Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a rock structure located near Morrison Colorado where concerts occur in the open-air. Red Rocks stands at an elevation of 6,450 feet; which is 1,200 feet higher than the city of Denver. Red Rocks was purchased by Denver in 1928 because of the large rock structures located around the stage. Red Rocks is around 868 acres containing the landscape of red sandstone rocks and have been attractions since the 1870’s. Red Rocks was originally known as Garden of the Angles (like the name Garden of the Gods). There were three large rocks structures inside the amphitheatre that were named Creation Rock (north side), Ship Rock (south side), and Stage Rock) east side. The efforts of Friends of Red Rocks, Red Rocks Park obtained the National Historic Landmark status on July 21, 2015. The nonprofit organization spent 14 years working with Denver to create a preservation to prevent commercialization of Red Rocks. The Friends of Red Rocks continued to preserve the park by conducting cleanups. The amphitheatre itself has a seating area of around 9,525. Concerts have been hosted in the amphitheatre regularly since 1941. Red Rocks Amphitheater first opened as a venue, hosting larger concerts on June 15, 1941. In 1971 Rock music was banned at Red Rocks for five years after a riot started at the sold-out Jethro Tull Show. Around 1,000 fans without tickets showed up to that concert. Denver Police came up with a solution to relocate people so they were able to hear the music but not see the band. Fans were upset though and continued to try to get into the venue. The police had to use tear gas and the wind blew the tear gas on the stage and into the crowd. Denver’s Mayor William McNichols banned the rock music. Five years later, legal action by concert promoter Barry Fey lifted the ban. Before Red Rocks Amphitheater was built, the Civilian Conservation Corps was an organization that helped unemployed men find jobs that conserve natural resources. The operation occurred from 1933 to 1942.
The Colorado Railroad Museum
In 1959 a man named Robert W. Richardson and a man named Cornelius W. Hauck opened the Colorado Railroad Museum. Their mission was to dedicate the preservations of a tangible record of Colorado’s railroad era, its pioneering and narrow gauge mountain railroads. In 1964, the nonprofit Colorado Railroad Historical foundation formed to take ownership and operations of the Colorado Railroad Museum.
The museum is laden with trains made of steel. One of the most prized collection items is the whimsical Galloping Goose cars, built between 1931 and 1935. This train-truck hybrid is a rare oddity, representing one of only a handful ever created. In addition to the goose, the rebuilt D&RGW engine number 683 is one of the museum's loved pieces. The more modern-looking D&RGW number 5771 is also highly appreciated.
The Alamosa Years 1948-1958-
When gauge railroad companies started going out of business, Robert W Richardson started to collect rolling stock, railway records, and other equipment in an effort to preserve Colorado’s history. Robert’s collection soon outgrew his space a his Museum in Alamosa, Colorado. In 1958, with the help of Cornelius Hauck, he moved all his collections to Golden Colorado. More Colorado railroad companies continued to close with falling ore prices and increasing operating expenses. This made businesses unprofitable.
The Golden Years 1959-78-
Once Richardson moved to Golden, he built a replica narrow gauge railroad station to serve as the main Museum building. He started layering track for 50 pieces of equipment and built a motel to help fund his new Museum. His mote. Was named the Iron Horse Motel and it sat where the roundhouse now is.
Growing the Collection 1979-90-
With the help of Cornelius Hauck, volunteers and rail fans, Robert Richardson was able to purchase more than twenty pieces of full-size rolling stock. One of the most prized trains was the Bob and Julie Shank collection from Durango, which brought the rare narrow gauge motor cars Geese Nos. 6 & 7.
The Expansion Years 1991-2000-
Robert Richardson retired in 1991 but his legacy just started to grow. The Board of Trustees noticed a need to invest in infrastructure. The Board started making major financial steps to not only improve the museum but expand it. In 1997, the Museum built the Robert W. Richardson Railroad library, the track loop was finished in 1999 and the roundhouse and turntable were finished in 2000.
