov. Jared Polis said on opening night. “It’s going to be such a great asset for Colorado Springs — attracting world-class acts, activating the economy and culture. It’s part of Colorado’s great ecosystem of entertainment venues.”

That ecosystem has a different feel come summer. Country, rock, hip-hop, Americana. You name the genre and you’ll find it floating on the current around seemingly every scenic peak. There’s nothing to do but pack your rain gear and pull up a seat alongside Mother Nature.

Here’s a look at some summer highlights at six of the state’s outdoor stages.

Ford Amphitheater

Colorado Springs

The 8,000-seat venue with a grand view of Pikes Peak opened in August on the city’s north side. Its first full season, which runs from April through October, will feature 40 shows spotlighting an array of styles. “We’ve got shows for all the demographics,” Roth said.

• May 25: The Black Keys

• June 13: Three 6 Mafia & Yelawolf

• July 26: Beck with Colorado Symphony

• Aug. 8: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

• Aug. 30: Little Big Town

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Morrison

Monolithic, 300-foot sandstone walls stand sentinel around an amphitheater filled with concrete and wood seats. Musicians have performed in the space since the early 1900s and it’s easy to see why, with a stunning backdrop of the night sky and the plains stretching behind them.

• May 24: Brad Paisley

• June 7-8: Big Head Todd and the Monsters

• June 27-29: Widespread Panic

• July 21-22: Mumford & Sons

• Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Gregory Alan Isakov

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

Greenwood Village

This locale on the south side of the Mile High City is very popular, and it meets the high demand with a seating capacity of 17,000. In addition to the quality entertainment on stage, visitors relish watching the sun set behind the Rocky Mountains.

• June 14: Earth, Wind and Fire

• July 4: Wu-Tang Clan

• July 17: Keith Urban

• Aug. 12: Cyndi Lauper

• Aug. 23: Counting Crows

UMB Bank Amphitheater

Denver

Nestled inside Denver Botanic Gardens, this site is unique. Nowhere else can you wander through 24 acres of gardens between musical acts. The exhibits are filled with diverse plant life and include ornamental gardens and gardens that showcase plants native to Colorado.

• June 25: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark

• July 1: The California Honeydrops

• July 14: Blind Pilot and Phosphorescent

• July 30: Toad The Wet Sprocket, Semisonic and Sixpence None the Richer

• Aug. 11: Melissa Etheridge

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Vail

More than 2,500 guests are invited to partake in lawn and pavilion seating at The Amp, offering yet another incredible view of the state’s majestic landscape. In addition to concerts, The Amp plays host to Vail Dance Festival and Bravo! Vail Music Festival.

• May 29: Michael Franti and Spearhead

• June 5: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue

• June 14: Trevor Hall

• Aug. 8-9: The String Cheese Incident

• Aug. 17: Wilco

Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon

Built on the edge of Lake Dillon and tucked between the Tenmile and Gore mountain ranges, the lawn and pavilion seating provide compelling options to take in the show and the scenery. Despite the mountain town’s small size, the venue boasts a summer lineup of big names.

• June 20: Alison Krauss and Union Station

• June 23: Drive-By Truckers and Deer Tick

• June 27: Modest Mouse

• Aug. 13: My Morning Jacket

• Sept. 7: Train

STAGED

9 upcoming performances

The return of summer means the action on stage is sure to heat up. The slate features jukebox musicals, stand-up comedians and a couple of dramas, ideal for quenching your hunger for live theater.

May 27: “Celtic Throne II: Psalter of Ireland” Pikes Peak Center

More than 30 Irish dancers will tell the story of Ollav Fola, a sixth-century B.C. Irish sage and legislator, through a mix of dance, music, theater and film.

May 30: Marlon Wayans, Pikes Peak Center

The actor, comedian and writer is best known for the sitcom “The Wayans Bros.,” and also has starred in films such as “Scary Movie,” “Requiem for a Dream,” “White Chicks” and “Air.”

May 31: Louis C.K., Ford Amphitheater

The Grammy Award-winning writer, director and actor is known for his numerous stand-up specials, including “Sorry”; films such as “Blue Jasmine” and “American Hustle”; and TV shows “Louie” and “Better Things.”

June 4-15: “& Juliet”

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

The 2019 jukebox musical reimagines Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as if Juliet didn’t end her life over Romeo. The soundtrack features songs by numerous pop stars, including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Demi Lovato and Katy Perry.

June 5-22: “The Revlon Girl” by Springs Ensemble Theatre

Based on a true story about a group of bereaved mothers who met weekly after the Aberfan Disaster of 1966, when 144 people were killed, most of them children, in the small village in South Wales.

June 25-29: “Mamma Mia!”

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

In the 2001 jukebox musical featuring the songs of Swedish pop group ABBA, Sophie invites three men to attend her wedding with the hopes of determining which one is her father.

July 8-20: “Some Like it Hot,” Denver Center for the Performing Arts

In the Tony Award-winning 2022 musical, two musicians must flee Chicago after witnessing a mob hit. To elude the gangsters, they disguise themselves as women and hop aboard a cross-country train.

Aug. 3: “C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters,” Pikes Peak Center

As Screwtape, a senior demon in hell, writes letters to his nephew on how to corrupt the soul of a human, he delves into temptation, spiritual warfare and the challenge of maintaining a virtuous life.

Aug. 5-10: “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

The 2019 Tony Award-winning jukebox musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, spins the tale of an Englishman in 1899 Paris who becomes infatuated with Satine, a singer at the Moulin Rouge. It features a score of more than 70 songs, many of which are pop hits from the film.

JENNIFER MULSON

An accessible, all-inclusive, Colorado wedding adventure

Perched in an aspen grove with stunning Continental Divide views, our chairlift-accessed ceremony site offers an unforgettable setting. After the vows, guests enjoy lawn games and cocktails while awaiting the couple’s return. As night falls, a curated culinary experience is served as guests dance under the moonlight, stargaze on the deck, and savor s’mores by the fire.

photo credit: @presoutwestphotoco

2025 Wedding DAtes Still Available: 8/2, 8/16, 8/30, 9/6