2010 Vacation Guide Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park
Vacation Edition
& Dining Guide
Inside!
Estes Park
© Copyright 2010 Estes Park Trail-Gazette · Estes Park, Colorado

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Vacation Edition
In this issue: Golf......................................Page
Scots Fest ..........................Page
35
37
Publisher Visitor Center........................Page 2 Knapps Knob......................Page 38
Bill Ferguson RMNP....................................Page 3 Observatory.........................Page 39
Winter Festival......................Page 7 Dog Park.............................Page 42
Vacation Edition Editor Shuttle Service .....................Page 8 Place Names ......................Page 43
John Cordsen Overlook Hike.......................Page 9 Back Country......................Page 46
Rooftop Rodeo...................Page 10 Summer Events ..................Page 48
Contributing Writers and Butterfly...............................Page 11 Fishing .................................Page 50
Photographers Trail Ridge...........................Page 12 Climbs .................................Page 52
Walt Hester Shining Mountains..............Page 14 Cub Lake ............................Page 53
Juley Harvey Planning ..............................Page 54
Mid Summer Festival.........Page 18
Madeline Framson
Wild Flowers.......................Page 19 Day Trips.............................Page 56
Lisa Foster
Wildlife.................................Page 22 In Focus..............................Page 58
Marina .................................Page 25 Horse Shows ......................Page 61
Advertising Staff
Mike O'Flaherty Birds ....................................Page 27 Advertising Index................Page 64
Karen Anderson Town Trails..........................Page 30
Bookkeeper
Leslie Dawson
Circulation Manager
Debbie Holmes
Press Liaison
Ron McFate
Single Copy Distribution

Jerry Kartawidjaja
The Vacation Edition is an annual

publication of the Estes Park
Trail-Gazette, a twice-weekly
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) 2010
On the Cover: Aspen line Bear

Lake. Longs Peak and the
Keyboard of Winds can be seen
in the background.
Page 1: A sandstone marker on

Hwy. 36 welcomes visitors to
Estes Park.
First Stop
Special to the Trail-Gazette The Estes Park Visitor Center eat and stay in the Estes Park area.
T
They provide answers to common
he majestic scenery of Rocky Special events in Estes Park and Located at the intersection of U.S. questions like "where's a good place
Mountain National Park summer-long free outdoor enter- Highways 34 and 36, the Center for me to hike?" to more uncommon
combined with the home town tainment are set amidst the back- provides information about every questions that deal with everything
hospitality of Estes Park transforms drop of Rocky Mountain National business in Estes Park and things to from genealogy to botanical knowl-
a trip to the Colorado Rockies into a Park. Hear folk musicians entertain, do in the area. edge. Staff provides additional
dream vacation in a corner of paradise. listen to a string quartet perform, or When it comes to providing com- expertise in planning group gather-
Whether coming for a day, a week, or tap your toes to a big band play- plete visitor services, the one com- ings from weddings and reunions to
more, visiting this eastern gateway ing favorites. Beginning with Jazz ponent of excellence that sets Estes business meetings.
community to Rocky Mountain Fest held each May and continuing Park apart from other areas is the The Estes Park Visitor Center is
National Park, Estes Park, at 7,522 through the holiday season's "Catch contingent of about 65 volunteers open daily except New Years Day,
feet above sea level is an experience the Glow' Christmas celebration, who donate their expertise and time Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
you'll remember forever. there are special events in Estes Park to helping visitors have an outstand-
With world class hiking and climb- that will keep you coming back for ing vacation experience in this area. Visitor Center Summer Hours
ing, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, more. Individual Ambassadors work • 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
wildlife watching, galleries, unique Here, you can be adventurous all on a rotating basis at the informa- • Location: 500 Big Thompson
shopping, an array of dining choic- on your own. But when you want tion desk in the Visitor Center daily Ave. at the intersection of U.S. High-
es, options in lodging to meet every advice or assistance, the Estes Park during the summer season and on ways 34 and 36.
taste, and Rocky Mountain National Visitor Center, operated by the weekends from October through late • Telephone: 970-577-9900 or
Park out the back door, there's Estes Park Convention and Visitors May. Ambassadors answer questions 800-44-ESTES
something in Estes Park just for you. Bureau, is a perfect place to stop. about where to hike, drive, shop, • Website: www.EstesParkCVB.com
2 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

The Jewel of the Rockies
RMNP's popularity attracts millions
Trail-Gazette obtained at any of the RMNP visitor cen-
R
ters. For general information call RMNP
ocky Mountain National Park HQ (the park's Information office) at
(RMNP) offers 415 square miles (970) 586-1206 or visit the park's official
of dynamic landscape featur- website www.nps.gov/romo.
ing lowland meadows, numerous lakes
and rivers, aspen and subalpine forests, Visitor Centers
(alpine tundra) and towering mountain RMNP has four visitor centers where
peaks. Over 250,000 acres of backcoun- guests can see nature exhibits, purchase
try in the park were granted wilderness RMNP books, buy gifts , view topo-
area status early in 2009 with the passage graphical maps of the park, and ask the
of the Omnibus Public Land Manage- park rangers questions. Restrooms are
ment Act of 2009. This culminated a available at the centers.
process that began in 1974 when wilder-
ness recommendation for the park was Alpine Visitor Center
made by the National Park Service under Located at Fall River Pass at the junc-
President Nixon. tion of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River
All of these aspects of RMNP create an roads the Alpine Visitor Center is open
unparalleled outdoor playground where depending on weather and Trail Ridge
the possibilities are endless. Visitors hike Road conditions. It is closed in the
its 360 miles of trails, watch herds of elk, winter.
fish for trout in its many streams and
lakes, camp underneath its vast starry Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
mountain skies or climb its epic granite Located on U.S. Hwy. 36, three miles
rock walls. from the town of Estes Park.
Nearly three million people visit
Photo by Walt Hester RMNP each year, making it one of the Fall River Visitor Center
most popular national parks in the Located on U.S. Hwy. 34, five miles
Longs Peak is an iconic landmark in Rocky Mountain National Park. country. Maps and brochures can be See Rocky: Page 4
CELEBRATING Opening Day
55
May 29, 2010
YEARS
PRODUCTS
• Digital Cameras
• Lenses
• Memory Cards We are a full-
service camera
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of products for
SERVICES
professional &
• CD/DVD Transfers
• Digital Photo
amateur
photographers. AERIAL TRAMWAY
Printing
101 West • PICNIC AREAS • HIKING TRAILS
OUR • Enlargements
GET Y S
PHO O ED
T • Vacation Elkhorn • COFFEE SHOP • GIFT SHOPS
ESS
PROC RE
B E F O Photo Books Avenue Open 9 a.m. Daily
YO U L EA VE! • Souvenir Mats Estes Park Ride to the top of Prospect Mountain
• Much more.. View Rocky Mountain National Park, the Continental Divide and Longs Peak!
586-8522 420 E. Riverside Dr. • Estes Park • 586-3675
On the corner of Moraine and Elkhorn www.estestram.com
(Children under 5 ride FREE with Parent)
9am to 7pm daily • www.western1-hourphoto.com
. 2010 Trail Vacation Edition — 3
Rocky from page 3
west of the town of Estes Park, near the
Fall River Entrance to the Park.
Kawuneeche Visitor Center

Located one mile north of the town of
Grand Lake on U.S. Hwy. 34 at the west
entrance to the park
Fees and Passes

The elk herd is a Automobile: $20 — Valid for seven
popular tourist draw consecutive days, including date of
in Rocky Mountain purchase.
National Park. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and
mopeds: $10 per person, not to exceed
Photo by Walt Hester $20 per vehicle. Valid for seven consecu-
tive days including date of purchase.
Available at all Rocky Mountain National
Park entrance stations.
Rocky Mountain National Park An-
nual Pass — A $40 pass which provides
unlimited entry to this park for one year
from the date of purchase. Available
The animals that at all Rocky Mountain National Park
live in RMNP entrance stations or with a credit card at
970-586-1438.
are wild. Park Rocky Mountain National Park/
visitors could Arapaho National Recreation Area An-
potentially pose nual Pass — A $50 pass which provides
unlimited entry to to both areas for one
a threat to their year from the date of purchase. Avail-
natural habitat, able at all Rocky Mountain National Park
and Arapaho National Recreation Area
and in turn the entrance stations.
animals could The National Park Service is a partici-
pant in the new Interagency Pass Pro-
harm visitors. To gram, which was created by the Federal
avoid conflict, Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and
do not feed any authorized by Congress in December
2004. The America the Beautiful - Na-
wildlife in the tional Parks and Federal Recreational
park because Lands Pass — A $80 pass created by the
Federal Lands Recreation Enhance-
they can become ment Act provides access to, and use of
dependent on federal recreation sites managed by the
National Park Service, U.S. Department
human food, of Agriculture — Forest Service, Fish
lose the ability and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land
to hunt, and Management and Bureau of Reclama-
tion that charge an entrance or standard
possibly die. amenity fee for a year, beginning from
the date of sale.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in designated areas
in the Park. A valid fishing license is
required. Some areas are catch-and-
See Rocky: Page 6
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Rocky from page 4
Photo by Walt Hester
Bighorn sheep are among the many Photo by Walt Hester

species of wildlife to call Rocky
Mountain National Park home. A visitor looks for just the right angle for a shot of the Mummy Range from Many Parks Curve on Trail Ridge Road.
release some are catch-and-keep. Obtain the fabled Longs Peak are also available avoid conflict, do not feed any wildlife in meadow areas. A leashed pet may be
a fishing brochure at any visitor center. for hikers. For a comprehensive analysis the park because they can become de- walked in campgrounds, picnic areas,
however, regulations vary from place to of the many hikes and climbs that RMNP pendent on human food, lose the ability and along roadsides. Never leave your
place. Observe postings carefully. has to offer speak with rangers at any to hunt, and possibly die.
pet unattended in a vehicle. Kennels are
park visitor center to learn more about Animals can also kick, bite, or gore
Hunting the park's trails and investigate the you. They can also carry diseases such as available in Estes Park and other sur-
Not allowed in RMNP. numerous hiking guides available in visi- rabies and bubonic plague, which can be rounding communities.
tor center bookstores and retail outlets transmitted to humans.
Hiking throughout the area. Photograph all wildlife from the safety Leave No Trace
Getting out of your car and hiking of your vehicle or from the roadside. In order to preserve the pristine
the 360 miles of trails is the best way to Wildlife Never approach wildlife. Enjoy from a
beauty of RMNP's natural landscape it
explore RMNP. Popular trails range from The animals that live in RMNP are safe distance.
the easy and handicapped accessible wild. Park visitors could potentially pose is important for visitors to adhere to the
paths around Bear Lake, Lily Lake, and a threat to their natural habitat, and in Pets Leave No Trace outdoor principles. For
Sprague Lake. More ambitious climbs up turn the animals could harm visitors. To Pets are not allowed on any trails or more information, contact www.lnt.org.
swimming - tennis - boat rentals - bike rentals - 9 hole golf - 18 hole golf - skate park - playgrounds - picnics
Contact Info:
Lake Estes Marina - 970.586.2011

Aquatic Center - 970.586.2340
The Estes Valley Recreation and 9-hole golf - 970.586.8176
18 hole golf - 970.586.8146
Park District offers a wide range of Driving Range/Full Service Restaurant - 970.586.8146
activities as well as picnic areas and Recreation District Office - 970.586.8191
parks. Come join us for some indoor Visit us online at www.estesvalleyrecreation.com
and outdoor fun!

Visitors pack the Winter
Fest tent in Bond Park.
Mild weather, flavorful
chili and local beer and
wine seemed to be the
Winter Fest: aFirstnew tradition
annual fest held in January
perfect weekend storm
for the Winter Fest. By Walt Hester
Trail-Gazette
E stes Park saw the beginning of what should be a long winter

tradition in January 2010. The first Winter Festival kicked off on
a Friday with beer and wine tasting, chili cook-offs and activities
all over town and in the national park.
The center of the weekend fun was the heated big tent in Bond Park.
Saturday saw a crush of chili enthusiasts for the cook-off sanctioned
by the Chili Appreciation Society International. Chili cooks from all
over Colorado came to compete in the red and green chili categories.
On Sunday, local restaurants were invited to show what they could
do with a chili pot. If the chili was too hot, local and regional beer and
wine makers were also on hand. Several acts entertained the crowds, as
they circulated the tent on both Saturday and Sunday. Outside the tent,
children were entertained by snow painting, games, a scavenger hunt
and the whole family had the chance to enjoy carriage rides.
Here is a small sample of images from the first Winter Festival.
Kirsten Greenwalt and

mom, Kelly, pet the
horses of the Tender
Grass Carriages at the
2010 Winter Fest. The
festival offered carriage
rides, photo tours,
activities at both the
Aquatic Center and the
observatory, on top of
the food and drink in
Bond Park.
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1200 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-5324 • 1-800-827-8780 (24 Hours)
Realtors: Peggy Lynch • Helene Ault • Greg Falconer • George Leonard
Do the Estes Park shuffle
use the shopper shuttle
Service begins in June
Fall River Visitor Center
Shuttle leaves the Visitor Center every half hour between

10am and 6:30pm and then again at 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
McGregor Mountain Lodge
Estes Park Condos
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Grumpy Grin
Timber Creek Chalets
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Rocky Mountain Traders
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Nicky’s Resort
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Stonebrook Resort
4 Seasons on Fall River
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Worldmark
Rocky Mountain Traders

Mrs. Walsh’s Garden
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Shuttle leaves the Visitor Center
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every half hour between 10am and

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7pm and then again at 8pm.

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Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
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Rockmont Cottages
Estes Park Campground
Glacier Lodge
YMCA
Mary’s Lake Campground
Mary’s Lake Lodge
Shopper shuttles begin their route of the day leave the Estes Park Visitor
Center at 10 a.m.; shuttles travel each
a.m.; last shuttle leaves the Estes Park
Visitors Center at 7 p.m. and completes
at the Visitor Center route every half hour until 7 p.m. From
7— 9 p.m., only one shuttle bus will
the route by 8 p.m.
service both routes, alternating between For more information on Free Visitor
Trail-Gazette and by the time of day. Please check the blue and red routes. The shuttle Shuttles, call (970) 577-9900.
F
connecting times, so you don't miss the leaves the Visitor Center to travel the
ree shuttles from the Estes Park bus. blue route at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.; the
Visitor Center to nearly 40 stops shuttle leaves the Visitor Center to travel
in Estes Park begin operating June Dates of operation: Daily June 26 the red route at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
26. Riders may get on or off the shuttles through Aug. 29; then Sept. 4-6
at any stop designated on the map. Brown Route: First shuttle of the day
Operating times vary for each shuttle Red and Blue Routes: First shuttles leaves the Estes Park Visitor Center at 10
Hike to Emerald Lake Overlook on
the Flattop Mountain Trail
Lisa Foster courtesy photo
Quinn Brett and Karla Mosier Dubois enjoy the far-reaching views from the Emerald Lake Overlook.
By Lisa Foster The trail continues and climbs through

