2018-19
YOUR GUIDE TO
NORTHERN COLORADO ELIZABETH HOTEL ADDS TO OLD TOWN FORT COLLINS’ OPULENCE YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST: FORT COLLINS THINGS TO DO TOP 5 BEGINNER FOURTEENERS
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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 13
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CONTENTS
LIVING
EXPERIENCES
OUTDOORS
16 Elizabeth Hotel adds to Old Town Fort Collins’ opulence
31 Festival season an annual Fort Collins highlight
46 Top 5 beginner fourteeners
21 Washington’s adds larger Old Town music venue 23 Development hits high gear in Loveland 27 Wellington food and drink scene begins to emerge 30 New retail center to add to Timnath’s growth
34 Your summer bucket list: Fort Collins things to do 39 Pianos About Town amps up for new season, 100th piano 40 A cupcake lovers guide to Northern Colorado 43 Your guide to Coloradoan Experiences for 2018 44 Funkwerks grows Fort Collins’ next brewing empire
52 Get in shape to climb a fourteener 56 Waterfalls are the payoff for these 5 hikes 58 Swim guide: Where to take a dip in Northern Colorado 60 Hikes to do when it’s cooler
LIVING
Elizabeth Hotel adds to Old Town Fort Collins’ opulence IT Manager Ben Jamison irons out the final details while working in front of the painting “Picnic,” by Denver artist Kevin Sloan on Dec. 4, 2017, before the soft-opening of the Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/ The Coloradoan
ELIZABETH HOTEL ADDS TO OLD TOWN FORT COLLINS’ OPULENCE Old Town finally gets its long-awaited downtown hotel.
The Elizabeth Hotel, opened in December 2017, completing a decades-long journey to bring more rooms and conference space to Old Town Fort Collins The city’s lone four-star hotel joins the smaller, boutique Armstrong as the only lodging in downtown. Hopes are high among city leaders that the hotel, restaurant and lounges at the Elizabeth will continue to energize Old Town in the midst of its own building boom. Hotel General Manager Scott Sloan took the Coloradoan on a tour inside the swanky digs.
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The Elizabeth includes The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market, the Magic Rat and the Sunset rooftop bar. A sweeping marble spiral staircase that leads to guest rooms greets customers as they enter off Chestnut Street. The lobby and Magic Rat are off to the right. The Magic Rat features a long, curved marquee over the bar, long couches and comfortable chairs.
Elizabeth Hotel adds to Old Town Fort Collins’ opulence
F O R T
“One of the things we tried to do here is something that will be embraced by the local community ...not just hotel guests,” The pre-function area, more than 3,500 square feet of meeting space and The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market are to the left. Guest rooms on the upper floors feature large bathrooms with glassenclosed showers, bright lighting and luxurious bedding. Each room features a record player with a selection of albums for a variety of tastes — AC/DC in one room, Fleetwood Mac and Chicago in others. A lending library in the lobby stocks hundreds more vinyl records. More than 1,000 titles were ordered, Sloan said, including “some very nice” selections. Leather, intermixed with oatmealcolored textured wallpaper, lines the guest hallways. Throughout the hotel, guests will see custom filigree, intricate
metalworking on balconies and cast plaster ceiling ornamentation. Art is by local and state artisans, including a large bear painting behind the registration desk. The hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, one-of-a-kind properties that value vision, design and craft, according to a press statement. “Whether guests want to enjoy strolling through these beautiful, historic streets, partake in one of the many outdoor pursuits located just steps from our front door, or enjoy music, theater or museums, The Elizabeth Hotel is an ideal home base for those who want to explore what Fort Collins has to offer,” Sloan said. The Elizabeth was created through a partnership among Bohemian Cos., which owns the land, Sage Hospitality and
LIVING
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The living area of a suite, as seen Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, before the soft-opening of the Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/ The Coloradoan
Dr. Peter Springberg FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 17
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LIVING
Elizabeth Hotel adds to Old Town Fort Collins’ opulence The view of a suite, as seen Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, before the soft-opening of the Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/ The Coloradoan
The front entrance to the hotel. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
General Manager Scott Sloan walks down the spiral staircase leading to the main lobby while giving a tour of the hotel. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
McWhinney of Loveland. Sage Restaurant Group will manage The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market, Magic Rat and Sunset lounge. Sage CEO Walter Isenberg said he is excited for all three spaces for different reasons: “Infusing the local music scene into (Magic Rat and Sunset lounge) is just going to be a lot of fun and very exciting. The views from the Sunset lounge are incredible, and the relationship that Magic Rat will have to the Firehouse Alley is also fun and exciting,” he said. The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market will be a place for people to get a nice “grab and go” meal or sit down for a meal. It offers a new-to-Fort Collins wine program. Customers are “effectively buying (wine) at liquorstore prices at a sit-down restaurant,” he said. “That’s a unique aspect of that business.” Bower Bind Coffee features a walk-up window on Walnut Street to grab a cup of coffee and pastry. “One of the things we tried to do here is something that will be embraced by the local community ...not just hotel guests,” Isenberg said.
