Estes Park Trail Vacation Edition 2008

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Women’s Siren Ventilator Women’s-specific technology and styling for outdoor performance. Siren selection varies by store.

Plum Creek Shoe Station Estes Park Mountain Shop 135 Moraine Ave. 2050 Big Thompson Ave. 970.586.4061 970.586.6548

Look for Merrell Apparel

Rocky Mountain Connection 141 East Elkhorn Ave. 970.586.3361

Outdoor World 156 East Elkhorn Ave. 970.586.2114

Publisher Bill Ferguson

Vacation Edition Editor John Cordsen

Production Manager Tony J. Wedick

Advertising Director Keith Kratochvil

Contributing Writers and Photographers Janice Mason Walt Hester Mike Oatley Juley Harvey Madeline Framson Greg Berman

Advertising Staff Melissa Rockabrand Mary D’Ambra

Graphic Designers Tom McTighe Julie Skelton

Bookkeeper Leslie Dawson

Circulation Manager Jennifer Wurgaft

Front Desk Charles Walters The Vacation Edition is an annual publication of the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, a twiceweekly newspaper. The Vacation Edition is published in May. Offices: 251 Moraine Ave. Mailing address: P.O. Box 1707, Estes Park, CO 80517. Telephone: (970) 586-3356. Fax (970) 586-9532. Web site: www.eptrail.com. (c) 2008

On the cover: Longs Peak with a splash of fall colors.

In This Issue Visitors’ Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 RMNP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Wines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Dog Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Candy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Friendly Bunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Winter Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Shining Mountains . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Waterfall Hikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Fun Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Performance Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Music Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Wildside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Scottish Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Observatory . . . . . . . July 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . On the Water . . . . . . . Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mid-Summer Festival Estes Park Museum . Meet the Artisans . . . Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . Rooftop Rodeo . . . . . Trail Ridge Road . . . . Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shuttle . . . . . . . . . . . . MacGregor Ranch . . . Alpine Zones . . . . . . . Scenic Views . . . . . . . Calendar of Events . . Camping . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Index . . .

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The Keyboard of the Winds extends southward from Longs Peak (Right). Photos by Walt Hester

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 1

First Stop The Visitors Center

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he majestic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park combined with the home town hospitality of Estes Park transforms a trip to the Colorado Rockies into a dream vacation in a corner of paradise. Whether coming for a day, a week, or more, visiting this eastern gateway community to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, at 7,522 feet above sea level is an experience you’ll remember forever. With world class hiking and climbing, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, wildlife watching, galleries, unique shopping, an array of dining choices, options in lodging to meet every taste and Rocky Mountain National Park out the back door, there’s something in Estes Park just for you. Special events at Estes Park and summer-long free outdoor entertainment are set amidst the backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hear folk musicians entertain, listen to a string quartet perform, or tap your toes to a big band playing favorites. Beginning with Jazz Fest held each May and continuing through the holiday season’s “Catch the Glow’ celebration, there are special events here in Estes Park that will keep you coming back for more. Here, you can be adventurous all on your own. But when you want advice or assistance, the Estes Park Visitors

Center, operated by the Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau, is a perfect place to stop. Located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 34 and 36, the Center provides information about every business in Estes Park and things to do in the area. When it comes to providing complete visitors services, the one component of excellence that sets Estes Park apart from other areas is the contingent of about 70 volunteers who donate their expertise and time to helping visitors have an outstanding vacation experience in this area. Individual Ambassadors work on a rotating basis at the information desk in the Visitors Center daily during the summer season and on weekends from October through mid-May. Ambassadors answer questions about where to hike, drive, shop, eat and stay in the Estes Park area. They provide answers to common questions like “where’s a good place for me to hike?” to more uncommon questions that deal with everything from human genealogy to botanical knowledge. The CVB staff provides additional expertise in planning group gatherings from weddings and reunions to business meetings. The Estes Park Visitors Center is open daily except New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Visitors Center Summer Hours * 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily *Location: 500 Big Thompson Highway at the intersection of U.S. Highways 34 and 36. *Telephone: 970-577-9900 or 800-44-ESTES *Website: www.EstesParkCVB.com

CVB Mission Statement “To support the strength and well being of our community with the year-round promotion of visitation, tourism, and conferences through comprehensive communications, special events, group sales and visitor service programs.” 2 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

The Jewel of the Rockies Rocky Mountain National Park’s Beauty Attracts Millions

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ocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers 415 square miles of dynamic landscape featuring lowland meadows, numerous lakes and rivers, aspen and subalpine forests, and towering mountain peaks. All of these aspects of RMNP create an unparalleled outdoor playground where the possibilities are endless. Visitors hike its 360 miles of trails, watch massive herds of elk, fish for trout in its many streams and lakes, camp underneath its vast starry mountain skies, or climb its epic granite rock walls. Nearly three million people visit RMNP each year, making it one of the most popular National Parks in the country. Maps and brochures can be obtained at any of the RMNP visitor centers and for general information call RMNP HQ at (970) 5861206 or visit www.nps.gov/romo.

Visitor Centers RMNP has four visitor centers where guests can see nature exhibits, purchase RMNP books, buy gifts and snacks, use

restrooms, view topographical maps of the park, and ask the park rangers questions.

Alpine Visitor Center Open daily, May 25 through June 16, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 17 through September 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 4 through October 8, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads Alpine Visitor Center is open depending on weather and Trail Ridge road conditions. It is closed in the winter.

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Open Year-Round October 30, 2006 through April 28, 2007 open daily, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Day) April 29 through June 16, open daily, 8

Photo by Walt Hester

A bull elk in velvet works his way across the tundra See Jewel: Page 4 above Trail Ridge Road in RMNP.

Once Upon a Time…

Willkommen Welcome Coffee Cakes Signature Cakes

Gemithicheit Warmth & Friendliness

Beautiful Wedding Cakes Awesome Tortes Breads & Rolls

Delicatessen AMERICA’ S FINESTSAUSAGE!

A general book store featuring… • Regional History & Nature • Children’s Books • Calendars • Newspapers • Magazines We special order books & ship!

2007

Voted Best Bakery Best Brunch & Best Desserts Schmidt's Bakery & Delicatessen

152 E. Elkhorn ~ 970-586-3450 ~ macdonaldbookshop.com P.O. Box 900 ~ Estes Park, CO 80517

808 14th St. SW Loveland 970-667-9811 Open Mon-Sat 6am-6pm Sun 7am-5pm

Schmidt's at Estes Park

National Park Village Country Market 900 Moraine Ave. 970-586-2702 Open 7 Days a Week 7am-8pm

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Readers Choice

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 3

Jewel Continued from page 4

a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17 through August 18, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) August 19 through September 2 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) September 3 through October 27, open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park.

Fall River Visitor Center Open Year-Round Oct.30, 2006 through mid-June, weekends only, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also: November 24 (Friday), December 26 through December 29 & February 19 April 30 through Oct. 28, open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located on U.S. Route 34, five miles west of the town of Estes Park, near the Fall River Entrance to the Park. Photo by Walt Hester

Hikers make their way along the Flattop Mountain Trail during a fall hike. The Park has 360 miles of hiking trails.

Kawuneeche Visitor Center Open Year-Round

Open daily May 13 through June 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17 through Aug. 25, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug.26 through September 22,8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23 through the winter months, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on U.S. Route 34 at the entrance to the park

Fees and Passes Seven Day Entrance Fee: Individuals and families in a passenger car: $20 Pedestrians, bicycles, and mopeds: $10 per person Annual RMNP Pass: A $35 pass that allows unlimited entry to Rocky Mountain National Park for a full 12 months from the date of purchase. Groups & Organizations: Members of groups (church, school, recreation district groups, and organizations, not qualifying for educational fee waivers) are charged $10 per person over 15 years of age for entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park (no charge for the vehicle driver). The National Park Service is an

See Park: Page 5

The Village Goldsmith, Inc. Th e E s t e s Pa r k B r a c e l e t ™ Th e E s t e s Pa r k R i n g ™ Exclusive to The Village Goldsmith, Inc.

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Exquisite Diamonds Exciting Colored Gems Exceptional Designs Handcrafted Artistry Since 1976

all designs copyrighted

www.villagegoldsmith.com • 970-586-5659 • 235 West Elkhorn Avenue

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ing the 360 miles of trails is the best way to explore RMNP. Popular trails range from the easy and handicapped accessible paths around Bear Lake, Lily Lake, and Sprague Lake. More ambitious climbs up the fabled Longs Peak are also available for hikers. For a comprehensive analysis of the many hikes and climbs that RMNP has to offer, Lisa Fosters, “Rocky Mountain National Park, The Complete Hiking Guide,” is an excellent resource, as well as the various information pamphlets provided by RMNP.

Wildlife The animals that live in RMNP are wild. Park visitors could potentially pose a threat to their natural habitat, and in turn the animals could harm visitors. To avoid conflict, do not feed any wildlife in the park because they can become dependent on human food, lose the ability to hunt, and possibly die. Animals can also kick, bite, or gore you. They can also carry diseases such as

rabies and bubonic plague, which can be transmitted to humans. Photograph all wildlife from the safety of your vehicle or from the roadside. Approaching the animals frightens them and a possible fine may be issued to those who unnecessarily disturb the wildlife.

Pets Pets are not allowed on Park trails, snowfields, or in the backcountry. A leashed pet may be walked in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roadsides. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. Kennels are available in Estes Park and other surrounding communities.

Leave No Trace

Photo by John Cordsen

Moose are more commonly seen on the Park’s west side along the Colorado River.

In order to preserve the pristine beauty of RMNP’s natural landscape it is important for visitors to adhere to the Leave No Trace outdoor mentality. For more information, contact www.lnt.org.

Photo by Walt Hester

A bighorn ram stands silhouetted against Longs Peak in the distance.

Park Continued from page 5

Pass: this is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass: this passes has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Fishing Fishing is allowed in designated areas in the Park; however, regulations vary from place to place. It is required to have a valid Colorado fishing license at all times. Some areas are exclusively catch-andrelease. Observe postings carefully.

Hunting Not allowed in RMNP.

Hiking Getting out of your car and hik-

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important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. The pass series, collectively known as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The new passes went on sale Jan. 1, 2007. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Annual Pass - Cost $80. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 5

Raise a glass —

Snowy Peaks Winery

FULL ESPRESSO BAR • FREE WI-FI RIVERSIDE SEATING • BAKED GOODS & MORE OPEN DAILY AT 6:30 AM

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470 E. ELKHORN AVE. 552 W. ELKHORN AVE.

970.586.5206 970.577.1220

WWW.KINDCOFFEE.COM

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Bottling Dates Come watch the bottling line or even try your hand at it. Be among the first to try and buy the new releases. May 20th — Viognier and Oso White. Located in the heart of Estes Park, 292 Moraine Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517 Phone: (970) 586-2099 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.snowypeakswinery.com Summer Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 p.m to 6 p.m. Awards: 2005 Syrah-Gold Medal-2007 International Eastern Wine Competition 2006 Riesling-Bronze Medal-2007 International Eastern Wine Competition 2005 Syrah-Silver-2006 Colorado Mountain Winefest.

Valley of the Wind Estes Park Largest Colorado wine selection in Estes Park, gateway to America’s snow-capped Rocky Mountain National Park. Buy award-winning Colorado wine for your mountain meadow picnic, condominium party and romantic starlight Rocky Mountain dinner. Open Sundays. They have both inside seating and outside deck seating overlooking the Big Thompson River and spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains. Reserve the wine-and-bed suite for two people by calling (970) 5778800.

Sustainable

Organic

Fair Trade

Located in the heart of beautiful Estes Park, Snowy Peaks Winery offers a taste of Colorado. The winery tasting room offers wines made in Estes Park as well as wines by a number of Colorado’s finest wineries. They have a wide selection of varieties made from Colorado-grown grapes including Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Chardonnay. The tasting room offers samples, so you can find the wine you like best. They feature more than 30 different Colorado boutique wines for sampling and sales, including award-winning wines made right here in Estes Park. Come enjoy a tasting flight or a glass of wine in a low-key, familyfriendly atmosphere. They carry locally-made artisan cheeses, crackers, sauces and other gourmet foods to compliment your wine selection. Enjoy these hand-crafted delicacies on a picnic in majestic Rocky Mountain National Park or sit back and relax with a glass of wine in their dining area or patio. They are a small, family-owned and -operated winery, using 100-percent Colorado-grown grapes from the Grand Valley and West Elks AVAs. They also offer tours of their wine-making facilities beneath the tasting room, where wine is handcrafted in small quantities with love and care.

Snowy Peaks also carries gourmet foods made by Colorado artisans to complement your wine selection. A sample of their products includes handmade cheeses and chocolates, wine jellies and small batch sodas for the non-wine drinkers. Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains from the tasting room or they can pack your wine and cheese selections into a picnic basket to take to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.

KIND C FFEE

The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, located in Estes Park, Colorado, brings visual and fine arts to the community. Talking With... May 9, 10, 16, 17 7:30 pm Park Village Playhouse Incredible Circus Mat July 19 7:30 pm Performance Park Improv in the Mountains Laura Livingston & Mike Durkin Adult Improv Workshop in two parts (18yrs. and up) Wed./Thurs., August 27 and 28, 7 - 10 pm Cost: $25 Park Village Playhouse Student Improv Workshop (10 - 17 yrs) Fri., August 29 10 - 5 pm with lunch break 1-2 pm No charge Park Village Playhouse Improv in the Mountains Performance Friday, August 29 7:30 pm Park Village Playhouse Register for workshops at Estes Park Public Library

5 Minutes Max A fun fundraiser! August 15, 7:30 pm American Legion Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Sept. 13-14 Bond Park Bye Bye Birdie Nov. 7-8, 14-15 7:30 pm Nov. 9 2:00 pm Hemple Recital Hall, YMCA of the Rockies

Supporting the Arts in Estes Park since 1958

—www.FineArtsGuild.org—

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rink in the brilliant sunlight, the fresh mountain air and the magnificent scenery that combine to make Colorado wines so special. The Front Range Wine Trail, or the corridor around I-25 on the east side of the Continental Divide, is home to almost two dozen wineries and tasting rooms. Short day trips from the major metro areas of Denver/Boulder, Colorado Springs or Fort Collins allow you to sample wines from Cañon City to Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Several wineries in Estes Park offer a taste of the good life in the Rockies. To whet your appetite, visit Snowy Peaks Winery, Valley of the Wind Winery and Colorado Winery, as well as the Wine and Cheese Shop.

Wine is fine at Estes Park wineries Location: 120 Riverside Dr., Estes Park, Colo. 80517 Phone: (970) 5778800 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.valleyofthewind.com Summer Hours: 12 noon to 7 p.m. daily June 1st to October 15th Call for winter hours (970)5778800. Valley of the Wind’s exclusive “Wine & Bed Suite” is newly remodeled and well-appointed with fully equipped kitchen, full bath, one bedroom and a sitting room with gas fireplace, a lovely setting for a romantic vacation. The Village of Estes Park is within a block of the Wine & Bed Suite. Stroll along the Riverwalk for dining and shopping. Valley of the Wind Wine Tasting Room also offers an exclusive setting for small, intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries and other special events.

Wine and Cheese Shop Wine and Cheese are two specialty stores located in Estes Park. Wine offers hundreds of hand-selected wines from around the world. They have tasted all of their wines to ensure quality and value. Cheese is a bistro-style restaurant offering hand-cut cheeses and fine meats served on generous platters with fine accompaniments. All their cheeses are also available retail or as to-go platters. These are perfect for entertaining. Wine & Cheese is located at 330 and 332 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517 Cheese: (970) 586-5511 Wine: (970) 586-6611 Web site: www.thewineandcheese.com.

Grape-flavored history In 1873, English traveler Isabella Bird first discovered the lush landscape of the Grand Valley during her ascent up St. Vincent Canyon on her way to Estes Park. In 1909, 1,034 Colorado farms were involved in grape production. In 2005, Valley of the Wind Winery and Snowy Peaks Winery opened in Estes Park.

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Photo by Walt Hester

skateboards, skate accessories and apparel, general young men's clothing, body jewelry, unique and edgy gifts, patches, stickers, posters, great skull collection, statues, cds, air soft, year-round costumes and much more! 204 W. Elkhorn Ave. 970-577-1800

off the runway young and mature women's clothing and accessories, body jewelry, sunglasses, trendy hats, year-round costumes, buttons, huge fairy collection, cards, cosmetics & make-up including Burt's Bees, shoes. hempwear and much more! 128 12 8 E. Elkho Elkhorn rn AVE. 970577-9700

WWW.BELLAGEMSANDGIFTS.COM

"LITHIUM AND LITHIUM GIRL - THE CLOTHES YOU SHOULD BE WEARING!" • “FAVORITE STORES OF LOCALS & VISITORS !”

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 7

It’s a dog’s life …

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o you want to bring your dog? Before you decide, consider the facts of wilderness life that face dogs who visit our mountains. Estes Park has a fenced dog park where you can exercise your canine companion. Otherwise, plan to stay connected with your dog via a leash. There are new and wonderful scents that may cause your perfectly behaved town dog to bolt into the forest unexpectedly. The call of the wild may overpower your call to your pet to come back. Dogs caught chasing wildlife may be shot by the wildlife officer as predators. You can hike with your leashed dog in Roosevelt National Forest, but dogs are not allowed on the Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Shady parking spots are nonexistent in the summer, so your park visits may be limited to developed picnic areas or parking spots. On walks, human companions are needed to help their visiting canines handle encounters with the residents. Deer, elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, chipmunks, raccoons and squirrels may consider them to be strange, unwelcome intruders; mountain lion, bear and coyote may

see them as a tasty meal. If your canine companion is a full-fledged family member, these issues won’t be a problem and you will have a lovely time. Together, you can all go hiking in the National Forest, window shopping in town, picnicking in the park and driving along scenic byways.

Dog Park Visit the Dog Park, off US 36, east of town, just east of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds. If you are coming into Estes Park on US 36 from Boulder, Longmont or Lyons, turn left onto Community Drive just before you get to the fairgrounds. You’ll see big Estes Lake on your right and a smaller lake on your left.That’s when you need to slow down and get ready to turn left immediately into the parking lot. Dog park amenities: Benches, poop bags, no drinking water. Opened in the autumn of 2002, this park has proved to be very popular. It’s divided into two sections, one of which has access to the lake. It is very windy and can get really cold, so bring warm clothing, and maybe a peacoat for your pooch.

John Denver Tribute Concert with

Brad & Kathy Fitch and the

TropiCowboy Band

August 23rd, 2008 Gates Open at 6 p.m. Stanley Park Fairgrounds $

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20 00 Advance $ 2500 Gate $ 30 00 Premium Box Kids under 10 Free

Tickets Available Locally on June 1st

email—[email protected] website—DeLeosDeli.com 970-577-1134 8 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

For More Information Call 970-586-4611

Sponsored by Estes Park Lions Club 20-17169

Downtown, Next to the Historic Park Theatre, On the River

... at the Dog Park Additionally, these accommodations and businesses may welcome you and your dog, but always call to make sure.

• 2 Eagles Resort (866) 834-4722 (970) 663-5532

• Stone Mountain Lodge & Cabins (800) 282 5612 (303) 8236091 • Machin’s Cottages in the Pines (970) 586-4276

• McGregor Mountain Lodge (800) 835-8439 (970) 586-3457

• Skyline Cottages (602) 274-6407 (970) 586-2886

• Skyline Cottages (602) 274-6407 (970) 586-2886

• Braeside Cabin (970) 586-6845

• Timber Creek Chalets (800) 764-4308 (970) 586-8803 • Rustic River Cabins (800) 530-3942 (970) 586-8493

Photos by Walt Hester

• National Park Resort Camping & Cabins (970) 586-4563. RV sites with hook-ups. Pets welcome. • Silver Moon Inn (800) 818-6006 (970) 586-3151 • Discovery Lodge (800) 354 8253 970 691 7364

• Linda’s Pet Care Services (970) 586-0340 • Critters & Crates Inc (970) 586-844 • The Mutt Hutt (970) 586-6606 • Animal Medical Center of Estes Park PC (970) 586-6898

• Columbine Inn (800) 726-9049 (970) 586 4533

• Colorado Cottages (970) 5864637

• Lazy R Cottages (800) 726-3728 (970) 586-3708

Pet supplies and care

• Colorado Cottages (970) 586-4637

• Castle Mountain Lodge on Fall River (800) 852-7463 (970) 586 3664. Check the Peripatetic PetPolicy on their Web site.

• Yogi Bear Jellystone Park - 5495 Hwy. 36 Estes Park

• Estes Park Pet Lodge (970) 586-6898

• Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort -1665 Hwy. 66 Estes Park

• Angie Bryant DVM (970) 586-6898

• Estes Park KOA - 2051 Big Thompson Ave., 586-2888

• The Animal House 970-586-4703

• Manor RV Park - 815 Riverside Drive Estes Park • Marys Lake Campground 2120 Marys Lake Road Estes Park

• Marie C Richardson DVM (970) 586-4703 • Jeff Fish DVM (970) 586-6898

ROCKY MOUNTAIN KID COMPANY A STORE FOR KIDS WHO LOVE NATURE On the Riverwalk • 140 E. Elkhorn, Estes Park, Colorado

Also Offering Great Classes for kids in Rocky Mtn National Park! j

Games, Puppets, Books, Puzzles & More Lots of Junior Ranger Stuff, too!

j j j j j

Young Naturalists Wilderness Exploration Animal Tracks Detectives Cougar Clues & How to Read Them Art Adventures Rhymin’ & Rappin’ in the Rockies Nature Journaling for Kids

Sign up at the Store, or Learn more at rmna.org

Rocky Mountain Nature Association

Nature. Pass It On.

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Learn How to Become a Rocky Mountain National Park Junior Ranger!

Next Generation Fund - rmna.org

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 9

Mountain dote —

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any visitors remember their first taste of Estes Park taffy. You can watch as it’s made in the Taffy Shop and then take a box or two along with you to chew. Vacation time is so fun. You can stand outside the big candy-store window and watch as the taffy is being stretched and pulled on the big taffy-puller machine. You’ll be amazed it never falls off. Once you enter the store, the pastel assortment of colors and flavors beckons. The taffy also makes great souvenirs, as it stays fresh for a very long time and travels easily through security. The taffy pull is a strong one, indeed, too strong for many tourists to resist. It has become a staple, a tradition for families who return to Estes Park year after year, with the idea of fresh taffy melting in their mouths as solid as the mountain scenery. In Estes Park, elk wander downtown along with weekenders carrying hiking gear in one hand and saltwater taffy in the other. After a day of horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting, bird watching, shopping and scenic driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll probably be hungry. Taffy may be one way to soothe the savage beast. Taffy is a type of chewy candy that is made by stretching or pulling a sticky mass of boiled sugar, butter, flavorings and coloring until fluffy. When this process is complete, the taffy is rolled, cut into small pastel-colored pieces and wrapped in wax paper to keep it soft. It usually has a fruity flavor, but other flavors are common as well.