Trail-Gazette stunted trees near timberline. Above
Grandiose views of the EMERALD LAKE OVERLOOK
T
treeline, the terrain changes to open,
he Emerald Lake Overlook is a Trailhead: Bear Lake rocky tundra. The trail leads along
point on the popular Flattop
striking north face of Hallett Distance From Trailhead sweeping switchbacks and reaches the
Mountain Trail that offers a Peak, McHenry's Notch, and (One Way): 2.5 Miles northern rim of Tyndall Gorge at the
dizzying view of one of Rocky Mountain Emerald Lake Overlook.
National Park's most beautiful alpine Longs Peak, as well as the Altitude:11,350 feet Grandiose views of the striking north
tarns. The overlook also provides Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet face of Hallett Peak, McHenry's Notch,
remarkable vistas of Longs Peak and impressive view of Emerald and Longs Peak, as well as the impressive
Rating: Strenuous
the other striking mountains that form
the central area of RMNP. Emerald
Lake below highlight this view of Emerald Lake below highlight this
gorgeous spot.
Lake lies a stunning 1,250 vertical feet gorgeous spot. The steep drop from the trail down to
below the overlook, nestled in a rocky the bottom of Tyndall Gorge lends a sense
amphitheater at the eastern edge of of vertigo to the scene and illustrates the
beautiful Tyndall Gorge. immensity the surrounding landscape.
Bear Lake, offering spectacular views of From this point, the Flattop Mountain
The hike Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak. Continue Trail continues to zigzag westward
The trailhead The Flattop Mountain Trail is one of west on the Flattop Mountain Trail for through rocky tundra, providing
The trailhead at Bear Lake lies at 9,450 the most popular trails in RMNP. This 0.5 mile to the junction with the Fern- incredible views of the surrounding
feet and provides access to the Flattop well-maintained trail leads to both Odessa Trail. All of these junctions are mountains and valleys, to the relatively
Mountain Trail. Dream Lake Overlook and Emerald well marked with National Park Service flat area of Flattop Mountain's summit.
From the RMNP Beaver Meadows Lake Overlook before continuing on to signs.
Visitor Center on US 36, drive west majestic Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) Turn south (left) at the fork, following Lisa is the author of the highly acclaimed
for 1.1 miles to the Beaver Meadows and then to the Continental Divide. the Flattop Mountain Trail as it climbs
Entrance Station. Pass the kiosk and book, Rocky Mountain National Park, The
From Bear Lake, follow the Flattop through the forest at a moderate grade
continue for 0.2 mile to Bear Lake Road. Mountain Trail for 0.4 mile to the to Dream Lake overlook. Located in the Complete Hiking Guide, available at stores
Turn south (left) and drive for 9.2 miles junction with the trail to Bierstadt Lake. crook of a switchback along the trail, throughout Estes Park, and on the internet
to the huge Bear Lake parking lot. Bear Turn west (left) and climb along the this viewpoint gives a birds-eye view of at Amazon.com. Contact her at lisahikes@
Lake and the trailhead lie 100 yards west Flattop Mountain Trail as it rises above Dream Lake, hundreds of feet below. hotmail.com.
of the lot.
Photos by Walt Hester
Rooftop Rodeo: one of the best
T he 84th edition of the Rooftop

Rodeo kicks off July 6-11 in Estes
Park at the newly renovated
grandstands. Including the 2009 season,
the rodeo has won the Professional
Rodeo Cowboys Association nod as the
best small rodeo of the year four out of
the past seven years.
Walt Hester , Trail-Gazette

Butterfly project helps
biodiversity Compiled by Juley Harvey and on a weekly basis along transects in
Jan Kilgore various park habitats and has identified
Trail-Gazette 125 butterfly species in the park.
R
Biologists believe that trends in butterfly
ocky Mountain National Park populations may provide early warning
protects some of Colorado's of the impacts of global warming on the
highest mountains and most park's flora and fauna.
biologically rich mountain forest, The Rocky Mountain National Park
meadow and tundra habitats in its Butterfly Project is a biodiversity study
more than one-quarter-million acres. designed to provide a baseline of data
Butterflies flutter here, among the on butterflies. Butterflies are highly
pollinating insects found in late June visible, as well as sensitive to ecological
and on sunny days, feeding from the changes throughout all stages of their
many wildflowers, creating a moving life cycle, from egg, caterpillar and
stained-glass-window effect. More than chrysalis to adult.
100 species of butterflies have been The project began in 1996 and will
observed in Rocky Mountain National continue through 2011, providing a
Park. You don't need a net; they're all 15-year study and database of all the
around. information collected on the butterflies,
The Rocky Mountain Butterfly Project, when they visit the park and weather
aided by volunteers and field assistants, and environmental conditions during
has monitored butterfly populations See Butterfly: Page 24
A swallow tail tigerstripe butterfly lights on flowers in a small, backyard garden

in Glen Haven. Butterflies, bees and even small birds help germinate flowers.
Photos by Sandi
“You Pick The Spot, I’ll Take The Shot”
304 East Elkhorn
Ken Scott
Signed Metal Sculptures
Behind Range Realty
Certified to photograph
in Rocky Mountain
National Park
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Colorado's 'Highway
Trail Ridge Road map Trail Ridge Road spans the Divide
Bikers cruise down Trail Ridge Road.. While not as steep as the descents in the Tour de
France, a cyclist can easily reach speeds of 50 mph down Trail Ridge Road.
Trail-Gazette
There are around 200 species
T rail Ridge Road winds gently through of fragile, tiny alpine plants
some of the most breathtaking scenery that hug the earth beside the
in the state. Visitors to the area who are
interested in taking the drive should set aside road. Their growing season
a leisurely day, bring a camera, and hop in the may only last 40 days.
car for a tour on the highest continuous paved
road in North America. forests of fir and spruce.
The highway to the sky covers the 48 miles Motorists tend to try and reach timberline
between Estes Park on Rocky Mountain quickly. Slow down and take your time,
National Park's (RMNP) east side, and Grand enjoying all the climate zones along the
Lake on the west side. journey. When you reach timberline, the last
Construction of Trail Ridge Road began in of the trees are twisted and stunted against the
the autumn of 1929 and was finished to Fall tundra.
River Pass in the summer of 1932. The road Some animals that motorists might
was built to make up for the old Fall River encounter along the way include the bighorn
route, which was too narrow for increasing sheep, elk, pikas, marmots, moose (mostly on
motorized traffic, full of hairpin switchbacks, the west side of RMNP), and ptarmigans.
and prone to snow slides. Plant life is diverse, despite what appears to
Engineers of the road were mindful of the be incredibly hostile conditions here for most
magnificence of the surrounding landscape of the year.
and were cautious that the road wouldn't There are around 200 species of fragile,
interfere with the vistas around them. When tiny alpine plants that hug the earth beside
possible, the rocks that were blasted during the road. Their growing season may only last
the road's construction were used to build 40 days, but the little plants bloom in great
retaining walls. sweeps of yellow, red, pink, blue, and violet.
The maximum grade on the road does The Tundra World Nature Trail is a fantastic
not exceed seven percent, and eight miles place to see these delicate displays without
of the road is 11,000 feet above sea level. At damaging them; a half hour walk begins near
its highest point, Trail Ridge Road peaks at a the parking lot at Rock Cut.
dizzying 12,183 feet in elevation. Motorists The tundra is an important and fragile
venturing out from either Estes Park or Grand environment, and it is strongly recommended
Lake climb around 4,000 feet in elevation in that you do not step outside of the designated
a few minutes, beginning in montane forests path or pick flowers.
of aspen and pine before entering sub alpine The annual spring plowing of Trail Ridge

to the Sky' Did you know: Plowing Trail Ridge can
cost in excess of $36,000 and takes an
average of 42 days to accomplish.
Visitors flock to the viewing deck of the Alpine Visitor Center to look down from more than 11,000 feet. The visitor center sits on Trail Ridge Road where it
intersects with the park's first vehicle path, the Old Fall River Road at Fall River Pass.
Road is a Herculean undertaking. Crews generally scheduling of this road, and it is not uncommon conditions in some people.
start plowing in mid-April. Plowing Trail Ridge can for visitors to drive between six-foot walls of snow Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the
cost in excess of $36,000 and takes an average of even at midsummer. mountains in the summer months. It is also very
42 days to accomplish. The National Park Service Atop Trail Ridge Road is the Alpine Visitor important to be aware of lightning at the high
keeps their plows in top working order during Center, where motorists can stop and have a elevations found on Trail Ridge Road.
the plowing by fueling, oiling, and greasing them snack, purchase souvenirs, and browse exhibits If you see a beautiful scene or wildlife that you
every morning. A rotary plow, called the 'pioneer that are staffed with park rangers who are happy would like to look more closely at, be sure to pull
rotary' clears the centerline of the road all day, to answer questions and share information on this safely off the road to stop. Many accidents are
while a second rotary widens the road. A grader spectacular area. caused by people stopping in the center of the road
and bulldozer then pulls the snow towards the side Some things to remember while traveling on to photograph animals or scenery.
of the road. Runoff from the snow banks is diverted Trail Ridge Road: Be on the lookout for wildlife on the road or
into drains and ditches. At the end of the day, the Bring a jacket, even if it is a bright warm day. At on the sides of the road. Deer and elk on the side
equipment is parked at Rainbow Curve to avoid the the high elevations on Trail Ridge Road, it may be of the road may startle and leap in the path of
machinery being stranded by passing storms. 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the temperatures in vehicles.
Trail Ridge Road closes with the first heavy Estes Park or Grand Lake. Warn oncoming vehicles of wildlife in the road
snowfall of the season and remains closed in the The high elevations may cause altitude by flashing your headlights at them.
winter, generally reopening on Memorial Day sickness in some people. Drink plenty of water. Trail Ridge Road is not a toll road, but you must
weekend. Nature has a great deal to say about the The elevation may also aggravate heart or lung pay the entrance fee at RMNP to travel on the road.

Off the beaten path
The Shining
Mountains Group
of the Colorado
Mountain Club
offers hundreds
of hikes and other
outdoor adventures
By Madeline Framson
Trail-Gazette
T 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
See Off: Page 16 A trekker takes a break at Lake Bierstadt.
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Off from page 14
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, Trekkers enjoy the views atop Apache Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area.
horseback trips, birding and nature
walks, llama trips, photography hikes, interpretations by experts on wildlife, safety, the CMC sponsors many While CMC membership is not
historic hikes, picnics and socials. biology, geology, history, flora and schools to help members improve required to participate in many of
In the winter there is Nordic and fauna and ecosystems. their outdoor skills while having a the trips, free literature covering
downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice Family trips including children and good time doing it. CMC membership, details of the
climbing, ice skating, technical adults of all ages are very popular. Socials and potlucks are scheduled outings, degrees of physical demand,
climbing, winter hiking and more Several events even allow sociable throughout the year and the annual conditioning and qualification
backpacking. dogs to tag along. dinner in November is always a information is available by calling
Many of the activities include Within the club's emphasis upon highlight. 586-6623.
Fur & Leather

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Men’s & Ladies’ Apparel
Lone Pine Leather • Scully Leather • Remy Leather
Motorcycle Wear • Hats • Lady Brighton Belts & Jewelry
Leather & Fleece Coats • Fur & Woven Rugs
Native American Home Decor & Jewelry • Hides, Pelts & Taxidermy
450 Moraine Ave. Estes Park, CO
970-586-4539
(1/2 mile west of downtown on Highway 36)
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On Your Way to
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Estes Park’s Largest Selection of
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586-2776
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586-2171
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586-2702
Located at the Corner of
Moraine Avenue at Marys Lake Road
Scandinavian
Midsummer
Festival:
celebrating Festival-goers dressed as Vikings set out onto
Lake Estes in a detailed replica of a raiding
boat during the 2009 festival. The boat, with
heritage
a square rigging and removable dragon head
and tail, weighed about 1,500 pounds.
Trail-Gazette
Festival
comes to S tart the summer off right with dancing, a
pastry or two and fun with the whole family.
The Scandinavian Midsummer Festival will
take place on June 26 and 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 5
Estes Park p.m., in Bond Park, downtown Estes Park.

Scandinavians celebrate the summer solstice, the
the last longest day of the year, with a festival of flowers,

food, textiles, arts and crafts, music and traditional
week of dance. Musicians and dancers entertain both days

at the festival. Children enjoy the festivities around
June the Midsummer pole decorated with flowers and

ribbons. Professional Scandinavian dance instructors
assist visitors in traditional 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 pre-Christian 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.
The May Pole is placed to mark the start of

the Scandinavian Mid-Summer Festival in
Bond Park last year. The festival, held close
to the Summer Solstice, marks the beginning
of the season.
Charlotte Anderson of Lindsborg, Kan.

leads the assembled festival-goers around
the May Pole under a perfect Colorado sky
in a traditional Scandinavian folk dance in
which dancers imitate animals. This is one of
many dances, both with and without crowd
participation during the two-day festival Sam Shoults shows off the coin and its cast at
celebrating Scandinavian culture. the Viking Village during the 2009 Scan Fest.
The hills are alive
with the color
of flowers
Carpets of wildflowers
cover the countryside
Columbines bloom near Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
By Juley Harvey fringed gentian.

Trail-Gazette Elevations around Estes Park
I
generally show pasque flowers on
n a riotous display, from June south-facing hillsides about the first
through August, wildflowers three weeks of April. Penstemmons
wildly transform the Estes Park pop up starting in June, along the
and Rocky Mountain landscapes roadsides. Columbines appear in
from a carpet of muted earth tones late June through early August,
to a plush mat of sunshine and aspen depending on elevation (the higher
meadows. the altitude, the later the bloom).
Up to 1,200 species of flowering Trail Ridge Road is usually open by
plants create a dizzying display here Memorial Day, but late snows can
for a limited engagement in summer, delay the opening more than a week.
and the aspen provide golden globes Fall River Road opens at the same
of autumn leaves in early fall. The time or later, again depending on
color almost makes one feel faint — Mother Nature.
or certainly pale by comparison. Follow this guide to find fabulous
The Colorado Rockies are arguably flowers in the area.
the wildflower wonderland of North
America, and Rocky Mountain May to June
National Park is the region's high- Wildflowers begin to spring up
country garden showcase. From 6,000 in May in Moraine Park, with large
to 9,000 feet, grow arnica, sego lilies, fields of blue irises and yellow
blue columbine and meadowrue in goldenbanners. Mid-- to late June
the pine and aspen forests. The July brings showy orchids to Wild Basin,
breezes blow in bushels of scarlet Bear Lake and Onahu Trail on the
paintbrush, blue penstemmon, west side of the park. Carpets of wildflowers cover the mountainsides in Rocky Mountain
orange sneezeweed and purple See Flowers: Page 20
National Park.
Wild irises reach for the sky in Moraine Park.
Flowers glimpses of Indian paintbrush in a