Into the Future 2001-Present-
The Museum experienced many changes since 2000. Interpretive signs have been installed, the downstairs of the Museum has been remodeled into an exhibit venue, restoration efforts continue at a renewed pace and the Museum continues to add historic pieces to its collection.
The museum is laden with trains made of steel. One of the most prized collection items is the whimsical Galloping Goose cars, built between 1931 and 1935. This train-truck hybrid is a rare oddity, representing one of only a handful ever created. In addition to the goose, the rebuilt D&RGW engine number 683 is one of the museum's loved pieces. The more modern-looking D&RGW number 5771 is also highly appreciated.
The Alamosa Years 1948-1958-
When gauge railroad companies started going out of business, Robert W Richardson started to collect rolling stock, railway records, and other equipment in an effort to preserve Colorado’s history. Robert’s collection soon outgrew his space a his Museum in Alamosa, Colorado. In 1958, with the help of Cornelius Hauck, he moved all his collections to Golden Colorado. More Colorado railroad companies continued to close with falling ore prices and increasing operating expenses. This made businesses unprofitable.
- The Uintah Railway Company closed in 1939
- The Silverton Northern closed in 1942
- The Rio Grande Junction closed in 1941
- The Midland Terminal closed in 1949
- The Rio Grande Southern closed in 1951
The Golden Years 1959-78-
Once Richardson moved to Golden, he built a replica narrow gauge railroad station to serve as the main Museum building. He started layering track for 50 pieces of equipment and built a motel to help fund his new Museum. His mote. Was named the Iron Horse Motel and it sat where the roundhouse now is.
Growing the Collection 1979-90-
With the help of Cornelius Hauck, volunteers and rail fans, Robert Richardson was able to purchase more than twenty pieces of full-size rolling stock. One of the most prized trains was the Bob and Julie Shank collection from Durango, which brought the rare narrow gauge motor cars Geese Nos. 6 & 7.
The Expansion Years 1991-2000-
Robert Richardson retired in 1991 but his legacy just started to grow. The Board of Trustees noticed a need to invest in infrastructure. The Board started making major financial steps to not only improve the museum but expand it. In 1997, the Museum built the Robert W. Richardson Railroad library, the track loop was finished in 1999 and the roundhouse and turntable were finished in 2000.
Into the Future 2001-Present-
The Museum experienced many changes since 2000. Interpretive signs have been installed, the downstairs of the Museum has been remodeled into an exhibit venue, restoration efforts continue at a renewed pace and the Museum continues to add historic pieces to its collection.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are composed of Anasazi Ruins that date back 800 to 1000 years ago. The cliff dwellings were relocated from McElmo Canyon, which is near Mesa Verde and Dolores, Colorado. The relocation process began in 1904 and finished in 1907. The preservation was opened to the public in 1907. The original founded of the Colorado Cliff Dwellers Association, Virginia McClurg, hired William Crosby and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Ruins Company to relocate the cliff dwellings. The point of the relocation was to be able to preserve the dwellings form looters, and relic pot-hunters. The three story pueblo structure was a demonstration of the Taos Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. The Pueblo Indians were descendants of the Cliff Dwelling Indians belonged to the Anasazi culture. The buildings was the home to a Native American family who danced to entertain tourists for generations. This family lived in the buildings as late as 1984. After many years in the Cliff Dwellings, the Anasazi left their homes with no trace. Scientists are unsure of what happened to them but have multiple theories. Some of those theories include that they starved, they were forced out, a marauding enemy forced them to flee, or joined different tribes. The Anasazi started out in pithouses and over time made their way up to Cliff Dwellings. The pithouses were semi-permanent houses made of poles and brush plastered with mud. The habitations were cramped, smelly, crude, dark, smokey and cold in the winter. Places with soil and water were more suitable for growing food. Pithouses evolved by the pits growing deeper, and using clary or stone on the sides of the pit. After pithouses weren’t as popular, out of pit houses became the easiest housing. Jacal construction was the known out of pit housing that consisted of masonry walls with stones. The stones varied based on location. Kivas