Photo by Walt Hester

Saltwater taffy was a noted invention of Atlantic City, N.J., beginning in the late 19th century, and it became a common souvenir of many coastal resort towns. Modern commercial taffy is made primarily from corn syrup, glycerin and butter. The “pulling” process, which makes the candy lighter and chewier, consists of stretching out the mixture, folding it over and stretching it out again. Caramel candies are sometimes referred to as taffy (taffy apples, taffy-colored hair), but are very different from common salt-

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Red Rose Rock Shop & Dick’s Rock Museum

Open Year-Round & Open Late in the Summer! 490 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 970-586-4180 • RedRoseRockShop.com Stop in and see us on your way in and out of the Rocky Mountain National Park! We have lots of parking available.

www.funcityofestes.com 10 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Next to Coffee on the Rocks!

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Miniature Golf • GO Karts 2 Giant Slides • Bungee Tramp Bumper Cars & Boats Arcades & Games • Snacks

Selling rocks, gems and minerals from Colorado and around the world since 1939. We carry decorative landscaping, fountain, aquarium & metaphysical rocks, crystals, fossils, polishing materilas, rough for cabbing, slabs, bookends, candle holders, unique specimens, crafts and jewelry made by local artists. Free Museum!

soft and chewy fresh Estes Park taffy water taffy. The origins of the name are unknown. The name could refer to the recipe that contains both salt and water. The most popular story, although probably apocryphal, concerns a candy-store owner, David Bradley, whose shop was flooded during a major storm in 1883 that soaked his entire stock of taffy with salty Atlantic Ocean water. He offered “saltwater taffy” to a young girl who asked if he had any taffy for sale. The girl was delighted, bought the candy and took her prize down to the beach to show her friends. Bradley’s mother, in the back of the store, heard the exchange. She loved the name; Saltwater Taffy was born. Whatever the origins, Joseph Fralinger boxed the candy and sold it as an Atlantic City souvenir. Candy maker Enoch James refined the recipe, making it less sticky and easier to unwrap, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and is credited with mechanizing the “pulling” process. In the early 1920s, enterprising John Edmiston obtained a trademark for the name “original saltwater taffy,” demanding royalties from companies using the name. He was sued over this demand. In 1923, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that the phrase had been in common use too long for him to claim royalties. Saltwater taffy is still sold widely on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, and in other tourist beachfront areas throughout the United States, as well as in Estes Park. Saltwater taffy is not made from saltwater (hence, the Estes Park goodies). You do need some salt and some water to make a batch of taffy, however. Just as no one knows who first called the sweet candy “saltwater taffy,” there is no record of who boiled the first vat of sugar, corn syrup, water, cornstarch, butter and salt to make the first taffy. Taffy is thought to have been a popular confection at country fairs in the Midwest by the 1880s and it was sold in America’s first seaside resort —Atlantic City — by that time. Today, although it probably wasn’t invented at the seashore and it does-

Photos

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n’t contain any saltwater, saltwater taffy is available wherever vendors set up shop, and is gobbled up, despite its fake name. Other treats for the tourists and locals may be enjoyed at the following establishments: • Caramel Crisp, 108 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-9927 • Chocolate Drop, 1751 N. Lake Ave., Suite #110, Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-2194 • Estes Park Times & Old Fashioned Candy, 102 W. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-3623 • Grandma’s Mountain Cookies, 217 W. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 577-0967 • Hayley’s Homemade Ice Cream, 102 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-4207 • Laura’s Fudge Shop, 129 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-4004, (866) 586-4004 • Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 517 Big Thompson Ave.., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-6601 • Taffy Shop, 121 W. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 586-4548 • Caramel Corn, 140 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, Colo., 80517, (970) 577-1216 • Donut Haus, 342 Moraine Ave., Estes Park, Colo. 80517, (970) 5862988. One visitor said she equates Estes Park with the taffy shop and the cozy souvenir shops, a toy store, candy stores, hometown pizza parlors and ice cream shops. It’s like visiting a European village,“Little Switzerland.”

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 11

The Friendly Bunch

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he Friendly Bunch of the Shining Mountains Group is just that, a friendly group with a heavy leaning toward singles. A high percentage of the Shining Mountains Group (SMG) are singles, and the Friendly Bunch is a section of SMG that was organized to help singles of all ages get acquainted with each other in a fun outdoor setting. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, volleyball, tennis, skiing, snowshoeing and car camps. Members and participants in Friendly Bunch activities don’t have to be skilled outdoor enthusiasts, all that’s needed is the desire to have fun. The outdoor activities are planned for beginning to intermediate skill categories. The mountain trails near Estes Park provide opportunities for enjoyable outdoor activities. Friendly Bunch activities are listed each week in the Trail Plus on page two as part of the Shining Mountains hiking trips. If one is not an outdoor person, the Friendly Bunch offers plenty of indoor activities, including socials, potlucks, picnics, game nights, dining out groups, a travel and slideshow night, attending movies, plays, concerts and other such activities. For more information, contact Madeline Framson at 586-6623. Sign-up information Photo by the Shining Mountains Group on the hikes is posted at the library or Hiking is a great way to meet people. The Friendly Bunch of the Shining Mountains Group Komito Boots. brings people together. 20-16903

Come “Home” After a Day in the

OVER

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GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH AND REALLY SEE THE ROCKIES! Our all wheel drive vehicles will take you where your car can’t go where nature remains untouched. Elk meadows, virgin forest, abundant wildflowers, wildlife and the majestic Rockies!

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12 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

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P.O. Box 316 • Estes Park, Colorado 80517 342 W. Riverside, Piccadilly Square www.rangeprop.com • (970) 586-7626 • 888-433-5211

Estes Park is the way Colorado used to be. It is the home to year-round splendors of the Rocky Mountains, special festivals and cultural experiences. This delightful mountain village welcomes visitors of all ages with downtown gardens and grassy picnic parks, playgrounds, aspen groves, beds of wildflowers, fishing, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and river-walks. Victorian lights and sidewalk benches add an old-fashioned note to the array of charming shops and restaurants. Prudential Rocky Mountain, REALTORS® offers you your choice of the perfect setting for your vacation home, primary residence or investment.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 13

Winter Wonder Land Photo and text by Walt Hester

J

ust because the temperature has dropped and most of the festivals are done, does not mean all the fun stops during the winter. The Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park areas still have plenty to offer the outdoor fun-seeker. Counter-clockwise from above, when the snow flies, the Hidden Valley snowplay area offers many sledding possibilities: Snowshoers hike across Dream Lake: Family inner tubing is in style at Hidden Valley: Skiers head for the backcountry in Rocky: The Frost Giant satisfies the competitive urge every January: Multiple adventures await folks at the Bear Lake Trailhead: Hidden Valley from above.

14 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Off the Beaten Path The Shining Mountains Group of the Colorado Mountain Club offers hundreds of hikes and other outdoor adventures By Madeline Framson

T

trips, birding and nature walks, llama trips, photography hikes, historic hikes, picnics and socials. In the winter there is Nordic and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice skating, technical climbing, winter hiking and more backpacking. Many of the activities include interpretations by experts on wildlife, biology, geology, history, flora and fauna and ecosystems. Family trips including children and adults of all ages are very popular. Several events even allow sociable dogs to tag along. Within the club’s emphasis upon safety, the CMC sponsors many schools to help members improve their outdoor skills while having a good time doing it. Socials and potlucks are scheduled throughout the year and the annual dinner in November is always a highlight. While CMC membership is not required to participate in many of the trips, free literature covering CMC membership, details of the outings, degrees of physical demand, conditioning and qualification information is available by calling 586-6623.

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he Colorado Mountain Club offers a myriad of year-round opportunities for adventure. There are a multitude of ways to experience the wilderness inhabited by nature’s creatures in the ongoing quest to discover a sense of self. Thus, the Shining Mountains Group of the Colorado Mountain Club welcomes everyone to share in the beguiling mystique of the Rockies. The CMC is the largest and oldest mountaineer organization still existing in this part of the country. People in all walks of life and from all 50 states and countries abroad are members of the CMC. The members all believe in courtesy toward each other and nature - that’s the true mountain club spirit. Members are generally those who plan to visit and revisit the Rockies and want to participate in the mountaineering activities the club offers. It was natural that the lure of the Colorado Rockies would inspire 25 stalwart individuals, who shared a love of the mountains, to band

together and charter the CMC in 1912. The group recognized the need to preserve a unique, pristine treasure. Its first goal was to see Rocky Mountain National Park established - a shining achievement in 1915. The club sponsors trips to all sorts of enchanting vistas. They range from leisurely nature walks in the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park, to expeditions climbing Mount Everest and the highest peaks of the world. The more than 3,000 recreational opportunities sponsored annually offer a kaleidoscope of outings. Each of the adventures is responsibly led along the sound principles of safety. The locations range from plains and foothills to high alpine lakes and peaks towering more than 14,000 feet. The outings scheduled offer opportunities for anyone’s interests and capabilities; from easy to moderate to much more challenging adventures. The dimensions of the CMC are manifold. In addition to hiking and backpacking, add bike touring and mountain biking, technical climbing, canoeing, wilderness trekking, horseback

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 15

Photo by Mike Oatley

To catch fish in small mountain streams, you have to get close to them.

There is a trick to this To catch trout here, get close and get a good drift By Mike Oatley

As it is everywhere else, five percent of the fishermen catch 95 percent of the fish here, too. The guy at the trailhead with the surfcasting gear, for instance, is going to have a long day, and the truth is that anyone carrying a tackle box along a mountain creek is not going to generate much concern among those who worry that our trout streams are overfished. But let’s say you’ve arrived on one of the local streams with fly rod in the three- to five-weight range and a box full of flies. Now what? The small creeks of Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding wilderness areas and national forests can confound anglers the first time they see it. “There are fish in there?” the unbelieving will ask. Of course there are. Not necessarily big ones, but mostly wild ones and, in plenty of places, plenty of them, thanks to the catch-and-release ethic that is the norm. Finding trout is not the problem. Catching them can be. Good flyfishers are almost always goof flycasters as well, but just about anybody can learn to cast well enough in 15 minutes to catch a small-stream trout. Rather than fancy casting and canny fly selection, the emphasis around here is on stealth, fly placement and line control. It’s a matter of figuring out where trout will hold in a tumbling stream, putting something buggy looking into those places and getting a natural, drag-free drift. The trout in fast streams tend to be more opportunistic than selective when it comes to eating. The growing season is short and they have to make hay. They eat what the river brings them. Beaver ponds and logjams will create opportunities for distance casting and delicate presentations with a long, fine leader but most of your trout will come from “pocket water,” small pockets of calm water amid the rush, created by rocks, roots, indentations in the bank, fallen trees or turns in the river. A trout doesn’t need much water for a place to hold, it just needs a spot where it doesn’t have to work too hard, with food-delivering current and cover both nearby. The leap from finding them, which is easy, to catching them is the tricky part. “The problem my guides see most people make is trying to fish too much line,” a local fly shop owner said. “You have to have as little line on the water as possible to catch fish around here.” The first thing to do on a Park stream is to shorten your leader to about 16 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

seven feet in length and forget the “River Runs Through It” casting, with the gossamer line floating high in the air and backlit by the setting sun. That’s trouble on a narrow creek choked with willows and birch. There is an inverse relationship between the number of false casts an angler makes here and the number of trout he will catch. Shorten your leader, shorten the line you are working, minimize false casting, and keep your fly on the water. It is both possible and essential to get as close as possible to a good-looking pocket. It is essential because the fly must float naturally on the surface in a drag-free drift. Now and then a trout will run down a fly skated across the water, but they’ll also usually refuse to eat it at the last moment, too. A natural, drag-free drift is far more important than the choice of the fly pattern. And the fly can’t be made to drift naturally from any distance because any distance at all will put any number of conflicting currents between the caster and the target and they will all conspire to grab your fly line and pull the fly out of the pocket. The answer is to creep in as close as possible, using the cover of white water, boulders, and vegetation — anything that might be available to increase your stealth (which includes not wearing your brightest yellow tshirt and orange ball cap). Once in casting position, the actual cast is short and simple. A good roll cast, which keeps the line in front of the caster, is indispensable on a small stream. Tower casts, with the line being cast upward rather than behind, can also be effective. Where there’s room for a back cast, one false cast should be enough to extend the line to the target. Where anglers who get this far lose it is after the fly hits the water. The drifts are often short, two or three feet in many cases, and everything happens fast — and remember that you are fishing as soon as fly hits the water, and the take may come as fast. The line must be controlled at both ends of the rod. Get in the habit of hooking the fly line on a finger of your casting hand as your fly is falling to the water. If it’s a downstream drift, with the current bringing the fly back down to you, strip up the slack line as the current creates it. On either a downstream or cross-stream drift, follow the fly with the rod tip. Keep rod, line and fly in as straight a line as possible without dragging the fly.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 17

Controlling the drift in conflicting currents can be tricky. A reach cast, which builds upstream slack into the cast, is handy, and mending — without moving the fly, moving the body of the fly line against the flow in order to negate the effect of current— is a required skill. But you should often get close enough to a pocket to control the drift by simply extending your casting arm and holding the rod high, following the drift of the fly with the rod. One of the hardest parts, most find, is actually hooking a fish. More trout will try to eat a fly than are ever hooked for several reasons. It takes some practice setting the hook to get the timing right, but the main reason most strikes don’t turn into hook-ups is because the angler has slack line on the water and/or doesn’t see the trout take the fly. The first condition, slack line, can be corrected with good mending, stripping as necessary and shortening the cast as much as possible by getting close to the target. But you won’t always see your fly, especially if you are fishing ants or midges. You should, though, always know roughly where it is — where it landed and how fast it should be moving with a dead-drift on the current. In this case, you have to rely on seeing a fish move to take something in the area your fly should be in. Your reflexes and concentration will need to be sharp, and your patience steady, to turn looks into hook-ups, but if you wade with stealth and get in close, you will have lots of opportunities to hone those skills to a fine edge.

Picking flies

Photo by Mike Oatley

Rainbow trout are still found in some streams, but brown trout have taken over lower elevation streams in recent years while brooks and cutthroats dominate higher elevation waters.

There’s a fishing guide in town who, when asked what the fishing are biting on, likes to say, “A good drift.” What he means is that trout in the small streams with short seasons are opportunistic feeders rather than selective ones. Just about anything that looks buggy and is presented well — without drag in a natural drift — can draw a rise. But there are times when even trout in the Park can get selective, and then it’s good to know what they are feeding on. When the streams are first shedding ice, the trout are going to be feeding on small midges. This fishing can be challenging and frustrating, as the fish can be a little sleepy in the cold, low and clear water, or they can be jumpy when still packed into their over-winter holes. Longer leaders, small fly patterns (a Griffith’s Gnat is still hard to beat), stealthy wading and careful presentations are the keys to hooking fish when they are feeding on midges. The first mayfly hatches of the season are the Baetis (also known as bluewinged olives), a hatch that begins on the lowest reaches of our streams as early as late March and gradually works its way uphill. Olives can be found coming off in the Park into June. This hatch tends to get rolling in the afternoon, and the mayflies will emerge in greater numbers on overcast days. Any of the proper imitations in a size 18 will serve, as will a small Parachute Adams. A Pheasant Tail is a good choice for a nymph fishing below the surface. The big stonefly hatches are unpredictable around here. You may run into one or two during run-off. Having a few adult and few nymph patterns in your box is a good idea, especially if you are trying to fish water affected by snow-melt and running high, cold and off-color. As snow-melt begins to taper off in late June, the predominant mayfly hatch becomes that of the Pale Morning Dun, which can produce good fishing to emergers and also a fall of Rusty Spinners in the evening that trout will take advantage of. The imitations for this hatch are pale yellow in color. Along with the Pale Morning Duns, the Green Drakes begin to come off in late June and early July. The drakes are the most exciting, if also elusive,

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18 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

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Photo by Mike Oatley

Glassblowing Demonstrations

Photos by James Frank

of local mayfly hatches, a big mayfly that brings all a river’s trout out to feed. The hatch can be spooky, coming off on one stretch of river one day, but not the next. The mayflies seem to make a break for it whenever a cloud passes in front of the sun, making for sudden fast action with a stop just as sudden. The spinners fall mainly overnight, but you will sometimes find egg-laying flights and spinner falls first thing in the morning. A size 12 Royal Wulff is perfect if you happen to stumble into Green Drake spinners, and the same fly will also work just fine through the hatch. Around the same time, various caddis hatches get seriously underway. Covering them is mainly a matter of carrying a couple colors — tan and black, mainly — in a range of sizes and matching to what you find. Early in the summer, keep an eye out for large tan caddis that have a greenish body. As water temperatures rise, aquatic insect activity slows through the middle of the day and terrestrial imitations become increasingly important in getting fish to eat when the sun is overhead and bright. Ants, grasshoppers and beetles are deadly patterns then. Later in the summer, as the Green Drakes taper off, the Red Quill mayfly hatch kicks in. These mayflies are smaller than the Drakes, but still pretty big, about a size 14, and the hatch tends to happen late in the afternoon. The Red Quills emerge in the greatest numbers late in the afternoon after a thunderstorm has passed through and the air is crisp and damp. The spinners fall at dusk, but finding water to fish them effectively can be challenging. By the end of August, Yellow Sally stoneflies are coming off and signaling that the summer is winding down, which it does in mirror image of the spring start up: blue-winged olive mayflies come on again, and then fade into the midges that carry through the winter wherever there is open water. Lakes present different problems. True high elevation lakes can be sparse in terms of trout food. Some, you should note, are barren and fishless. Midges, caddis and terrestrials like beetles and ants are good choices for searching patterns. The best approach is to try to get on them early in the day, before the wind rises, or late in the evening after the wind settles out.

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There are some nice trout in the Park, like this brown, but expect most fish to be between six inches and a foot in length.

Paperweights • Goblets • Bowls • Vases • Plus Much More

323 West Elkhorn Ave. • 970-586-8619 • www.epglassworks.com

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 19

Sales Tax 3.7%

OUTLET

ESTES PAR K

• Hiking Boots • Trail Running Shoes • Kids’ Boots • Huge Pack Selection • Tents/Bags • Guidebooks & Maps • Outdoor Clothing

• Service Repair • Bike Accessories • Mountain Bikes • Road Bikes

• Flyfishing Lessons • Rentals • Tackle • Licenses • Bait • Rods & Reels • Guidebooks • Flies - Huge Selection

RENTALS • Boots • Bags • Child Carriers • Tents

Climbing Low

• Indoor Climbing Gym • Outdoor Climbing Lessons • Climbing Gear • Rental Gear • Guidebooks • Clothing

RENTALS Rateess! t • Mountain Bikes • Road Bikes • Kids’ Bikes

Winter RENTALS • Downhill Skis • Snowshoes • X-Country Skis • Sleds/Tubes ESTES PARK MOUNTAIN SHOP 2050 Big Thompson Ave. Estes Park, CO www.EstesParkMountainShop.com

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Cascades of Adventure Waterfall hikes to soothe the soul

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ocky Mountain National Park offers many beautiful and diverse destinations. Among the more scenic are the Park’s many waterfalls. Visitors find the soothing sounds of falling water mesmerizing, refreshing and very photogenic. The Park has a number of waterfalls, with

Photo by Shining Mountains Group

A hiker enjoys a sojourn at the base of Fern Falls.

most on the east side of the Park. The waterfalls on the Estes Park side of the Park are well worth the hike. There are approximately 20 major falls on the east side of the Park. Many of these waterfalls are listed on the official map visitors receive when they enter the Park. To locate those not on this map may require a more detailed map such as the Department of Interior geological survey map of Rocky Mountain National Park. This detailed map is available at most book or sporting stores in Estes Park, or at one of the Park’s visitor centers. The waterfalls on the Estes Park side of RMNP are all worth the hike, but, the size of the waterfall depends on water volume and in dry time such as this year, this can vary. Seasonal flow of water also impacts the waterfalls. The spring melt is the best time for heavier water flow. For those who are limited to a vehicle for viewing a waterfall, the only one visible from the road is Chasm Falls. Viewers can also see the cascades at the Alluvial Fan. Both are located in Horseshoe Park on the Old Fall River Road and they can be viewed by walking only a few yards. The Alluvial Fan was once the location of Horseshoe Falls. The Falls were essentially eroded to their present appearance by the Lawn Lake Flood in 1982.

Photo by Walt Hester

Chasm Falls is next to the historic Fall River Road.

Waterfalls and where they are Alberta Falls Bridal Veil Falls Chasm Falls Copeland Falls Fan Falls Fern Falls Glacier Falls Grace Falls MacGregor Falls

Miles One Way

Starting Trailhead

.6 2.5 .5 .2 7.2 1.5 1.3 4.0 1.5

Glacier Gorge Junction Cow Creek Endovalley Wild Basin Wild Basin Fern Lake Glacier Gorge Junction Bear Lake Twin Owls

Lost Falls Lyric Falls Marguerite Falls Mertensia Falls Ouzel Falls Ribbon Falls Thousand Falls Thunder Falls Timberline Falls Trio Falls West Creek Falls

5.5 4.2 4.4 4.5 3.0 4.5 .2 6.5 6.5 5.0 2.0

Cow Creek or North Fork Wild Basin Fern Lake Wild Basin Wild Basin Glacier Gorge Junction Endovalley Wild Basin Glacier Gorge Junction Wild Basin Cow Creek or North Fork

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The Tavern

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Marys Lake Lodge & Resort—Estes Park’s Unsurpassed Getaway

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 21

Changing Seasons — By Greg Berman

Colorado weather analyst http://www.destinationestepark.com Estes Park is on an island when it comes to weather. Most high-elevation cities endure, on a daily basis, severe weather such as intense lightning-infested thunderstorms in the summer and bitter cold, blizzard-like conditions in the winter. Estes Park, a town that’s rooted into the ground at approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, has a weather pattern all its own. With the grand peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park rising up to the west of town, Estes is actually protected from the intensely severe weather on a year-round basis. Resting in the shadows of this beautiful park, the bulk of the bad stuff hangs on the hilltops, with the town receiving the tail end of almost every storm. With each season having a mind of its own, Estes Park does have its share of weather changes. These changes, though, are palatable and don’t take away from the grandeur of the town and those who live here.

Winter

Photo by Walt Hester

Estes Park’s climate is mild most of the year.