canvas of colors.
Trio Falls tallies three different
from page 19 waterfalls and a splash of wildflowers
in season.
It's columbine time in July.
Colorado's state flower bursts onto Lily Lake
the scene in the early part of the Enos Mills, the "father of Rocky
month, in Wild Basin and along the Mountain National Park," enjoyed
Cow Creek Trail. Mid — to late July walking to Lily Lake for the
finds the columbines appearing wildflowers, from his nearby cabin.
toward Chasm Lake, and at higher The best times here may be the
elevations by mid-July and early second through the third week of July.
August.
Look for alpine tundra to be wearing Dream and Emerald Lakes
its wildflower finery in July, for about About 40 kinds of wildflowers Alpine sunflowers bloom in a
six weeks. Alpine forget-me-nots greet visitors, including some high meadow of Rocky Mountain
start the root ball rolling, in mid — to spring bloomers that come out in National Park.
late June. By July, you will see moss summer where snow lingers late.
campion, alpine sandwort, alpine The trail begins between the Bear been designated an International
bistorts, wallflowers, phlox, wild iris, Lake information booths and rises Biosphere Reserve. Famed Trail Ridge
alpine sunflower, pale-blue harebell, to Nymph Lake, and then Dream Road, the highest continuous highway
alpine sunflowers and alpine avens. Lake. The last pitch to Emerald Lake in the nation, reaches to 12,183 feet.
The appearance of the Arctic gentian, provides views of marsh marigolds, Six miles east of the Alpine Visitor
with its white, globular blooms and globeflowers and pink bog laurel. Center, Tundra World Trail beckons
purple streaks, closes down the A bee pollinates a flower high in and provides a window into an
season. the Rocky Mountains. Gem Lake ecosystem equivalent to visiting the
Blooming here in July is an Arctic Circle. A mid-July visit is your
Special spots of color starting in the Retreat in Glen Haven, extraordinary saxifrage, called best bet, since the growing season
Upper Hidden Valley in mid — offers views of a variety of flowers, "telesonix." This pink flower tucks above treeline is abbreviated. Watch
to late July provides peeps of cow including pyrola, orchids, columbines, itself into crevices in the mounded your step on the tundra — try to
parsnip and larkspur. Also, see little larkspur and monkshood. granite surrounding Gem Lake. Arrive stay on the rocks. Some of the small,
pink elephants (flowers looking like Bear Lake to Fern Lake in mid — to early or wait until late in the afternoon cushion plants are decades-old and a
they have a trunk and ears) on the late July also offers many bouquets — trailhead parking on Devil's Gulch wrong step might kill them. To protect
west side of the park, below treeline (it is illegal to pick any wildflower Road accommodates about 20 vehicles. all vegetation, stay on trails anywhere
near Poudre Lake at the same time. within the Park, though). Hiking in in the park. For more information
For the hardy, a 10-mile hike along the area of Lawn Lake at the end of Tundra World/Toll Memorial about park wildflowers, call (970) 586-
the North Fork Trail in mid-July, July or beginning of August promises Rocky Mountain National Park has 1206.
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Butterfly admiral butterfly. Common alpine
butterflies may fly the high ways on the
Continental Divide, near the Shadow
Large Marble
Olympia Marble
Southern Rocky Mountain Orange-tip
from page 11 Mountain Dam area, which supports Sulphurs (several kinds)
an upper montane/subalpine plant Southern Dogface
the time the route is surveyed. The community and a riparian zone along the Mexican yellow
butterfly routes are surveyed from May 1 Colorado River, including chiming bells, Sleepy Orange
to Sept. 17 each year. jacob's ladder and willow wetlands. Dainty Sulphur
Of the 140 butterfly species identified Purplish Copper
in the Park, approximately 100 species Butterflies that might fly by Lustrous Copper
are seen each year. The butterflies are in the park include: Blue Copper
here as adults from mid-April through Not all butterflies are colorful, some
Hairstreak (many kinds)
mid-October, depending on the weather look like dried leaves, a form of Indra Swallowtail Elfins (several kinds)
conditions during that year. Some camouflage. Cloudless Sulphur Blues (many kinds)
butterflies migrate through the area, Lilac-edged Copper Fritillary (many kinds)
such as the monarch and the painted each summer. For information on their Edith's Copper Checkerspot (many kinds)
lady. Others, like the mourning cloak seminars, see the Web site at www.rmna. Bronze Copper Crescents (several kinds)
overwinter as adults and hibernate in logs org or call (970) 586-3262. Striped Hairstreak Commas (several kinds)
or other protected areas. Some butterflies Butterflies can be seen anywhere Sylvan Hairstreak Mourning Cloak
have two or three life cycles during the there are flowering plants, especially in Great-spangled Fritillary Milbert's Tortoiseshell
summer, others have just one. Depending meadows and near streams. The book, Hydaspe Fritillary Red Admiral
on the species, butterflies can live for a few "Butterflies of Rocky Mountain National Sagebrush Checkerspot Painted Lady
weeks or a few months as adults. As larva, Park," by Leslie Angels, suggests walks and Edith's Checkerspot West Coast Lady
butterflies eat plant vegetation (leaves, spots to view them. Compton Tortoiseshell American Lady
grasses, pine and juniper trees). As adults, Stroll through Beaver Meadows and Viceroy Common Buckeye
they eat the nectar of flowers. Some are along Cow Creek, where sparkling Theano Alpine Weidemeyer's Admiral
very specific as to the nectar of which streams course through open wildflower Uhler's Arctic Common Ringlet
flowers they will eat, others will eat from meadows and aspen woodlands and look Jutta Arctic Common Wood-Nymph
the nectar of a variety of flowering plants. for two-tailed swallowtail butterflies flying Northern Cloudywing Small Wood-Nymph
This project is not open to visitors to over Nelson's larkspur, miner's candle, Martial Duskywing Canyonland Satyr
the Park who would like to volunteer, Colorado columbine, and shooting star. Afranius Duskywing Riding's Satyr
although there are other opportunities Follow Black Canyon trails through Common Sootywing Common Alpine
for volunteering while you visit. It takes sagebrush and Ponderosa pine habitats to Pahaska Skipper Magdalena Alpine
approximately four months to learn the encounter Alexandra's sulphur butterflies, Sachem Callias Alpine
scientific names of the butterflies, the among the wildflower displays featuring Oslar's Roadside-Skipper Chryxus Arctic
protocol for surveying routes and how to puccoon, blanket flower, waxflower and Rocky Mountain Parnassian Melissa Arctic
identify the butterflies in the field. Indian paintbrush. Swallowtails (several kinds) Monarch
To learn more about butterflies, visitors Along the Fern Lake trail, which follows Whites (several kinds) Mexican Cloudywing
may contact the Rocky Mountain Nature the churning Thompson River, is a place Cabbage Duskywing (many kinds)
Association regarding seminars scheduled to search for the showy Weidemeyer's Margined Skippers (many kinds).

Boats, biking and trails
Lake Estes: a recreational hub
Trail-Gazette
L ake Estes is the hub of a lot of

recreation in the Estes Valley.
Boating, biking, fishing and just
going for a pleasant stroll are a few of the
activities people head down to the lake for.
The lake is an impoundment on the Big
Thompson River, formed when Olympus
Dam was completed in 1948. The lake also
receives water from Marys Lake, through
the Estes Power Plant, and Fish Creek.
Lake Estes Marina

One of the great pleasures of the Estes
Valley is being on the water early or late
in the day, when the water is glassy and
the surrounding mountains are lit by rich
light.
The Lake Estes Marina at 1770 Big
Thompson Ave. (US 34) is the center of
action at the lake. The marina has a dock
in the water through the summer, a boat
launch, and a range of boats for rent,
from one-person kayaks to a pontoon,
and fishing licenses and tackle are also
available, along with snacks, drinks and
See Lake Estes: Page 26 Boaters prepare to leave the docks at the Lake Estes Marina.
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Lake Estes
from page 25
other items you might need for a day at
the lake.
If you are headed for the Lake Estes
Trail, the marina is a great starting point,
and also has a variety of bikes (singles,
tandem, and surreys) available for rent,
along with child carriers.
The marina also has a sand beach,
volleyball, horseshoes and picnicking
areas, and a pavilion that can be reserved
for group get-togethers.
Down at the lake

Lake Estes is the hub of many recreational
opportunities You can reach the marina at
970-586-2011.
Lake Estes Trail

Jogging, skating and biking are allowed on
the Lake Estes Trail, along with walking, and
the trail is a popular loop for regular exercise
walkers. More than likely, you will get a
good close look at some elk as you make the
roughly four-mile loop, especially as you
pass along the edge of the Lake Estes Golf
Course or around Cherokee Draw on the
opposite side of the lake. Elk like hanging out
in both locations.
Beside the marina, there are several places
to access the trail. From US 36, the main Bikers ride along the paved trail that
access point is Cherokee Draw, just east of circles Lake Estes. Bikes can be rented
the Estes Power Plant. From US 34, access from the marina store.
the trail from the Convention and Visitors
Bureau or from Fisherman's Nook at the yellow perch were stocked surreptitiously,
Lake Front Drive. a program of stocking tiger muskies was
attempted to control the perch, and carp
Fishing and native white suckers are also present.
The 148-acre lake has four miles of Most of the catch is rainbow trout, but you
shoreline, much of which attracts anglers. truly never know what you may hook.
For fisherman, the two most popular places
to access the lake are at Cherokee Draw and Lake Facts
Fisherman's Cove. From there, good fishing Olympus Dam cost $2.4 million to build.
can be found around the inlet of the Big Construction began in 1947.
Thompson, along the rocky north shore, and The lake can hold up to 3,068 acre-feet of
along the rip-rap along US 36 on the lake's water, but is usually topped off just under
south shore. 2,700 acre-feet.
The first Saturday of June, during The lake has about four miles of shoreline
Colorado's free fishing weekend, sees the and covers 185 acres when full.
annual Lake Estes Fishing Derby, and the The lake rarely freezes over during the
Colorado Division of Wildlife typically stocks winter due to consistent wind action and
thousands of 10-inch rainbow trout into the slightly warmer water discharged by
the lake for the event and the kick-off of the the Estes Power Plant. Ice that does form
summer season. Additionally, brown trout does not last long, and the lake is not a good
have established themselves in the lake, choice for icefishing.
Elk frequent the area near the Lake Estes Trail. Visitors are urged to be cautious
around the large, fast and unpredictable bulls during the rutting season. Longs Peak stands over a lineup of boats tied to the docks at the Lake Estes Marina
Rockin' robins
and other tweeties
Meet the birdies flock to the flockers
Compiled by Juley Harvey
Trail-Gazette
I f you're looking for some fine-feathered friends, the Estes Park/Rocky

Mountain National Park area has a flock of them, providing fascinating
watching. You might just find the bluebird of happiness here — or hoot
when you discover an owl's nest. The birds here are busy and offer endless
enjoyment for eyes and ears — from a hum to a hubbub. The bird of paradise
is not just a flower.
Since 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.
According to Audubon Magazine, Estes Park is a "birder's paradise." National
Geographic says, "There could hardly be a more beautiful spot to see high-
country birds than Rocky Mountain National Park."
In 2000, Rocky Mountain National Park was designated as a Global
Important Bird Area. This designation recognizes the vital role of the park
in the perpetuation of bird species. The Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain
National Park offer the opportunity to view hundreds of species of birds,
ranging from wetland waterfowl to soaring raptors.
You might find the following flighty fauna zipping about the woods or
singing a happy song during your visit here.
See Birds: Page 28

20-19009
Downtown, Next to the

Historic Park Theatre, On the River
email—DeLeosDeliCafe@hotmail.com
website—DeLeosDeli.com 970-577-1134
Mountain bluebirds usually arrive in A hawk takes flight.
early March.
color on the backs of their necks.
Birds Great horned owls — Year-round

residents, they establish territories and
from page 27 court during January and February.
Young are produced in March.
American dipper — Also called "water
ouzel," these year-round park residents Jays — Jays are among the noisiest
are seen along streams. In shallow water, of birds in the forest. Stellar's jays are
they appear to water-ski on the surface, bright blue on their lower half and black
but in deeper water they dive in and run on top, with a prominent crest on the
along the bottom underwater. Watch for tops of their heads. Gray jays are mostly
these birds along Ouzel Falls Trail and gray, with white accents.
at the falls, where they dart in and out of
Mallard — These large ducks like to
the tumbling waterfall.
paddle about on Lake Estes, Sprague
Lake and other nearby water bodies.
Broad-tailed hummingbird —
Males have an almost iridescent green
These jewel-like little birds hover at
head.
flowers to sip nectar, perform aerial
mating dances or tail-fan to warn other Mountain bluebird — arrives early,
hummingbirds away. The most common usually in March. Males have bright-blue
of hummingbird species seen in the backs and tail feathers and lighter blue
Park, the broad-tailed hummer is a chests; females are a duller gray-blue.
summer resident.
Bald eagles have been seen around
Robins are a popular species found in Mountain chickadee — small — Lake Estes.
Clark's nutcracker — Often seen the Estes Valley. about 5 inches long, with pale-gray
along Trail Ridge Road and in the Bear backs, jet-black caps and eye bands, and
Lake area, this year-round park resident white cheeks, eyebrows and chests. Peregrine falcon — One of the world's
is about a foot long, with a long, light- round residents of the park, they eat fastest birds, they are capable of diving
gray hood, a white face, a pointed black seeds and berries. Northern flicker — These large at speeds of more than 125 mph. The
bill and black wings. woodpeckers are mostly brownish gray park closes several rock-climbing areas
Golden eagle — These large birds, with a red band across the tips of their to humans during the raptors' nesting
Dark-eyed junco — is mostly gray, with wingspans of more than six feet, are tail feathers. Males have a red strip on periods. From early March until the mid-
with black-and-white accents. Year- dark brown and black, with a light-gold their lower face. See Birds: Page 29
summer, raptors nest in areas of Lumpy
Ridge and Sheep Mountain.
Red-tailed hawk — A common sight,

gliding over open areas in search of prey.
Named for their rust-colored tails, they are
stocky, with wingspans of about four feet.
Violet-green swallow — Flocks of

swallows soar here from spring through
fall. Known for their superb flying grace,
violet-green swallows have striking
metallic green backs and bright-violet
tails.
Warbling vireo — With a slow song that

ends on a rising note, the warbling vireo
is often heard rather than seen. About five
to six inches long and grayish green above
and light gray or white below, with white
eyebrows, these birds frequent aspen
forests and trees along streams in summer.
White-tailed ptarmigan — A year-

round resident, the ptarmigan likes higher
elevations, about 11,000 feet. During
summer, this bird, measuring about a foot
long, is mostly mottled brown, with white
wings, chest, and tail, but during winter, it
turns pure white.
Favorite spots for bird-watching are
Endovalley, Moraine Park, Wild Basin,
Trail Ridge Road, Upper Beaver Meadows,
Lumpy Ridge, Cow Creek and Bear Lake
Road. In Estes Park, walk or ride the Lake
Estes pathway along the Big Thompson
River and through the lakeside bird
sanctuary. Spring bird migration is a
particularly popular time to come. A woodpecker is looking for insects in a decaying log.
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Along the trail
Trail system a good way to see Estes Park
Trail-Gazette
P ark the car and take a stroll. Enjoy the view from Lake Estes, the wildlife
or the sound of the rolling water along the Riverwalk. Trails, winding
around and through Estes Park, makes the town a pedestrian's delight.
Lake Estes Trail

The Riverwalk along the Big Thompson River provides an
Park at the Visitors Center (500 Big Thompson Avenue) and follow the
idyllic respite from the hustle and bustle of Elkhorn Ave.
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.
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 Riverwalk Wiest
Plaza expansion, starts at Moraine Avenue and winds up to West Elkhorn
Avenue. Catch the trail across the street where it turns into Fall River Trail. (The
downtown Riverwalk is a pedestrian-only trail.)
Fall River Trail

Fall River Trail starts at West Elkhorn Avenue, behind the waterwheel. Walk
west to Performance Park outdoor amphitheater where visitors enjoy music
performances all summer long. Stroll into the West Park Center and check out
the Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery. The trail continues west along 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. The Fall River Trail extends westward from downtown Estes Park.
(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.
Lakota Shirt, circa 1875,
Ann Strange Owl, her husband Dayton Raben, their daughter Nico Strange
Charles Eagle Plume
Owl, and Nico’s son, Dah’som are all fixtures in the shop. Collection
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
Charles Eagle Plume,
was coaxed into helping out, then I finally came to work here in the summers 1939
while at CSU.”
“I had a shop of my own in Ft Collins then, and he would come 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.
continued on next page.
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
Ann Strange Owl and tourists on the road and sell them moccasins or point them towards the trading post.
Lakota Quilled
Dayton Raben The Whatnot Inn c. 1935
Moccasins, C. 1870, Over the decades Katherine and Charles collected historic and prehistoric Indian
Charles Eagle Plume
artifacts, many of which still remain at the Eagle Plume’s. Over one thousand of these
Collection
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.
“People would ask if he was my father and I always had this long story When Katherine died, Eagle Plume took over the shop. To get through the winter
to tell them, or people would ask him if I was his daughter,” explained season, he would travel the country as a paid lecturer at supper clubs and other venues
Ann. “One afternoon he said, ‘just tell them we are father and daughter.’ speaking about the benefits of a college education and civil rights for all people.
And things changed after that. People would come and say ‘how is your In the 1980s some young Lakota men robbed the Eagle Plume shop. They were
father,’ or ‘where is your daughter?’” prosecuted and convicted in Boulder County, and Eagle Plume offered to pay for the
Family isn’t always about who you are born to, and Nico echoed that young men to go to college when they got out of prison. None of them took him up on the
sentiment. offer.
“He took care of us like family. He was really generous with all of us, In the late 1980s he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater for his lifetime
Eagle Plume’s Today
and we took care of him as he got older, too.” achievements of championing civil rights and awareness and advocacy for the Native
“He was a nice person,” agreed Ann. “He was so good to all the people American. Nico Strange Owl
here. We still miss him a lot.” Eagle Plume loved children, and very young visitors to his shop would receive a
Blue jays and chickadees hopped around the feeder while the women feather from him as a present. He would say that there was a method to his madness, as
prepared lunch. young children want to touch everything. With feather in hand, they would gently dust
Estes Park has thousands of items that are Native American themed, everything in sight!
Eagle Plume’s but not necessarily made by Native Americans themselves, and Children who were a little older would be offered a trade. Eagle Plume would hold
Circa 1934
supporting indigenous artists is important to the family, obviously. out an arrowhead, and offer to trade the young person for the most valuable thing they
“We belong to the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, or IACA,” possessed. The children would offer their mothers or diamonds, but Eagle Plume would Ann Strange Owl
explained Nico. “And they are part of this whole movement to police correct them, saying that their friendship was the most valuable thing they possessed.
that kind of thing. They work to enforce laws that aim to stop people Although this dynamic man is no longer at the trading post, he remains so in spirit. His
from marketing things as being Native American made when they really collection of arrowheads and feathers remain at his desk amid cigarette burns and old
aren’t. That’s why we try to work with the artists directly when we can, “cheat sheets”, where they are still gifted to children that wander in the door, wide-eyed
otherwise it is taking money out of Indian artist’s pockets and that’s just at all there is to see at Eagle Plume’s Trading Post.
not right.”
The family has had some experience in this particular area, when The Charles Eagle Plume Collection
several years ago someone tried to sell them some questionable The Charles Eagle Plume Collection has grown and
merchandise. changed since its beginnings in the late 1800s, but its
Arapaho Doll
“We were looking at beadwork that a fellow we had known for many focus on the art of Native America has been steady.
Pair c. 1875
years was showing us,” said Nico. “It looked kind of funny, it was sewn With Cheyenne tribal members at the helm though,
with fishing line instead of thread and the way that the beads were laid most of the new additions hail from the Northern
down just wasn’t quite right.” Plains – specifically from the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and
“So we started looking in to it, and we discovered this man had gotten Ute tribes. Some of these pieces can be viewed on display
these things from another dealer who was outsourcing to China. They at the Estes Park Museum, but mostly the collection remains at
were marketing it as Native American made, and selling it dirt-cheap. the trading post.
The bizarre thing was, he was claiming that the beadworker that made We are grateful to John Skelly of Cincinnati for his donation to our
these pieces was my aunt. He was just using her name because she had expanding historic firearms collection – a beautiful Colt Lightning from the
worked for him 20 or 30 years earlier. He had started out working with late 1880s. We did some horse trading with a couple of fellows and came up with
Colt Lightning 32 20, c.
Indian people and then found a cheaper way to make money.” a Cheyenne Coin Dress and a Springfield 45 70 Trapdoor Carbine – the type of rifle 1885; Donated by John
Ann’s grandfather carried with him in service of Casey’s Scouts. And we are proud to Skelly Springfield 45 70
The wind picked up, the snow started blowing in, and we sat down to
Trapdoor Carbine c. 1890
Charles Eagle Plume lunch. have acquired a pair of beaded Arapaho dolls that nicely round out the doll collection.
-type used by U.S. Calvary
with young visitors and Indian Scouts
555 Prospect Ave. Estes Park
Monday-Friday, 8 to 5; Saturday, 9 to 12
(970) 586-2200
Golfing Providing Excellent
at altitude Personalized Medical Care
with an
20-18891
attitude
Back row:
Bridget Dunn, MD, Martin Koschnitzke, MD, Guy Van der Werf, MD
Front row:
Rick Beesley, MD, Amanda Luchsinger, MD,
Scott Woodard, MD, Frank Dumont, MD
Joining the FMC