were also a very popular type of housing. Kivas were like pithouses but made of more stone and brick. Most had to be entered through a hole in the roof. There was a stone bench for sitting and a hole in the floor to symbolize peoples connection to Mother Earth. In the center lay a fireplace. After the kivas came the cliff dwellings. The Anasazi tribe was found around 1200 B.C.. They began to settle in one place for long periods of time for domesticate nad cultivate crop areas. The Basketmaker period was the primary corn, wild grass, squash, and beans. The Anasazi farmers did however cross-breed many foods. The Anasazi often sun dried their vegetables, and many foods were stone-ground, using grinding stones. Seeds were often parched in hot coals and ground into meal. Pine nuts were a good example of turning into paste. The food was stored in large pits, sealing in baskets or pottery for protection from insects and animals. The Anasazi was like any other tribe, hunting for meat. They hunted deer, rabbits and prairie dogs to survive.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado is one of the most historic hotels in America, opened in 1909. The Stanley Hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and offers a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The founders of the Stanley hotel were a Massachusetts couple, F.O. and Flora Stanley. The Stanley Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The location of the Stanley hotel as well as the views of the Rocky Mountain National Park have brought in many famous guest including Theodore Roosevelt, The Emperor of Japan, Margaret Brown and many more. The Stanley’s built the Stanley Hotel to look like the sophistication of the East Coast. Many renovations over the years have restored the hotel. The Stanley Hotel has 140 rooms and over 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The hauntings started when a housekeeper named Ms. Elizabeth Wilson, was electrocuted during a lightning storm in room 217. Haunted occurings have been recorded at the hotel since 1911, two years after its original opening. Horror author, Stephen King wrote the well-known novel The Shining based on his experience at the Stanley Hotel. King and his wife Tabitha checked into the hotel in 1973. They stayed at the hotel for one night, and were the only guest that day. King and his wife stayed in Room 217, which is now the most requested room in the entire hotel. Stephen King's visit to the Stanley Hotel had saved it from succumbing to the wrecking ball. The hotel’s splendor had faded from lack of care and investment, but King’s novel The Shining brought back this care. The hotel was restored. The Stanley Hotel is now one of Colorado's most famous hotels, as well as one of the most visited haunted places.
Estes Park
The Town of Estes Park is a town located in Larimer County, Colorado. Estes park is the location of the headquarters for Rocky Mountain National Park, and lies along the Big Thompson River. Estes Park has a population of 5,858 as of 2010. Before Europeans travelled to Estes Park valley, the Arapaho Indians lived there in the summertime. In the 1850s, the Arapaho spent summers camped around Mary's Lake, where their rock fireplaces, tipi sites, and dance rings are still visible. It has been recalled that there are eagle traps at the top of Longs Peak that got war feathers coveted by all tribes. The tribes remembered their routes to and from the valley in detail, naming trails and landmarks. Arapaho Indians recollections included a battle with Apaches in the 1850s, as well as fights with Utes who came to the area to hunt bighorn sheep. Estes Valley was full of useful resources for the native americans. White settlers came to Estes Park valley before the 1850s as trappers, but did not stay for a long amount of time. The town was named after a Missouri native named Joel Estes in 1859, who founded the community. Joel Estes moved his family to Estes Valley in 1863. One of Estes' early visitors was a man named William Byers, who was a newspaper editor. Byers wrote about his ascent to Long's Peak in 1864, promoting the area as a pristine wilderness. Another man named Griff Evans brought his family to Estes Park in 1867. His family was caretakers for the former Estes ranch. Evans recognized the potential for tourism in Estes Park and he began building cabins to accommodate travelers passing through. Alex and Clara MacGregor arrived in Colorado and homesteaded at the foot of Lumpy Ridge. In 1874, MacGregor incorporated a company to build a new toll road from Lyons, Colorado to Estes Park. The road became what is now U.S. Highway 36. The improved road brought more visitors into Estes Park and some of those visitors became full-time residents and built hotels to accommodate the growing number of travelers. In 1884, a man named Enos Mills came to Estes Park because one of his relatives Elkanah Lamb lived there. Enos Mills presence in Estes Park improved the land because Mills became a naturalist and conservationist. Mills devoted his life to preserving almost a thousand square miles of Colorado as Rocky Mountain National Park. He succeeded and the park was dedicated in 1915. Estes Park is now widely known as the home to Rocky Mountain National Park and the home to the infamous Stanley Hotel.