Estes is not as cold as you might think, and better yet, not as wet. Rocky Mountain National Park creates such a stir in the wintertime with its brutal cold and regular

snowfalls measured in feet, that Estes gets a bad rap for the icy chills floating over the higher peaks west of town. Many times while below-zero temperatures and blizzards are wrecking havoc at elevations over 10,000 feet, the town will be basking under sunny skies and 55 degrees. Such is the anomaly that is created by this vast change in elevation. And it is one that creates nightmares for those forecasters who don’t bother to delineate between what is transpiring up high and what is happening in town. This is not to say that Estes does not cash in on its fair share of snow. However, for a town that rests at such a high elevation, the average snowfall of 80 inches a winter is not all that bad when you consider it is not unusual for the higher peaks west of the town to top the 3,000-inch mark each winter. The biggest headache in the winter is the wind. This is probably considered a negative by many, and yet, believe it not, the wind is the reason Estes is not buried under multiple feet of snow all winter. While the west winds bring heavy snows to the higher peaks, they also warm up and dry out as they float down the mountainside. As a result, town folks are left to battle the leftovers of what was once a mighty storm.

Spring The shortest season in Estes just might be spring when you take into consideration

Celebrating our 35th year offering the finest authentic Native American jewelry, arts, and crafts at the same downtown location.

Summer Show Schedule Gibbs Othole and Dee Edaakie Zuni Fetish Carvers Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th 10 am to 4 pm

Watson Honanie Hopi Goldsmith Saturday, July 12th 10 am to 4 pm

Pahponee Kickapoo-Potawatami Potter

22 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

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Saturday, July 26th 10 am to 4 pm

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— What to Expect that a greedy Old Man Winter rarely packs his bags just because of the official change in seasons. A good example of this occurred in April 1997, when February-like chills snuck into town riding the crest of a snowfall measuring in excess of two feet. The good news is that winter’s trespassing at this time of year is usually of short duration, and spring will usually rise up off the carpet and elevate temperatures to a more seasonal flavor. If you are looking for the thunderstorms typical in most other U.S. cities this time of year, then you best suppress that urge until after mid to late May. Estes is usually battling the prospects for snow at least until mid-May, with the potential for snow in the summer months not completely out of the question. However, this is a oncein-a-blue-moon scenario, with snow usually not infiltrating the town beyond the spring season.

Summer The summer months are filled with the sunniest days and rainiest months. Usually we can find a microcosm of this all in one day, with the sun shining majestically until around 1 to 2 p.m. Then,

like magic, the benign, puffy white cumulus that have been so innocently floating in scattered numbers all join together and wage their usual afternoon battle over town. You can almost set your watches by the thunderboomers every afternoon; however, don’t get discouraged. The sun is only a black cloud away and usually makes several more appearances before punching the clock on another day’s work. The thunderstorms that do blow up over town can carry dangerous lightning, heavy rains, and strong winds. So the best advice is that when this inclement weather does emerge, simply take safe cover until the storm is over. Always head for higher ground when caught out in the mountains during heavy rains. Given that advice, the summer months are simply marvelous in Estes, and a time to get out and enjoy the friendly folks and the town’s events.

the colors. From bright yellow and gold to the different shades of red, the Park region is transformed into a myriad of colors that shine even brighter because of the many days of sun. This time of year can be the most benign, as the cold and snows usually leave Estes alone, at least on a consistent basis, until after the middle of October. Many

times they even wait until November to rev their icy motors. This allows the town to revel in days and days of pleasant temperatures and dry conditions. This weather pattern is a perfect one for driving up Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the U.S., and for viewing the many autumnal delights in the area.

Fall Now, for the time of year that is absolutely the most colorful of all: autumn. The fall is surely a time of year that looks as if the giant artist in the sky went a little wild with

Photo by Walt Hester

Winter snows blanket downtown Estes Park.

BLACK MOUNTAIN TRADERS WAREHOUSE Come See Exotic Items We Import From Central Asia: Swat Valley, N. Pakistan And Afghanistan, From Many Areas Not Presently Accessible.

Old And New Hand Carved Pillars, Wood Chests, Cupboards, Carved Planks Of Many Sizes and Shapes, Window Grates, Rosewood Jewelry Boxes And Side Tables With Inlaid Brass. Rugs, Flat-Weaves And Felt Floor Coverings, Horse Decorations, Afghan Saddles And Saddle Covers. Many Eclectic Decorator Items. Come And See!

Clothing Outdoor Gear Souvenirs Home Decor Furniture Books Jewelry Grocery Store Ice Cream Shop

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South On Hwy 7 in Estes Park, Right Turn on Comanche, 2 Blocks Past Holiday Inn, Half Block Up Hill On Left. Call: 970-586-8485, Cell: 970-215-6488 [email protected] Call For Appointment, Or Take Your Chances And Come By.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 23

Where to find the fun... Estes Park organizations have the 411 on vacation planning By Janice Mason

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eeping up with all the event offerings in town, Estes Park organizations fill the calendar year-round. Stop into the Visitors Center; park in one of the new, expanded parking lots and stroll into town on the Riverwalk. Find favorite haunts or check out something new in this beautiful gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) The CVB Visitors Center offers ample parking and shuttle service through town and into Rocky Mountain National Park. The center, located at 500 Big Thompson Avenue, has increased visitor services, making vacations in Estes Park a relaxing, funfilled experience. Helpful volunteer ambassadors assist visitors, providing maps and information. Brochures and souvenirs are located in the lobby. Community events are listed on the CVB Web site — www.estesparkcvb.com. Click on Events and then Calendar for vacation planning information. For more information, call the CVB at (970) 577-9900 or 1-800-44-Estes.

Art Center of Estes Park The Art Center of Estes Park Fine Art Gallery features juried original art by Estes Valley and regional Colorado artists in a broad range of media. The center offers featured artist’s exhibits throughout the year, as well as a revolving collection from more than 40 members. The gallery provides exhibit space for school children and aspiring artists. The center also offers art classes, slideshows and educational programs. The Art Center of Estes Park is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue in Stanley Village. For more information, call (970) 586-5882 or visit www.artcenterofestes.com.

Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park presents visual and performing arts programming year-round. The arts council and fine art gallery will open in its new location on June 1 — 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue (directly in front of Performance Park outdoor amphitheater). Look for grander and greater offerings through the arts council this summer and beyond. For more information, call (970) 586-9203 or visit www.estesarts.com. Photo by Walt Hester

A baby enjoys one of the many Performance Park summer concerts.

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...the art, the music... Estes Park Museum The Estes Park Museum collects, interprets and preserves local history through permanent and temporary exhibits, programs and events. The museum educates visitors, exploring the rich history of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The Estes Park Museum is located at 200 Fourth Street off of Highway 36 just west of Lake Estes. Museum admission and programs are free. For more information, call the museum at (970) 586-6256 or visit www.estesnet.com/museum.

Estes Park Music Festival The Estes Park Music Festival offers a splendid summer concert series by the Colorado Music Festival, conducted by the world-renowned conductor Michael Christie. The Music Festival presents a free Patriotic and Pops concert by the entire Colorado Music Festival orchestra in July. It also presents a Sunday afternoon concert series at the historic Stanley Hotel, November through April. For schedule information, call 586-9519 or visit www.estesparkmusicfestival.org.

Estes Park Public Library The Estes Park Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program for children, provides meeting space for a variety of community programming and free Internet service by appointment. Visit the Estes Park Public Library at 335 E. Elkhorn Avenue, call (970) 586-8116, or visit www.estes.lib.co.us.

Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies brings theater productions to the Estes Valley year-round. They also offer the Fine Arts and Crafts Festival in September. For more information, call the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park at (970) 586-9203 or visit www.fineartsguild.org. Theater ticket information can be obtained by calling the Macdonald Book Shop at (970) 5863450. The Fine Arts Guild is also leading the call for a new Performing Arts Center in Estes Park. Progress has been made in raising the necessary funds for the construction of the new theater. For more information, visit www.estesparktheater.com.

Estes Park Senior Center The Estes Park Senior Center has a busy activities schedule and serves weekly lunches at noon. The Senior Center is located at 220 Fourth Street and is open Monday through Friday. The Senior Center Summer Breakfast Buffets are open to the public and held on June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 6, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $7/adults, $3/children ages 4 to 7, free/children under age 4. No reservations are needed. For more information, call the Senior Center at (970) 586-2996 or visit www.estesnet.com/seniorcenter.

Photo by Walt Hester

Mother and daughter perform for the Estes Park Music Festival.

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Performance Park Performance Park outdoor amphitheater is located at 417 W. Elkhorn Avenue at the west end of the Riverwalk. The beautiful rock backdrop creates impeccable acoustics with a lawn in front of the stage, and tables and chairs along the river for visitor’s picnicking convenience. Performances take place May through August. For schedule information, call the CVB at (970) 577-9900.

Rocky Ridge Music Center

Stanley Museum The Stanley Hotel, built by F.O. (Freelan Oscar) Stanley of Stanley Steamer automobile fame, opened on June 22, 1909. The Stanley Museum is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue in Lower Stanley Village. For more information, call (970) 577-1903 or visit www.stanleymuseum.org.

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Rocky Ridge Music Center (RRMC) is a summer music center/camp for middle school, high school and college students. They offer chamber and orchestral music, private lessons and music theory for all types of instrumentalists. Student and faculty concerts are offered throughout the summer at RRMC, located at 465 Longs Peak Road. For more information, call (970) 586-4031 or visit www.rockyridge.org.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 25

Discover the pedestrian path By Janice Mason

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ake in the sights and sounds, slow down the pace and escape the rat race in Estes Park. Enjoy the view and the wildlife, or the sound of the rolling water along the Riverwalk. Grab a cup of coffee or stroll into one of the many shops along the way. Relax, you’re in Estes Park, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Photo by Janice Mason

Take the Riverwalk just south of West Elkhorn Avenue and follow the river to the waterwheel to Performance Park and beyond.

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Lake Estes Trail Park at the Visitors Center (500 Big Thompson Avenue) and follow the Riverwalk east to Lake Estes. Go the distance around the lake (3.75 miles) or just enjoy a short stroll. Wildlife and magnificent views of Rocky Mountain National Park are the main attractions of the Lake Estes Trail.

Days (970) 481-5188 457 E. Wonderview, Evenings 303-823-5022 Estes Park, CO [email protected] 80517 1-800-607-3538x4022 More Photos: www.TomAdams.net

Riverwalk From the Visitors Center, walk through the underpass and hike west into town along the Riverwalk. Take a seat on the outdoor patio of an Estes Park restaurant or coffee shop. Enter shops from the back door along the Riverwalk and enjoy Estes Park shopping and nature along the way. The newly beautified Riverwalk Wiest Plaza expansion, starts at Moraine Avenue and winds up to West Elkhorn Avenue and turns into Fall River Trail. (The downtown Riverwalk is pedestrian only.)

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Fall River Trail Fall River Trail starts at West Elkhorn Avenue at the waterwheel. Walk west to the outdoor Performance Park amphitheater where visitors enjoy music performances all summer long. Stroll into the West Park Center and check out the new Cultural Arts Council location. The trail continues west along a wooded path on the Fall River and will eventually link to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Knoll-Willows Trail From Bond Park, in the center of downtown, enter the Knoll-Willows Trail from the north side of the Municipal Building. The trail winds up to the historic Birch Cabin and the ruins, which feature excellent views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Another trailhead starts at the top of Wonderview Drive, across from the Stanley Hotel, and leads to the ruins.

Fish Creek Trail Enter Fish Creek Trail on the southeast end of Lake Estes. Go south along Fish Creek Road past the high school and the Estes Park Golf Course. Enjoy the view of Longs Peak along the way.

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A dog stops his person to take a look at the Big Thompson River on Barlow Plaza along the Riverwalk.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 27

Revel in the artistic experience Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park — bigger and better than ever By Janice Mason

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rom warm, intimate gallery shows in winter to visions of painters dotting the Rocky Mountain landscape throughout the summer, the Estes Park art scene expands the heart, mind and soul. Now that the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park has a new home at 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue, the arts council will feature larger opening receptions with visiting musicians and room for its ever-growing programming schedule. The arts council sits directly in front of Performance Park outdoor amphitheater, home to the arts council’s Thursday Night Live music series. “It opens up vistas and new possibilities — the proximity to Performance Park —with ample parking,” said Lynda Vogel, executive director for the Cultural Arts Council for the past 18 years. “We will also have a far greater physical presence on Elkhorn. It’s now wide open — what we can develop and bring.” The arts council presents museum quality shows including original paintings, sculpture, pottery, weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, Native American crafts, glasswork, handmade paper, photography and more.

Photos by Teresa Binstock

Left: LaNell Arndt paints the Park Theater during the plein air event, which takes place in August. Above, the finished product, “Next Performance.” Below: Artists paint subjects in Riverside Plaza at the Estes Park Plein Air Quick Draw event.

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The grand opening of the new Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park will take place on June 1, with the arrival of the international exhibit, “Far and New Horizons.” After the international show opens, the summer programming will begin full swing with the Summer Art Walk featuring area galleries, and the seventh annual Estes Park Plein Air 2008Painting the Parks event, taking place Aug. 9 through September. Art walks present Estes Park’s finest arts council, member galleries. Locations often have artists on hand, demonstrating technique in different art mediums. Most galleries are open daily throughout the year, though exact hours vary with each location. Studio tours present an intimate look inside the life and work of the Estes Park artist. Art Walk maps are available at the Cultural Arts Council, visitor’s centers and member galleries. The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park enhances the quality and accessibility of visual and performing arts for people of all ages and has brought programming to the state of Colorado as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts agency since 1990. It provides free or affordable arts programming and acts as a vital information and support resource for the arts community. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, located at 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue, is handicapped accessible with ample gallery-front parking. For more information, contact the Cultural Arts Council at 586-9203, [email protected] or visit www.estesarts.com.

Photos this page courtesy Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park

“Above Estes Park” by 2008 EPPA artist Tamara Simmons.

Summer schedule June 1 to July 6 — “Far and Near Horizons” featuring Landscape Artists International (LAI) and International Plein Air Painters (IPAP) in the Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery. Contemporary landscape artists seek to create environmental awareness, stewardship of the land and appreciation for landscape painting in this world tour. “Far and Near Horizons” includes 18 artists from Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic and the United States. “We are excited to bring this caliber of work to Colorado and at the same time, honored to be part of their worldwide mission using visual arts as the medium,” said Lynda S. Vogel, executive director of the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, “As a gateway community to Rocky Mountain National Park, we have presented previous exhibitions that exemplify land stewardship and preservation through national tours like ‘Arts for the Parks.’ We are grateful to work with IPAP and LAI and hope the public will join us this summer as we unveil ‘Far and Near Horizons’ in Colorado.” The Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery is the only Colorado stop on the world tour. The opening reception will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Artists will be on hand and refreshments will be served. June 1 through Sept. 1 — “10th Summer Art Walk” featuring a self-guided tour of area galleries and artist studios. Tour maps are available at the Cultural Arts Council, visitor’s centers and participating galleries. June 19 to Aug. 21 — Thursday Night Live at Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Avenue. The 10th annual summer concert series takes place on Thursday nights at 7 p.m., weather permitting. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy classical, jazz, folk, current music, theater and/or dance performances. July 11 to Aug. 3 — “Legends & Lore II.” The tradition continues with the second exhibition of art works from Estes Park’s past that also celebrates today’s artistic heritage. The exhibit includes a collection of rarely seen art, objects and photographs on loan and a limited sale of art from private collections. Featured artists are Dorothy Carnine Scott, E.E. Herrmann and others to be announced. The opening reception will take place on Friday, July 11, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Aug. 9 to Sept. 30 — Seventh annual Estes Park Plein Air 2008 Painting the Parks. Beauty and inspiration go hand-in-hand when painters come to the Estes Valley and Northern Rockies to paint the parks. Fifty artists from across the nation arrive to paint on-location from Aug. 9 through 22, choosing locations including, Rocky Mountain National Park, forest lands, river canyons, views along the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway, urban areas and/or people and places in Estes Park. Starting Aug. 23, the public can view the finished works on display through Sept. 30. Aug. 21 — Estes Park Plein Air - Paint Our Town. Artists will paint along the Riverwalk and throughout the downtown area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 — Estes Park Plein Air Quick Draw and Auction. Watch as artists paint live models (or any scene) in a fast-paced, 90-minute time frame from 8:30 a.m. to 12 pm. in Riverside Plaza, in the center of downtown Estes Park, on the Riverwalk. The auction immediately follows after the whistle denotes the end of the Quick Draw event. Aug. 23 —Estes Park Plein Air Gala opening day festivities at the arts council and at Earthwood Collections, located at 141 E. Elkhorn Avenue. Fifty artists from across the country exhibit freshly painted works created outdoors and on location through August. The show opens to the public at 12 p.m. Gala receptions and awards, in the amount of $7,000, are presented to the winning artists. For further schedule information continuing throughout the end of the year and beyond, visit www.estesarts.com.

Counter-clockwise, paintings showing in the exhibit “Far and Near Horizons” at the Cultural Arts Council’s Fine Art Gallery through July 6: “Blooming Tree Adobe” by Leslie Allen; “Old Fountain” by Sandra Nunes; “The Wind and Sea” by Kathryn A. McMahon.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 29

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Performance Park The ultimate outdoor music experience Wednesday Nights at Performance Park

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Photo by Walt Hester

The crowd enjoying Jazz Fest, which takes place in May.

Aug. 6 — Acoustic Roots Trio: Randy Kelley and Bonnie Carol accompany Nancy Cook on her original songs in an acoustic trio including bass, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, marimba and congas. Aug. 13 — To be announced Aug. 20 — Clint Clymer: Country vocalist Clint Clymer combines sounds reminiscent of Elvis, Jim Morrison and Chris Ledoux. Aug. 27 — To be announced For more information, call (970) 577-9900, 800-44-ESTES or visit www.estesparkcvb.com.

Thursday Night Live The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park sponsors a series of free concerts on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Performances take place from June 26 to Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at Performance Park outdoor amphitheater. The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park is located at 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue directly in front of Performance Park. For a complete listing of the scheduled performances, call (970) 586-9203 or visit www.estesarts.com. Compiled by Janice Mason

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he Town of Estes Park sponsors Wednesday Nights at Performance Park from June 18 to Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. The Performance Park outdoor amphitheater is located at 417 W. Elkhorn Avenue. There’s plenty of parking adjacent to the park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfortable seating in the open air amphitheater. All concerts are free. June 18 — Bonnie Lowdermilk: Jazz singer/pianist Bonnie Lowdermilk performs jazz standards. She is also known for finding unknown treasures, which have rarely been performed or recorded. Her singing is charged with emotion and sensuality, and her voice is supple and clear with a warm, low register and luminous treble. June 25 — Marimba Band: The marimba is a musical instrument in the percussion family. Keys or bars (usually made of wood) are struck with mallets to produce unique musical tones. July 2 — Estes Park Jazz Big Band directed by Chuck Varilek: The Estes Park Jazz Big Band performs music from the swing era to contemporary compositions. July 9 — Sferes & White: This acoustic duo has discovered an uncommon synergy, blending clear and luscious harmonies with complex and imaginative guitar playing. Their performances feature an eclectic and soulful combination of blues, roots and rock. July 16 — Dulcimer Orchestra: The Dulcimer Orchestra performing folk, Irish, Scottish and American traditional music on hammered and fretted dulcimers, guitar, bodhrán and penny whistle. July 23 — O-Tones Brass Band: Original funk, Latin and soul mixed with a serious helping of New Orleans groove is what you get with this eight-piece group. The O-Tones have marched in parades, played at festivals and Mardi Gras celebrations, taking the grooves out into the crowds. They have also played numerous concert venues and bars, opening for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, among others. July 30 — Lisa Bell: Jazz singer Lisa Bell writes much of her own material, mixes in influences from pop music to Broadway, and crafts compelling modern arrangements that alternate between trumpet and sax on some tunes and non-traditional jazz instruments such as dobro and pedal steel on others.

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Estes Park Music Festival Exquisite performances Patriotism and Pops concert: The free outdoor Patriotic Pops Concert featuring Scott O’Neil, guest conductor, begins at 7 p.m. on July 7 at Performance Park outdoor amphitheater, 417 W. Elkhorn Avenue. Always an Independence celebration favorite, the entire Colorado Music Festival orchestra takes the Performance Park stage for a summer evening of patriotic music. Audience members pack the outdoor venue to listen and sing along to songs in tribute to the United States of America. The Estes Park Music Festival also presents a Winter Series of exquisite performances at the Historic Stanley Hotel. The concert series takes place November through April on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. featuring a variety of chorale, instrumental and solo performances.

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he Estes Park Music Festival offers an exciting mix of professional music performances year-round. Outstanding classical, international, vocal and instrumental musicians take the stage to measure up to the excellence only the Estes Park Music Festival provides. The summer offers programming by the Colorado Music Festival chamber orchestra featuring American conductor Michael Christie. Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1974, Christie’s exceptional career spans conducting posts on three continents. After gaining early international recognition in 1995, when he was awarded a special prize for “Outstanding Potential” at the First International Sibelius Conductor’s Competition in Helsinki, Christie has been consistently identified among the most talented and most closely watched conductors of his generation. Christie was appointed music director of the Colorado Music Festival in 2000. During his first six seasons, he has increased festival audiences through his enthusiastic leadership, innovative programming and widely acclaimed audience-building initiatives. The Sounds of Summer indoor concerts, featuring the Colorado Music Festival, will be held in the historic, acoustically ideal Concert Hall at the Stanley Hotel, located at 333 W. Wonderview Avenue, on June 20, July 21 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. Subscription and individual tickets are available. For more information, schedules and ticket information, call 586-9519 or visit www.estesparkmusicfestival.org.

The Sounds of Summer 2008 Featuring the Colorado Music Festival June 30 — “Magnificent Mozart” featuring Michael Christie, conductor, and Glenn Einschlag, bassoon. Mozart: Serenade No. 6 in D Major, K. 239, “Serenata notturna” Mozart: Bassoon Concerto in B-flat Major, K. 191 Mozart: Symphony No. 36 in C Major, K. 425, “Linz” July 21 — Joana Carneiro, guest conductor, and Bjorn Ranheim, cello Dvorak: Serenade for Strings Haydn: Cello Concerto in D Major Kodaly: Dances of Galanta Guest conductor Joana Carneiro has attracted considerable attention as one of the most outstanding young conductors working today. She currently serves as assistant conductor with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, working closely with Esa-Pekka Salonen. Carneiro was principal guest conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon in 2005-2006, and was named official guest conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra in 2006-2007, working with the orchestra at least four weeks every year. 32 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Compiled by Janice Mason

Photo by Walt Hester

Colorado Music Festival conductor Michael Christie takes a moment to enjoy the singalong portion of the Patriotic and Pops concert held at Performance Park in July.