Estes Park boasts 27 holes on two courses family of care providers
August 9, 2010
Aaron Florence, D.O.
A golfer enjoys a postcard-perfect morning on the Lake Estes nine-hole
golf course. General Orthopaedics
& Sports Medicine
Trail-Gazette ranked among the most scenic sets
A
of links in the country. The season
round of golf in Estes Park begins in mid-April, when the play
comes in two flavors: the is punctuated by the spring snows The Family Medical Clinic, at Estes Park Medical Center, offers the most
nine-hole variety, as played that bring moisture to the course
at the Lake Estes Golf Course, a and kick-start the green-up when the complete scope of health care services available in the Estes Valley
comfortable nine-hole that hugs sun hits the fairways, and a wet April
Lake Estes and is cut by the Big should give the courses everything
Thompson River, and the 18-hole they need to get the grass growing Scott D. Woodard, M.D.
variety available at the Estes Park this year. By mid-June, the 6,400- Board Certified
Golf Course. There are likely to be yard (from the blue tees), par 71 Richard Beesley, M.D.
General Surgery Board Certified
elk on the side at either course to is hitting peak condition, which it
share your round with you, not to maintains well into September. Martin Koschnitzke, M.D. Pediatrics
mention the sort of scenery every The second hole, a 143-yard par Board Certified
course this side of Pebble Beach three, has a new tee box this season. Frank Dumont, M.D.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Board Certified
would kill for. And if your tee shot The course has a Pro Shop and
seems to travel a little farther than driving range, and a restaurant, and Guy P. Van der Werf, M.D. Internal Medicine
usual, chalk it up to the thinner air hosts about 30,000 rounds a season, Board Certified Bridget Dunn, M.D.
at 7,500 feet. including numerous tournaments. Family Medicine
Tee times are recommended, Board Certified
Estes Park Golf Course especially for a morning round Amanda Luchsinger, M.D. Family Medicine
The Estes Park Golf Course, during the peak summer months. Board Certified
located at 1080 S. St. Vrain Avenue Call 866-586-8146 ext. 0 for tee Internal Medicine
(Colorado Highway 7), has been See Golf: Page 36
Golf
from page 35
times. Electric carts, pull carts and
clubs are available for rental.
Lake Estes Golf Course

The Lake Estes Golf Course,
located at 690 Big Thompson Avenue
(US 34), plays at 2,209 yards from
the men's tees, and par is 31. As at
the 18-hole course, tee times are
recommended during the summer
season — call 970-586-8176. Pull
carts and clubs are available for
rental.
Some water makes a round on the
Lake Estes Golf Course interesting,
and there are almost always a few elk
around — it's a favorite wintering
spot for them, and the spring green-
up is their salad bar. All told, about
20,000 nine-hole rounds are played
at the course annually.
Tee times at both courses can be
made up to seven days in advance
for weekdays, and on the Friday of
the previous weekend for weekend
reservations.
Winter Golf
From November through March,
the Lake Estes Golf Course is open
for winter golf play, and there are
plenty of pleasant and playable days
over the course of the winter. The
seasonal rate of $7 for unlimited, all-
day play, no tee times required. Golfers have a view of Twin Sisters Peaks while playing the sixth hole at the 18-hole course.
Rocky Ridge Announces Summer 2010 Concert Season

Sunday, June 13 Sunday, July 11 Sunday, July 18
3 pm Adult Piano and Guitar Faculty Concert Beth Miller Harrod Centennial Celebration Day 2 Schumann Festival Day 3
Sunday, June 20 3 pm Young Artist Seminar Faculty Concert 3 pm Young Artist Seminar Faculty Concert
3 pm Junior Student Seminar Faculty 8 pm Concert with Guest Artist Parry Karp, cello Sunday, July 25
Wednesday, July 7 Friday, July 16 3 pm Young Artist Seminar Faculty Concert
6 pm Queen City Jazz Band Concert and BBQ Schumann Festival Day 1 Saturday, July 31
Dinner Fundraiser Concerts all day and evening. Please visit our 3 pm Young Artist Orchestra Student Concert
Sunday, July 4 website or call for details. Sunday, August 8
3 pm Young Artist Seminar Faculty Concert Saturday, July 17 3 pm Junior Student Seminar Faculty Concert
Saturday, July 10 Schumann Festival Day 2 Sunday, August 22
Beth Miller Harrod Centennial Celebration Day 1 3 pm Young Artist Orchestra Student Concert 3 pm Chamberre in the Rockies Concert
3 pm Alumni Concert 7 pm Young Artist Seminar Faculty Concert
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit our website www.rockyridge.org or call our office (970) 586-4031.
Rocky Ridge Music Center, 465 Longs Peak Road, Estes Park

Trail-Gazette
A highland festival T he largest Scottish Festival in the

West takes place in Estes Park with
the annual Scottish/Irish Highland
Festival held in September each year.
Bagpipes and drums, Highland and Irish
dancing, music, jousting, athletic and dog
competitions take place at the festival.
Massed bands compete and delight crowds
on the festival field.
The 2010 festival takes place Sept. 9
through 12, on the Festival Grounds,
Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. The gates are
open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through
Sunday. Tattoo Estes opens the festival on
Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Concerts fill the nights with revelry,
featuring Colorado Celtic Rock Concerts,
Folk Concerts and evening Tattoos.
The highlight of the festival is the free,
hour-long parade of bands along Elkhorn
Avenue, downtown, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
on Saturday, Sept. 11.
Dogs, indigenous to the British Isles,
compete and entertain festival guests.
The merchant tents offer crafts and Celtic
merchandise. The Clan tents contain
Pipes and drums sound throughout
representatives displaying tartans and
Estes Park during the annual parade.
family crests. The aroma of American
and Celtic food fills the air, along side the
famous Scotch and beer tents.
Singers, storytellers and Celtic rock
bands entertain in tents found in numerous
locations on the festival grounds.
Young dancers execute Highland, folk
and Irish dances. The arena hosts medieval
jousters in combat, and the athletic field
showcases caber, stone and hammer
throwing by well-accomplished women and
men.
The festival field is filled with massive
bands, performing traditional drum
routines and ceremonial anthems. Military
and Scottish Bands perform in competition,
with awards announced at the end of the
festival.
For more information, call 800-90-Estes
or e-mail info@scotfest.com.
Dancing is a big part of the annual festival. Walt Hester , Trail-Gazette
Modern knights test their skills during the festival.
Not all the competition

at the highland games
is traditional. The Cross of St. Andrew. Strongman Rob Lewis hefts a 350-pound stone over a 3-foot-high caber during the highland games.
Hike to Glen Haven's historical hilltop
Site bears the name of early settlers

Bob Chase, Estelle Purvis (with her rescue dog Thunder), and Michelle Chase descend from the hilltop of Knapp's Knob near Glen Haven.
By Lisa Foster south along the dirt road that climbs

Trail-Gazette past houses to a single-track trail
Ira Knapp is considered
K
KNAPPS KNOB with a forest service sign urging users
napp's Knob is a pretty little Trailhead: Glen Haven to "Pack it In and Pack it Out." From
rounded hilltop that lies along to be one of the founding Distance from Trailhead (One Way):
here, the Crosier Mountain Trail
the trail to Piper Meadows climbs up the hillside along a deeply
and Crosier Mountain, near the town fathers of Glen Haven, 0.6 Miles rutted trail, weaving through the
of Glen Haven. It was named for the
Knapp family, who settled in the Glen
and he and his family Altitude: 7,790 feet forest. Hike for a half-mile to a trail
junction, where the sign announcing
Elevation Gain: 550 feet
Haven area in 1893. Joseph (Joe) Knapp established a sawmill in the Knapp's Knob is clearly visible.
wrote a wonderful account of the area's Rating: Easy From here, strike out to the east on
Presbyterian pioneers in his book, "Glen town in 1896. a very faint path that climbs steeply
Haven Story," which is available through to the summit of Knapp's Knob,
the Glen Haven Historical Society. about 0.1 mile from the trail junction.
According to Joe, "Knapp" is a The forested hilltop is pleasant and
Saxon word meaning hilltop. He inviting, though the views are limited
relates a story about how he and his to those of the surrounding canyons
Uncle Ira burned their name into and forest.
a wooden box top and fixed it to a one of the founding fathers of Knapp's Knob, Piper Meadows and
stake, planting it on the summit of Glen Haven, and he and his family Crosier Mountain. It is located in Lisa is the author of the highly
Knapp's Knob in 1941. The original established a sawmill in the town in Glen Haven just east of the post office acclaimed book, Rocky Mountain
sign is long gone, but four subsequent 1896. Additionally, Ira built what is near the livery stable, marked by a National Park, The Complete Hiking
signs have replaced it, including the now the Inn of Glen Haven. Joseph brown forest service sign. A dirt road Guide, available at stores throughout
most recent one, posted by Duke Knapp was Ira Knapp's nephew. winds past the stables and private
Estes Park, and on the internet
Sumonia at the foot of the hill in residences to a narrow path that
The trailhead marks the start of the trail.
at Amazon.com. Contact her at
2005. Duke is a Glen Haven resident
The Glen Haven Trailhead lies
lisahikes@hotmail.com
and an avid historian. The current
sign is visible from the Crosier at 7,240 feet and provides access The hike
Mountain Trail (Trail 931). to Crosier Mountain Trail (Forest Park along County Road 43, near
Ira Knapp is considered to be Service Trail #931), which leads to the trailhead sign in Glen Haven. Hike
Star-date 2010
Captain's log:
heavenly sights
at the Estes
Astronomy teacher Todd Burke takes the cover off of the telescope at the
Estes Park Memorial Observatory. Park Memorial
Observatory
By Juley Harvey children to visit the Little Thompson wall.
Trail-Gazette Observatory, where they developed a "Under dark light, the stars fluoresce.
I
passion for astronomy. It's really cool. The kids love it,"
f you're looking to catch some star Connolly calls the observatory a Connolly said.
power, mosey on over to Estes great way to excite kids, providing them In 2007, construction of the
Park's star attraction, the Estes Park with hands-on experience of science, observatory began.
Memorial Observatory, located on the showing them through a telescope "The building went up quickly,"
grounds of Estes Park High School. galaxies and stars that are 15 million he said. "Roy Johnson of Johnson
A little more than three years in light-years away. That light left its Construction did a great job."
the making (hardly a nano-blink in location in space before the dinosaurs The dome was provided by a
star-time), the observatory celebrated died, he said. specialty manufacturer in Loveland.
its grand opening last April. Mike "Kids get excited. It's a way of They brought it up in a truck.
Connolly, the patriarch of the project, making hard sciences amenable and Volunteers placed an aluminum skin
began the starquest in January of 2006. hands-on. They like the idea of doing it on the dome and mechanized it.
He wanted to build an observatory themselves," Connolly said. Those processes took from six to eight
in memory of two of his star-struck Four years ago, Connolly started months.
children, killed in a motorcycle working on the legalities with the Meinte Veldhuis was the main
accident. Plaques with pictures of his school district, started the 501(c) consultant.
children are in the lobby. Mike and nonprofit and signed a lease with the "He's the president of the Little
Carole Connolly and Michele Johnson school, under which the nonprofit Thompson Observatory. He knows how
hope to honor the memory of Mike would build the observatory and the to make it go. We depended on him and
and Carole's children and Michele's school would take back the lease for $1, his connections," Connolly said.
siblings, Thomas and Christian after the construction was approved. In November of 2008, the dome was
Connolly, who died July 2, 2005. The The Angels Above Foundation completed and then placed on the
Connollys all have backgrounds in maintains the telescopes and programs. roof. Volunteers finished the inside of
science, math and astronomy. Mike, The school district is responsible for the the building. In January of 2009, they
a retired engineer from Lockheed building, maintenance and insurance. installed the school telescope.
Martin Corporation, spent many nights "We've already started two Astronomers saw the first light
viewing stars and planets with his astronomy classes and built the Star through the telescope the following
children. Wall, a poor man's planetarium," he month. Since then, there have been
"I think my kids would like it," he said. star parties with both middle and
said. Students helped build the Star Wall, high school students, as well as
His son was helping him to build a for which a projector shone images on Outreach classes on astronomy for the
back-yard observatory at the time of the wall. Students taped fluorescent community, taught by astronomers.
the accident. Connolly had taken his stars of different sizes and colors on the See Observatory: Page 40

Observatory
from page 39
"Kids love it," Connolly said. "There's
more enthusiasm with the dome than
with the scope — it echoes. They get
a kick out of it, and the shutter and
movement of the dome."
Several people have donated old
telescopes to the observatory. Eight
telescopes have been donated, "nice
scopes," he said, some worth $1,000.
"We want to have enough so that kids
can take them out and set them up on
their own. That will give them a hands-
on appreciation. They will learn how to
find stars," he said.
The main telescope is computerized
and there's "no difficulty in finding
stars," he said.
The installation of a sun dial was
the next project. The human sundial
project consists of the construction of
an oval sundial approximately 25 feet
by 18 feet in front of the Estes Park
Memorial Observatory. The sundial
gnomon (the part that casts the shadow)
is a person. "A person can stand in the
center and his shadow casts the right
Looking to the heavens through the telescope at the observatory. time," Connolly said. Concrete pavers
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(bricks) are used to fill in and surround
the sundial. The pavers are engraved
with individual messages and sold to
the public to support the observatory
and its programs. The Community
Service Committee of the Rotary Club
undertook a cooperative venture with
the observatory to build the sundial as
part of their annual community service
project. The Rotary's symbol is in the
center. Bricks are $100 each, with all
profits going to support the observatory
and school astronomy projects.
"There are very few communities
that have an observatory to use in this
way," Connolly said. "I just wanted
to do something good. It's having an
impact. Local communities — Boulder,
Longmont, Loveland — can come up
and bring their kids. I've been very lucky
in finding the Little Thompson people.
Without them, we'd have had to do it not
very well. I've learned quite a bit, but it's
a one-time thing. I want to get this one
going, so I can turn it over to a group
of enthusiasts with the same ideals. It's
been pretty consuming for my wife and
me. We'll get into the astronomy finally.
The good stuff is coming."
For more information, see the Web

site at www.angelsabove.org. The observatory brings the stars down to earth for younger observers.