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Estes Park, Colorado. The Rocky Mountain National Park ranged up to 14,259 feet. The highest mountain in the park is Longs Peak. The park not only features a variety of wildlife such as elk and long horn sheep, but has a wide spread of glaciers, lakes and waterfalls.The area of the park began when Paleo-Indians traveled along what is now Trail Ridge Road to hunt for food. Ute and Arapaho people hunted and camped in the area. In 1820, an expedition led by Stephen H. Long approached the Rockies via the Platte River. Longs Peak was named after this leaders expedition. Settlers started to arrive in the mid-1800s, displacing the Native Americans who left the area by 1860. Some of the Native Americans that stayed were moved to reservations by 1878. Lulu City, Dutchtown, and Gaskill in the Mountains were established in the 1870s when prospectors came in search of gold and silver. The boom ended by 1883 with miners deserting their claims. The railroad reached as far as Lyons, Colorado in 1881. The Big Thompson Canyon Road was a section of the U.S. Route 34 that stretched from Loveland to Estes Park, was completed in 1904. In the 1920s there was an increase in building lodges and roads in the park. This culminated the construction of Trail Ridge Road to Fall River Pass between 1929 and 1932, and then to Grand Lake by 1938. A man named Enos Mills moved to the Estes Park area and had a vision for the land. Mills set to create the Rocky Mountain National Park. The national park was established on January 26, 1915 thanks to Enos.
Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Copper Mountain Ski Resort is located in Summit County, Colorado. It is about 75 miles west of Denver. The resort has 2,465 acres of in-bound terrain under lease. The U.S. Forest Service, the White River National Forest, and the Dillon Ranger Districts have all leased out this property. Before the Anglo-American settlement, Uta and Arapaho Indians used the forest in and around Copper Mountain for hunting and fishing. In the nineteenth century, mining took over much of Summit County and the copper in the mountain gave the peak its name. In 1971, Chuck Lewis purchased 280 acres at the base of Copper Mountain to build his ski resort. The trails are about 21% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, and 18% expert. The ski resort is operated by the Powdr Corporation. Copper Mountain has around 140 total runs. The ski resort opened in 1972 with a base elevation of 9,712 feet and a summit of 12,313 feet. This mountain was the starting point for the Colorado’s Copper Triangle. This is a road cycling circuit that has been the annual Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle Alpine Cycling Classic since 2005. This event benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation, which is an organization that helps improve the lives of people who have Parkinson's Disease. Park of the ski resorts appeal is the different activities there are. Woodward Camp opened in February 2009, and indoor ski and snowboard training facility. This facility is dedicated to terrain park and pipe progression. Woodward camp is still a very popular facility to this day. Copper Mountain is divided into three villages: East Village, The Village at Copper, and the West Village. Copper Mountain doesn’t just have a ski resort. Copper also has hosted The Warrior Dash Run, The World Cup (1976), the Dawg Nation Pond Hockey Tournament, Subaru Winterfest, USASA National Championships, and Sunsation. They also have many summer activities including mini golf, rock climbing, go-karts, and trail walks.
Vail Colorado
Before Vail, Colorado was a ski resort, the area was accessed only by the Ute Indians. The used the grounds for hunting and a summer residence. From playing a role during the Gold Rush, to becoming America’s number one ski resort, Vail has become a popular destination.
Early History:
Before the 19th century, Vail Valley was home to the Ute Indians. The area was first explored by frontiersman Jim Bridger, and an Irishman named George Gore. Later, Bridger named the Gore mountain range after his fellow explorer, giving the mountain range north of Vail its name.