July 28— Tapage, tap dance duo featuring Michael Christie, conductor Revueltas: Homenaje a Frederico Lorca (Homage to Lorca) Revueltas: Sensemaya Piazzolla: Four for Tango Alouette (tap Solo) Frank: Leyendas: Andean Walkabout Ginastera: Variaciones Concertantes A unique dancing duet, Mari Fujibayashi (Japan) and Olivia Rosenkrantz (France), combine their Asian and European roots with a New York twist. Tapage’s choreographic approach incorporates dramatic intensity and rhythmic complexity with a contemporary gesture.

Courtesy photo

Tapage, tap dance duo will perform July 28.

Photo by Walt Hester

Cello in concert at Performance Park.

Estes Park Film Festival Creating a tradition By Janice Mason

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ilmmakers, festival attendees and industry professionals from around the world attend the Estes Park Film Festival each year to enjoy a diverse selection of independent, featurelength films, shorts and documentaries. The Estes Park Film Festival has been showcasing some of the world’s best in cutting edge, independent cinema since 2006. The third annual Estes Park Film Festival will take place from Sept. 11 to 14, at the Historic Park Theatre. Founded in 2005, the annual Estes Park Film Festival traditionally takes place the second weekend of September. Local residents Sean Doherty and Cliff Armitage, co-directors, created the festival. “Part of our mission is to bring independent film to Estes Park and to promote the preservation of cinematic landmarks like the Park Theatre,” said Doherty. “Alternative events like this help to keep theaters like this open, which I think is great.” Doherty and Armitage present a call for entries each year to the independent filmmakers. Films are then selected and accepted for the festival. The weekend presents educational seminars and numerous parties, including the opening

Photos by Walt Hester

The crowd mingles in the lobby after one of the films during the 2007 festival.

party, parties after each showing and the awards gala. The parties offer audiences the opportunity to meet the artists and talk to directors about their experience in the theatre. “It’s really cool because you get to watch the movie and when the movie’s done, you get to meet the actors, ask questions and learn from them,” said Doherty. “It’s really a unique experience.” The Park Theatre, constructed by J.L. Jackson

in 1913 and completed by C.H. Bond in 1915, stands as a historic landmark in Estes Park. The building was later sold to Ralph Gwynn in 1922, who operated the theatre until his death. Ola and Richard Stanger purchased the building in 1982 and the family continues to show films at the theatre to this day. The Park Theatre is located at 130 Moraine Avenue. For ticket information, call (970) 2312580 or visit www.estesparkfilm.com.

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Sean Doherty, co-founder of the Film Festival, converses during a 2007 after-film party in the lobby.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 33

On the Wild Side Small animals There are 40 species of small mammals in RMNP. They range in size from the water shrew to the beaver, which can weigh up to 50 pounds. With the exception of the shrews, the bats and the rabbits, these animals are all rodents. Following is a brief sampling of some of the more prominent small mammals in the Park. Photo by John Cordsen

Yellow-bellied marmots live throughout the Park but are more common above tree line.

R

ocky Mountain National Park is home to 60 species of mammals. This incredible diversity of wildlife is a reflection of the wide range of habitats found in the Park due to variations in elevation, climate and plant communities. Mammals in the Park can be separated into three main groups: the small mammals, the hooved animals or ungulates, and the carnivores or meat eaters.

Wyoming ground squirrel The Wyoming ground squirrel is a commonly seen animal in the Park during the summer. Although they hibernate for seven to eight months, they are an important prey for coyotes, and raptors such as hawks and eagles. A winter hibernator, the ground squirrel may be seen throughout the Park from the montane valleys to alpine levels.

Yellow-bellied marmot Yellow-bellied marmots are colonial animals that live throughout the Park but are especially common above tree line. They are one of the largest rodents in the Park, reaching

weights of over 10 pounds. Marmots can be seen on a number of days in the Park and along Trail Ridge Road. Litter sizes average a bit over four pups, of which about half survive their first year. Yellow-bellied marmots chuck, whistle, and trill when alarmed by predators. Only the whistles and trills are loud alarm calls.

Pika The pika, or “rock rabbit” is the smallest member of the rabbit family. They live on rock slides and talus slopes in the subalpine zones at 9,500 feet and higher, and above tree line. Although well-camouflaged, pikas can often be located by their piercing call that sounds like a high-pitched “eep”. Pikas are generalist herbivores, eating almost anything that grows near their rocky habitat. Each pika collects vegetation during the short alpine summer and stores it in a "hay pile" in the rocks. Pikas don't hibernate. They use their hay piles as a food source during the long alpine winter. They also continue to forage on what ever is available under the snow, including bark and lichens.

Photo by John Cordsen

Porcupines are usually timid animals that avoid contact with humans.

Pikas are individually territorial, fiercely defending portions of a talus slope from each other during the summer haying season.

Porcupines Fairly common but not often seen in all forests throughout the Park. Like other rodents, porcupines chew bones and antlers to obtain minerals. They are frequent visitors to backcountry campgrounds, mainly because tools and backpacks that humans have

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touched have a desired salty residue on them.

Beaver Beaver weave a complex web in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beaver use willow and aspen for food and to build dams and lodges. There are some beaver in the Park with a population thriving in Endovalley near the headwaters of the Big Thompson River. Beaver were plentiful before there was a lot of trapping in Beaver Meadows in 1941 and 1942. There are no beaver there now.

Ungulates

Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe hare are famous for their seasonal molts. In the summer, the coat is a grizzled rusty or grayish brown. During the winter, the fur is almost entirely white, except for black eyelids and the blackened tips on the ears. The soles of the feet are densely furred, with stiff hairs (forming the snowshoe) on the hind feet. Snowshoe hare browse on green grasses, and forbs. Major predators of snowshoe hare include red foxes, coyotes and bobcats.

Photo by Walt Hester

Sheep Lakes in Horseshoe Park is a popular fall hangout for bighorn sheep.

There are four species of ungulates or hooved mammals found in the Park. They can be separated into two distinct families: the deer family, which have antlers that are shed and regrow each year, and the sheep family, which carry true horns that grow throughout the life of the animal.

The deer family Elk (Wapiti) Elk are the Park’s most common ungulate. Brown-colored animals with white rump patches, they can be seen throughout the Park. Elk can be dangerous to humans. In the spring, mother elk fiercely protect their newborn calves, warding off any and all creatures that come between them and their young by slashing with their hooves. During the fall, bull elk become aggressive during the breeding rut. Clashes between massive bull elk are common. They use their antlers as weapons as they lock in combat with other bulls for breeding rights to large harems of cow elk. Visitors should be cautious and not approach elk during any season and to watch for any aggressive displays by the animals (raised ears, glaring looks, stamping of feet, snorting, etc.) If they move away, the visitor has approached too closely. Despite

Moose are more commonly seen on the Park’s west side.

their close proximity to humans, elk are still wild animals.

Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family. Moose are found more commonly in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the Park, however, they have been seen on the east side, including Sprague Lake and the southwest corner of Estes Park near Hwy. 7 and Fishcreek.

Mule deer One look at a mule deer and it is easy to see how they got their name. Their large ears are distinctive. Mule deer are usually a dark gray-brown, with a small white rump patch and a small, black-tipped tail.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 35

Mule deer are browsers and eat a great variety of vegetable matter, including fresh green leaves, twigs, lower branches of trees, and various grasses. They are commonly seen along the roadways in the Park. Males are larger than females. The bucks' antlers, which start growth in spring and are shed around December each year, are high and branch forward. Mule deer are excellent swimmers.

Their coat varies in color from shades of buff or brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black. A bobcat measures 17 to 23 inches in height and 25 to 41 inches in length. Males weigh approximately 16 to 28 pounds, while females typically weigh 10 to 18 pounds. Rabbits are the staple of the bobcat diet. They are also known to eat rodents, birds, bats and even adult deer (usually killed during the winter months).

The sheep and goat family Bighorn sheep

The dog family

Bighorn sheep can be found at many locations throughout the Park but are commonly seen along Fall River Road in the Horseshoe Park area or along Trail Ridge Road at the Rock Cut. Bighorn have a sandy-brown coat and a white rump patch. Rams have massive spirally brown horns. Ewes have short, spiky brown horns. Bighorn are primarily grazers and may migrate seasonally between low grassy slopes and the alpine tundra. Escape terrain with rocky ledges is usually nearby.

The carnivores

There are four families of carnivore in the Park, the weasel, dog, cat and bear families.

Photo by Tony Wedick

Members of the weasel family are noted for their short legs and elongated bodies.

The weasel family The weasels generally have elongated bodies, short legs, and glands, which produce a strong-smelling scent. Pine martens are common throughout the forested areas of the Park. Other members of the weasel family found in RMNP include the long-tailed weasel and badger.

The cat family Two members of the cat family are found in Rocky Mountain National Park. The largest of the

two is the mountain lion or cougar. These big cats are rarely seen. Cougars are secretive, solitary hunters that feed primarily on deer but will also eat smaller game such as rabbits and rodents if food supplies are limited. Cougars are skilled night hunters with excellent eyesight and superb hearing. The other member of the cat family is the bobcat. These cats get their name from their short, bobbed tail. Bobcats are medium-sized cats, slightly smaller and similar in appearance to their cousin the lynx.

The coyote is a medium-sized grayish dog with a slender muzzle, large pointed ears, and a bushy tail. Coyotes are often seen patrolling the road right-of-ways and meadows in search of small rodents.

The bear family Black bears aren’t necessarily black. Their colors range from black to a light cinnamon brown. The black bear is approximately four to seven feet from nose to tail, and two to three feet high at the withers. It has small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a large body, a short tail, and shaggy hair. Bears are adaptable. They can be found anywhere from the forests of the Park to the neighborhoods of Estes Park.

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Celtic tradition on parade at Scots Fest 1976-2008: 32 Years of Celtic Tradition September 4-7, 2008

A

lways held the weekend after Labor Day, the Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highland Festival is a bagpipeful of fun for folks of all nationalities and generations. The festival starts with the 7:30 p.m. Thursday Tattoo. The field is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening activities Friday and Saturday at 7:30 are: the Colorado Celtic Rock Concert, the Folk Concert, and new this year, the Longs Peak Concert, Estes Tattoo, and starting at 10 p.m, the Ceilidh, to pick up after the other events end and the celebrating continues into the wee hours of the next morning. Sunday morning, the Pancake Breakfast, where you can dine with the Jousters and Athletes, will begin at 8 a.m until 10 a.m. Sunday evening marks the end of the festival with the Honored Guest Banquet, a superb meal complete with dress kilts, suits, evening dress attire for the ladies, a cash bar and live entertainment beginning with cocktails at 7 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the west end of the main street (Elkhorn Avenue) and continues to the Visitor’s Center just past the Hwy 34/36 intersection. There are shuttle busses that will take people from the Festival Field to the Municipal Building on Elkhorn Avenue, starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday. They will make a loop all day Saturday and

Sunday from downtown to the Festival Field and will stop at 6 p.m. both days. There will be pipers piping and drummers drumming, kilts and plumed bonnets, brave steeds bearing medieval jousters in combat, caber, stone and hammer-throwing athletes. You’ll hear international and world-famous singers and entertainers for free on the field and watch the “creme de la crème” of young dancers executing the Highland, Folk and Irish dances of their heritage. The dogs indigenous to the British Isles will win your hearts and tempt you to add a “family member.” Fine merchants and talented crafters with exotic Celtic merchandise, beautiful clothing, exquisite jewelry, fascinating heraldry histories and art in all its many guises will satisfy the most ardent souvenir collector. Add the clans with their gorgeous tartan displays, hospitality tents and joyous reunions, and you cannot but feel welcome and happy. Hungry, are you? Then the Festival is a haven of the familiar American foods and Celtic specialties — turkey legs, hamburgers, ice cream, Scotch, beer, haggis, meat pies, funnel cakes and much, much more! Come to Estes Park for the Festival. Renew your spirits, dance to the pipes and find out what a Celtic tradition means. Photos by Walt Hester

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 37

Star power — see the heavens at Estes Park Memorial Observatory

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rion? Cassiopeia? Venus? If you’re looking to really see the stars, planets and constellations in the clear night skies, you can mosey on over to Estes Park’s newest star attraction, the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, located on the grounds of Estes Park High School.The Angels Above Foundation (AAF) is the operating entity of the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. It came about as a result of Mike and Carole Connolly and Michele Johnson wishing to build an observatory in honor of Mike and Carole’s children and Michele’s siblings, Thomas and Christian Connolly, who died July 2, 2005, in a traffic accident. The Connollys all have a background in science, math and astronomy. Mike, a retired engineer from Lockheed Martin Corporation, spent many a night with his children viewing stars and planets. Because of this family interest and the tragic death of Thomas and Christian, the concept of a memorial observatory came into being. The AAF is utilizing the concept of the Little Thompson Observatory (LTO) located in Berthoud, Colo. The LTO built an observatory on land owned by the Berthoud School District. The LTO operates the facility and it is used for education of school students and the general public. The Connollys approached the Park The dome arrives at the observatory. R-3 School District about the concept of the AAF building an observatory on property the school district Photo by Walt Hester would donate. The operation of the completed observatory is by the AAF and expenses associated with insurance and utilities are paid by the school district in exchange for the observatory being offered to school district students and the general public as an educational resource. The AAF provides the building and maintenance and operation of the observatory for the use of students of the school district as well as the general public. The Observatory will be used by the school district in their science curriculum and as a tool to encourage learning by students and members of the public in principles of science, math and astronomy.

38 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

gl arles Ea 875, Ch , circa 1 t r i h S Lakota

ollection e Plume C

(it is beautiful)

This is a place unlike any other, just ask anyone who has ever been here. A place with walls that whisper, floors that creak underfoot, a place with a rare history, a patina left by time and an endless parade of characters… Adapted from a Vacation Edition story by Valerie Pehrson The sky was heavy with impending snow and Eagle Plume’s was warm and welcoming. There was the smell of a fire in the grate, and lunch cooking. Ann Strange Owl, her husband Dayton Raben, their daughter Nico Strange Owl, and Nico’s son, Dah’som are all fixtures in the shop. Creaking floorboards added to the rustic atmosphere as Ann and Nico explained how they came to the area, and how they came to be the caretakers and owners of this unique and historical shop. “Ann is from Montana originally, our reservation is in Southwest Montana, and Dayton, is from Wyoming. They married in the late 50s in Wyoming when interracial marriages were still illegal,” said Nico. “Shortly after that they moved to California where there was more tolerance at the time. After I was born, they moved to Colorado to be closer to family again.” She continues, “Ann eventually became lonesome for her family and culture, and someone suggested that we visit an Indian man by the name of Charles Eagle Plume. That was in the 60s. We became fast friends with Charles, and like so many families, fell in love with the Estes area.”. She carries on, “Charles had always wanted my mother to help him at the shop, and she finally did take him up on that. Eventually Dayton was coaxed into helping out, then I finally came to work here in the summers while at CSU.” “I had a shop of my own in Ft Collins then, and he would come

continued on next page.

Charles Eagle Plume, 1939

Ann Strange Owl and Dayton Raben

Eagle Plume’s Circa 1934

Charles Eagle Plume with young visitors

have coffee with me and we would visit, since he closed the shop in the wintertime,” interjected Strange Owl. The two women fall into reminisces of Charles Eagle Plume, telling stories about how he loved to tell stories. One in particular brings laughter bubbling up between the two of them, the question of Charles’s age. “He always claimed to be 105, right mom?” Asked Nico. Ann nodded with a slow smile spreading across her face as she stirred a pot of stew. Nico continued. “Every spring we would have to figure out how many years ago he would have to have been born to be 105 that year.” “I remember he always had a note behind the desk,” added Ann. “A cheat sheet.” Ann and Charles mutually adopted each other after years of fielding questions about whether they were related. “People would ask if he was my father and I always had this long story to tell them, or people would ask him if I was his daughter,” explained Ann. “One afternoon he said, ‘just tell them we are father and daughter.’ And things changed after that. People would come and say ‘how is your father,’ or ‘where is your daughter?’” Family isn’t always about who you are born to, and Nico echoed that sentiment. “He took care of us like family. He was really generous with all of us, and we took care of him as he got older, too.” “He was a nice person,” agreed Ann. “He was so good to all the people here. We still miss him a lot.” Blue jays and chickadees hopped around the feeder while the women prepared lunch. Estes Park has thousands of items that are Native American themed, but not necessarily made by Native Americans themselves, and supporting indigenous artists is important to the family, obviously. “We belong to the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, or IACA,” explained Nico. “And they are part of this whole movement to police that kind of thing. They work to enforce laws that aim to stop people from marketing things as being Native American made when they really aren’t. That’s why we try to work with the artists directly when we can, otherwise it is taking money out of Indian artist’s pockets and that’s just not right.” The family has had some experience in this particular area, when

several years ago someone tried to sell them some questionable merchandise. “We were looking at beadwork that a fellow we had known for many years was showing us,” said Nico. “It looked kind of funny, it was sewn with fishing line instead of thread and the way that the beads were laid down just wasn’t quite right.” “So we started looking in to it, and we discovered this man had gotten these things from another dealer who was outsourcing to China. They were marketing it as Native American made, and selling it dirt-cheap. The bizarre thing was, he was claiming that the beadworker that made these pieces was my aunt. He was just using her name because she had worked for him 20 or 30 years earlier. He had started out working with Indian people and then found a cheaper way to make money.” The wind picked up, the snow started blowing in, and we sat down to lunch. Charles Eagle Plume Charles Eagle Plume claimed to have been born on the Montana-Canadian border. He was Blackfeet Indian, French and German, and grew up in poverty. Because he was a storyteller, the time frame in which he came to Colorado is shrouded in mystery. While studying English at CU he met Katherine Lindsay, proprietress of the Whatnot Inn and he began working for her in the 1930s. Katherine eventually married and changed the focus of the business to Indian arts and crafts, renaming it Perkins Trading Post. When times were slow, Charles, who was known to dress in full regalia and with bow and arrow in hand, would ambush carloads of tourists on the road and sell them moccasins or point them towards the trading post. Over the decades Katherine and Charles collected historic and prehistoric Indian artifacts, many of which still remain at the Eagle Plume’s. Over one thousand of these treasures adorn their beloved trading post today, comprising the Charles Eagle Plume Collection. Bead and quillwork from the Plains, ceramics and kachina dolls from the Southwest, and many fine baskets beckon the eye throughout the post. When Katherine died, Eagle Plume took over the shop. To get through the winter season, he would travel the country as a paid lecturer at supper clubs and other venues speaking about the benefits of a college education and civil rights for all people. In the 1980s some young Lakota men robbed the Eagle Plume shop. They were prosecuted and convicted in Boulder County, and Eagle Plume offered to pay for the young men to go to college when they got out of prison. None of them took him up on the offer. In the late 1980s he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater for his lifetime achievements of championing civil rights and awareness and advocacy for the Native American. Eagle Plume loved children, and very young visitors to his shop would receive a feather from him as a present. He would say that there was a method to his madness, as young children want to touch everything. With feather in hand, they would gently dust everything in sight! Children who were a little older would be offered a trade. Eagle Plume would hold out an arrowhead, and offer to trade the young person for the most valuable thing they possessed. The children would offer their mothers or diamonds, but Eagle Plume would correct them, saying that their friendship was the most valuable thing they possessed. Although this dynamic man is no longer at the trading post, he remains so in spirit. His collection of arrowheads and feathers remain at his desk amid cigarette burns and old “cheat sheets”, where they are still gifted to children that wander in the door, wide-eyed at all there is to see at Eagle Plume’s Trading Post.

Eagle Plume’s Today Nico Strange Owl

Ann Strange Owl

(they are married) A few years back, I was asked to travel to Utah for an appraisal. I had no idea that the journey would bring me back to my ancestors. When I arrived, I was astounded to see a number of historic Cheyenne pieces waiting for my appraisal. Everything was so familiar - the beadwork designs in rich reds and blues meant for men and women’s clothing, and even old beadwork designs meant to influence the fate of Cheyenne infants. To touch these items was to touch my relatives lost long ago. After learning from the man who had hired me that these pieces were originally collected by his great-great grandfather, Captain John Robert Livermore, an Army officer assigned to Fort Keogh, Montana, I was thunderstruck. I knew from the stories I had been told by my parents and grandparents, that this is where my ancestors had been held prior to being moved to our present day reservation in southeastern Montana. Was it possible that one of my grandmothers had sewn these beads down onto this buckskin I held in my hand? With this solemn knowledge, I began to examine and photograph the items that lay in front of me. As I handled each piece, I wondered about the woman that lovingly made it, what man had worn it with pride into battle, or whose baby had slept peacefully in the cradleboard under a cottonwood tree while his mother picked rosehips. After I had finished examining the beadwork, my client brought my attention to a large ledger style drawing on muslin cloth that he had retrieved from another room. While I began work on the ledger drawing, he explained that Captain Livermore commissioned the painting from a Cheyenne man by the name of White Bird. Livermore had White Bird make enough muslin drawings to cover the walls of his small cabin at Fort Keogh to prevent the log chinking from falling onto the floors. My client brought out photos of Captain Livermore standing near his cabin at the fort, interior photos of the cabin where White Bird’s paintings hung, and his military orders dating to 1865. The past had come alive. White Bird An article from the Denver Times, January 19th 1913, describes three of White Bird’s paintings that were to be featured in and “Indian Pageant” in Denver. According to the article, White Bird was sixteen at the time of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and had a clear memory of the battle and the strategies used by the Indian forces that day. Having graduated from West Point, and presumably having a keen interest in the battle, Livermore commissioned White Bird to draw a panorama of the entire battle. This piece was shown at the pageant and eventually donated to the museum at West Point in 1958. The Denver Art Museum also has a number of muslin paintings by White Bird donated by Livermore’s descendants. White Bird can be seen in the center of the top section of the ledger drawing, next to the married couple, wearing a hat. His name is also listed in the ledger roll of Cheyenne transferred to the Tongue River Agency (our present day reservation) from Fort Keogh, Montana as “Who-pah-vi-kiss - White Bird - Husband, age 35”. Red Paint Woman When I arrived back to Eagle Plume’s from Utah, I began in earnest my research into the Cheyenne beadwork and ledger drawing. I had permission from my client to share photos of the ledger drawing with my parents to gain their insight. Dayton, of course, immediately began deciphering and “reading” the ledger drawing, eager to understand its meaning. When my mother first saw the drawing, she was very quiet, looking at it carefully for a long time before finally saying, “hmm, I wonder…”. “What?” Dayton and I both asked her at the same time. Ann said, “Well, I’m not sure. But remember, Nico, how we paint our cheek before we dance?” slowly making a circle on her cheek with her index finger, realization dawning. At that moment we all grasped that the woman in the ledger

Plains ledger drawings are read from right to left beginning at the lower right corner. White Bird’s drawing includes all the traditional elements of a Cheyenne courtship and wedding. Stop by the trading post sometime – we’d love to have you see the drawing and tell you the story of Red Paint Woman’s courtship and marriage. drawing was Ann’s great grandmother, Red Paint Woman. My mother always told me the story of Red Paint Woman as she helped me into my buckskin dress or braided my hair. It was during these times she would paint a red circle on my cheek, reminding me that we paint this circle to honor one of our highly respected grandmothers – Red Paint Woman. Then she would go on to remind me of what it takes to be respected as a Cheyenne woman. Red Paint Woman was born with a perfectly round strawberry birthmark on her cheek. Cheyenne people always admired her perfect red paint – the birthmark. Years ago my grandmother, Grace Strange Owl, told my mother this same story as she helped my mother into her buckskin dress, braided her hair, and painted that round mark on her cheek in honor of Red Paint Woman. As we all looked at the ledger painting again, we saw that the young bride had a round red mark on her cheek. Heirlooms for Sale In our travels and dealings, my family has seen many historic Cheyenne objects, from Dull Knife’s clothing on display, to a pair of woman’s moccasins taken from a grave, to remarkably old cradleboards housed in a European museum. Among the Cheyenne, items of this sort were either gifted, traded, or sold, but were more often buried with the person that owned them. For these reasons, many Northern Plains Indians do not possess family heirlooms in the usual sense. Charles Eagle Plume, Ann’s adopted father, gifted to her a fully beaded Southern Cheyenne woman’s outfit. It is one of Ann’s prized possessions. We proudly display it here at the shop and love to visit with people about it. On one occasion before this, we were able to identify a Southern Cheyenne beaded blanket strip that had belonged to one of Ann’s great uncles. We asked to purchase it, but sadly it was not for sale. So, after we realized that the woman in this ledger drawing was the grandmother we still honor, I called my client with the news and with an offer of purchase that he accepted. After making our last payment to him, the ledger drawing of Red Paint Woman’s wedding ceremony was ours to share.