It's a dog's life ... at the Dog Park
A couple of canines play fetch at the dog park.
Canine cutups can roam off-leash near Lake Estes

Trail-Gazette the wildlife officer as predators. If your canine companion is a full- You'll see big Estes Lake on your right
D
You can hike with your leashed dog fledged family member, these issues and a smaller lake on your left. That's
o you want to bring your dog? in Roosevelt National Forest, but dogs won't be a problem and you will have when you need to slow down and get
Before you decide, consider the are not allowed on the Rocky Mountain a lovely time. Together, you can all go
ready to turn left immediately into the
facts of wilderness life that face National Park trails. Shady parking spots hiking in the national forest, window
dogs who visit our mountains. are non-existent in the summer, so your shopping in town, picnicking in the park parking lot.
Estes Park has a fenced dog park park visits may be limited to developed and driving along scenic byways. Dog park amenities: Benches, poop
where you can exercise your canine picnic areas or parking spots. bags, no drinking water.
companion. Otherwise, plan to stay On walks, human companions are Dog Park Opened in the autumn of 2002, this
connected with your dog via a leash. needed to help their visiting canines Visit the Dog Park, off US 36, east park has proved to be very popular. It's
There are new and wonderful scents that handle encounters with the residents. of town, just east of the Stanley Park divided into two sections, one of which
may cause your perfectly behaved town Deer, elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, Fairgrounds.
has access to the lake. It is very windy
dog to bolt into the forest unexpectedly. chipmunks, raccoons and squirrels may If you are coming into Estes Park
The call of the wild may overpower your consider them to be strange, unwelcome on US 36 from Boulder, Longmont or and can get really cold, so bring warm
call to your pet to come back. Dogs intruders; mountain lion, bear and Lyons, turn left onto Community Drive clothing, and maybe a peacoat for your
caught chasing wildlife may be shot by coyote may see them as a tasty meal. just before you get to the fairgrounds. pooch.
What's in
a name
From the simple to the
obvious: many names
tell a tale
Trail-Gazette
R ocky Mountain National Park is

a fascinating place - and some of
the names of places in the Park
are just as intriguing.
Some names have simple meanings,
such as The Keyhole. The Keyhole is a
rock jutting from the northern ridge of
Longs Peak. The hole is shaped like an
oval open at the top, so it looks like a
keyhole.
Some names are based on what a
place sounds like. The Keyboard of the
Winds, for example, is a series of jagged
cliffs in which the wind, howling around
Longs Peak, seems to play mournful
tunes.
Names of places may be associated
with sound in a different way. Roger
Toll, a former park superintendent,
named Knobtop Mountain to
harmonize with Flattop and Notchtop.
The Keyhole got its name from its unique shape - resembling an old fashioned keyhole. Some names are derived from sources
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Name the Estes Valley.
Hondius Park was named for Peter
Hondius, an immigrant from Holland
personal hunting ground. Sometimes
they crossed the Continental Divide into
Middle Park for better hunting or to
Railroad named Hell Canyon, located
in the Indian Peaks area, in 1882. They
almost died in the canyon when a fierce
from page 43 who came to the area for his health and make war with the Utes who lived in the storm hit, and its name reflects their
lived on a two thousand acre homestead western mountains of Colorado. feelings about the place.
one might not expect. in what is now Rocky Mountain National The Arapaho named Haynach Lakes. Devils Gulch Road, northeast of Estes
Hanging Valley for example is not Park. The Arapaho word haa'nach means, Park, is another potentially dangerous
a place where people were lynched; it A group of photographers named "snow water." place because it is a difficult road with a
refers to valleys carved by a thousand- Peck Glacier for Allen Steele Peck, the They used the words haa konon, precipitous hairpin curves.
feet deep glacier during the Ice Age. The former regional director for the Rocky meaning "the lungs" for the mesa now Devils Ladder is a very steep, rocky
valleys are suspended a thousand feet Mountain region of the U.S. Forest known as Table Mountain. The color of portion of trail just west of the east
above the glacial floor, and their streams Service. jasper, an agate found here, resembled Portal of the Alva B. Adams Tunnel.
have since cut their way downward to Numerous places were named for the color of animal lungs freshly drawn Paradise Park, in the Grand Lake
form sheer falls like Thousand Falls and the Native Americans that frequented from a carcass. Native Americans sat in area, shows no sign of man's presence.
Horseshoe Falls. and lived in the area prior to white the sun on top of Table Mountain, which Growth is undisturbed, perhaps because
Horseshoe Park, one of the park's settlement. is located in the Shadow Mountain fallen logs and rotting timber make it
more popular spots, especially for Apiatan Mountain, located six miles Recreation Area, to make arrowheads almost impassable. Even elk and deer
viewing elk during their fall rut, may west of Grand Lake, was named for a and ax heads. Archaeologists consider stay out of the area. It was once called
have been named for the horseshoe- Kiowa chief who had earned the right to this one of the most important sites in Hell Canyon, which goes to show that
shaped curves Fall River makes as it carry the feathered wooden ceremonial northern Colorado. "paradise" is in the eye of the beholder.
meanders down the valley. Or, it might lance called an apiatan. The Colorado Geographic Board Many places were also named for
come from the horseshoe shape of the Arapaho Bay on Lake Granby was may have named Ute Trail in 1915. It wildlife in the area.
valley. named for the Arapaho, a plains tribe was the standard trail from Estes Park Bear Lake was named by Horace
Countless places have been named in that considered the eastern slope of to the North Fork of the Colorado Ferguson, an early rancher, who saw a
honor of early settlers or businessmen in the northern Colorado Rockies their River. It had historically been known as bear, an infrequent presence in the park,
Child's Trail because the Utes, who were at the lake.
reportedly short like children, often used Trap Creek appears on early maps of
it. the area. At least six pit-type bear traps
Pawnee Peak was named for another were dug along this lake up to the 1930s,
tribe in the area. The Pawnee, who now when bear trapping was still legal in
live in Oklahoma, roamed between the Colorado.
Platte and Arkansas rivers in eastern Elk Tooth, a rock on Ogallala Peak,
Colorado. The name Pawnee is derived was named for the large elk herds that
from the word "parika," which means roamed the Park in its early days. Elk
"horn." The Pawnees stiffened their were hunted for food and their carcasses
scalp lock with paint and grease to make were hauled to Denver and sold for
it stand up like a horn, daring their three to four cents a pound. The large
enemies to remove it. herds diminished and elk herds were
Hiamovi Mountain may have been reintroduced into the park in 1913.
named for a Cheyenne chief or for God. Not all animal place names are named
"Hiamovi" is a Native American word for Park wildlife.
that means "God." Ellsworth Bethel Elephant Island, near Lake Granby,
proposed this name for the mountain was most likely named for the little red
that stand between Paradise Park and elephant flowers that grow there. The
Devil's Gulch Road, northeast of Estes Park, is another potentially dangerous Hell Canyon. flowers have blossoms on their upright
place because it is a difficult road with a precipitous hairpin curves. Surveyors for the Union Pacific stems that have an elephant -like trunk
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The columbine, Colorado's state
flower since 1899, has its name on
several places, including Columbine
Bay, Columbine Creek and Columbine
Lake. But there are no mountains with
the name columbine.
growing from them.

The columbine, Colorado's state
flower since 1899, has its name on
several places, including Columbine
Bay, Columbine Creek and Columbine
Lake. But there are no mountains with
the name "columbine," which is odd
since the intensely blue, rare dwarf
columbine flourishes on mountain
summits.
Some place names have an especially
interesting story behind them.
Tahosa Valley in the Wild Basin area
was almost named Elkanah Valley, but
Blue sky and fall color create a classic look at Bear Lake, named such by an early settler who saw a bear at the lake.
Enos Mills adamantly objected. Parson
Elkanah Lamb was a member of the Front resented the name Elkanah. The Colorado Geographic Names to appease Mills. Names" by Louisa Ward Arps and Elinor
Range Settlers League, with which Mills Geographic Society recommended More information on place names Eppich Kingery. It is available for sale at
had many disputes over the establishment Tahosa, a Kiowa word for "dwellers of in Rocky Mountain National Park can the park's visitor's centers and various
of Rocky Mountain National Park, so Mills the mountains," to the U.S. Board on be found in the book, "High Country bookstores.
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Wilderness experiences
Backcountry camping takes campers away from the highly populated areas in Rocky Mountain National Park.
From full service to primitive, the area has it all

A camper prepares
for his day after
Trail-Gazette campgrounds. camping at the
H
For backpackers, the choice is Boulderfield in the
ow do you like your wilderness considerably broader: there are more shadow of Longs
experience? Full hook-ups than 200 backcountry campsites. Peak.
or a camping spot in the Cross-country travel is also permitted,
backcountry? Both and everything in with a few restrictions. Camping in the
between are available in the Estes Valley, backcountry requires a permit, which
in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be obtained at the Backcountry
in the surrounding Arapaho-Roosevelt Office at the Park's headquarters on the
National Forest. But bear in mind that east side or at the Kawuneeche Visitor
the most popular campgrounds fill up Center on the west side). Day-of-trip
fast and reservations are always a good permits are issued, but the park limits
idea through the summer. the number it issues to minimize the
A list of campgrounds in the Estes impact on the park's resources and
Park area that have pull-in sites for reservations are a good idea during the
travel trailers is www.estespark.us/EP- height of summer. Food canisters are
Lodging-Campgrounds. required for backcountry campers in the
Quickly surveying the primitive park. Phone the backcountry office for
and hike-in camping is a little more more information 970-586-1242.
complicated. The U.S. Forest Service operates
Within the park there are five drive-in several developed campgrounds in the
campgrounds, three of which - Moraine Estes Park area, including the Olive
Park, Aspenglen and Glacier Basin Ridge Campground 15 miles south of
(Loops C & D) are on the National Estes Park on Highway 7. Some of the
Park Services' reservation system. campsites at Olive Ridge are available
Reservations can be made at www. by reservation, the rest are first-come,
recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444- first-served. Call 877-444-6777 for more
6777. Longs Peak, Timber Creek and information, or visit recreation.gov.
Glacier Basin (Loops A & B) are on a Dispersed camping is also allowed in the
first-come, first-served basis and can national forest.
fill up fast. For more information about Spectacular hiking and camping
camping at Rocky Mountain National opportunities also exist in the nearby
Park visit http://www.nps.gov/romo/ Indian Peaks, Comanche and Cache
planyourvisit/camping.htm la Poudre wilderness areas, though
The recent mountain pine motorized or bicycle travel is prohibited
beetle outbreak has resulted in the in designated wilderness areas. From
removal of most trees in Glacier Basin June 1 through Sept. 15, permits are
and Timber Creek campgrounds so required to camp in the Indian Peaks
there is little or no shade in those Wilderness.
Hikers work their way toward Mills Visitors enjoy their time at the Timber Creek Campground. Many of the trees have been removed from the campground
Lake in the Glacier Gorge area. after they were killed by pine beetles.
It should be noted that backcountry goals is essential. morning into the evening, and lightning an unprepared hiker, raise the risk
travel is an activity that poses inherent In July and August and into poses a very real danger to hikers. This of hypothermia. Be aware of weather
dangers from a range of sources, September, afternoon thunderstorms is especially true if you find yourself on forecasts and reach your destination by
including elevation, weather, terrain are a regular occurence in the an open ridge, on the alpine tundra or The park website has tips for dealing
and wildlife. Being prepared for what mountains. These storms can develop crossing a pass. Summer storms can with hazards at http://www.nps.gov/
you are planning to do, with realistic and move in quickly anytime from late turn a warm day cool and, in drenching romo/hicountry_hazards.htm
Subscription Rates Per... 3mo 6mo 1yr

Larimer, Boulder & Weld Counties $13 $21 $42
Elsewhere in Colorado $15 $26 $53
Outside of Colorado N/A $31 $61

Summer in Estes Park
June and July calendar
full of opportunities
Compiled by Juley Harvey
Trail-Gazette
I t's always special when the snow

stops falling, the sun starts tanning
happy hides no longer swathed in
layers of Michelin-man Goretex and the
tourists arrive and thrive. The following
calendar provides a guide to lazing
the summer days away in congenial,
convivial, critter-healthy Estes Park.
Bring shorts, jeans, jacket, sunglasses,
camera, a big smile and prepare to be
amazed.
June
To July 3 — Artists-in-Residence
II — Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth St.,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 1-5 p.m.
Sunday. Works from the Rocky Mountain
National Park's Artist-in-Residence
program. Free.
1 — Annual Summer Art Walk — 10 Runners in the Estes Park Marathon will hit the road in June.
a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
Self-guided tour through artists' studios and finish at 3:30 p.m. Register at Estes They take place on paved, professionally
throughout the area. Park High School Student Center, 1600 certified courses that are challenging
Manford Ave. on Saturday, June 12, and beautiful. The course is marked with
5 — NOAPS Invitational: Visions — before noon, or at Bond Park from 11 spray-painted directional arrows on the
Cultural Arts Council Gallery, 423 W. a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. roads and trails, and yellow directional
Elkhorn. Work by signature members Eve of Race Day: Saturday, June 12, signs when there are turns. In critical
of the National Oil & Acrylic Painters 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Packet pickup and spots, there will also be course marshals.
Society, on display through July 4. orientation at the Estes Park High School
Student Center, 1600 Manford Ave. You 12-13 — Wool Market — Stanley Park
5 — Fishing Derby — Lakes Estes can access the high school from either Fairgrounds. Fiber skills in action, sheep-
Cowboy Brad Fitch leads popular
Marina, 1770 Big Thompson Ave. Manford Avenue or Brodie Avenue. shearing, yarn spinning and weaving,
sing-a-longs on weekends in Bond
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Race Day: Packet pickup and sheep-to-shawl competition, children's
Park.
10K/5K Registration (Note: NO race tent, vendors' tent, obstacle courses for
10 — Cowboy Sing-Along — Bond Dr. Noon to 5 p.m. day registration for marathon and half llamas, dog-herding demonstrations,
Park, downtown, 7 p.m. Featuring marathon): Sunday, June 13, from 6 a.m. food. Free admission; $5 parking fee.
Western singers Brad and Kathy Fitch. 12-13 — Estes Park Marathon; Kids' to race start time at the Estes Park High
Every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Fun Run & Festival. www.epmarathon. School Student Center, 1600 Manford 13 — Music in the Mountains —
nights, through Aug. 17. Free. org. KIDS FUN RUN: on Saturday June Ave. Start time for the marathon is 7 Rocky Ridge Music Center, 465 Longs
12, downtown Bond Park, Estes Park. a.m. Sunday, June 13. All four races Peak Rd. Concert, 3 p.m. $20 adults,
12 — Rocky Mountain Brewfest — Races start at 2 p.m. and finish by 3 p.m. start and end in Estes Park at the public $18 seniors over 65, $18 students 12-18,
Estes Park Brewery, 470 Prospect Village Festival and activities start at 11 a.m. school facilities (elevation 7,550 feet). children free.
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The Coolest Car show sets up July 4 in Bond Park. The annual July 4 fireworks show over Lake Estes attracts thousands of viewers.
15 — Murdock's Magical Delights Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson

— sponsored by the Estes Valley Public Ave. Exhibit featuring photography and
Library, at Park Village Playhouse, 900 woodwork, through Aug. 1.
Moraine Ave. Magic and comedy show,
2 p.m. Free. 26-27 — Scandinavian Midsummer
Festival — Bond Park, downtown Estes
17-20 — 2010 Quilt Colorado — Park. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St. Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebration of
Vrain. Exhibit and sale of quilting goods, the Summer Solstice. Free.
special classes. Thurs.-Sat — 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.; Sunday — 9 a.m. to noon. $7/day 26-27 — Miniature Horse Show —
adults; $6/day seniors over 62; under 12 Stanley Park Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. until
free. events are completed. Free.
23 — Wednesday Nights at July

Performance Park — Performance Park 2-4 — Arabian Horse Show — Stanley
Amphitheatre, 417 W. Elkhorn, 7 p.m. Park Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.
Weekly summer-long series of outdoor
concerts of live music, through Aug. 3-4 — Region 8 Arabian
25 (weather-permitting). Free. Bring a Championships — Stanley Park
blanket or lawn chair. Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.
23-24 — Miniature Horse Show — 4 — The Coolest Car Show — Bond