Gold Rush & Beyond:
The 1870’s brought the gold rush to Colorado. Fortune seekers came to the area, seeking gold and silver and the chance to be wealthy. With the influx of people came railroads and mines. Once the area was depleted of all the gold and silver, the miners abandoned their work, leaving Vail Valley to sheep ranchers.
A Highway and a Name:
In 1939, construction began on Highway 6, which made its way from Denver to the Gore Valley. The construction became the source of the Vail Valley’s name: Charlie Vail. Charlie Vail was the project’s engineer, and the inspiration for the Town of Vail’s name.
Founders of Modern Vail:
Anyone who has been to Vail Valley knows the are is rugged and wild. Vail Valley was used for WWII training camp back then. Three veterans Pete Seibart, Bob Parker and Bill Brown were awed by the beauty of Vail. These three men had a passion for skiing, and were determined to create a ski resort.
Building a World-Famous Ski Resort:
Earl Eaton a uranium prospector joined the ski resort project in 1954. Construction began in 1962 after Seibert and Eaton hiked the mountain and found it to be the perfect location for a ski resort. The mountain was not hard to be discovered. By the mid-1970’s, it quickly became known as one of Colorado’s best ski resorts. When Gerald Ford became president in 1974, the entire world knew about Vail. The resort expanded in the 1990’s; 645 acres of terrain was added to Vail Mountain. Vail has expanded over the years, becoming a summer travel destination as well as a winter destination.
Modern Vail:
Vail Mountain is now world-famous. With 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, 33 chairlifts, and 7 bowls, it is a world favorite ski resort. Vail is home to over 5,000 people, but is a destination for millions of people every year.
Early History:
Before the 19th century, Vail Valley was home to the Ute Indians. The area was first explored by frontiersman Jim Bridger, and an Irishman named George Gore. Later, Bridger named the Gore mountain range after his fellow explorer, giving the mountain range north of Vail its name.
Gold Rush & Beyond:
The 1870’s brought the gold rush to Colorado. Fortune seekers came to the area, seeking gold and silver and the chance to be wealthy. With the influx of people came railroads and mines. Once the area was depleted of all the gold and silver, the miners abandoned their work, leaving Vail Valley to sheep ranchers.
A Highway and a Name:
In 1939, construction began on Highway 6, which made its way from Denver to the Gore Valley. The construction became the source of the Vail Valley’s name: Charlie Vail. Charlie Vail was the project’s engineer, and the inspiration for the Town of Vail’s name.
Founders of Modern Vail:
Anyone who has been to Vail Valley knows the are is rugged and wild. Vail Valley was used for WWII training camp back then. Three veterans Pete Seibart, Bob Parker and Bill Brown were awed by the beauty of Vail. These three men had a passion for skiing, and were determined to create a ski resort.
Building a World-Famous Ski Resort:
Earl Eaton a uranium prospector joined the ski resort project in 1954. Construction began in 1962 after Seibert and Eaton hiked the mountain and found it to be the perfect location for a ski resort. The mountain was not hard to be discovered. By the mid-1970’s, it quickly became known as one of Colorado’s best ski resorts. When Gerald Ford became president in 1974, the entire world knew about Vail. The resort expanded in the 1990’s; 645 acres of terrain was added to Vail Mountain. Vail has expanded over the years, becoming a summer travel destination as well as a winter destination.
Modern Vail:
Vail Mountain is now world-famous. With 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, 33 chairlifts, and 7 bowls, it is a world favorite ski resort. Vail is home to over 5,000 people, but is a destination for millions of people every year.