Celebrate July 4th weekend By Janice Mason

T

he biggest, event-filled week of the summer happens over the Independence Day holiday. Estes Park’s July 4th schedule presents music, Arabian horses, vintage cars and the spectacular fireworks display over Lake Estes.

Independence week schedule July 2 — Estes Park Jazz Big Band, under the direction of Chuck Varilek, at 7 p.m. at Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Avenue. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy a night of jazz music under the stars. July 2 — Queen City Jazz Band performs a SummerFest concert in the Walter Ruesch Auditorium at the YMCA of the Rockies at 7:30 p.m. Call 586-3341 for details. July 3, 4 and 5 — Arabian Horse Show at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Avenue. Arabian horse competitions begin each day at 9 a.m. July 4 — Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 920 Big Thompson Avenue, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The breakfast is a benefit for Crossroads Ministry, a non-profit organization assisting people in need throughout the Estes Valley. July 4 — Coolest Car Show, featuring vintage vehicles from the 1920s and beyond, in Bond Park, downtown Estes Park, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Close-up inspections cost $4 for adults, $2 for children and students, $10 for the whole family, and free for children under six-yearsold. July 4 — Estes Park Village Band Patriotic Concert under the direction of Chuck Varilek at Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Avenue (time to be announced/call (970) 577-9900). July 4 — Independence Day Fireworks over Lake Estes at 9:30 p.m. One of Colorado’s most brilliant fireworks displays. July 5 and 6 — Music in the Mountains Faculty Concerts at Rocky Ridge Music Center, 465 Longs Peak Rd., at 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $15; seniors 65 and over/$12; students 12- to 18years-old/$12; children under 12-yearsold/free. Call 586-4031 for more information. July 7 — Colorado Music Festival Orchestra Patriotic and Pops Concert at Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., at 7 p.m. a free presentation sponsored by the Estes Park Music Festival. Photos by Walt Hester

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 43

Photo by Walt Hester

Lake Estes is just big enough — and plenty windy often enough — for small sailboats.

On the waterfront Lake Estes recreation stands apart By Mike Oatley

W

ith four miles of shoreline and more than 2,500 surface acres, Lake Estes stands apart from the recreational opportunities offered by the mountains, trails, small streams and alpine lakes that lure most visitors to the Estes Valley. The lake, created by the construction of Olympus Dam on the Big Thompson River in the late 1940s is the only local body of water where you can — or would need to — fire up an outboard engine. The primary attraction of Lake Estes is fishing, and in this regard the lake has a variety of game fish for anglers to pursue that goes beyond the trout that are the target everywhere else. Over the years, the lake has seen layers of regular and experimental (and probably bootleg) stockings that have been aimed at fortifying the angling opportunities. Everything from yellow perch and walleyes to tiger muskies have been introduced into the lake, either officially or surreptitiously, in addition to the trout you’d expect to find in it. Still, the bulk of the take remains the rainbow trout the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks into the lake each spring. Few seem to grow much beyond 16 inches or so, or at least the larger fish are rarely hooked: in the annual Lake Estes Fishing Derby early each June, the vast majority of fish entered are ‘bows just over a foot long. Not that there’s anything wrong with that: the lake’s rainbows are rela44 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

tively easy to catch, and unlike many of the other waters in and outside Rocky Mountain National Park, there are no special regulations restricting how anglers may fish. But bigger quarry lurk in the lake: a two-pound brown trout won last year’s fishing derby easily, and those knowledgeable about the lake agree that it is home to some sizeable browns which have moved downstream from the Big Thompson and taken up residence in the lake. A few tiger muskies may yet swim in Lake Estes. It has been a few years since a stocking program featuring the pike-muskellunge hybrid seemed find little success and was abandoned, but any holdovers would be large specimens by now. Access to the lake comes at three primary points: at the Cherokee Draw day use area off US 36 on the lake’s southwest shoreline, at Fisherman’s Nook on the lake’s north shore, and at the Lake Estes Marina, on the eastern end of the lake’s north shoreline. The marina, at 1170 Big Thompson Avenue, is the focus point of activity on the lake. Swinging into daily summer operations in early May, the marina offers boat rentals ranging from single-passenger kayaks to nine-passenger pontoons that are perfect for a sightseeing cruise to enjoy the spectacular setting of the surrounding mountains and peaks. The marina also has a boat launch to get your own boat in the water, and the marina store sells fishing licenses and fishing supplies, as well as other items like snacks and sunscreen to make your day at the lake even more enjoyable.

Lake Estes Trail But not all the fun at Lake Estes takes place on the water. In addition to a beach for playing in the sand, the marina offers volleyball, horseshows and picnic areas, as well as a recently constructed pavilion that may be rented for group gatherings. The Lake Estes Trail is another popular draw, offering walking, jogging, skating, biking and wildlife viewing as it skirts the waterline as it circles the lake. In addition to access points at Cherokee Draw, Fisherman’s Nook and the Lake Estes Marina, the paved trail can be accessed from the Convention and Visitors Bureau parking areas on the river just west of the lake and from parking areas in Stanley Park. Lake Estes is generally too cold for water skiing or sailboarding without a wetsuit. The marina rents several types of bikes, including mountain bikes, tandems, and a surrey-type bike, and child carriers are also available. The Lake Estes Marina is at 1770 Big Thompson Avenue, and can be reached at 970- 586-2011 or [email protected].

Marys Lake Another popular and interesting place to fish in the immediate Estes Park area is Marys Lake, on Marys Lake Road near the intersection with CO-7 (South St. Vrain Drive) on the south side of town. Boating is not allowed and all fishing is from the shoreline at Marys Lake because the underwater outlet of this holding tank in the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) water project creates strong vortex currents and the inlet often sends plumes of water arcing across the lake. But the fishing can be quite good as the Division of Wildlife stocks the lake with catchable sized rainbow trout. Rumor has it that the occasional lake trout or kokanee salmon transported under the Continental Divide from the West Slope by the tunnel that connects the two sides of the C-BT turns up in the catch.

Whitewater In most years, snow-melt coursing out of the Park in the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers put enough water in the section of the Big T above Lakes Estes to make it worth dropping a kayak in between mid-May and mid-July or so, depending on how the summer, and the winter before, unfold. Though in-stream improvements in the Fall, above its confluence with the Big Thompson downtown, were aimed at paddlers, most focus on the socalled Dairy Queen Hole, just below the confluence, and the run behind Elkhorn Avenue shops below. What makes Estes Valley whitewater paddling interesting and unique, though, is the opportunity to run the Big Thompson through the canyon in the fall. This is a time of year when, as a rule, mountain streams are approaching their lowest natural flows of the year and play boats and paddles have been gathering dust for weeks. But it’s a time when the Big T often gets a major squirt of water as the Bureau of Reclamation shuts down components in the trans-Divide Colorado-Big Thompson water project, often pushing the flows to 400 cubic feet per second and higher. But be warned: at the 400 cfs, the Big T is transformed from a mild mannered trout stream, a characteristic it typically maintains right through run-off relative to the unregulated streams in the area, to a proving ground for experienced paddlers.

Photo by Mike Oatley

Contrary to what you’d expect, some of the best whitewater kayaking of the year happens in the fall in years when the Bureau of Reclamation releases high flows out of Olympus Dam.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 45

Bird, bird, bird —

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upon a bird of prey from above as it soars past a climb. Actually, climbers and birds of prey are often attracted to the same environment. Golden eagles are highly sensitive to disturbance during their courtship and nesting cycle. Courtship and nest selection begins in February, and the eagles often rotate between several established nest sites in an area. Prairie falcons, peregrine falcons and various owl species are also commonly encountered near climbing areas. Although some birds of prey vigorously defend their nests, raptors in general are very vulnerable to human impacts. In fact, their future and our enjoyment of them may well be dependent on our ability to respect their requirements for life. Closures may be put in place to protect raptors and other wildlife.

Where the birds are • Clark’s nutcrackers, Steller’s jays, golden eagles and prairie falcons can be seen along Trail Ridge Road. • White-tailed ptarmigans, some of the most sought-after birds in Rocky Mountain National Park, are common but difficult to spot. For best results, hike on the tundra trails and look carefully. Ptarmigans usually remain still, relying on their natural camouflage for protection. • American dippers, or water ouzels, can be found along most streams. Listen for their loud call, similar to the rapid clicking of two stones together, as they fly up and down their territories. • Mountain bluebirds have returned to the lower areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, a sure sign that spring is here. Mountain bluebirds are small blue birds (male) or grayish brown birds with blue tinge on tail and flight feathers (female) that nest in cavities. They prefer to perch on fences, trees and shrubs, surveying broad open areas for their next meal. Rocky Mountain National Park also has numbers of western bluebirds, and occasional reports of eastern bluebirds, so you may be able to see all three varieties on your next visit to the park. • Great horned owls are year-round residents in the park. During January and February, they establish territories and court. • Red-tailed hawks are the most commonly observed hawks, and the

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ince the designation of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915, there have been 280 species of birds reported for this area, including the park, Arapaho National Recreation Area and the towns of Estes Park and Granby. So, if you want to see our feathered friends, you’ve flocked to the right place. In 2000, Rocky Mountain National Park was designated as a Global Important Bird Rescued redArea. This designatailed hawk. tion recognizes the vital role of the Park Photo by Walt Hester in the perpetuation of bird species. Raptors, or birds of prey, are a symbol of freedom, grace and power for many backcountry users. Climbers in particular seem to feel a special kinship with these magnificent predators, and enjoy the rare chance of looking down

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Bird is the word most commonly seen raptors in Rocky Mountain National Park. They are often seen throughout the year, but resident hawks may move to lower elevation areas such as the eastern plains of Colorado, during severe winters. Red-tailed hawks are the largest of the hawks. They get their name from their rich, russet red, broadly rounded tails, which are clearly visible while they soar, their favorite mode of hunting. • Broad-tailed hummingbirds visit the park to breed. The breeding season for these western hummingbirds begins shortly after their arrival from the Mexican highlands in April and lasts for about two months. Females build the nests on the horizontal limbs of aspen, cottonwood, willow and coniferous trees, along streams and rivers near meadows and forested areas. Shortly after the youngsters have fledged, the broad-tailed hummingbirds head up toward treeline and alpine meadows, where nectar-producing flowers are still blooming in profusion. The young birds have a short amount of time to learn their life skills before they migrate back to Mexico in September. Rocky Mountain National Park has reliable reports of six species of hummingbirds occurring within the Park’s boundaries.

Backyard Birds of Estes Park The following birds have been identified as inhabitants of Estes Park: American Crow, American Dipper, American Goldfinch, American Greenwinged Teal, American Kestrel, American Robin, Bald Eagle, Band-tailed Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Black-billed Magpie, Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Brown-headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, Cassin’s Finch, Clark’s Nutcracker, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Common Raven, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, European Starling, Evening Grosbeak, Gray Jay, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, Great Blue Heron, Hairy Woodpecker, Hooded Merganser, House Finch, House Sparrow, Mallard, Mountain Chickadee, Northern Flicker, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Shrike, Peregrine Falcon, Pine Siskin, Pygmy Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, Redbreasted Nuthatch, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Rock Dove, Steller’s Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch and Wilson’s Snipe. The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers Field Seminars on bird-

Bluebird resting on a twig. Photo by Walt Hester

ing in June and July. See the Web site at rmna.org for more information. According to Audubon Magazine, Estes Park is a “birder’s paradise.” Be birds of a feather and flock here to enjoy the heavenly plumage.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 47

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Flowers, dancing, sugar and everything Scandinavian By Janice Mason

E

stes Park hosts the largest Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Colorado in June. Scandinavians celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, with a festival of flowers, food, textiles, arts and crafts, music and traditional dance. The Scandinavian Midsummer Festival will take place on June 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Bond Park, downtown Estes Park. Musicians and dancers entertain both days at the festival. Children enjoy the festivities around the Midsummer pole decorated with flowers and ribbons. Professional Scandinavian dance instructors assist visitors in traditional

Photo by Walt Hester

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48 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Photo by John Cordsen

Festivities begin on Saturday morning in downtown Bond Park with the raising of the Midsummer pole.

movements throughout the festival. Bakers offer delectable treats. The Scandinavian Midsummer Festival brings the traditions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland to Estes Park. Festivities begin on Saturday morning in downtown Bond Park with the raising of the Midsummer pole followed by an opening ceremony. Colorfully dressed families enter the park carrying the flags of their native lands. The day continues with entertainment provided by a variety of folk dance groups and Scandinavian musicians. All activities are free and open to the public. Midsummer was originally a fertility festival with customs and rituals associated with nature and the hope for a good autumn harvest. The celebration has its roots in preChristian practices and is a day when the nature spirits join humans to rejoice in the long days of summer. For more information, visit www.estesmidsummer.com.

Photo by Walt Hester

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Professional Scandinavian dancers perform at the festival.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 49

Explore the Estes Park Museum By Janice Mason

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he Estes Park Museum offers permanent and temporary exhibits celebrating Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, mountaineers, lodge owners of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The museum houses more than 20,000 artifacts, including a 1909 Stanley Steamer, documents, manuscripts, maps, textiles, original art, photographs, prints and books. The collection represents much of the fascinating history of the Estes Park area. Explore temporary exhibits in the National Park Service building that served as Rocky Mountain National Park’s first headquarters. See the historic 1910 Cobb-Macdonald log cabin, also located on the museum grounds. Browse the Estes Park Museum Shop and pick up a schedule of free educational programs and historic tours. There is something for everyone. The Estes Park Museum collects, interprets and preserves local history, and presents exhibits, programs and events, for the education and benefit of residents and visitors of all ages. The museum is located on the corner of U.S. Highway 36 and Fourth Street and admission is free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., May through October. Winter hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., November through April. For more information, call 586-6256 or visit www.estesnet.com/ museum.

50 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Above photo by Janice Mason. Below photo by Walt Hester

The Estes Park Museum sits on the corner of Highway 36 and Fourth Street. Below, the bust of Joel Estes stands in front of the 1910 Cobb-Macdonald log cabin behind the museum.

The staff of the Estes Park Museum also operate the Historic Fall River Hydroplant, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors are sure to enjoy the fascinating story of the first

electric plant in Estes Park, built by Hotelier F.O. Stanley in 1907 to provide electricity to his famous hotel by the power of Fall River. Admission is free. For more information, call 586-6256 or visit www.estesnet.com/hydroplant.

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Take a “tour” of the world’s only “Pewter Mine” and cast your own Pewter Hummingbird in the Old Church Shops, downtown Estes Park. Educational and fun, with many activities for young and old! Each person taking the tour may pick a Pewter Crystal off the wall and keep it. Call 303-517-1068 for more information.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 51

Photo by Janice Mason

Meet the artisans The Art Center of Estes Park inspires By Janice Mason

T Photo by Walt Hester

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“Arabesque” by Mollie Walsh showed in 2007 “Lines Into Shapes.”

he beautiful sunlit gallery features the works of over 40 local and regional artists displaying a wide range of media. Established in 1987, the Art Center of Estes Park presents revolving exhibits by artists, whose works are juried and selected. The center offers art classes, slide presentations and educational programs for the community. Classes are offered for children in the summer and youth scholarships are available to cover the cost for inquiring students. The gallery also provides exhibit space for those aspiring artists. The “Lines Into Shapes” national show in September brings artists from across the nation and abroad to display a diversity of work. From sculpture to paintings, photography to jewelry, the annual “Lines Into Shapes” exhibit presents the most anticipated event of the year. A number of awards are presented in numerous categories. Art Center of Estes Park opening receptions are typically held on the first night of each exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. Refreshments are served. Artists and community members meet to enjoy the camaraderie and the art.

Photo courtesy Cynthia Price Reedy

“Art Supplies“ by Cynthia Price Reedy was featured in April. 52 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Exhibit schedule Now showing through June 22 — “Artistic Expression in Fiber” Art quilts by Annette Kennedy, known for making colorful wall creations and silk garments. June 27 to Aug. 3 — “Nature’s Forms” Featuring the photography of Del Hope and the lifelike bronze equine and other sculptures of Carol Cunningham. Aug. 8 to Sept. 14 —“Watercolor - Here and There” Featuring an array of colorful watercolors depicting images of flowers, landscapes and architecture by Pam England. Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 — “Lines into Shapes” Annual nationally juried exhibit representing a diverse selection of mediums. Cash prizes are awarded the night of the opening reception. Oct. 10 to Nov. 16 — “Enchanting Wearable Art” Whimsical, wire wrap/bead and fossil jewelry by Alice League and the colorful creations of life-long fiber and knitwear artist, Janice Kay. Nov. 21 to Dec. 31 — “Nature’s Tranquility” Mel Wilson shows wildlife and nature photography of Rocky Mountain National Park and other locations. The Art Center of Estes Park is a non-profit organization, which provides a facility to support and promote the work of local and regional artists. The proceeds benefit both the artist and contribute to the Art Center’s educational and community outreach programs. The Art Center is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue in Stanley Village and is handicapped accessible. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the all exhibits are free and open to the public. Winter hours are Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 586-5882 or visit www.artcenterofestes.com.

Photo by Walt Hester

“On the Wall” by Joan Wolfer showed in the 2007 “Lines Into Shapes” exhibit.

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Stop By Any RMNP Gift Shop, Chrysalis at the Stanley 333 Wonderview Drive

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Rocky Mountain Tops 101 E. Elkhorn Avenue Photo by Walt Hester

“Wrapped in Red” by Kathie Wheeler showed in the 2007 “Lines Into Shapes” exhibit.

or LongsPeakSummitClub.com To Purchase Pin

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 53

The flowers that bloom in the spring

Photo by Walt Hester

W

ildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides of the Rockies around Estes Park are alive with the sights and sounds of color splashing all around. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens and rust colors or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season). Winter is an alpine wonderland. Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers, making May through August a dazzling display of fire-worked colors. Weeds? No way! What may look like an 54 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

unkempt lawn to the casual observer is actually an ecosystem of surprising diversity. Small changes in alpine topography and climate factors allow for a variety of plant communities and species. The alpine climate, with its cold temperatures, fierce winds, heavy snows and rugged terrain, is the most severe climate on Earth. Rocky Mountain National Park has many species of alpine flowers with special adaptations that enable them to survive and flourish in what researchers describe as the Earth’s harshest climate.

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar offers a course on alpine flowers Tuesday, July 1, for a fee, and on identifying wildflowers, Wednesday, July 2. For information, write the Rocky Mountain Field Seminar & Conference Center, 1895 Fall River Rd., Estes Park, CO 80517, or see the Web site at rmna.org. At Trio Falls, you can see three different waterfalls in one area, with great wildflowers in bloom in season.

Flowers: the hills are alive with color Continued from page 54 Lily Lake This hike provides a gentler viewing of wildflowers. Enos Mills, the “father of Rocky Mountain National Park,” enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. Check along the mile-long trail through this relatively low-elevation area for wildflowers in the spring and early summer. The best times for wildflowers may be the second week through the third week of July. Elevations dictate what is and what is not in bloom at any particular time. Elevations around Estes Park generally produce pasque flowers found usually on Ponderosa Pine south-facing hillsides about the first three weeks of April. Various penstemmons will be found starting in June along roadsides. Columbine appear in late June through early August, depending on elevation (the higher up, the later the bloom). Trail Ridge Road is usually open by Memorial Day, but late snows can delay this up to a week or more. Fall River Road opens at the same time or much later, again depending on Mother Nature. The Colorado Rockies are arguably the wildflower capital of North America, and Rocky Mountain National Park is the region’s high-country showcase. In the middle elevations of RMNP (from 6,000 to 9,000 feet), you’ll find arnica, sego lilies, blue columbine and meadowrue in the pine

and aspen forests. The July breezes bring scarlet paintbrush, blue penstemmons, orange sneezeweed, purple fringed gentians and plenty more. Higher up on the mountains, brilliant bursts of tundra wildflowers bloom and die quickly, including phlox, wild iris, alpine sunflower, alpine avens, pale-blue harebell and moss campion.

Dream and Emerald Lakes About 40 kinds of wildflowers contribute colorful accents, including some spring bloomers coming out in summer where snow lingers late. To insure a quick start on a hike to the three lakes, hop the shuttle. The busy Bear Lake parking lot is nearly always full. The trail begins between the Bear Lake information booths and rises to Nymph Lake, followed soon by well-named Dream Lake. The last pitch to reach Emerald Lake is steep and rugged, but worth the effort. This is a good summer trail on which to view marsh marigold, globeflower and pink bog laurel.

