Colorado Outdoor Travel News

01/21/2025

01/21/2025

Curious to learn more about the active management efforts Rocky Mountain National Park staff use to support vegetation recovery following wildfires?

Join Michael Mueldener this Sunday, January 19 at 2 p.m. at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, located on the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park, for the program “Restoring Resilience: Assisting Vegetation Recovery Post-Wildfire.”

During this program, Michael will talk about how the 2020 Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires impacted vegetation in Rocky Mountain National Park and what efforts and techniques park staff use to address vegetation recovery.

Michael Mueldener is the exotic plant management lead for Rocky Mountain National Park. Prior to stepping into this role, Michael has worked in a variety of seasonal positions at the park since 2020 including as a crew lead for Forestry and the park's greenhouse and nursery, as a member of the vegetation crew, and as a geospatial intern with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

This program is free. This presentation is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Winter Speaker Series. Thank you to Rocky Mountain Conservancy for their support of educational programming like this!

For more information, visit the Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s webpage at https://rmconservancy.org/ and search “Upcoming Events”

Image Credit: NPS Photo

01/21/2025

Are you planning a northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike? Start smart at the arch!

Starting February 15, volunteers with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club will set up Basecamp in the Arch Room of the Amicalola Falls State Park visitor center to lead the Start Smart presentation, distribute hiker hangtags, and talk with people interested in hiking the A.T. Basecamp is generally open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during peak northbound hiking season.

Start Smart presentations, which A.T. hikers must participate in to get their hangtag, are led by GATC volunteers (subject to volunteer availability) and last roughly 15-minutes. Attending a Start Smart presentation is great way for people attempting thru-hikes, section hikes and backpacking trips, as well as interested members of the public, to get the latest information on the A.T. in Georgia and important Leave No Trace reminders. Start Smart presentations are free and open to everyone.

Learn more: https://appalachiantrail.org/event/a-t-basecamp/

01/21/2025

Excavation And Research: Architect Dennis Holloway’s 3-D drawings of Chimney Rock

During the summers of 1970 through 1972, the USDA Forest Service contracted to “survey, excavate, and restore” ancient structures at Chimney Rock for public display. The sites excavated were the Great House Pueblo, the Great Kiva, and the Ridge House. These excavations barely tapped the surface. There are more than 100 sites in Chimney Rock National Monument.

It is assumed the distinct architectural styles of the Chimney Rock Great House, on Chimney Rock’s High Mesa, was built by people who had different family organizations and construction ideas than the local people. This does not represent the gradual change expected within a common culture and leads to questions about the presence of and relationships between different cultural groups within the Monument. Were some residents local, others local leaders or intermediaries, and still others non-local elites or priests?

Read more at www.chimneyrockco.org/puebloan-resources/excavation-research/

01/21/2025

01/21/2025

🌴 Planning on booking your trip to Dry Tortugas in 2025? 🌴

Here are some key things to keep in mind to ensure a seamless and memorable adventure:

🗓️ Book Early: Spots for Key West Seaplane Adventures and Yankee Freedom rides fill up quickly, so make sure to secure your reservations well in advance. Don't miss out on this unique experience!

🔍 Know Before You Go: Familiarize yourself with the park rules and regulations to make the most of your visit while protecting this precious environment.

🌞 Pack Smart: Remember essentials like sun protection, water, and snacks. It's a remote destination, so it's best to come prepared.

🌺 Explore and Enjoy: From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring historic forts, Dry Tortugas offers multiple activities that cater to all interests.

for an unforgettable trip to paradise! 🏝️✨

Happy travels!

NPS Photo Denise Diaz

01/21/2025

01/21/2025

Saturday! Join Jake and Luka for another Hand Mending Hangout. Learn to repair your gear - supplies are provided. Plus, Coffee by Topo will be fueling the morning. 10am-1pm at the Salida Regional Library Tolkien Room. No RSVP required, just show up!

01/21/2025

Every historic old building should have its own ghost, and the Kelso Depot is no exception.
The Kelso Depot ghost is almost certainly, Juan Antonio. His grave location was nearby. Juan Antonio was born in the year 1905, the day the town of Kelso was established and astonishingly, died in the year 1986, the same year the depot was closed.
Juan was a prospector and worked occasionally for the railroad. Many people have seen Juan Antonio near the depot. He always carries his prospector's pickaxe over his shoulder. He will appear as a white glow or occasionally, he will appear as real as anyone, only to disappear.
Juan Antonio, it is thought, cannot rest in peace because, he continues to look for his lost love. - "Maria" was her name and she worked in the "Beanery" restaurant housed within Kelso Depot.
One day, Maria suddenly disappeared without a trace. Foul play was suspected.
Until Juan Antonio finds her, he will certainly forever, walk in search, for his lost love.
Indeed, the Kelso Depot grounds harbored what seemed to be a grave, between the west end of the building and Kelbaker Rd. Some railroaders believe it was simply a memorial to one or more deceased railroad employees and that no one actually is buried there. No other information about the grave or who lay in it, if anyone, has come to light.

NPS Photo Gordon Chappell

01/21/2025

01/21/2025

Would you like to be a part of Pikes Peak Roller Derby by joining our team of sponsors to help keep us rolling in 2025? There are many to support PPRD while also promoting your business!

Presenting Sponsors:
Become a presenting sponsor for the 2025 season and receive a half page program ad, website and social media mentions, trackside banner and up to 6 tickets to each home game.

Event Sponsors:
Feature your business as a presenting sponsor for a PPRD signature event! Options include: Karaoke Gong Show, Pub Crawl, Black n Blu Ball!

Prize Donations:
Promote your business by donating prizes for giveaway during our halftime and recieve a program ad, shout outs or ticket packages for your business!

After Parties and Meet & Greets:
Host PPRD team members and fans at your business!

You can also purchase program ads for your business or purchase a vendor table spot at our home games. Contact [email protected] to discuss a partnerhisp, pricing and custom package offers!

01/21/2025

Pretty amazing......

01/21/2025

Your Park today.
Garden of the Gods - roads are plowed but still slick and ice spots. Drive safe.
Sunday, 1-19-25



📷 Bret Tennis