Stanley Park Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. until Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vintage vehicles
events are completed. Free. from the 1920s and beyond on display.
Close-up inspection $4 adults, $2 kids.
24 — Thursday Night Live —
Performance Park Amphitheatre, 417 4 — Music in the Mountains — Rocky Historic Village
W. Elkhorn, 7 p.m. Weekly live concerts Ridge Music Center — 465 Longs Peak
outdoors, through Aug. 26 (weather- Rd. Concert, 3 p.m. Tickets $20 adults,
Come over the Divide
permitting). Sponsored by the Culktural $18 seniors, $18 students 12-18. to Historic Grand Lake
Arts Council. Free. Village for Great Fun
4 — July 4th Fireworks — held
25-27 — Best of Estes Wild West around the lake, from 9:30 p.m. Free.
at a Great Price!
Fest — Elkhorn Lodge, 600 W. Elkhorn Visit www.GrandLakeChamber.com
Ave. Three days of country Western fun, 24 - Oratorio Society of Estes Park's for exceptional savings
with cowboys, chuckwagon dinners, Summer concert, on Saturday July on summer getaways
Wild West shootouts, calf-roping, fly 24 and Sunday July-25 will be H.M. S.
fishing, trail riding and concerts. Pinafore, to be performed at the Estes 970.627.3402 • 800.531.1019
Park High School auditorium, 1600
25 — Nature: A Work of Art — Art Manford Ave.
Hooked: where to fish Challenges vary across the area
Sprague Lake is easy to reach and is kid and novice friendly.
Trail-Gazette yellow perch, walleyes and a very few
T
tiger muskies hanging on from earlier
his is trout country. In addition attempts to establish them by stocking
to native greenback cutthroats, (one was caught recently).
brook trout, brown trout and When the lake gets calm and glassy,
rainbow trout inhabit most — but not you can often find cruising trout taking
every — fishable body of water in the midges off the surface all across the lake,
area (check Rocky Mountain National and fly anglers can catch them on a size
Park's fishing brochure for a list of lakes 18 Adams Parachute. The best way to
that are fishless before heading into the consistently catch fish at Lake Estes is
high country). by casting a streamer such as a Woolly
Since regulations vary from one body Bugger (with a fly rod, or behind a
of water to the next, or even on one casting bubble), or a small spinner with
stretch of the same river to the next, it lightweight spinning gear. Both of the
is important to know the rules that are long shorelines on the north and south
in effect where you plan to fish. Treble sides of the lake, accessible from the
hooks, bait and keeping fish are not Lake Estes Trail, can be productive when
universally allowed. If you are fishing fished this way. If you're not finding fish
barbless flies and releasing all of your along the rip-rap or rocky shorelines,
fish, you are good to go on any water stay on the move.
that is open to fishing — but bear in
mind, that some waters associated with Big Thompson Canyon: There are
greenback cutthroats recovery projects more than 20 miles of public water on
are closed during the spawning season, the Big Thompson between Estes Park
or closed entirely. and Loveland, with the heart of it being
about 10 miles of catch-and-release
Lake Estes: Got kids? Want to fish bait water from Olympus Dam down to
or keep fish? Lakes Estes is the place for the Waltonia Bridge, a stretch of water
you. Stocked annually with thousands that has come to be known as one
of catchable-sized rainbow trout by the of the premier fisheries on the Front
Colorado Division of Wildlife, the big Range, and the closest thing to a year-
impoundment on the Big Thompson round stream fishery anywhere in the
River also holds wild brown trout, immediate area. Rainbows and brown A pair of anglers float on Lily Lake.
trout are the quarry, with numbers of
'bows highest closest to the dam and
the proportion of browns increasing
steadily as you move downstream. Fish
up to 16 inches are fairly common, and
its not uncommon to find fish rising to
a brief, mid-January midge emergence.
The Big T is a popular and busy place on
any fishable day, so plan to fish carefully
through the beat you find to fish rather
than try to cover a lot of water, and be
aware that private land holdings are
interspersed with public lands in the
canyon.
Sprague Lake: Another kid and bait

friendly place to fish, and one of the few
places bait is allowed in the national
park. Sprague is inhabited primarily by
brook trout, with the occasional out-
sized brown trout turning up in the
catch. The lake has a healthy population
of damselflies, and a damselfly nymph
fished around weed beds is often
productive.
Wild Basin: Simply put, Wild Basin

is a fly fisher's paradise. The main
attraction is the main stem of the
North St. Vrain, coursing down from
its headwaters at Thunder Lake and
above, but there are also several fishable Fishermen cast their lines into the Big Thompson River in Moraine Park.
tributaries and numerous lakes in the
high country that provide outstanding
brookies outnumber everything else by there. Also, getting there can be a lot of From Milner Pass, where Trail Ridge
fishing at the end of long, lung-busting
far but some very nice brown trout lurk work. Road crosses the Divide, a hiking trail
hikes. Browns and brookies predominate
under the undercut banks. Here's the But the payoff can be fantastic: there hugs the Poudre all the way to the Park
from the park boundary upstream,
catch: there is no shelter from the wind, are bigger fish to be caught than in the boundary.
with a few rainbows mixed in here and
and many non-anglers walk the banks, smaller streams below, and they are not
there and greenbacks and other cutts
making the fish spooky and hard to necessarily picky eaters. At the height of Lily Lake: Considered a
showing up the farther upstream you
catch. Also: big brown trout don't get to the season, the fishing can be what the "demonstration lake" in the recovery
go. Timing is important in Wild Basin:
be big brown trout by being pushovers. guides call "stupid good." of the greenback cutt, Lily is the most
while the North St. Vrain does have a bit
Target the brown trout with streamers accessible greenback fishery there is.
of a reputation as a stream that runs cold
fished to undercut banks. For brookies Upper Colorado River: On the west The lake is rich with aquatic life, and the
early in the season, it is a challenge to
rising in the pools, fish midges, or side of the park, the Upper Colorado trout in it can grow to the 20-inch mark.
wade around the high flows during snow
terrestrial patterns like ants, beetles and meanders down the Kewanuche Valley. Just be aware that a large section of the
melt, and is slow to kick into gear after
grasshoppers. You might share the stream with a lake is closed to angling from late spring
run-off and quick to shut down in the
You are also likely to find yourself bunch of elk, or even a moose or two. to mid-summer to protect spawning
fall. The fishing can be very good, and
sharing the stream from a few to very Here, the Colorado is an intimate place fish (though they actually cannot spawn
the Basin is a corner of the park that can
many elk (note that there are foot traffic to fish compared with the brawling, successfully in the still waters of the
feel somehow apart from the mountains
closures in effect in the fall). canyon-carving behemoth it becomes lake) and that all angling is strictly by
that surround it, especially when you are
as it picks up water from tributaries single, barbless hooks and all fish must
down streamside among the mossy trees
High country lakes: The season in downstream. be released immediately.
on a drizzly August day.
the high country is short. The ice comes
off sometime in late June or early July in South Fork of the Cache la Poudre: Headwater streams: This is where
Moraine Park: Meandering stretches
most places, and by early October, the The Poudre begins on the Continental you go to get away from the crowds.
of the Big Thompson and Cub Creek
weather can get dicey. Wind is often also Divide, at Poudre Lake near Milner Hike in your wading boots, carry your
wind across the wide-open expanse of
an issue, not to mention the afternoon Pass, and flows north toward the Park's rod and don't sweat the fly selection.
Moraine Park, the confluence of the
thunderstorms of the July and August boundary, gathering water, before Pick a squiggly blue line on the map and
two coming just upstream of Bear Lake
monsoon season that can drive you turning east and blasting down the go. You can fish for anything you want
Road on Moraine's eastern edge. Small
off the water almost as soon as you get Poudre Canyon toward Fort Collins. here, as long as it's a trout.
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Mor Info 970-577-0174
Climb the highest
mountain
Rocky Mountain National Park is loaded with
classic climbs for all seasons
Trail-Gazette a long, hard hike), quality bouldering,
I
some great ice climbs in the winter,
t makes perfect sense. Consider, for some snow to contend with for most of
instance, that Estes Park has one the year, rock climbs, and any number of
of the best youth climbing teams potential adventures that combine all of
around. Who would be surprised to those aspects.
learn that Rocky Mountain National Any discussion of climbing in the
Park offers some of the best climbing park has to begin (but hardly end) with
on the continent? The Park has 113 Longs Peak. It's the highest peak on the
named peaks rising over 10,000 feet, Front Range, and the 15th highest peak
with 71 of those extending above 12,000 in the state. There is an easy route, the
feet. Climbers say that only the Grand Keyhole route, (if you consider hiking
Tetons come close to what is available on steep inclines almost three miles
along the Continental Divide in the park, above sea level easy) that is considered
and the park has its own version of El non-technical for about six weeks each
Capitan and Half Dome in the Diamond summer, from mid-July to the end of
on Longs Peak's east face. The park August. The smart thing to do if you
has been called "the ultimate vertical wish to summit Longs is the get a start
playground." under the cover of darkness. Most who
Part of what makes the park a make the summit hit the trail by 4 a.m.,
climbing playground is the variety. with the goal being to get up and then
There is simply an endless array of start down before the daily late-summer
things to climb and conditions under thunderstorm hits. An early start is an
which to climb them. You have walk-ups essential part of any attempt on the
like the route most people take to the 16-mile round trip that has 4,700 feet of
top of Longs (not truly a climb, more of See Climb: Page 60 The Twin Owls, just north of Estes Park, attract numerous rock climbers.
Located at %"% $:,&+30 '63)- $8.:3 #(# For an appointment call: 125(/ 947*#"!"
(Across the parking lot from Holiday Inn) Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
; 9.$ !@('.2(* >.#=1".6 Monday through Friday
; B@". 7@3 <//1'2(".2(*6 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
; C#.4'?#. B=).0&#'2+6 Longer Hours in Summer
; >@#%5A2* >.#=1".6
Providers: Sean P. Murphy, MD

Bruce A. Woolman, DO
Paul Fonken, MD
Curt Weibel, FNP-C
Erika Norris, MD
Serving Our Community and itsVisitors for over 25 years!

• Lifelong Family Care • Sleep Apnea
• Urgent Care Clinic • Home Oxygen Testing
• Altitude Sickness • Geriatrics
• Minor Emergencies / Minor Surgeries • Treadmill Stress Testing
• Sports Injuries • Annual Physical Exams
• Strains & Sprains / Fracture Care • DOT Physicals
• Lacerations • Well Woman Exams
• Workers Compensation • Well Baby / Child Exams
• Preventative Care • School, Camp and Sports Physicals
• Acute and Chronic Pain • Immunizations
• Management of Chronic Diseases • Allergy Injections
• Diabetes & Cholesterol Management • Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Menopause Counseling • Lab Work
• Mental Health Care • Free Blood Pressure Checks
• Skin Lesions
:1@,0 8.,('-'.0 We Accept Most Major Insurances C@"'#3 !)3*'='@2*

Se Habla Español

Enjoy a loop-hike from Moraine Park
See such sites as The Pool, Cub Lake
and Windy Gulch
Amy Protto hikes on the trail above Cub Lake.
By Lisa Foster below and to the east, before entering

Trail-Gazette the forest and leading to a junction with
The trail weaves through the
L
CUB LAKE LOOP
the trail to Mill Creek Basin. Continue
ooking for an interesting and fun Trailhead: Cub Lake
loop-hike in Rocky Mountain unique boulders named Arch west along the trail as it begins to
descend and provides great views of the
National Park (RMNP)? Try the Distance From Trailhead
Cub Lake Loop, which connects the Rocks, and then passes Windy (One Way): 5.9 Miles cliffs that rise above the Fern Lake Trail.
Continue along the trail as it descends
Cub Lake Trail with the Fern Lake Trail, Gulch Cascades. Highest point on loop: 8,745 feet to The Pool. This section of the trail
passing several beautiful landmarks,
Rating: Moderate between Cub Lake and The Pool is 0.9
such as The Pool, Windy Gulch Cascades
miles.
and Cub Lake.
At the Pool, where the Big Thompson
River has carved this granite basin of
The trailhead for 1.1 miles to the Beaver Meadows terrain and skirts the western edge
churning water, cross the footbridge and
This loop-hike requires one to walk Entrance Station. Pass the kiosk and of picturesque Moraine Park. The
drive for 0.2 mile to Bear Lake Road. trail climbs a small hill and curves hike along the Fern Lake Trail as it heads
along the dirt road that leads between
Turn south (left) and drive for 1.3 miles sharply, heading west along Cub Creek. east, following the picturesque river. The
the Cub Lake Trailhead and the Fern
to Moraine Park Road. Turn west (right) Beaver ponds along the stream offer a trail weaves through the unique boulders
Lake Trailhead in order to complete the
and drive for 0.6 mile to the junction refuge and a source of drinking water named Arch Rocks, and then passes Windy
loop. During the winter months, the
with Moraine Park Campground Road for wildlife. Steep Mountain, true to Gulch Cascades. This waterfall is difficult to
road to the Fern Lake Trailhead is closed
(straight ahead) and the road to the Fern its name, lies to the south. The trail view from the trail, but is a pretty cascade
to vehicle traffic for the last 0.7 mile,
and Cub Lake Trailheads (on left). Turn becomes slightly steeper and climbs that tumbles down the cliffs on the north
and parking is allowed at an alternate
south (left) drive for 1.3 miles to the Cub through aspen trees before entering a side of the river, above the trail.
trailhead, near the bathrooms. Parking
Lake Trailhead. dense forest. Wind through the scenic Continue to the Fern Lake Trailhead,
is limited at both the Cub Lake and Fern
pine forest to a short uphill section that 1.7 miles from The Pool. Follow the dirt
Lake Trailheads. One can either park at
the Cub Lake Trailhead or the alternate The hike tops out at the lake, 2.4 miles from the road for 0.9 miles to return to the Cub Lake
Trailhead.
Fern Lake Trailhead, and can choose to From the Cub Lake Trailhead, hike trailhead.
hike the loop in either direction. This south along the Cub Lake Trail to a series Cub Lake is quite scenic, and is a nice Lisa is the author of the highly acclaimed
article describes the hike for those who of log footbridges that cross the Big spot to take a break. Continue west book, Rocky Mountain National Park, The
park at the Cub Lake Trailhead and hike Thompson River. Nice views of Stones along the trail as it skirts the northern Complete Hiking Guide, available at stores
to Cub Lake first. Peak, Sprague Mountain and Gabletop shore of the lake and begins to climb throughout Estes Park, and on the internet
From the RMNP Beaver Meadows Mountain can be seen from the bridge. steeply up the ridge. The trail climbs at Amazon.com. Contact her at lisahikes@
Visitor Center on US 36, drive west The trail continues south over level quickly, offering good views of Cub Lake hotmail.com.
Vacation planning Estes style
Organizations have full event schedules for visitor planning
Trail-Gazette
A fter a fun day in the in the