Gem Lake An extraordinary saxifrage, called telesonix, blooms here in July. This pink flower found here (and on Pikes Peak) tucks itself into crevices in the mounded granite surrounding Gem Lake. Devil’s Gulch Road (which began as MacGregor Avenue) has trailhead parking for about 20 vehicles, and it pays to arrive early or to wait until late afternoon.

Tundra World/Toll Memorial Rocky Mountain National Park is such a treasured resource that it has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve. Famed Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the nation, reaches heights of 12,183 feet. Six miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center is the site of the Tundra World Trail — a window into an ecosystem equivalent to going to the Arctic Circle. Since the growing season high above treeline here is short, a mid-July visit is your best bet.

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Photo by Walt Hester

www.snowypeakswinery.com 292 Moraine Avenue Estes Park, CO 970-586-2099

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 55

The

rodeo on the

top of the

world The Rooftop Rodeo’s roots go back 100 years By Mike Oatley

I

t has not always been called the Rooftop Rodeo, or even a rodeo, but the Rooftop Rodeo can trace its roots back 100 years, to a July, 1908, when an article in the sixth issue of The Mountaineer reported that “The Glorious Fourth Was Duly Celebrated” and that a “Genuine Wild West show provide(d) plenty of thrills for large crowd, including many Eastern tourists.” It was just a bronc busting competition then, and it took place under the midday sun, but otherwise it sounds like the first of what eventually became the Rooftop Rodeo would be recognizable to us today. Except that today, cowboys and cowgirls come from all over to compete in one of the smallest rodeos in one of the loveliest settings on the circuit. ,ONIGANS%04RAIL6ACA'PDF0The Rooftop Rodeo in its current form goes back to 1941, and in the

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post-war years it became an annual event. In recent years it has blossomed into one favorite stop on the regional circuit, winning three straight PRCA Cowboy’s Choice Awards for the mountain states region from 1994 to 1996, four times being nominated for the PRCA’s Small Rodeo of the Year award, and twice winning. Last year, the Rooftop Rodeo was not only a nominee for that that award, which it last one in 2006, the rodeo also won the Most Improved award for the mountain states circuit after large playback monitor was deployed to get fans in the stands replays and close-ups of the action. And the little rodeo at the Stanley Fairgrounds will continue that tradition again this year with six nights of rodeo performances that will include saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bareback bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding, along with one for the kids, mutton bustin’. The mutton bustin' competition in the arena each night gives kids a chance to step into the spotlight. Each night, 10 helmet-wearing children

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between the ages of five and eight will sit on sheep and hang on as long as they can. Rodeo Week will kick off, as it does every year, with the Rooftop Rodeo Parade through downtown Estes Park. This year, that will be on Tuesday, July 8, with a 10:30 a.m. start. The parade includes floats, bands, horseback riders and, of course, this year’s rodeo royalty, in a procession that will make its way down Elkhorn Avenue and then on to the Stanley Fairgrounds. New to Rodeo Week this year will be the first of a planned annual benefit golf tournament to be played at the Estes Park Golf Course. Last year, the Rooftop Rodeo Committee raised several thousand dollars for cancer research through the 'Tough Enough To Wear Pink' program during the rodeo. This year, they hope to increase the amount they raise even more money through the tournament. For more information email [email protected] or call 970-586-6104.

2008 Rooftop Rodeo Schedule Rodeo Parade Tuesday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. Downtown Estes Park to the Fairgrounds PRCA Rodeo Stanley Fairgrounds

Tuesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 13

PRCA rodeos each night at 6:45 p.m. with preshow entertainment beginning at 7:30. Both general admission and box seat tickets are available for each rodeo performance. General admission seats are not reserved and prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-11. Box seat tickets are $20 for all ages. To order tickets, or for more information about the award winning Rooftop Rodeo, call the Estes Park Special events department at 970-586-6104. The kid’s mutton bustin’ competition and the pageantry of the parade are as much a part of the Rooftop Rodeo as the performances by the pros under the arena’s bright lights each night. Photos by Walt Hester

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 57

T

Colorado’s ‘Highway to the Sky’

C

Trail Ridge Road Offers Stunning Views

T

See Trail Ridge: Page 59

JACKSON STABLES, Inc.

Milner Pass

Highest point on road 12,183 ft, 3,713 m

Lava Cliffs

N

Rock Cut

Forest Canyon Overlook

YMCA of The Rockies Livery

o Open t c li the Pub April ct. thru O

Gore Range

Old Fa ll River Road One w ay up only

rail Ridge Road winds gently through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. Visitors to the area who are interested in taking the drive should set aside a leisurely day, bring a camera, and hop in the car for a tour on the highest continuous paved road in North America. The highway to the sky covers the 48 miles between Estes Park on Rocky Mountain National Park’s (RMNP) east side, and Grand Lake on the west side. Construction of Trail Ridge Road began in the autumn of 1929 and was finished to Fall River Pass in the summer of 1932. The road was built to make up for the old Fall River route, which was too narrow for increasing motorized traffic, full of hairpin switchbacks, and prone to snow slides. Engineers of the road were mindful of the magnificence of the surrounding landscape and were cautious that the road wouldn’t interfere with the vistas around them. When possible, the rocks that were blasted during the road’s construction were used to build retaining walls. The maximum grade on the road does not exceed seven percent, and eight miles of the road is 11,000 feet above sea level. At its highest point, Trail Ridge Road peaks at a dizzying 12,183 feet in elevation. Motorists venturing out from either Estes Park or Grand Lake climb around 4,000 feet in elevation in a few minutes, beginning in montane forests of aspen and pine before entering sub alpine forests of fir and spruce. Motorists tend to try and reach timberline quickly. Slow down and take your time, enjoying all the climate zones along the journey. When you reach timberline, the last of the trees are twisted and stunted against the tundra. Some animals that motorists might encounter along the way include the

Allen & Julie Jackson P.O. BOX 20549, ESTES PARK, CO 80511 970-586-3341 ext. 1140/1149 Fax: 970-577-1401 Winter Office: 970-586-6748

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Fun Horse Rides Ranging from one hour to all day rides. Our stables offer a variety of trails; many traveling into Rocky Mountain National Park!

Rainbow Curve Hidden Valley

No Worries...we match each rider’s ability with our horses’ personalities.

Additional Western Festivities: Alluvial Fan

• Pony rides for young children • Hayrides with chuckwagon dinners Tuesdays & Saturdays.

Special group rates available.

Many Parks Curve

Reservations recommended.

Jackson Stables is located at the YMCA of the Rockies Located on Hwy. 66, Estes Park, CO PUBLIC WELCOME 58 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

tjw 20-16904

Horseshoe Park

Alpine Visitor Center

Trail Ridge

Continued from page 58

bighorn sheep, elk, pikas, marmots, moose (mostly on the west side of RMNP), and ptarmigans. Plant life is diverse, despite what appears to be incredibly hostile conditions here for most of the year. There are around 200 species of fragile, tiny alpine plants that hug the earth beside the road. Their growing season may only last 40 days, but the little plants bloom in great sweeps of yellow, red, pink, blue, and violet. The Tundra World Nature Trail is a fantastic place to see these delicate displays without damaging them; a half hour walk begins near the parking lot at Rock Cut. The tundra is an important and fragile environment, and it is strongly recommended that you do not step outside of the designated path or pick flowers. The annual spring plowing of Trail Ridge Road is a Herculean undertaking. Crews generally start plowing in mid-April. Plowing Trail Ridge can cost in excess of $36,000 and takes an average of 42 days to accomplish. The National Park Service keeps their plows in top working order during the plowing by fueling, oiling, and greasing them every morning. A rotary plow, called the ‘pioneer rotary’ clears the centerline of the road all

TG File Photo by Walt Hester

Visitors can enjoy a break atop Trail Ridge Road at the Alpine Visitors Center.

day, while a second rotary widens the road. A grader and bulldozer then pulls the snow towards the side of the road. Runoff from the snow banks is diverted into drains and ditches. At the end of the day, the equipment is parked at Rainbow Curve to avoid the machinery being stranded by passing storms. Trail Ridge Road closes with the first heavy snowfall of the season and remains closed in the winter, generally reopening on Memorial Day weekend. Nature has a great deal to say about the scheduling of

this road, and it is not uncommon for visitors to drive between six-foot walls of snow even at midsummer. Atop Trail Ridge Road is the Alpine Visitors Center, where motorists can stop and have a snack, purchase souvenirs, and browse exhibits that are staffed with Park rangers who are happy to answer questions and share information on this spectacular area. Some things to remember while traveling on Trail Ridge Road: • Bring a jacket, even if it a bright warm day. At the high elevations on

Trail Ridge Road, it may be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the temperatures in Estes Park or Grand Lake. • The high elevations may cause altitude sickness in some people. Drink plenty of water. The elevation may also aggravate heart or lung conditions in some people. • Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains in the summer months. It is also very important to be aware of lightning at the high elevations found on Trail Ridge Road. • If you see a beautiful scene or wildlife that you would like to look more closely at, be sure to pull safely off the road to stop. Many accidents are caused by people stopping in the center of the road to photograph animals or scenery. • Be on the lookout for wildlife on the road or on the sides of the road. Deer and elk on the side of the road may startle and leap in the path of vehicles. • Warn oncoming vehicles of wildlife in the road by flashing your headlights at them. Trail Ridge Road is not a toll road, but you must pay the entrance fee at RMNP to travel on the road. Fees for the summer 2008 season are $20 for a seven-day entrance fee for passenger vehicles, $10 per person per night on a bicycle or motorcycle, or $35 for an annual parks pass.

Estes Park Medical Center

Your peace of mind while on summer vacation – we’re here 24/7!

FULL SERVICE, CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL AND LEVEL IV TRAUMA CENTER

EMERGENCY CALL 911

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“Providing Excellent Health Care and Promoting Community Wellness in the Estes Valley” 555 Prospect Avenue – Just 3 blocks off Highway 36 to Stanley Avenue; then right on Prospect. Follow the signs to the Emergency Room.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 59

27 holes in a one-of-a-kind setting Play short or long and almost always with the elk By Mike Oatley

A

pparently, not everyone comes to Estes Park to hike the backcountry. If you don’t think so, try getting a round of golf in on a July morning without a tee time. It goes without saying that Estes Park’s two golf courses, with 27 holes between them, offer some of the most scenic golfing you can find anywhere. The 18-hole Estes Park Golf Course has even been included on a list of the most beautiful golf courses in the United States, and the nine-hole Lake Estes Golf Course keeps the golfing going on all year round, as it is open for play in the winter when weather allows.

Estes Park Golf Course The Estes Park Golf Course, open mid-April through October, winds over rolling uplands in the Estes Valley, surrounded by mountain splendor. Frequently, golfers will share the course with herds of elk, mule deer, and the occasional coyote. The 18-hole course plays at 5,250 yards from the front tees and 6,400 yards from the back tees, and is a par-72 course except from the championship tees, where it rates a 71. 60 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Resident green fees are $33, non-resident green fees are $41, with lateday rates of $25 and $31, respectively. Electric carts, pull carts and clubs are available for rent. The amenities at the Estes Park Gold Course include a filly outfitted pro shop, a newly remodeled driving range, and the Hangar Restaurant, complete with a deck with great views, for drink and meal at the conclusion of your round.

Lake Estes Golf Course For a shorter round down by Lake Estes, or for winter golf, the nineHole Lake Estes Executive Golf Course fits the bill. Laid out as a par 31 from each set of tees, the course stretches from 2,026 yards to 2,209 on three sets of tee boxes, and plays over flatter terrain than the Estes Park Golf Course. Ah, but the water. The course straddles the Big Thompson River and lies adjacent to Lake Estes, adding plenty of challenge to the intimate layout of the course. A pro shop and practice facility round out the services offered at the Lakes Estes Golf Course.

Located at 690 Big Thompson Avenue, the nine-hole green fees rate is $13 for residents and $16 for non-residents, with 18-hole rates at $22 and $25, and a P.M. rates of $11 and $14. Pull carts and clubs are available for rental.

Winter golf It may seem unlikely, but Estes Park winters are often scattered with plenty of golf-able days between November and March, as the fairways are often free of snow, allowing an afternoon round to be tacked on the second half of a day in Estes Park. When conditions allow, golfers can play unlimited rounds on the course fir $7, no tee time required. Tee-times are strongly recommended at both courses during the peak season, especially for morning rounds, and can be made by calling the Estes Park Golf course at 866- 586-8146 ext. 0 or the Lake Estes Golf Course at 970-586-8176. Weekday times may be made beginning seven days in advance, weekend tee times may be made eight or nine days in advance by calling at 4 p.m. on the Friday of the previous weekend. Steel Spikes are not allowed on either course. Groups of 20 or more are invited to plan tee-times in advance. For advance tee-times and for help planning your outing contact course pro Mark Miller at 970-586-8146, ext. 4. or email: [email protected] . A reservation fee of $5 per person will be required and will be returned to you in the form of gift certificates for merchandise in the pro shop. With mountain valley settings, Estes Park’s two golf courses have beautiful views, and offer two choices, longer with more slope, and short but with water hazards. The elk will likely join you on the fairways in either case. Photos by Walt Hester

CELEBRATING

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53

YEARS

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(Children under 6 ride FREE with Parent)

420 E. Riverside Dr. • Estes Park • 586-3675 www.estestram.com

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 61

Want to scuttle?

F

ollowing two seasons of success, modifications to the free Shopper Shuttle system, which begins operating June 28, have been established. Changes effect scheduling and route modifications. Shuttles will operate daily through Labor Day. After September 1, the shuttles will continue making rounds on Saturdays and Sundays through September, except during the Scottish/Irish Highland Festival weekend, when special routes and schedules will be used. The Elkhorn Avenue route will be the same as in past years. The Stanley Hotel was added as a stop on the Big Thompson Avenue route. Shuttles will begin each day, with routes leaving from the Estes Park Visitors Center at 10 a.m. The last Brown — Southwest “campground” — shuttle leaves the Visitors Center at 8 p.m., while the other two routes will depart the Visitors Center at 8:30 p.m. Stops at the Estes Park Center-YMCA of the Rockies and Marys Lake Lodge were added to the Brown route. Based on low ridership last year, three stops along Highway 7 were eliminated from the schedule. The Town-sponsored shuttles remain connected to Rocky Mountain National Park’s express Hiker Shuttle that transports to the Park & Ride lot on Bear Lake Road.

Stanley Hotel

Elkhorn Avenue First shuttle departs Visitors Center at 10 a.m. Last departure at 8:30 p.m. Frequency of departure listed in minutes after the hour and the half hour.

Shuttle Stop

Departure

• Visitors Center • Town Hall • Local’s Grill • Ore Cart • Tregent Park • West Park Center • Grubsteak • Rocky Mountain Traders • Barlow Plaza • Visitors Center

:00 :04 :06 :0 7 :08 :09 :17 :19 :21 : 23

Big Thompson Avenue First shuttle departs Visitors Center at 10 a.m. Last shuttle departs Visitors Center 8:30 p.m. Frequency of Departure is listed in minutes after the hour and the half hour.

Shuttle Stop

Departure

YMCA

• Visitors Center • Budget Host • Best Western • Grumpy Gringo • Lake Estes Marina • Ride-A-Kart • KOA Campground • Rodeway Inn • Lower Stanley Village • Stanley Hotel • Visitors Center

:00 :03 :04 :06 :07 :10 :16 :18 :23 :25 :29

Moraine Ave. - Mary’s Lake Rd. First shuttle departs Visitors Center at 10 a.m. Last shuttle departs 8:30 p.m. Frequency of Departure is listed in minutes after the hour and the half hour.

Shuttle Stop

Departure

• Visitors Center • Marys Lake Lodge • Marys Lake Campground • National Park Village • Alpine Trail Ridge Inn • Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park • Estes Park Campground • Estes Park Center - YMCA

:00 :12 :14 :18 :19 :21 :26 :30

62 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Shuttle Stop

Departure

• Glacier Lodge • Rockmount Cottages • Beaver Meadows Visitor Center • National Park Village • Worldmark • Piccadilly Square • Barlow Plaza • Visitors Center

:38 :39 :43 :50 :51 :53 :55 :56

Marys Lake Lodge

Daily June 28 through Sept. 1; Saturdays and Sundays in September* First Shuttle of the Day leaves the Visitors Center at 10 a.m. *Routes and Stops are significantly altered only on Sept. 6 & 7 to accommodate special Scottish Festival weekend routes. All routes begin at the Estes Park Visitors Center

Use the Shopper Shuttle

Photos by Walt Hester

MOUNTAIN BROKERS

1200 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-5324 1-800-827-8780 (24 Hours)

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586-1000

586-1010

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Broker

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586-2454

586-2181

[email protected]

[email protected]

Helene Ault

Broker

719-276-4304

Broker

Estes Park Property Statistics April 2007 through April 2008 Average Sale Price for a Home in Estes Park is $387,603 Average Sale Price for a Condo in Estes Park is $285,602 Average Sale Price for a Lot in Estes Park is $193,275 Source: IRES (Information and Real Estate Services LLC)

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 63

Photos by Walt Hester

Morning round-up starts early, and the new calves are roped and branded the old-fashioned way. Cattle drives and pasture rotation are done by horseback.

MacGregor Ranch: a living history

D

ating back to the late 1800s, MacGregor Ranch is the last remaining working cattle ranch in Estes Park and one of the few sites of its kind in Northern Colorado. Staff, volunteers and the ranch hands keep MacGregor in pristine working order. Alexander and Clara MacGregor founded the ranch in 1873. Donald (son of Alexander and Clara) and Maude (Koontz) MacGregor lived and worked on the ranch, improving it to its current prime. Their daughter, Muriel, was born on April 2, 1904 in Denver. Muriel worked and lived on the ranch her entire life. When her parents died, she inherited the ranch, preserving the home and items included with care and detail. The home now stands as the museum, depicting the colorful history of the MacGregor family. Summer visitors can explore the museum, the nature center, the gift shop and historic structures while taking in the view of this 2,000acre working cattle ranch.

64 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Photos by Walt Hester

The annual branding takes place in May. Left, Adam Tallman crosses the Big Thompson River.

Life on the ranch From the early homesteading times to modern day, MacGregor Ranch has been home to an active cattle operation. During the early years, Donald often had as many as 200 head of cattle, selling 70 calves a year. Today, the year-round herd numbers approximately 110 to 120 head, producing 40 to 45 calves a year. Alexander first registered the XIX Brand in 1885. The historic XIX MacGregor brand is still used today at the annual branding day in mid-May. The ranch offers all-natural beef products as a source of income and support for ranch operations. MacGregor Black Angus cattle are born and raised on the natural grass meadows of the ranch.

Youth programs MacGregor Ranch offers educational day camps and hands-on experiences in the museum, historic buildings, on interpretive trails and at the scout/youth group camping area.

Chuckwagon Dinner The MacGregor Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner, to preserve Western heritage and youth education programs at the ranch, takes place on June 21, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Afternoon activities, including hay wagon rides, barn and museum tours, take place between 3 to 5 p.m. Reservations are required. MacGregor Ranch is open to the public during the summer months of June, July and August, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information or to make reservations, call 586-3749 or e-mail [email protected].

Sizzling Fajitas our Specialty Children’s Menu • Senior’s Menu • Full Bar Menu • Dine In or Carry Out Relax on our Streamside Patio & Enjoy the Best Margaritas in Town 220 E. Elkhorn Avenue • Phone 577-0799 Open 11 am - Serving Lunch & Dinner • Family Owned and Operated

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Compiled by Janice Mason

Complete Selection of Traditional Mexican Dishes at Affordable Prices

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 65

Off Trail in Alpine Zones is Off Limits Hardy Plants are Fragile and Damage Easily Overlook and Rock Cut. The Park ne of the most fascinating places wants to provide people the opportuniin Rocky Mountain National ty to see the small world of the tundra Park is the alpine tundra, also wildflowers but repeated foot traffic on known as “the land above the trees.” the same plants will kill them. This harsh but poignantly beautiful area Elk walk on the tundra without is accessed by Trail Ridge Road, taking damaging the plants. They weigh about visitors to an altitude of 12,183 feet. 800 pounds and use the tundra for The alpine ecosystem begins at their summer range. But they don’t 11,000 to 11,500 feet elevation. It is walk in single file as people tend to do. an area of extremes. They walk spread out. The Park asks Plants and animals are uniquely visitors to walk spread out, not in sinadapted to live on the tundra. gle file. Walking spread out prevents Frequent winds and cold temperafootprints from being concentrated in tures limit what plants can grow there. a small area. Avoiding grinding heels Many plants are dwarfed, thus allowinto the plants. When possible rocking them to escape the strong winds hop or walk on gravel rather than blowing above them. walking on vegetation. This miniature world contains It is also important to use only desmany species of tiny plants and thin ignate pullouts along Trail Ridge Road soils. These plants survive extreme and not park along the side of the road cold, strong winds, intense ultra-violet elsewhere. Some of the pullouts along radiation and very low humidity. Trail Ridge Road were created because They’re hardy but fragile under visitors consistently drove their cars human impact. They cannot withonto the tundra. Those areas were stand repeated trampling. destroyed and the tiny plants they once High altitude plants are fairly fragheld couldn’t grow back. ile. Most plant communities involved Animals who live on the tundra also are very slow growing and have short face challenges, especially surviving in growing seasons. Tundra plants have a winter. six to 12 week growing season. It takes They have three survival strategies, 100 years for many alpine tundra said Benton: hibernate, migrate and plants to grow an inch. tolerate (stay put). The moss campion is one of the The yellow-bellied marmot and small plants that survives on the tungolden-mantled ground squirrels are dra. Research shows it is only one-half examples of animals that hibernate. inch in diameter when it’s five years They live off of stored fat in their bodold, Benton said. It doesn’t begin to ies for seven months of the year. It is bloom until it’s ten years old, and especially important not to feed these reaches a diameter of seven inches animals because if they receive the when it’s 25 years old. Photos by Walt Hester wrong kinds of fats they can die durTundra plants have a low resistance Tundra plants are hardy, yet damage easily when trampled by ing hibernation, she said. and a low recuperation rate. Some The pika is an animal that stays on may take five to 30 years or longer to humans, often taking years to recover. the tundra during the winter months. recover from even small amounts of much more fragile than people realize. Very They are often seen squeaking and carrying use or damage. small amounts of use or damage can cause per- food in their mouths. Pikas are not rodents. Disturbances, even small ones, cause fairly manent damage and scarring. They are related to rabbits. But they have tiny significant compaction of the very thin soils The Park does not allow driving cars onto ears and tails instead because if they were big, found in high altitude areas. Soil loss contributes to erosion and a loss of the plant base. the tundra but does allow people to walk on it except in three protected areas: the area around Scientists say these areas are very fragile, the Alpine Visitor Center, Forest Canyon

O

STANLEY VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER

20-17034

461 E. WONDERVIEW AVE. • Housewares • Clothing • RV Supplies • Sporting Goods • Camping Equipment • Swimwear

970-586-3496 66 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

• Fishing / Licenses • Board Games • Ammunition • Electronics • UPS / FedEx Shipping • $1.99 DVD Rentals

•

Summer Hours 8 am - 9 pm • Open 7 days/week!