Denver
The city of Denver was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush on October 29, 1858. Denver is the capital of Colorado. It is at the western edge of the Great Plains, east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The city and county became a single unit in 1902. Denver lies at the edge of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. Its elevation is 5,280 feet above sea level. This gave it is name the Mile High City. Metropolitan growth started after World War II and created many new communities like Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Englewood, Lakewood, etc. Denver served as a stopping place for Arapaho Indians, fur trappers and traders. The discovery of gold in June 1858 caused rival towns to be founded on opposite sides of Cherry Creek. In 1859 the site grew as Pikes Peak or bust gold rush. In 1863 a fire had erupted and in 1864 a flash flood had taken out many buildings. Riots from Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians caused them to be removed from Colorado. This caused Denver to become a territorial capital in 1867. During the 1870s and ‘80s, silver had become more economically valuable than gold. This period ended in 1893 because of a crash of silver markets. New gold discoveries had helped prevent declines, while farming, cattle and sheep ranching, and tourism began to be more economically stable. Also during this period, railroads brought sugar beets, wheat, cattle, and hogs to Denver. Soon after Denver became a food processing center, This industry was supported through immigrants and German brewers. Present-day Denver spread into the foothills west of the city and the plains surrounding it on the other three sides. The region has had a rapid growth since 1950 and has increased the strain on its infrastructure, including water and transportation systems. Most of Denver’s water supply came from spring snowmelt in the mountains stored in reservoirs or diverted from the South Platte River and streams. Most of the citizens of Denver relied on automobiles for transportation, and traffic congestion and pollution from auto emissions were large issues at the time. Residents were not always able to see the mountains because they were blocked by smog. One of the approaches to reducing automobile usage has been to construct a light-rail transit system, opened in 1994. Tourism became a primary economic factor for Denver’s growth. Manufactures which included electronics, computer equipment, rubber products, luggage, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and packaging, and a large brewery were built. The Denver branch of the U.S. Mint produced about half of circulating U.S. coinage and is the nation’s second largest gold depository. Denver International Airport, one of the country’s largest airports opened in 1995 and is located 23 miles northwest of the city.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This park consists of 1363 acres, with 19 rock formations and 12 hiking trails. Garden of the Gods was established in 1909 as a nature preserve. Garden of the Gods dates back to 3,000 years. The Ute tribe had claimed that their ancestors lived there long before it was discovered. The landscape served as a Native American crossroads. Many local tribes claimed to have a connection to Garden of the Gods, including the Ute, Apache, Kiowa, Pawnee, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Shoshone. According to locals, the sandstone formations were considered sacred ground. Garden of the Gods was named because of in 1859 a group of surveyors explored the site and a man named M. S. Beach, commented that the area would be a good location for a beer garden. Another companion, Rufus Cable, commented that the place was suited more for a place for Gods to assemble. This is how it received its named. In 2014, Garden of the Gods was voted the Top Park in the United States, and is listed on the most visited parks list. The rock formations were formed millions of years ago by geological upheaval. The park is on part of the Trans-Rocky Mountain Fault System. These of the same fault lines that helped with the formations of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak. The rocks are made of ancient sedimentary beds of sandstone, conglomerates, and limestone. These were originally deposited horizontally. The tectonic plates pressed together and the rocks were vertically tilted and shaped into fins. Water currents and strong winds also helped erode the rocks. These forces purchased the rocks to create individual arrangements. Garden of the Gods has many activities to do when visiting. These activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, segway tour, jeep tour, birding, and rock climbing.
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Cave of the Winds was first discovered in 1869 but didn't become a tourist attraction until 1881. It has since become the 2nd most commercial cave in the United States. At the bottom of the cavern is the original entrance discover by two brothers, John and George Pickett. They were exploring the area for caves when they heard a low howling noise. They investigated the noise and climbed through a small entrance into a large cavern. Before long, the howling noise returned and sent the boys running from the mysteries that lived in the cave. The cave was later excavated by George Snider who opened it up for tours. Originally, people explored the cave with candle lanterns and entered the cave by climbing down a rope ladder. Later on electric lighting was installed in the cave. This made it the third cave in history to have electric lights. Before the Cave was opened at a tourist attraction, there were local legends that both Apache and Ute Native Americans knew about the cave. These stories were never confirmed by historic or archaeological evidence. The cave was named for the legend involving the Apache, who were said to believe it was the home of a Great Spirit of the Wind. Cave of the Winds has evolved over time and now offers two types of tours: Discovery and Lantern. There is also the Wind Walker Challenge Course and the Bat-a-Pult. The wind walker challenge is essentially a large rope course that hangs of the cliff. The cave itself is about 500 million years old. The limestone bloc that houses the cave laid below the water table 4-7 million years ago. Rainwater and carbon dioxide had formed an acidic mixture than eroding sensitive limestone. The gradually opened rooms and passageways. The caves mineral deposits, stalactites and stalagmites formed after the water table dropped and the cave was filled with oxygen.
Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven falls is a natural landmark in South Cheyenne Canon in Colorado Springs. Seven falls is a series of seven waterfalls that reach up to 181 feet high. Seven Falls has been a tourist attraction since the 1880’s. The canyon lies five minutes from the Broadmoor Hotel. The canyon itself was shaped by the water from the Pikes Peak watershed. There are a few hiking trails and a 224 step climb to the top of the falls. In 1872, a man named Nathaniel Colby inhabited the 160 acres of land. These lands include Seven Falls and South Cheyenne Cañon. Nathaniel failed to notice the potential of the land, because he sold it nine months later. It was sold to the Colorado Springs Land Company. In 1882, the land was purchased by James Hull who was a successful businessman. Hull was aware of the potential of the property as a scenic tourist destination. He began developing it by constructing a road through the canyon and a stairway to the top of the waterfalls. He also put up a toll booth at the foot of the canyon and started charging an entrance fee. The area became a popular tourist destination and people traveled there by carriages, horse, and burros. After Hull’s death, the area was bought by Callidore Dwight Weimer in 1905. A man named Al Hill bought the land in 1946 after a long line of other owners. The Hill family added lights to the canyon to extend the business after nightfall. He also built the Eagle’s Nest Observation Platform, and constructed an elevator in the hillside. A more modern lighting system was installed in 2002, letting the waterfall appear in all kinds of color. South Cheyenne Cañon is the only fully-lit canyon in the world. Seven Falls is in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The road through the granite canyon to Seven Falls is considered to be the “grandest mile of scenery” in Colorado. The entrance to the property is marked by the Pillars of Hercules, which are two towering rocks that flank the canyon. These rocks rise up 900 feet from the canyons floor to where the canyon’s walls are only 41 feet apart. The waterfalls are 181 feet high and can be climbed to the top of the falls with the 224 steps at the base of the falls. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator going up to the equivalent of 185 stairway steps. This will end up at the Eagle’s Nest Observation Platform. From top to bottom, the waterfalls are known as Bridal Veil, Feather, Hill, Hull, Ramona, Shorty, and Weimer. Seven Falls is the only waterfall in Colorado that is included in National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls. This scenic area is also a breeding ground for wildlife and flora. The area consists of ponderosa pine, blue spruce, juniper and Douglas fir, and (rare) native plants. Wildlife includes brook trout, rainbow trout, deer, the American dipper, hummingbirds, and many more.
Van Briggle Pottery Building
The Van Briggle Pottery Company building is located Colorado Springs, Colorado on the Colorado College Campus. From 1908 to 1968, the building operated as a pottery factory that produced thousands of ceramic art and architectural pieces. The pottery company site has views of the park, creek, and mountain range that faces west. This building was designed by a Dutch architect Nicolaas van den Arend displaying Flemish farmhouse and Arts and Crafts influences. This building served as an advertisement for the company. The walls are composed of red brick with blackened headers, laid in a Flemish bond, and thousands of polychrome Van Briggle tiles and terra cotta ornaments display the architectural use in decorative panels, chimney caps, window features, and a sculptural cat and a gargoyle. Three types of tiles are found on the exterior of the building. Almost all of the tile installations have designs that represent flowers or foliage, but there are also tiles that have people, animals, and various objects. The raised foundation is composed of pink rhyolite, and the roof is built with composition roofing shingles. The roof has several gables and dormers with decorative tile faces and shingled dormers. Rising above the roof are two brick kiln smoke stacks with floriate terra cotta ornaments.