great outdoors, catch a theater
production, stop in to an art
opening, go to a concert or tour the
museums. Estes Park has a full schedule
of activities to please the entire family.
Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB)
Visitor 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, fun-filled 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 website — 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 The Estes Park Senior Center has a busy activities schedule.
An
Estes
Park
Tradition
for over 30 years!
www.donuthaus-estespark.com
342 Moraine Ave.
586-2988
at 517 Big Thompson Avenue in Stanley center at (970) 586-2996 or visit www.
Village. For more information, call (970) estesnet.com/seniorcenter.
586-5882 or visit www.artcenterofestes.
com. Performance Park Outdoor
Amphitheater
Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park Performance Park outdoor
The Cultural Arts Council of Estes amphitheater is located at 417 W.
Park Fine Art Gallery presents visual Elkhorn Avenue at the west end of the
and performing arts programming Riverwalk. The beautiful rock backdrop
year-round. The arts council will be creates impeccable acoustics with a
celebrating one full year in its new lawn in front of the stage, and tables
gallery, located at 423 W. Elkhorn and chairs along the river for visitor's
Avenue (directly in front of Performance picnicking convenience. Performances
Park outdoor amphitheater). For more take place May through August. For
information, call (970) 586-9203 or visit Offerings at Performance Park schedule information, call the CVB at
www.estesarts.com. routinely attract large crowds. (970) 577-9900.
Estes Park Museum 335 E. Elkhorn Avenue, call (970) 586- Rocky Ridge Music Center
The Estes Park Museum collects, 8116, or visit www.estes.lib.co.us. Rocky Ridge Music Center (RRMC)
interprets and preserves local history is a summer music center/camp
through permanent and temporary Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies for middle school, high school and
exhibits, programs and events. The The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies college students. They offer chamber
museum educates visitors, exploring brings theater productions to the and orchestral music, private lessons
the rich history of Estes Park and Estes Valley year-round. They also and music theory for all types of
Rocky Mountain National Park. The offer the Fine Arts and Crafts Festival instrumentalists. Student and faculty
Estes Park Museum is located at 200 in September. For more information, concerts are offered throughout the
The Estes Valley Library provides
Fourth Street off of Highway 36 just call the Cultural Arts Council of Estes summer at RRMC, located at 465 Longs
visitors with Internet access along
west of Lake Estes. Museum admission Park at (970) 586-9203 or visit www. Peak Road. For more information, call
with the usual library resources.
and programs are free. For more fineartsguild.org. Theater ticket (970) 586-4031 or visit www.rockyridge.
information, call the museum at (970) information can be obtained by calling org.
Estes Valley and regional Colorado
586-6256 or visit www.estesnet.com/ the Macdonald Book Shop at (970) 586-
artists in a broad range of media. The
museum. 3450. Stanley Museum
center offers featured artist's exhibits
The Stanley Hotel, built by F.O.
throughout the year, as well as a
Estes Valley Public Library Estes Park Senior Center (Freelan Oscar) Stanley of Stanley
revolving collection from more than 40
The Estes Valley Public Library The Estes Park Senior Center has Steamer automobile fame, opened on
members. The gallery provides exhibit
offers a Summer Reading Program for a busy activities schedule and serves June 22, 1909. The Stanley Museum is
space for school children and aspiring
children, provides meeting space for a weekly lunches at noon. The senior located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue
artists. The center also offers art classes,
variety of community programming and center is located at 220 Fourth Street in Lower Stanley Village. For more
slideshows and educational programs.
free Internet service by appointment. and is open Monday through Friday. information, call (970) 577-1903 or visit
The Art Center of Estes Park is located
Visit the Estes Valley Public Library at For more information, call the senior www.stanleymuseum.org.
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Hopi Goldsmith Estes Park’s Family Activewear Store
Saturday, July 10th 10 am to 4 pm 141 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park • (970) 586-3361
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Hiking • Climbing • Camping • Travel • Rentals
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Day tripping
from Estes Park
If you have the time, you can get there from here
Compiled by Juley Harvey Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway
Trail-Gazette Enjoy spectacular views of snow-
I
capped peaks along the Continental
f you'd like to savor some of the Divide and access to historical mining
surrounding countryside on brief communities, such as Black Hawk and
road trips and adventures during Central City, dating from the late 1800s.
your stay in Estes Park, the following The byway begins as CO Highway 7 in
provide happy trails galore to explore. Estes Park, passes Lily Mountain and
Twin Sisters, then turns south just past
Estes Park — Glen Haven — Drake Allenspark on CO Highway 72, goes to
Take Devils Gulch Road (CR 43) north Nederland, where it continues south on
to the small town of Drake, following the CO Highway 119, through Blackhawk,
North Fork of the Big Thompson River. through Clear Creek Canyon and down
The Glen Haven-Drake loop is a lovely to I-70. Many gold mines were located
hour-and-a-half drive without stops. along Highways 72 and 119. There are
Allow some time to pause and enjoy the many aspen stands, as well, so it is a
scenery of Devils Gulch along the way. definite gold mine in the fall. A distance
of 55 miles, from Estes Park to I-70, is
38th RockyGrass Bluegrass Festival about a 2-hour drive.
— Lyons
Live bluegrass music is everywhere, as Cache la Poudre
musicians form jam circles in the woods The byway follows Colorado's only
along the river, and the audience listens. designated wild and scenic river, the
Cache la Poudre. It's north of Rocky
20th Annual Folks Festival — Lyons Mountain National Park, running
A musical mosaic of songs, stories through Roosevelt National Forest and
and summertime providesmellower Colorado State Park from Fort Collins
moods and the perfect cool for the toward Cameron Pass. The Colorado
warm Colorado sun. The festival opens State Forest has a visitor center for
with the prestigious Folks Songwriter moose watchers. The driving distance is
Showcase. For more information, call 101 miles, with a driving time of 3 hours.
(800) 624-2422 or see the Web site at
planetbluegrass.com. Old Fall River Road
This motor nature trail, constructed
Colorado River Headwaters National in 1921, was the first auto route in Rocky
Scenic Byway Mountain National Park offering access
Follow the magnificent Colorado River to the park's high country. It is narrow
as it begins its journey west to carve the and has many switchbacks (trailers or
Grand Canyon and flow to the Pacific. vehicles over 25 feet are not allowed).
Take Hwy. 34 from Grand Lake to Opening date for the Old Fall River Road
Granby, Hwy. 40 to Kremmling, County is usually around the 4th of July. Snow
Road 1 (gravel road) to State Bridge, 75 usually closes it in late September or
Tricia Kob cooks up sausage at the 2009 pancake breakfast to benefit the local miles, driving time: 90 minutes to drive, October.
volunteer fire department. The fire department's breakfast is a tradition in Glen 3-6 hours to enjoy. Avoid travel on gravel
Haven, with several second-generation volunteers, like Kob, whose father had portion after rain or snow. Grand Lake is a small town located on
served as a firefighter and a breakfast cook. the eastern shore of Grand Lake. The
TOM ADAMS
Broker Associate,
GRI, MRE
Days (970) 481-5188

Evenings (303) 823-5022
More photos at:
www.tomadams.net 2465 SPUR 66 2864 FALL RIVER ROAD 800 MACGREGOR UNITS 5&6
www.tomadamsrealestate.com
8 rental units on 2.65 acres. Across the street Right on Fall River in Estes Park & 1/4 mile The Lodges at Black Canyon Inn are located in
from the river. Adjacent to old entrance to from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance, a picturesque part of Estes Park, behind Stanley
Team Realty Rocky Mountain National Park, now a hiking this 1.26 acre lot has an 1800 sq ft home on the Hotel. This unit is on a pond, fed by Black
trail to the Park. Snow capped views in back river and a small one bedroom cabin long or Canyon Creek. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, good rental
$639,000
48-18105
yard. Lot’s of potential. $600,000 short term rental. history. Walk to town. $319,000

town is the western entrance to Rocky
Mountain National Park. The lake is
large, clear and is the deepest natural
lake in Colorado. All types of boats are
allowed on the lake. Shadow Mountain
Lake and Lake Granby are within a few
minutes' drive from the town of Grand
Lake.
Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks

The Indian Peaks Wilderness area is
immediately west of Nederland (roughly
30 minutes west of Boulder). The hike
from Brainard to Lake Isabelle will reveal
waves of wildflowers in the summer.
Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni Peaks
surround Lake Isabelle, and protect a
small year-round glacier. To enter the
Brainard Lake section of the Indian
Peaks Wilderness area, follow the Peak-
to-Peak highway from Nederland to
Ward.
Georgetown Loop Railroad

Take I-70 and follow the signs to
Georgetown. The Georgetown Loop
Railroad features a train that runs for 12
miles through the Royal Gorge. The view
is spectacular, especially in the fall, from
open railroad cars. The Loop will take
you from Georgetown to Silver Plume
over a trestle bridge. The trip will take A fly fisherman casts into Poudre Lake. The lake, which sits on Milner Pass, is the source of the Cache La Poudre River,
more than an hour. which flows into the Platte River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico, while water from the opposite side of the parking lot
flows into the Colorado River toward the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific.
Shambhala Mountain Center
This mountain valley retreat is has offered hundreds of programs on over the world, The Great Stupa of are welcome every day of the year. For
located on 600 acres in northern Buddhist meditation, yoga and other Dharmakaya is the largest and most more information, see the Web site at
Colorado, at 4921 County Rd 68-C, Red contemplative disciplines. Attracting elaborate example of Buddhist sacred www.shambhalamountain.org or call
Feather Lakes. Since 1971, the Center thousands of visitors a year from all architecture in North America. Visitors (888) STUPA-21 (788-7221).
Prospect Park
Living Center
Whether you live here or vacation, here we can help care for
your loved one!
Care giving can be a challenge so we can help care for your
loved one with short or long-term care needs.
Prospect Park can provide: Therapy including:
• 24-hour skilled care • Physical, occupational,
• Activities and outings speech and pet
• Beauty Salon & • Restorative Care
Barber Shop
• Nutritious meals and snacks
Call for more information 586-8103, Prospect Park Living

Center . Providing a dynamic, life centered community in
which to live and work.
555 Prospect Avenue | Estes Park CO 80517

970.586.8103 | www.epmedcenter.com

A camera is a must-have
when visiting
Wildlife: getting it in focus

he best way to photograph two big bulls sparring during the fall rut is from a safe distance with a telephoto lens.
Trail-Gazette abundant in a bushy habitat near the
W
edges of meadows in shrub lands and
ith elevations ranging from stream-side woodlands.
7,000 feet to more than 14,000 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep spend
feet, the Estes Valley and the summer feeding in high alpine
Rocky Mountain National Park provide meadows and on windblown mountain
a wide diversity of ecosystems with tops. In the winter they are forced to
outstanding opportunities for wildlife lower elevations where they graze.
viewing. It's the reason many visitors It is important to avoid approaching
come to Estes Park. Wildlife watching sheep from above. Sheep depend on
was listed in a 2006 visitor study as one their eyesight to detect danger. They
of the leading attractions that brings prefer to stay in open spaces where they
people to Estes Park. can see long distances. If threatened,
People love to view and photograph they will run uphill to escape. If sheep
wildlife. First-time and experienced perceive their escape route to be
wildlife watchers are always seeking blocked, they become nervous and
a quality and rewarding wildlife stressed.
encounter. The big animals, elk, deer Creating interesting bird images
and bighorn, are especially attractive presents a formidable challenge even
to all levels of wildlife photographers. for seasoned professionals. As with
Birds, especially waterfowl offer a large animals, when photographing A big Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram is a worthy subject.
colorful alternative. birds, study your subject and know their watching - viewing animals without full view and act disinterested in the
Success in the field often depends biology, habits, travel patterns, and interrupting their normal activities. animal you are watching. Avoid direct
on a photographer's knowledge of the behavior. Weather plays an integral role, Blend in with your surroundings. Wear eye contact and never move directly
animals. What do they eat? Where do and it can radically change behavior. subdued natural colors and be as scent- toward an animal. Do not try to sneak
they eat? What time of day are they Knowing the effect weather can have on free as possible. Walk softly and quietly up on wildlife, if they detect you and feel
active? birds is an advantage. when approaching wildlife but do not threatened they will run.
Elk, for example, are grazers and Fall, winter and spring are the best sneak. Think like an animal. Look along
can be found near forest edges in large seasons for viewing large wildlife. Stick to the sidelines. Use binoculars borders between habitat types to see
grassy meadows. The forest provides Animals observed at a distance on the or a telephoto lens to avoid crowding residents from both places. Pay special
cover for a quick retreat in case danger tundra during the summer can usually wildlife. Intruding too close to the attention to high visitation areas such
threatens. The forest also provides be seen in nearby meadows and often subject may cause the animal to change as game trail intersections, ledges
protection from weather. The meadow right in Estes Park during the peak its behavior. overlooking open areas and watering
grasses are a source of nutrition. viewing times. Take it easy and relax. Animals sites.
Mule deer are browsers. They are most Ultimate wildlife watching is behavior detect tension. Move slowly, stay in Respect national park and forest rules.
They are designed to protect the wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park.
and their habitat. It is characterized by open stands of
Respect private property. Do not ponderosa pine on dry, south-facing
trespass. slopes, Douglas fir on moist north slopes
Do not feed wildlife. Feeding produces and scattered aspen grove in disturbed
a dependence on unnatural foods, which areas. This is the favorite habitat of
are not healthy for survival in the wild. Abert's squirrel, coyote, mountain lion,
deer, elk, fox and bighorn, Wetlands
Be on the lookout for rare finds are found from the plains to the alpine
Wild animals that are rarely seen are tundra. Marshes and willow thickets
not necessarily few in number. Bobcats, spring up where there is water and form
mountain lions and porcupines are all habitat for beaver, deer, coyote, bobcat,
well established in the Estes area but are raccoon, muskrat, porcupine fox, moose,
not easily spotted. black bear, weasel and elk.
Mountain lions favor montane habitat
where they hunt deer, their primary food. Tips to improve photo quality
They also take elk, bighorn sheep or any A car is a good "blind" for watching
animal they can catch. The best chance to wildlife. Drivers should pull well off the
see them is during early winter mornings. road, turn off the motor and lights. Young
Porcupines are found in the branches children and pets should be kept quiet
of aspen and ponderosa pine trees at and inside the car.
lower elevations. Look for bark that's
been stripped. Photo tips
Pine martens are found in subalpine Use at least a 300-400mm telephoto
forest and tundra rock piles. Chickarees lens and tripod. Respect the safety and
are their favorite food. welfare of your subject.
Weasels like streamside forest, tundra Aim for photos of calm, dignified,
and rocky areas. unstressed animals. Shoot with the sun at
Moose are more commonly seen in the wetlands on the park's west side.
Moose are found in river bottom your back if at all possible. Morning and
However, sightings near Sprague Lake on the east side have become more
lands, willow thickets and wetlands. afternoon light is the best.
common lately.
Most are found on the west side of the If you don't have a telephoto lens, show
park, however, sightings on the east side, follow the seasons and their food supply. spruce forests to the lodgepole pine and the animal in its natural surroundings
including near Estes Park, are increasing. Alpine tundra is the main area in the aspen at lower elevations. Residents rather than getting too close.
mountains above tree line. It is home to include chipmunks, ground squirrels,
Learn about the ecosystems marmot, ground squirrels, pika, coyote, chickaree, pine marten, porcupine, Binocular tips
There are many different ecosystems elk and bighorn. bobcat, black bear and elk. Find the subject with your unaided eye.
within the Estes Valley and Rocky Subalpine tundra extends from the Montane forests fill most of the Bring the eyepiece to just under your eyes
Mountain National Park. Some animals twisted, windblown limber pine at tree area around Estes Park, Roosevelt and sight the subject over the tips of the
may be found in several regions as they line through the dense, moist fir and National Forest and lower elevations eyepieces.
Come Check Out

Our Wine Cellar! Macdonald
Book Shop
A general book store
featuring...
• Regional History & Nature
• Children’s Books
RAMBO’S • Calendars
LONGHORN • Newspapers
LIQUOR MART • Magazines
1640 BIG THOMPSON AVENUE We special order

ESTES PARK, CO 586-8583
books & ship!
20-08724
Located West of Lake Estes

Kegs Available Marina on your way into town
YOU’RE THE OF OUR BUSINESS! 152 E. Elkhorn • 970-586-3450 • macdonaldbookshop.com

P.O. Box 900 • Estes Park, CO 80517

Climb
from page 52
elevation gain.
But the real action is on the east face,
where the massive rack face known as
the Diamond is crisscrossed by well-
known routes. The Diamond was closed
to climbing until 1960, and it is not a
place for inexperienced climbers. One
of the most well-known routes on the
Diamond is Kiener's, which has been
called "possibly the best mountaineering
route in the country."
Lumpy Ridge stands in contrast to
Longs — you don't have to go to the
ceiling of world to access great rock
climbing. Running east and west just
north of Estes Park and holding more
than 30 south-facing domes and spires
with more than 500 established routes,
aficionados consider the ridge to have
some of the best granite climbs in the
area. From the tops of many of the
climbs, you will have spectacular views
of the towering mountains to the west
and panoramic views of the Estes Valley.
For a quality technical climb on
Lumpy Ridge, seek out Mainliner on The Diamond of Longs Peak has long
Sundance Buttress, a six-pitch route. been a magnet for serious climbers
Back into the true alpine country, who want to challenge themselves on
Hallett Peak is one of the most the more than 1,000 foot shear rock
identifiable peaks in the park, topping face.
off at 12,713 feet. Hallett is another peak
that can be bagged without technical surrounded by climbs: The Arrowhead,
climbing, and can be climbed any time Pagoda Mountain, Chiefs Head, the
of the year. For gear-aided climbers, the Keyboard of the Winds, and McHenry's
Culp-Bossier route is the most popular, Peak.
and was cited in the 1979 book "Fifty In the north end of the park, the
Classic Climbs of North America," by highest peak in the Mummy Range,
Steve Roper and Allen Steck (as was the Ypsilon Mountain (elev. 13,514 feet), is
Diamond and the South Face of Petit another attractive climb with options for
Grepon). The Northcutt-Carter route is both walk-ups and technical, gear-aided
a more difficult route that offers some climbs.
orienteering challenges as well. The walk-up is via the Southwest
Speaking of Petit Grepon, John Ridge that takes one from Chapin Pass, Climbers working their way up Mills Glacier are just tiny specks against the
Bicknell of the Colorado Mountain across the alpine tundra and to the white ice.
School has called the South Face one of summit. Like most peaks in the park,
the best spire routes in the Park. Ypsilon is doable in the winter but sees winter, when hard-core types combine considered the best time. The climb takes
The Spearhead (elev. 12,575 feet) the vast majority of its traffic during the climbing and skiing. The park in the one up the lower east face of Longs, and
is not the highest peak in the park or summer months. Two trailheads provide winter is a special place, often far quieter up Alexander's Chimney to The Notch —
even in its immediate vicinity in Glacier the best access to the mountain, the and with a greater feeling of isolation 2,000 vertical feet of climbing.
Gorge, but is one of the most highly Lawn Lake Trailhead in Horseshoe Park than one may get on a busy route at the For climbers in the Park, there's no
regarded climbs, with both technical and and the Chapin Pass Trailhead off Fall peak of the summer months. paperwork or bureaucracy to deal with
non-technical routes. River Road. For ice climbing, The Notch, on Longs for a day climb, and most of the Park's
The Spearhead is not the only great While most of the casual climbing Peak, is considered one of the best in climbs can be done in a day. Overnight
destination in Glacier Gorge, as the gets done during the summer, the the Park, though good timing for good climbing trips, like all overnight stays in
upper end of the basin is ringed is mountaineering continues right through conditions is important. Late fall is the park, do require permits.
Electrical • Plumbing Complete Hardware