Photo by John Cordsen

Yellow-bellied marmots can be found on the tundra.

vides information on “tundra etiquette.” For more information, call 586-1206.

There are new exhibits at the Alpine Visitor’s Center this year such as taxidermy, plant models and

a weather station where visitors can see what the temperature and wind speed are outside.

O

20-16791

like they are on rabbits, they would freeze in the winter. In July pikas start cutting and drying vegetation. They put it under rocks and eat it all winter long. A bird that tolerates winters on the tundra is the white-tailed ptarmigan, a relative of the grouse. They are well-suited for the snowy, wintery life. They molt and their mottled brown feathers change to a snowy white for camouflage. They grow extra feathers on their feet that act like snowshoes as well as on their eyelids and nostrils that provide extra protection in the extreme cold temperatures. They burrow into the snow and use it for insulation against the cold. They eat willow buds and come out fatter after winter. Larger animals such as elk, mule deer, coyotes and mountain lions migrate to lower elevations in the Park in winter. Many bird species do as well. These birds like to hang out at the overlooks and beg for food from visitors. But feeding them can endanger them. They need certain nutrients to be able to make their migratory flight and getting the wrong nutrients can cause them harm. Rocky Mountain National Park rangers give daily tundra nature walks all summer and the Park pro-

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 67

May snow at Bear Lake

Wonders, great and small Pika in Glacier Gorge

Photos by Walt Hester Humming Bird

Fox Kits Colorado Columbines

McHenrys Peak in Black Lake

Longs Peak from the Boulder Field 68 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Calendar of events Calendar submitted by Suzy Blackhurst, Convention and Visitors Bureau. For additional information, call (970) 577-9900, 1-800-44-ESTES or visit www.estesparkcvb.com.

June 2008

Courtesy photo

Takacs Quartet in concert June 14.

20-16846

June 1: Far and Near Horizons International Plein Air Painters and Landscape Artist’s International exhibit opening and reception, 1 to 4 p.m.; includes work by 18 artists from Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic and the United States. Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery, 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue, 586-9203, www.estesarts.com. June 1: 10th Summer Art Walk, a self-guided tour of the galleries and artist studios throughout the area. Tour maps are available at the Cultural Arts Council at 423 W. Elkhorn Ave, visitors centers, and participating artist studios. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 586-9203. June 5: Estes Valley Historic Tour. Estes Park Historian Laureate Jim Pickering will lead a tour of historic sites in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Advance reservations are required. Tickets available at the Estes Park Museum, $5/members, $15/non-members, Estes Park Museum, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 586-6256. June 7: Fishing Derby on Lake Estes. Registration at Lake Estes Marina begins at 6:30 a.m. The derby is from 8 a.m. to noon, 1770 Big Thompson Ave., No fishing license required on Fishing Derby Day, 586-8191. June 13: Diego Martin, el vaquero. Angel Vigil will discuss Diego Martin, a true American cowboy who used el vaquero, the repository of practical and Spanish wisdom and experience in the ways of horses and cattle in his work. Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth St., 7 p.m., 586-6256. June 14: Takacs Quartet in concert; a special performance by one of the world’s premiere string quartets. Sponsored by the Estes Park Chamber Music Society, tickets are $25 at MacDonald Book Shop, 152 E. Elkhorn Ave., No charge for children through grade 12. Students/$10. Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave., 2:30 p.m., 586-9203. June 14-15: Wool Market, an annual fiber festival with two days of exhibits, demonstrations, competitions and vendor booths. Free. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 577-9900. June 15: Estes Park Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K/5K Race, the highest paved marathon course in the world. There is no race-day registration for the marathon or the half marathon. There will be race-day registration for the 10K and 5K races only. The marathon and half-marathon start at 7 a.m.; 10K takes off at 8 a.m. and the 5K race starts at 9 a.m. from the grounds of the Estes Park Middle School, 1500 Manford Ave., www.epmarathon.org. June 18-19: Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Show. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Club, 586-6104. June 19-22: Quilt Colorado 2008 Exhibit from the Colorado Quilting Council, Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St., Vrain Ave., www.quiltcolorado.com/index.html. June 21: MacGregor Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner benefit to preserve Western heritage and youth education programs at the 1860s historic ranch. Activities from 3 to 5 p.m. include hay wagon rides, barn and museum tours. Chuckwagon supper from 5 to 7:30 p.m. followed by live entertainment, MacGregor Ranch, 180 MacGregor Ln. Reservations are required, 586-3749, www.macgregorranch.org. June 21 – 22: Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Show. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Club, 586-6104. June 22: Forever Plaid Supporters for the Performing Arts benefit concert, Park Village Playhouse, 900 Moraine Ave., 7:30 p.m., 481-9142, www.estesparktheater.com. June 23, 24: Juanita Heider and Jo Arnold performance in Riverside Rhythms, a free musical entertainment series in Riverside Plaza on East Riverside Drive just a half-block south of Elkhorn Ave., 3 p.m. June 25: Marimba Band, Performance Park, 7 p.m., 577-9900. June 27: Nature’s Forms exhibit opening and reception. The show features the highly imaginative photography of Del Hope and the lifelike bronze equine and other artful sculptures of Carol Cunningham. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 to 7 p.m., 586-5882. June 27-29: Saddlebred Horse Show. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 a.m. Free. June 27: Cool Night Cruz-In. Classic cars, 5 p.m. Estes Park Visitors Center parking lot, 500 Big Thompson Ave. See Calendar: page 70

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 69

Calendar Continued from page 69

June 28-29: Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Bond Park, Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.estesmidsummer.com. June 30: The Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Christie, performs. Adult tickets are $25 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Stanley Hotel Concert Hall, 333 W. Wonderview Ave, 586-9519.

July 2008 July 2: Estes Park Jazz Big Band under the direction of Chuck Varilek, Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave, free, 7 p.m., 577-9900. July 3-5: Arabian Horse Show competition between horses known for their intelligence, spirit, and stamina, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 a.m. Free, 577-9900. July 4: Holiday Pancake Breakfast benefit for Crossroads Ministry a nonprofit organization assisting people in need. Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 920 Big Thompson Ave., 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. July 4: Coolest Car Show of vintage vehicles from the 1920s and beyond. Close-up inspections costs: $4 per adult, $2 for children, free for those under 6, $10 for the whole family, or $2 for students. Bond Park in the center of downtown, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 586-6256. July 4: Estes Park Village Band Patriotic Concert under the direction of Chuck Varilek, Performance Park, 577-9900. July 4: Independence Day Fireworks over Lake Estes, 9:30 p.m. July 7: Colorado Music Festival Orchestra Patriotic Concert, a free presentation from the Estes Park Music Festival. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., 7 p.m., 586-9519. July 8-13: Rooftop Rodeo and Parade. The 2008 Rooftop Rodeo Parade at 10:30 a.m., July 8, Elkhorn Avenue, downtown. Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association athletes compete during evening performances. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. Nightly performances at 7:30 p.m., 577-9900. July 11: Legends and Lore II exhibit opening and reception for works from Estes Park’s artistic heritage. Includes a collection of rarely seen art, objects and photographs on loan. Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery, 423 W. Elkhorn Ave, 586-9203, www.estesarts.com. July 12: O’Brien Family Bluegrass Concert, Supporters for the N LOCAEW TION

Come Every Thursday June 5 through September 25 At Our NEW Location 1209 Manford Avenue Stanley Fair Grounds Open 8am - 12:30pm You can buy: • Fresh vegetables & tomatoes • Fresh bread & pastries • Flowers, plants & herbs • Cheese & honey • And so much more!

70 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

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Photo by Walt Hester

Independence Day Fireworks over Lake Estes.

Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. at Performance Park, www.estesparktheater.com. July 16: Dulcimer Orchestra, Performance Park, 7 p.m., 577-9900. July 17 – 20: Dressage Equestrian Event featuring riders and horses perform technical routines. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 a.m. Free, 577-9900. July 17: The Wigwam Teahouse Tour. Ken Jessen will lead a tour of the 1913 teahouse used for passing travelers. Tour begins at 9 a.m. and ends at approximately noon. Cost is $6 for members of the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation and $8 for non-members. Transportation from the Estes Park Museum is included. Call 586-6256 for reservations beginning May 1. Sponsored by the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation. July 18 -20: Top Hands Classic Team Penning, a competitive event consisting of three team mates who cut out and drive three head of assigned cattle to the pen. The fastest team wins, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 a.m. Free, 586-6104. July 18: Meet Martha Maxwell: Pioneer Naturalist. Linda Batlin presents the story of Martha Maxwell’s love of animals and the natural world. Nicknamed the “Colorado Huntress” in the mid-nineteenth century, she was Colorado’s first taxidermist and created displays now known as dioramas. Estes Park Museum, 7 p.m., 586-6256. July 19: A Cappella Men’s Quartet Recital. Christian music will be featured during this benefit for the Supporters of the Performing Arts efforts to construct a performing arts theater in Estes Park. 7:30 p.m., Hyde Chapel, Estes Park Center-YMCA of the Rockies. Donations will be accepted, 481-6142. July 19: The Incredible Circus Mat performs. Tickets: $5 per person or $15 for family. Performance Park, 7:30 p.m., www.estesparktheater.com. July 21: Colorado Music Festival Orchestra Concert from the orchestra whose home is the Boulder Chautauqua, sponsored by the Estes Park Music Festival. Tickets are $25 at the door, 7:30 pm, Stanley Hotel Concert Hall, 333 W. Wonderview Ave, 586-9519. July 23-24: Half-Penny Horse Show for the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 577-9900. www.chja.org. July 23: Otones Brass Band, Performance Park, 7 p.m., 577-9900. July 25-26: Copper Penny Horse Show for the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 577-9900, www.chja.org. July 25: Cool Night Cruz-In. Classics, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, kit cars -anything with an engine and four wheels on display. Listen to old-time

radio and admire the steel. 5 p.m. Free. Estes Park Visitors Center parking lot, 500 Big Thompson Ave, 577-9900. July 27: All-Gershwin Concert by the Estes Park Oratorio Society and Estes Park Chamber Orchestra, a benefit for the Supporters of the Performing Arts, www.estesparktheater.com. No admission fee, but a freewill offering will be accepted. Mountain View Bible Fellowship Church, Peak View and Hwy 7, 7:30 p.m., 586-9405. July 28: Colorado Music Festival Orchestra Concert sponsored by the Estes Park Music Festival. Tickets are $25 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Stanley Hotel Concert Hall, 333 W. Wonderview Ave, 586-9519. Jul 30-Aug 3: Hunter Jumper Horse Show Festival I. Competitions represent the hunter jumper disciplines. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park.

August 2008

Photo by Walt Hester

Heritage Festival, Aug. 23-24, features a petting zoo.

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Aug. 1–2: Relay for Life, an overnight, non-competitive, team event to raise funds and awareness to fight cancer combined with an event that honors cancer survivors. Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, from 6 p.m. Friday night to 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Estes Park High School Football Stadium, 1600 Brodie Ave, 586-4350. Aug. 2: Rocky Mountain National Park Pictorial History program and book-signing reception. Author Ken Jessen will give a slide presentation based on his new book. Sponsored by the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation and the Town of Estes Park. Estes Park Museum, 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 2-3: Ruckus in the Rockies-JRTCA Jack Russell Terrier Trials, a variety of sanctioned and non-sanctioned events. Free. 8 a.m. Stanley Park Ball Fields, 303-926-1251, www.rmjrtn.com. Aug. 6-10: Hunter Jumper Horse Show Festival II competitions. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave, 577-9900. Aug. 6: Acoustic Roots Trio, Performance Park, 7 p.m. Aug. 8: Watercolor-Here and There, exhibit opening and reception featuring an array of watercolors depicting images of flowers, landscapes and architecture by Pam England. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 to 7 p.m., 586-5882. Aug. 8: Prelude to Estes Park Plein Air 2008 exhibit opening and reception featuring a sampling of work by artists represented by the Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery in Estes Park Plein Air 2008. Noon to 5 p.m., 586-9203. www.estesarts.com. Aug 9: 7th Annual Estes Park Plein Air Painting the Parks. Artists from across the nation paint on-location. Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, 586-9203, 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue, www.estesarts.com. Aug. 14: Boulder County Ghost Town Tour, a tour of the towns of Salina, Wall Street, Sunset, Mont Alto Park and Gold Hill led by Keith Jessen. The tour begins at 7:30 a.m. and is expected to continue until approximately 5:30 p.m. Call the museum at 586-6256 for reservations after June 1. Sponsored by the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation. Aug. 15-17: Colorado Jr. Rodeo Association Finals, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 9 a.m., 577-9900. Aug. 16: Auto Extravaganza. The focus always is on a special model, but you’re likely to find any number of vintage autos on display. Free. Bond Park in the center of downtown, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 577-9900. Aug. 20-22: Rocky Mountain Gay Days. For more information, visit www.rockymountaingaydays.com. Aug. 21: Estes Park Plein Air “Paint Our Town.” Plein Air artists paint scenes along the Riverwalk and throughout the downtown area. Event sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 586-9203. Aug. 23: Estes Park Plein Air “Quick Draw” and Auction when artists paint live models (or any subject they can see from the plaza) in 90 minutes in Riverside Plaza in downtown Estes Park. 8:30 to 11 a.m, 586-9203. Aug. 23: Estes Park Plein Air Gala opening day festivities. Receptions and award presentations. Noon, 586-9203, www.estesarts.com. Aug. 23-24: Heritage Festival, a celebration of Estes Park’s history, includes storytelling, musical performances and exhibits. Bond Park in the center of downtown, 577-1903. Aug. 29: Capt. Jepp and the Little Black Book. Authors Flint Whitlock and Terry Barnhart tell the story of Elrey Jeppesen who began flying in the Roaring ‘20s. Free. Estes Park Museum, 7 p.m., 586-6256. Aug. 29: Cool Night Cruz-In. Classics, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, kit cars – anything with an engine and four wheels – are on display. Listen to old-time radio and admire the steel. 5 p.m. Estes Park Visitors Center parking lot, 500 Big Thompson Ave, 577-9900. Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Estes Park Alpaca Market featuring Alpaca spinning, weaving and knitting, with Alpacas on display and for sale. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, beginning at 9 a.m, 577-9900. See Calendar: page 74

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 71

Estes Park Dining, Food, Treats & Beverages The Baldpate Inn For the 91st year we welcome you to our historic lodge to experience for yourself our tradition of an unparalleled dining experience. As a specialty restaurant, we invite you to enjoy our award-winning Soup & Salad buffet with homemade breads and pies. At 9,000 ft. on the side of Twin Sisters mountain, our Sunporch Dining Room undeniably has the best view in the area. Daily 11:30 am – 8 pm. Reservations always recommended. 4900 S. Hwy 7, Estes Park. 980/586-KEYS (5397)

Casa Grande Casa Grande features a complete selection of traditional Mexican dishes at affordable prices. We serve dinner combinations, steak platters, hamburgers and fries. Our specialties are sizzling fajitas with choice of chicken, steak, shrimp or a combination. We have a children’s menu, senior menu and full bar menu. Relax on our streamside patio (Summer) and enjoy the best margaritas in town. Dine in our carry out. Open at 11 am, 220 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park. 970/577-0799.

Coffee on the Rocks “Where the coffee is as great as the views!” Marvel at the beautiful mountain views as you enjoy our organic free-trade coffee, tea, smoothies and other cold drinks. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with baked goods from the famous Schmidt’s bakery, “lunches-to-go”, panini sandwiches, salads, soup du jour, smothered burritos and more! Free Wi-Fi! Indoor/Outdoor seating (Lakeside or on the deck). Featuring local artists. Meeting room in back. Large flat-screen TV. Plenty of parking. Located on Hwy 36 on the way to RMNP, next to Red Rose Rock Shop & Dick’s Rock Museum. Open year-round. 510 Moraine Avenue. 970/586-5181.

Grandmaison’s Chalet Room at Marys Lake Lodge We offer world-class cuisine in an elegant ambiance. Award-winning Chef Marc Grandmaison has created an extraordinary menu offering a culinary tour of Europe, with specials from Lisbon, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, and Athens, as well as exquisite seafood, steaks, veal, lamb, and pasta, just to name a few. Vegetarian and vegan entrées are also extensive! Located just three miles from downtown Estes Park on Hwy 7. 2625 Marys Lake Road. 970/586-5958.

The Grubsteak We feature fantastic Burgers, Steaks, Buffalo Steaks and Elk Steaks. We also have Rocky Mountain Trout, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Buffalo Ribs, Pastas, Sandwiches and Salads. Home of the $3.99 Breakfast Special (two eggs, potatoes & toast.) Full breakfast menu in summer. Serving lunch and dinner year-round. Largest shaded patio, sunny pub room, and an Old West atmosphere. Take out available. Public parking lot in rear. 134 W. Elkhorn Avenue 970/586-8388.

Kind Coffee Kind Coffee is Estes Park’s exclusive organic coffee roaster, roasting daily on the West End of town. We offer two full-service espresso bars located on the East and West Ends of the River Walk featuring our fresh roasted coffees. Fruit smoothies, milkshakes, and frozen drinks are made to order! Fresh bagel sandwiches and breakfast items, lunch sandwiches to go, along with local baked goods and desserts round out our offerings. Pounds of fresh roasted coffee, t-shirts and mugs are great souvenirs and gift items! As a locally owned business and a member of 1% for the Planet, Kind Coffee is committed to both our community and our environment. KIND is what coffee should be.

DeLeo’s Park Theatre Cafe & Deli

Leah’s

Whether you’ve visited us in person before, heard about us by word of mouth, or learned about us from The Food Network, we’re delighted to have you here. You’re invited to stop in for some of the finest, mouthwatering Italian deli you’ve ever encountered. Sit inside with us or outside along the Fall River (weather permitting), or take a feast to go and head into Rocky Mountain National Park, which is just up the road. You will find us at the entrance to the Historic Park Theatre, the oldest continuously operating movie theater west of the Mississippi, and just a few steps from the exact center of downtown Estes Park. If you have an event happening in town, you can share great deli with your guests. Try our full-service World Class Catering! 132 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park. 970/577-2234

LEAH’s (formerly Spirits of the Rocks) is now featuring espresso coffee drinks and fine teas! We are located in “downtown” Glen Haven, just across from the “Inn of Glen Haven.” Come for a drink and shop in our fun gallery! We’re open daily 9 am to 6 pm. 970-586-3831, www.leahshop.com

Donut Haus

Longz—A Mountain Grill

Proudly serving handmade donuts and other baked goods for over 30 years. Come and enjoy an Estes Park tradition. We are locally owned and operated. Open Daily 6 am to 1 pm. 342 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park. 970/586-2988. www.donuthaus-estespark.com

Longz Family Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with Friday & Saturday dinner buffets and breakfast buffets on the weekends (every day in the summer). Longz Mountain Grill offers extended Colorado Regional Cuisine after 5 pm, and Longz Lounge has daily happy hour specials & an extensive martini menu. Located in Rocky Mountain Park Holiday Inn, 101 S. St. Vrain. 970/586-2332.

Dunraven Downtown We serve fresh, homemade Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown Estes. Dunraven Downtown has the feel of an open-air bistro with a warm, inviting dining room with hand-painted murals of the Italian countryside. Whether you feel like an in-house cut sirloin steak, shrimp scampi, or pasta favorites such as our famous lasagna or chicken primavera, we’ve got something you’ll love! We have an extensive wine list that compliments our menu. Save some room for our spumoni or tiramisu. There is a public parking lot conveniently located behind our restaurant. Dunraven Downtown is open for lunch every day at 11 am. We start serving dinner at 4 pm. 101 W. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park. 970/586-3818.

Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill An Irish Pub. The best in live music and entertainment. Great atmosphere, fun, food, and drink. Serving Appetizers, Burgers, Wings, Reubens, Fish & Chips, and other great tavern fare. Happy hour food & drink specials. Downtown at 110 West Elkhorn. 970-586-4346. www.lonigans.com.

Mama Rose’s Homemade Italian Taste. Traditional Italian food at its best, in a casually elegant atmosphere. Enjoy great wine, or relaxing beer in the dining room or seasonal riverside patio. A varied children’s menu is available for the little ones. Open daily at 4 pm for dinner. 338 E. Elkhorn Ave. (Barlow Plaza), Estes Park. 970/586-3330.

Sundeck Restaurant Serving the best food under the sun for the last 60 years. Known for our grilled fresh trout, steaks, chili rellenos and other excellent dishes. Reservations recommended for dinner. Non-smoking dining room. Full bar. Open mid-May to early October. Amex, Discover, Visa, MasterCard. 915 Moraine Ave. (2 miles west of downtown, at the junction of Hwy. 36, Mary’s Lake Road and High Drive.) 970/586-9832. www.sundeckrestaurant.com

The Tavern at Marys Lake Lodge We offer casual comfort and serve a hearty meal in a fun-filled atmosphere. The Tavern is the only establishment in the area to offer live entertainment SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK from May – October, and FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK from November – April. Located just three miles from downtown Estes Park on Hwy 7. 2625 Marys Lake Road. 970/5865958.

Trailhead Restaurant at Rocky Mountain Gateway (Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.) Relaxed dining nestled just outside the Park with spectacular views of mountain scenery. Visit us for either breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy either traditional menu favorites or our selections of wild game, Buffalo and Elk. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your dinner whether seated in our cozy dining room or at a table outside on the deck. Open daily 8:00 am – 9:00 pm seasonal. 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park. 970/577-0043.

Twin Owls Steakhouse at the Black Canyon Inn We have a warm candlelight feel accompanied by culinary skill and impeccable service that is unparalleled in the Estes Valley. We serve a variety of entrées from steaks and chops to pastas and seafood. 800 MacGregor Avenue (Devil’s Gulch Road). 970/586-9344.

