Colorado: Explore the history of Tenmile Canyon

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Officers Gulch pond, in Tenmile Canyon, was created when I-70 construction crews straightened the path of Tenmile Creek, taming the once-wild canyon for travelers.

Free lunchtime talk at Frisco Historic Park and Museum focuses on Native Americans, mining and railroad era

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — For travelers on I-70, Tenmile Canyon, just west of Frisco, can be a magical gateway to the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Craggy peaks tower high above both sides of the highway, and Tenmile Creek sparkles as is rushed down from Vail Pass, carving its way through somber black and white gneiss, the oldest rocks around, forming the very base of the range.

While modern travelers speed through the canyon with ease on a modern four-lane freeway, the narrow defile was a challenge to early pioneers in the region, who hacked through the solid cliffs in search of precious minerals and to build a railroad path connecting mining camps and boom towns like Kokomo, Recen and Wheeler Junction (now the site of Copper Mountain ski area).

Even before the miners came to the area, Native American Utes hunted and camped around the canyon. Construction of I-70 over Vail Pass yielded evidence of Stone Age residents.

In short, there’s a ton of history in those canyon walls, and local author Sandi Mather will be featured at Frisco’s Aug. 15 edition of the lunchtime lecture series at the award-winning Frisco Historic Park and Museum (120 Main Street). (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, events, Frisco, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Tourism industry may see paradigm shift

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Leigh Wadden uncovers a centuries old Byzantine mosaic at the Butrint World Heritage site in Albania.

More travelers looking for educational and cultural experiences

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The tourism industry may be looking at a major shift in the next few decades, as more people begin to define recreation as a learning and educational opportunity — a way to explore new ideas and cultures, art, science and history.

The change is already under way, as many communities and regions have focused on so-called heritage tourism, but in the future, that trend is likely to become even more pronounced, with less emphasis on development of amusement parks and tropical resorts.

“The idea of travel as a learning experience isn’t new, it’s been around a long time,” said John Falk, a professor of science education at Oregon State University and international leader in the “free-choice learning” movement, which taps into personal interests to help boost intellectual growth beyond what’s taught in schools and through formal education. (more…)

Filed under: business, Colorado, economy, tourism, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

National Park Service studies cultural and natural resources in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Luis Valley

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Federa officials are studying preservation options for cultural and natural resources in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and San Luis Valley.

Region is a fundamental part of Colorado history

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The cultural and natural resource treasures of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Luis Valley are getting some long-overdue love, as the Department of Interior works to identify areas and sites that could some day be made part of the National Park System or protected and highlighted in other ways. A summary presentation is online here.

The areas being studied include historic Mexican land grants that are an integral but often overlooked part of the American settlement era, the landmark Spanish Peaks and a wildlife corridor that enables animals to move between southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The corridor could be a critical link for species on the move due to climate change, according to a preliminary report released by the National Park Service this week.

  • The so-called reconnaissance survey recommends that:
  • Congress authorize more specific studies to protect the resources;
  • The establishment of a corridor of conservation easements linking public and private lands; and,
  • Identification of state heritage tour routes. (more…)

Filed under: agriculture, Archaeology, Colorado, economy, federal government, national parks, public lands, tourism, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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