Paint • Gardening Crafts & Variety Store
RV Supplies Keys Made • UPS & FedEx Shipping
Sporting Goods • Ammunition Bedding • Clothing
Camping Equipment Bathing Suits • Housewares • Gifts
Fishing Tackle & Licenses Also Specializing in Electronics
TOYS & GAMES DVD RENTAL & SALES
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
The More You Shop
YEAR ROUND
More Than A Hardware Store… Much More! The More You Earn®
Summer Hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
20-50084
Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Winter Hours www.truevalue.com
Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
970-586-3496 Stanley Village Shopping Center 461 E. Wonderview Ave., Estes Park
Get into the riding Compiled by Juley Harvey
Trail-Gazette
habit giddyup to E stes Park is an equine heaven, no horsing around. Small,

big, schooled or shown — you can find a horse of a different
color to fit almost any riding habit.
the horse shows

The horse show season beings in June at the Fairgrounds at
Stanley Park. It continues until the last Hunter-Jumper hurdles
its way over an obstacle in mid-August. First on the scene is the
Miniature Horse Show in late June. Traditionally the minis are
closely followed by the Arabian Horse Show, which takes place
Estes Park: A great the week of the Fourth of July. Then, the fairgrounds hosts the
Colorado Hunter-Jumper Association's Copper Penny Show,
place for horsing followed by the nationally recognized Silver Dollar Hunter-
around See Horse: Page 62
A handler cools down an Arabian horse

following its time in the arena at the
Arabian Horse Show.
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303•939•9323 • www.FairWindsInc.com
A little guy for a miniature horse at last year's miniature horse show in Estes Park.
Explore God’s Country
Since 1907, Estes Park Center has provided

families and groups with pristine scenery, affordable
lodge rooms, cabins, meals, activities and a
wholesome environment. View wildlife, hike and
daydream at YMCA of the Rockies.
Riders in dressage try to guide their horses with as little detectable effort as
possible, making the rider and horse seem to be moving as one.
Lodge Rooms Still Available for Summer ! Horse each of the three Festival weeks is
highlighted by a $25,000 Grand Prix,
which tests the skills of the nation's
from page 61 best riders. The horse show season
Call Now! Jumper Festivals. All in all, the Hunter-
closes with a Dressage Horse Show
August 20-22 and The Estes Park Draft
800.777.9622 www.ymcarockies.org Jumpers and their talented riders are in Horse Show on Aug. 22.
residence at the fairgrounds for nearly Should you prefer small packages,
four weeks. Adding to the excitement, make a date for the Rocky Mountain
Miniature Horse Show, held at the draft horse enthusiasts around the
Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 world. Competitions will take place
Manford Ave, June 23 and 24 and throughout the day, with a special stick
June 26 and 27, beginning at 8 a.m. horse race for the kids.
A variety of competitions for these If you own draft horses and wish to
charming little critters will be held participate in the Draft Horse Show,
against a backdrop of busy grooming please contact Ginny Hutchison at
stalls, warm-up rings, costumes and ginhutch@gmail.com or (970) 586-
carts. The free event is sponsored by 1981.
the Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse The Draft Horse Show will begin at
Club. Visitors are welcome to talk to 9 a.m. Times for the individual classes
the animals in the barn area. For more depend upon the number of teams
information, call (970) 577-9900 or and horses entered in each event. It is
(800) 44-ESTES. estimated that the Six Horse Hitch will
Miniature horses add up to a big begin at approximately 3 or 3:30 p.m.
wow factor for the whole family. Other events include those for:
They show off their skills, beauty and weanling and yearling stallions; two-
grace in exhibitions that provide an year-old and older stallions; grand
extension of the bonding between big champion stallion; weanling and
human and little equine. Spending yearling mares; two- and three-year-
time with a horse, learning to old mares; four and older mares; Grand
communicate and trust, understanding Champion Mare; geldings; Junior
and breaking through fears and Showmanship; farm team obstacle
eventually knowing the thrill of (vehicle provided); mare cart; gelding
working in unison are show goals. cart; stick horse race (2-3 year old
No bigger than a large dog, American kids); junior cart; farm team on the
miniature horses are "miniature" rail (exhibitor provides vehicle); hitch
versions of well-balanced horses, 34 team class (mare or gelding); stick
inches tall at the maximum, eager to horse race (4-5 year old kids); Junior
please, gentle and affectionate and Team Class; single horse log obstacle
are extremely versatile, excelling in a (log provided); feed team race (vehicle
variety of disciplines including driving, provided); six horse hitch; barrel race.
halter, jumping, obstacle and others. There is no admission fee for any
If you hanker for a more exotic of these horse shows. The events
horse, seek the sleek, chic Arabians, at generally begin at 8 a.m. (the Draft
the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, from Horse Show will begin at 9 a.m.)
July 2 through July 4, beginning at 8 and continue until all of the classes
a.m. scheduled are completed. The time the
The Arabian horse boasts shows conclude varies, as it depends
intelligence, spirit and stamina. This upon the number of horses and riders
breed has a distinctive head shape and competing on any given day.
high tail carriage. One of the oldest Events are free and begin at 8
breeds, it is also one of the most easily a.m., except where noted. For more
recognizable horse breeds in the world. information, call (970) 577-9900 or
Horses that resemble modern (800) 44-ESTES.
Arabians date back 4,500 years.
Brought from the Middle East by both 2010 Show Dates
war and trade, Arabians added speed, June 23-24 & 26-27 — Rocky
refinement, endurance and good bone Mountain Miniature Horse Show
structure to other breeds. July 2-4 — Arabian Horse Show
If you want a little more pizzazz July 3-4 — Region 8 Sport Horse
in your pony, check out the hunter- Championships
jumpers. Hunter-Jumper horse July 21-22 — Half Penny Hunter
shows are held throughout the world, Jumper Horse Show
representing the disciplines while July 23-25 — Copper Penny Hunter
promoting the welfare of the horse Jumper Horse Show
and fairness in competition. Hunters A rider guides his horse over a jump during last season's hunter jumper show at July 28 - Aug. 1 — Hunter Jumper
originally were ridden in fox hunts. the Stanley Fairgrounds. Festival I Horse Show
Competitions involve horse and rider July 31 — Festival I $25,000 Grand
negotiating fences that resemble coated riders and spiffed-up mounts of modern dressage technique. Prix at 5 p.m.
natural obstacles that might be found strutting their stuff, at the Fairgrounds Sponsored by the Colorado Springs Aug. 4-8 — Hunter Jumper Festival II
in the hunting field. Jumpers may at Stanley Park, Aug. 20 to 22. Dressage Association, the event is free. Horse Show
be any breed or size and are judged Dressage, a French term meaning For more information, call (970) 577- Aug. 7 — Festival II $25,000 Grand
on their jumping ability, with speed, "training," and occasionally referred 9900 or (800) 44-ESTES. Prix at 5 p.m.
strength and the ability to clear the to as "horse ballet," provides A new event this year ends the Aug. 11-15 — Hunter Jumper Festival
jump as cleanly as possible the criteria. competitions ranging from amateur season on Aug. 22, when the Draft III Horse Show
Riders and horses are judged in both levels to the Olympics, which develop Horse Show drifts into view. Aug. 14 — Festival III $25,000 Grand
competitions. a horse's natural athletic ability Whether your favorite breed is Prix at 5 p.m.
The Half Penny Hunter-Jumper and willingness to perform, while Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron or Aug. 20-22 — Dressage Horse Show
Show will be held at the Fairgrounds maximizing its potential as a riding Shire, you will see them all, as they Aug. 22 — Estes Park Draft Horse
at Stanley Park, from July 21 to 22, the horse. A dressage horse at its peak can arrive to compete in Estes Park's first Show
Copper Penny Hunter-Jumper Show smoothly respond to a skilled rider's Draft Horse Show. Watch as single
will be held July 23 to 25, the Hunter- minimal prompts by performing the horses and teams display their work The year 2006 signaled the beginning
Jumper Horse Show Festival I takes the requested movement, in a relaxed, ethic in farm competitions, while of a multi-year renovation project at The
arena July 31 and the Hunter-Jumper seemingly effortless manner. showing their style and grace in hitch Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. The first phase
Horse Show Festival II bounds into Although dressage has ancient classes. included massive drainage improvements
view Aug. 4-8. The Hunter-Jumper roots, it was first recognized as an Not familiar with these gentle giants? and new footing in the facility's arenas. In
Festival III strides along from Aug. 11 important equestrian technique during Come see for yourself why these addition, a "mega arena" was developed,
to 15. the Renaissance, when the European versatile horses, who once carried adding greatly to the flexibility of the
To top off those happy horsehairs, riding masters developed a training knights into battle, and after battle fairgrounds complex. Highlighting the year
take in the Dressage Equestrian Show, system known as "classical dressage," helped build and feed nations and 2010 will be a brand-new, state-of-the-art
complete with top-hatted and tail- which is still used as the foundation continue to be valued by owners and grandstand facility, opening in June.
Index to Advertisers
Aerial Tramway ...............................................................3
Alpine Accents...............................................................14
Aspen Lodge..................................................................41
Big O Tires ....................................................................15
Big Thompson Indian Village .......................................25
Blue Tree Real Estate....................................................29
Bob’s Towing & Repair.................................................21
Boulder Valley Credit Union .........................................41
Brownfield’s Trading Post ............................................29
CarQuest Auto Parts .....................................................43
Celtic Cottage................................................................43
Coldwell Banker Estes Village Properties ...... Back Cover
DeLeo’s Café & Deli ......................................................27
Design Center ...............................................................45
Donut Haus...................................................................54
Eagle Plume’s ................................................31,32,33,34
Estes Park Good Samaritan Village .....Inside Back Cover
Estes Park Medical Center ...................Inside Back Cover
Estes Park Trail-Gazette................................................47
Estes Valley Recreation District......................................6
Fair Winds Hot Air........................................................61
Family Hearing Center .................................................40
Family Medical Center ..................................................35
Fun City ........................................................................52
Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce.............................49
Gwynne’s Greenhouse ..................................................24
Inn of Glen Haven.........................................................57
Judy Van Horn ................................................................5
Local’s Grill ...................................................................44
Longmont Hot Air Balloon...........................................14
Lonigan’s Saloon Nightclub & Grill .............................44
Macdonald Book Shop ..................................................59
Marys Lake Lodge .........................................................48
Med-X of Estes Park......................................................51
Mountaineer Restaurant ...............................................44
National Park Village.....................................................17
Omnibus........................................................................11
Outlets at Loveland.......................................................23
Penelope’s Old Time Burgers .......................................45
Photos by Sandi ............................................................11
Plum Creek Shoe Station .................. Inside Front Cover
Prospect Park Living Center.........................................57
Prudential Team Realty - Jay Harroff ...........................27
Prudential Team Realty - Tom Adams .........................56
Rambo’s Longhorn Liquor Mart...................................59
Ram’s Horn Village .......................................................25
Range Property Management .......................................40
RE/MAX Mountain Brokers.............................................7
Rocky Mountain Connection........................................55
Rocky Ridge Music Center............................................36
Serendipity Trading Company......................................55
Shell-Tiny Town One Stop ...........................................54
Timberline Medical .......................................................52
True Value Hardware & Radio Shack ...........................60
Twisted Pine Fur & Leather..........................................16
Village Goldsmith............................................................4
Western 1 Hour Photo....................................................3
White Lion ....................................................................44
YMCA of the Rockies.....................................................62
EstesProviding
Park Medical Center
Excellent Personalized Medical Care
Full Service, critical acceSS HoSpital and level iv trauma center
EMERGENCY CALL 911 970-586-2317 www.epmedcenter.com

555 Prospect Avenue – Just 3 blocks off Highway 36 to Stanley Avenue; then right on Prospect. Follow the signs to the Emergency Room.
20-07494
How To Make
Your Vacation Permanent.
“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.
Marcia Duell Randy Good Vicky Holler Dave Kiser Mary Murphy Wayne Newsom Jim Sherburn Scott Thompson
Broker Assoc., Broker Assoc., Broker, CRS, Broker Assoc. Broker Assoc. Broker Assoc., Broker Assoc., Broker Assoc.,
GRI GRI, QSC GRI, EcoBroker® CRS, GRI, QSC Ecobroker, QSC QSC
ESTES VILLAGE
PROPERTIES, LTD.
Where the Estes Valley has been coming for real estate solutions since 1985.
Visit our website or call for all Estes Valley properties for sale.
970-586-4425 / 800-726-1405 / www.EstesParkRealEstate.com
320 East Elkhorn, P.O. Box 4130, Estes Park, CO 80517
Each office is independently owned and operated. ©2010 CBEVP

2010 Vacation Guide Estes Park, Colorado

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Estes Park

© Copyright 2010 Estes Park Trail-Gazette · Estes Park, Colorado

Single Copy Distribution

The Vacation Edition is an annual

On the Cover: Aspen line Bear

Page 1: A sandstone marker on

2 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

CELEBRATING Opening Day

Kawuneeche Visitor Center

Fees and Passes

The Village Goldsmith, Inc.

4 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

Photo by Walt Hester

Bighorn sheep are among the many Photo by Walt Hester

Lake Estes Marina - 970.586.2011

6 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

E stes Park saw the beginning of what should be a long winter

Kirsten Greenwalt and

Tour all Estes Park Listings at www.WeSellEstesPark.com

Shuttle leaves the Visitor Center every half hour between

Estes Park Condos

4 Seasons on Fall River

Rocky Mountain Traders

every half hour between 10am and

7pm and then again at 8pm.

Mary’s Lake Campground

Mary’s Lake Lodge

Lisa Foster courtesy photo

By Lisa Foster The trail continues and climbs through

Rooftop Rodeo: one of the best

T he 84th edition of the Rooftop

Walt Hester , Trail-Gazette

10 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

A swallow tail tigerstripe butterﬂy lights on ﬂowers in a small, backyard garden

20-50115 www.photosbysandi.com from your photos

12 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

. 2010 Trail Vacation Edition — 13

T he Colorado Mountain Club

UNIQUE gallery or art and crafts”

We also carry gifts from around the world y

222 A E. Elkhorn Experience the magic of floating over

The Tire Guys Have

ASK ABOUT OUR “FREE REPLACEMENT” WARRANTY

OVER 500 GREAT LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE! BIGOTIRES.COM

WE’LL BEAT ANY

LOVELAND CHEYENNE, WY FT COLLINS FT COLLINS

. 2010 Trail Vacation Edition — 15

Fur & Leather

Open Year Round,

Serving Meals for All Tastes &

Full Service, Locally Owned

Estes Park p.m., in Bond Park, downtown Estes Park.

the last longest day of the year, with a festival of flowers,

week of dance. Musicians and dancers entertain both days

June the Midsummer pole decorated with flowers and

The May Pole is placed to mark the start of

Charlotte Anderson of Lindsborg, Kan.

Columbines bloom near Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

By Juley Harvey fringed gentian.

Flowers glimpses of Indian paintbrush in a

800 Dunraven Estes Park CO

ASE Certified Technicians

. 2010 Trail Vacation Edition — 21

22 — 2010 Trail Vacation Edition .

:1@,0 8.,('-'.0 We Accept Most Major Insurances C@"'#3 !)3'='@2