Vega Come join us on our huge rooftop patio in the heart of downtown with views of Estes in every direction! If you prefer indoor dining you can sit in our bright, sunny dining room or relaxing full bar. Try a pitcher of one of our eight beers on tap, wine, or a refreshing sangria. Enjoy Spanishstyle tapas, pizza, salads, local fare such as trout and elk, and delicious grilled entrées. Vega opens every day at 11 am. See us on the rooftop at the Courtyard Shops, 205 Virginia Drive, Estes Park. 970/586-9494.

The View Restaurant at The Historic Crags Lodge Surround yourself in the rustic charm of this Historic Lodge that hosts views of the entire Estes Valley! The menu offers steak, fresh fish, pasta, and vegetarian entrées. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available to accompany your meal. Call for reservations. 300 Riverside Drive, Estes Park. 970/586-6066

The Wild Rose

“The Rome of the Rockies.” Estes Park’s most romantic restaurant featuring Italian cuisine, great steaks and wonderful seafood. Dinner served nightly at 5 pm. 2470 Colo. Hwy. 66, Estes Park. 970/5866409.

Pura Vida

Family Friendly with a Taste of Europe. The Wild Rose Restaurant, the Staff and Chefs have always felt to please their guests and make them comfortable. The Continental Cuisine with fresh Seafood. Hand-cut Steaks and homemade Sauces are a delight and rewarding for the palate. We open at 11 am and serve all day Lunch or Dinner (until 10 pm in the Summer Season). Please join us for a delightful meal and great selected Wines in our two Dining Rooms or enjoy the sunshine on the Patio. If you have special needs, please let us know and we will try our best to serve you. Old Church Shops, 157 W. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park. 970/586-2806.

Costa Rican Cuisine. Salads, Soups, Seafood, Steaks, Combination Plates. Plus a childrens’ menu and an American menu. 160 1st St., 970/586-3686.

Wine & Cheese

Estes Park Brewery

Schmidt’s Bakery & Delicatessen

Come for a free taste of our many beers. Open at 11:00 am daily. We have a wide variety of food along with pool tables, video games and TVs. Deck seating with views of Longs Peak. 470 Prospect Village Drive. 970/586-5421.

Quality and Fresh Coffee Cakes, Signature & Wedding Cakes, Tortes, Breads & Rolls, and Delicatessen. You can’t visit Estes without trying Schmidt’s! Located in Country Market at 900 Moraine Avenue. Open every day.

Poppy’s Pizza & Grill Imagine. Create. Eat. Soup, salad, sandwiches and pizza created as you want! Fun, casual dining area or seasonal riverside patio. Menus are available for kids 12 and under. Open daily at 11 am. 342 E. Elkhorn Avenue (Barlow Plaza), Estes Park. 970/586-8282.

Dunraven Inn

72 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Cheese is a wine bar and restaurant in downtown Estes Park. We are open 11 am to 9 pm every day (10 pm after Memorial Day) and feature beautiful platters of imported and local meats and cheeses as well as over 20 wines by the glass or tasting flight. 330 & 332 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park 80517. For reservations, please call 970/5866611.

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 73

S

Twin Sisters Peaks

Map by Tony J. Wedick

To Allenspark

Chasm Lake

Mt. Meeker

Longs Peak

Pagoda Mtn.

Lake Granby

7

Estes Cone

N

Lily Lake

Lily Mtn.

Sprague Lake

Glacier Gorge

Bear Lake

Mary’s Lake

Moraine Park Museum

Moraine Park

Fern Lake

7 Fish C reek R oad

36

ra ine Av e.

Mo

To Loveland

36

Prospect Mtn.

d Roa ake y’s L Mar

Beaver Meadows Entrance Station

Upper Beaver Meadows

Terra Tomah Mtn.

34

Lake Estes

ad Ro in a r V St. S.

Stones Peak

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

Cub Lake

To Boulder

66

Bighorn Flats

Hallowell Park

Bear Lake Shuttle Parking

Bierstadt Lake

Hallet Flattop McHenry’s Peak Thatchtop Peak Mtn.

Lily Lake Visitor Center

Chiefs Head

Grand Lake

Shadow Mountain Lake

k El

l ai

Estes Park

MacGregor Ave.

34

Fall River Visitor Center

Deer Mountain

Rd . ch R d.

Gu lch Gu l

vil’ s

Twin Owls

Bighorn Mountain

Mount Chiquita

Alpine Visitor Center

To Grand Lake

Lumpy Ridge

Fall River Entrance Station

ad Ro

Dry

De

Horseshoe Park

Hidden Valley

34

Tr

e dg Ri

Never Summer Mountains

To Glen Haven

Ypsilon Mountain

Rocky Mountain National Park &Estes Park

Av e. n ho r

rvi ew Wo nd e

F d Ol

rR oa d al lR iv e

Calendar Continued from page 71

September 2008

Photo by Walt Hester

The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival takes place from Sept. 4 to 7 at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park.

John McManamon

Shelley Doggett Owner/President

Bob Nelson

Sept. 4-7: Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival includes bagpiping, dancing, athletics, jousting and other competitions along with premier entertainment. Festival Grounds at Stanley Park, U.S. Hwy. 36 and Community Drive, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., www.scotfest.com. Sept. 6: Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival Parade, an hour-long parade down Elkhorn Avenue, downtown Estes Park, filled with the pomp and pageantry of the Scottish Festival highland bands, bagpipers and clans, 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11-14: 3rd Annual Estes Park Film Festival showcasing new independent feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the country. Park Theatre, 130 Moraine Ave, 231-2580, www.estesparkfilm.com. Sept. 12-14: Top Hands Classic Team Penning Event. The competitive event consists of three teammates who cut out and drive their three head of assigned cattle to the pen. The fastest team wins. Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 a.m, 586-6104. Sept. 13: Cheley Camp Tour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations necessary and will be accepted at the Estes Park Museum beginning Aug. 1. Inquire at the Estes Park Museum, 586-6256. Sept. 13-14: Autumn Art Walk and Studio Tour of galleries and artist studios throughout the area. Tour directories are available at the Cultural Arts Council at 423 W. Elkhorn Ave, visitors centers and participating artist studios, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 586-9203. Sept. 13-14: Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, featuring juried work in wearable art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, folk art, glass, wood, leather, metal, ceramics, oil, pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. Bond Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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74 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

Fill up both your car and yourself on your way into the Park!

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Sept. 19: Lines Into Shapes, exhibit opening and reception for the Art Center’s annual nationally juried exhibit and sale. All mediums are represented, with approximately 180 works of art. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 to 7 p.m., 586-5882, www.artcenterofestes.com. Sept. 20-21: Autumn Gold - A Festival of Bands, Brats ‘n Beer. Bond Park in the center of downtown Estes Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 577-9900. Sept. 20: Running of the Bulls, a 3.75-mile run/walk around Lake Estes to benefit Partners Mentoring Youth. Pre-registration fees are $20 per person and $15 per person on a team. Add $5 per person for race day registration. The run/walk starts and ends at the Lake Estes Marina 1770 Big Thompson Ave., Run/walk begins at 10 a.m, 577-9348. Register at www.active.com. Sept. 20-28: 13th Annual Colorado Yoga Journal Conference. More than 100 classes, all levels and styles taught by notables. Day passes are available for Friday and Saturday. A Yoga Marketplace featuring yoga products from all around the world; jewelry to clothes to mats and props, DVDs, books and more, is open free to the public. Estes Park Center-YMCA of the Rockies, 800-561-9398, www.yogajournal.com. Sept. 24-26: Rocky Mountain National Park Historic Lodges and Homesteads Tour of lodges and homesteads from the past in Rocky Mountain National Park. Tour begins at the Fall River Inn site, with visits to the Horseshoe Inn, the Hupp graves and homestead, and Sprague’s Resort in Moraine Park, $8 for members, $10 for non-members. Tickets available at the Estes Park Museum beginning Aug. 1. Estes Park Museum, 586-6256. Sept. 27-28: 3rd Annual Estes Park Studio Tour, annual art tour visiting artists in their private studios. Experience the art process in the artist’s habitat. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, 423 W. Elkhorn Avenue, 586-9203, www.estesarts.com. Sept. 29-30: Rocky Mountain Beagle Club Specialty Dog Show. Events will include obedience, agility, rally, and conformation judging. Vendors will have dog-related items for sale and the event is open to the general public. Only dogs participating in the show will be allowed on the show grounds. Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St., Vrain Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 303-280-2216, www.nbcspecialtyshow.com. See Calendar: page 76

Photo by Walt Hester

Rodney Yee teaching a class at the 2007 Colorado Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park.

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2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 75

Calendar Continued from page 75

October 2008

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Oct. 1-31: Elktober the month when area elk provide daily sights and sounds while in their peak mating season, Rocky Mountain National Park, 577-9900. Oct. 1-3: National Beagle Club of America Specialty Dog Show featuring competitions in obedience, agility, rally, and conformation judging. Vendors will have dog-related items for sale, and the event is open to the general public. Only dogs participating in the show will be allowed on the show grounds. Estes Park Conference Center. 201 S. St. Vrain Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. 303-280-2216, www.nbcspecialtyshow.com. Oct. 3: The Playground Trail: To and Through the National Parks of the West, a slide-illustrated program by authors Lee and Jane Whiteley based on their book, “The Playground Trail.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. program. Sponsored by the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation, Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth St., 586-6256. Oct. 4-5: Elk Fest, a celebration of all things Wapiti, the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park its home. Activities include seminars, bugling contests, elk tours, a Mountain Man encampment, Native American music and dancing, and edible products from elk. Bond Park in the center of downtown Estes Park. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 577-9900, estesparkcvb.com/events. Oct. 10: Enchanting Wearable Art exhibit opening and reception with whimsical, wire wrap/bead and fossil jewelry by Alice League and the colorful creations of life-long fiber and knitwear artist Janice Kay. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 to 7 p.m., 586-5882. Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25: Scary Wagon Rides at Aspen Lodge, 6120 Hwy. 7. Ghosts, goblins and a headless horseman thrill riders with their antics. A wagon is pulled by Belgian draft horses. Call for times and fees at 586-8133. Oct. 11-12: Surprise Sidewalk Sale where the surprise is what you’ll find. Merchants set up tables on the sidewalks and offer special pricing on many items indoors as well. Downtown Estes Park. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17: Collecting Art from Estes Park: The Howard and Sue Houston

555 Prospect Ave. Estes Park • Monday-Friday, 8 to 5; Saturday, 9 to 12

Same Day Appointments For Urgent Care

Photo by Walt Hester

The Catch the Glow celebration and evening parade kicks off the holiday season in Estes Park on Nov. 28.

Collection exhibit opening and reception (5 to 7 p.m.). The exhibit explores some of Estes Park’s top rated artists in all media, with examples from the Houston Private Collection. Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth St., Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 to 5 pm, 586-6256. www.estesnet.com/museum.

November 2008 Nov 2: Rocky Mountain Romance Bridal and Fashion Show sponsored by The Estes Park Wedding Association. The show includes vendor booths, a fashion show and groom-to-be lounge. Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St. Vrain Ave., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 586-6151. Nov. 7-9, 14-25: “Bye Bye Birdie,” 1960 Tony award theater production by the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies. Hempel Auditorium at YMCA of the Rockies. Curtain Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. $14 Adults; $8 ages 18 and under for tickets purchased at the door, 586-9203. Nov. 21: Nature’s Tranquility exhibit opening and reception featuring Mel Wilson’s wildlife and nature photography of Rocky Mountain National Park and photographs of many other locations throughout America. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 to 7 p.m., 586-5882. Nov. 28: Catch the Glow celebration and evening parade kicks off the holiday season. Visits with Santa, hayrides, pony rides, carolers, costumed characters and an early-evening lighted parade. All activities are free. Downtown Estes Park. Activities begin at noon; the parade starts at 5:30 p.m., 577-9900. Nov. 28: Holiday Art Walk, a self-guided tour of the galleries and artist studios throughout the area. Tour maps are available at the Cultural Arts Council at 423 W. Elkhorn Ave., Visitors Centers and participating artist studios. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 586-9203, wwwestesarts.com. Nov. 29: Holiday House Christmas Bazaar, an annual bazaar filled with homemade baked goods and crafts, clothing, holiday gifts, raffles, a silent auction with donated items from downtown merchants and more. Admission is $1 at the door. Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St. Vrain Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 586-7205.

December 2008

Pictured left to right: Dr. Dumont, Dr.Woodard, Dr. Beesley, Dr.Van der Werf, Dr. Lampey, Dr. Koschnitzke, and Dr. Barry

The Family Medical Clinic, at Estes Park Medical Center, offers the most complete scope of health care services available in the Estes Valley Scott D. Woodard, M.D. Board Certified General Surgery Patrick Barry, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine

Martin Koschnitzke, M.D. Board Certified Obstetrics & Gynecology Richard Beesley, M.D. Board Certified Pediatrics

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Frank Dumont, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine

Guy P. Van der Werf, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine Astrid Lampey, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine & Obstetrics

Dec. 6: Holiday Home Tour, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From quaint to luxurious and full log homes to condos, the annual tour of homes in the Estes Park area showcases unique mountain abodes decked out in holiday finery. Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 on the day of the tour. Tickets and maps are available at the Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., 5779900. Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21: Sleigh Bells Ring Christmas Tradition Weekend. Holiday Tree Sales and Horse Drawn Sleigh/Wagon Rides. Reservations required. Aspen Lodge Ranch Resort, 6120 Hwy 7, 586-8133, www.aspenlodge.net. Dec. 12: A Celtic Christmas II. The Muses entertain with old songs performed as part of a Celtic repertoire. Location to be determined. 7 p.m., call 586-9203 for ticket information. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, 586-9203, wwwestesarts.com. Dec.13: Estes Park Music Festival Fantasy Ball, 586-9519, www.estesparkmusicfestival.com.

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Photo by Walt Hester

Hikers photograph the scenery at Dream Lake in May, just as high country lakes are beginning to shed their ice.

Time to hit the trail You know you’ve been somewhere when your dogs start to bark By Mike Oatley

There are two ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park: the comfortable way (through the windshield), or the hard way — on foot. In style and comfort, or by sweating for solitude, your call. Okay, the Park is a little more accommodating than that. Not every outing has to be a test of endurance or turn into a death march. But it does seem as if hundreds of thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park come to the Park and never get out of sight of their cars. The result is that, in truth, finding a little peace and quiet in one of our most heavily visited national parks is a lot easier than the annual visitor count would lead you to believe. And the farther you are willing to walk, more of that solitude you can find. You’ll know you’ve been someplace special when you are back at the trailhead feeling like you don’t have another 100 feet in you. All in all, the Park strings together more then 350 miles of trails and boasts numerous backcountry campsites. That’s in addition to 585 campsites in five drive-in campgrounds at one end of the comfort meter (Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Moraine Park, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek, with group camping sites at Glacier Basin) and designated off-trail travel areas at the other. Excellent commercial maps of the Park are available, and useful not only 78 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

in figuring out where to go but also in identifying features of the landscape around you. The primary jumping-off points for day hikes, including ascents of Longs Peak during the short non-technical season on the Front Range’s preeminent 14er, on the east side of the Park include the Wild Basin ranger’s station, the Longs Peak campground area, Bear Lake, Horseshoe Park. Day hikers need to be as aware of the threats the mountains can pose as backcountry travelers need to be. But for all of the questions about bears and mountain lions, it’s the weather that poses the greatest threat to anyone traveling in the mountains. In the late summer, you can almost set your watch by the lightning-riven thunderstorms that crop up off the Continental Divide and push eastward. Of course, getting off exposed ridges by early afternoon to avoid lightning is a very good idea, but just as important is planning to stay dry when the rain comes. Afternoon thunderstorms, sometimes bearing hail, can send temperatures plummeting. Cold and wet is a bad combination when you find yourself three miles from the trailhead. A rain jacket is as important as sunscreen and a sturdy pair of hiking boots when heading out for a day on the trail. As is drinking water. Hikers should assume all surface water is contaminated with one nasty critter or another, and either carry sufficient water or

carry a suitable filter. Dehydration headaches ruin plenty of otherwise fine days in the Park for many people each summer. Backcountry travelers who will stay overnight need to acquire a permit from the backcountry office at the Park’s Estes Park headquarters or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at the Park’s western entrance, and reservations at backcountry campsites can be made as early as March 1 each year.

Horseback There are places a person just can’t reasonably go on foot in a single day, and another way to see the high country is on horseback. Estes Park has a number of outfitters that lead trail rides into the Park. Traveling on horseback in the mountains is a fantastic way to travel, and with your eyes lifted three or four feet higher off the ground, the landscape around you opens up in surprising ways, revealing distant ridges that might go unnoticed. But keep in mind that if you have never ridden before, you’re likely to get out of the saddle at the end of the day as beat up as if you had covered the same ground on foot.

A Permanent Vacation

A Permanent Vacation

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A Permanent Vacation

“Call us!” You love your vacations in Estes Park. Have you ever dreamed of owning your own cabin, second home, or vacation condo here? Something in the wide variety of properties here would fit your needs. There are cabins, homes and condominiums of all shapes and sizes, each as unique as you. Some investment properties have onsite property management to rent your vacation property when you are not using it. Call us! We’ll help you make that dream come true!

TWO UNIQUE PERSONALITIES. ONE POWERFUL TEAM. Photo by Walt Hester

A camper on Longs Peak gets his morning sustenance before heading for the summit.

Lois Bailard GRI

Doug Bailard GRI

Broker Associate

Broker Associate Cell 970-231-5878

Cell 970-227-0495 www.LoisBailard.com

[email protected]

Rocky Mountain, REALTORS® Upper Stanley Village

www.DougBailard.com

[email protected]

2008 Trail Vacation Edition — 79

Index to Advertisers

Aerial Tramway .............................................................................61 Alpine Accents...............................................................................47 American Wilderness Tours..........................................................12 Aspen Brook Vacation Homes ......................................................18 Bella Creations..............................................................................71 Big O Tires...........................................................Inside Back Cover Big Thompson Indian Village.......................................................35 Black Mountain Traders ...............................................................23 Bob’s Towing & Repair .................................................................30 Boulder Valley Credit Union.........................................................69 Brownfields Trading Post ...............................................................5 Canyonlands Indian Arts ..............................................................79 Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant ................................................65 Coldwell Banker/Estes Village Properties .......Outside Back Cover Cowpoke Corner Corral................................................................35 DeLeo’s Deli ....................................................................................8 Donut Haus...................................................................................36 Doug & Lois Bailard/Prudential...................................................79 Eagle Plume’s ..........................................................39, 40, 41 & 42 Estes Park Good Samaritan Village .............................................67 Estes Park Laundracenters...........................................................57 Estes Park Medical Center............................................................59 Estes Park Mountain Shop...........................................................20 Estes Park Rent All .......................................................................22 Estes Park Trail-Gazette ..............................................................77 Family Medical Clinic...................................................................76 Farmers Market ............................................................................70 Fine Arts Guild................................................................................6 Food Listings ................................................................................73 Fun City ........................................................................................10 Glassworks ....................................................................................19 Gwynne’s Greenhouse ..................................................................49 Insurance Associates.....................................................................74 Jackson Stables .............................................................................58 Jay Harroff/Prudential ..................................................................52 John Denver Tribute Concert/Lions Club......................................8 Kind Coffee......................................................................................6 Leah’s.............................................................................................24 Lithium ...........................................................................................7 Longs Peak Summit Club ............................................................53 Lonigans Saloon, Nightclub and Grill .........................................56 Macdonald Bookshop......................................................................3 Mary’s Lake Lodge ........................................................................21 Med X ............................................................................................75 Misty Mountain Lodge..................................................................45 Mountain Paradise Real Estate ....................................................46 National Park Players ...................................................................31 National Park Village ....................................................................17 Old Church Shops ........................................................................51 Omnibus........................................................................................75 Outdoor World/RMC .....................................................................34 Photos by Sandi ............................................................................11 Plum Creek Shoes/Merrell Footwear................Inside Front Cover Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors...........................................13 Rambo’s Longhorn Liquor Mart ..................................................11 Range Property Management.......................................................12 Re/Max Mountain Brokers ................................................63 Red Rose Rock Shop.....................................................................10 Rocky Mountain Gateway.............................................................23 Rocky Mountain Health Club.......................................................47 Rocky Mountain Lifestyle Realty..................................................33 Rocky Mountain Nature Association..............................................9 Rocky Ridge Music Center ...........................................................34 Rustic Mountain Charm...............................................................63 Schmidt’s Bakery ............................................................................3 Serendipity ....................................................................................22 Snowy Peaks Winery.....................................................................55 T.W. Beck Architechture ...............................................................25 The White Lion .............................................................................46 Tiny Town Shell ............................................................................74 Tom Adams/Prudential .................................................................27 True Value .....................................................................................66 Twisted Pine ..................................................................................26 Village Goldsmith ...........................................................................4 Wine & Cheese..............................................................................15 Wool Basket ..................................................................................48 YMCA of the Rockies ....................................................................36

80 — 2008 Trail Vacation Edition

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“Thanks to you, we were able to accomplish our long-time dream of having a get-away in beautiful Estes Park. We highly recommend Coldwell Banker Estes Village Properties. You skillfully took care of all the details and made it a very enjoyable process.” J. & B. Wall—Estes Park, CO and Colorado Springs, CO

“I can tell you without hesitation that moving to Estes Park and working with Coldwell Banker Estes Village Properties are two of the best things that have happened to us. We were always treated like friends, rather than just clients.” C. & C. Hillerson, Estes Park, CO

“They helped us find exactly the home we wanted for retirement. Their service is anchored in professionalism and integrity, with a genuine friendliness that continues after the transaction.” D. & J. Britton—Estes Park, CO

“When I was transferred to Estes as an employee of the National Park, they told us to talk with Coldwell Banker Estes Village Properties. Now we know why. They were excellent. No question, we’ll recommend them to our friends.” T. & N. Greer—Estes Park, CO

There’s almost always a way. Whether it’s buying a retirement home now and renting it to generate income until you’re ready to move in, or finding the perfect retreat to move into right away, we’re experts at helping you explore every option. Stop by or give us a call and let us help you find your perfect get-away, too.

Randy Good Broker Assoc.

Marcia Duell Broker Assoc., GRI

Vicky Holler Broker, CRS, GRI

Dave Kiser Broker Assoc.

Mary Murphy Wayne Newsom Scott Thompson Broker Assoc. Broker Assoc., Broker Assoc. CRS, GRI GRI

Janice Harrigan Administrative Assistant

ESTES VILLAGE PROPERTIES, LTD. Where the Estes Valley has been coming for real estate solutions since 1985.

970-586-4425 Denver Metro: (303) 442-2762 / 1-800-726-1405

320 East Elkhorn P.O. Box 4130, Estes Park, CO 80517 www.estesparkrealestate.com Each office is independently owned and operated. ©2008 CBEVP