20 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
Washinton’s adds larger old town music venue
LIVING
The band A Brother’s Fountain performs their sound check before a soft-opening show Jan. 25, 2018, at Washington’s in Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/ The Coloraodan
WASHINTON’S ADDS LARGER OLD TOWN MUSIC VENUE The live music venue, located in the renovated old Washington’s bar, celebrated its grand opening concert Feb. 3, 2018
Walking down Laporte Avenue, you may notice a familiar face— and not just because it’s George Washington. A large, arched stained glass window featuring the first president’s likeness hangs from the giant front window of the revamped Washington’s, the old bar and grill on the edge of Old Town Fort Collins that was turned into a live music venue. For decades, the window greeted “WashBar” customers at its back bar. Now, brought to the front of the new building and back-lit at night, ol’ George grabs the attention of those passing by. It’s almost like the stained glass Washington is sending Old Town a message. “I’m back, baby.”
A TRANSFORMATION Since the spring of 2016, people have been watching and waiting as Washington’s transformed. The beloved Old Town watering hole— filled to the brim with kitschy props pulled from decommissioned Hollywood movie sets— had been open since 1978 when the building’s owner sold it to LaPorte Venue LLC, a Bohemian venture, in April 2016.
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 21
LIVING
Washinton’s adds larger old town music venue
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Qbala performs at Washington’s during FoCoMX on Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
Many reminisced, a final hurrah was held and the bar closed its doors that same month to make way for a new 900-capacity music venue. The Washington’s name and iconic stained glass window would stay, Bohemian announced, but the space itself would be completely different. During construction, crews dismantled the building’s front facade, keeping the more than century-old sandstone structure behind it. Originally built as a stone warehouse in 1903, the thick sandstone walls of the old building now house the venue’s stage and music hall, or “listening room.”
Outside, a glowing marquee beckons visitors into the building’s shiny new twostory lobby. Up a small set of stairs, guests can find the main-level bar. One story up, another bar awaits. Both feature TVs attached to the walls, showing a live look of the bands on stage in the nearby listening room. Speakers pump their music into the bar areas, as concert goers grab a drink or run to the bathroom. A second-floor balcony wraps around the listening room’s periphery, offering fixed seats and a bird’s-eye view of the stage. Below the listening room, in the original building’s basement, a cozy green room greets bands with leather couches and separate rooms to break off for quiet or privacy. “Our team is really excited. This is something we’ve all been working towards for a while,” said Greta Cornett, Bohemian Foundation’s marketing and talent coordinator.
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A line forms in front of Washington’s during FoCoMX on Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
Development hits high gear in Loveland
LIVING
Time-lapse image of construction progress on downtown Loveland’s redevelopment project The Foundry at about 10 a.m. Jan. 25, 2018. Courtesy City of Loveland
DEVELOPMENT HITS HIGH GEAR IN LOVELAND Projects that have been in the works for years are seeing progress in Loveland this year and next
Two specialty movie theaters and a gondola are on the horizon for Loveland. Loveland residents can expect to see significant progress on long-anticipated development projects in 2018 and into 2019, with much of the development occurring in the downtown area. Although some of the projects are just getting started, others are moving closer to completion.
THE FOUNDRY To say The Foundry project has been in the works for more than a decade wouldn’t really be an exaggeration. Developers, plans and even names of the downtown revitalization project have changed over the years, but now Loveland residents can see physical changes to their downtown as the buildings have risen.
The latest iteration of the project includes a 550-seat movie theater, a Marriott’s Towne Place Suites hotel, 155 residential units, about 15,000 square feet of new retail/commercial space, a 460-space parking garage, a five-level parking garage and a public plaza. The $75 million public-private partnership, formerly known as the South Catalyst, is a redevelopment project by developer Brinkman for southern downtown Loveland, which spans three city blocks. Its northernmost edge is at Backstage Alley between Third and Fourth streets and its south edge is First Street.
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 23
LIVING
Development hits high gear in Loveland
“In today’s business climate, it’s all about the experience. Developments need to consider not just retail, but office, residential, hospitality and entertainment.”
Lance Volmer
970.218.3016 lancev26@gmail.com
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When city Economic Development Manager Mike Scholl approached the president of the Metropolitan Theatres Corp., David Corwin, about joining the project about five years ago, Corwin said it seemed like a “pipe dream at the time.” “But they’ve been persistent and committed to (the redevelopment) and are making an investment into making it happen,” Corwin said. Corwin recognized that another of Loveland’s upcoming development projects, The Brands, will include a movie theater, and that has been a concern, though it will be an IMAX. The Foundry theater will be different. It’s planned as a 25,000-square-foot dine-in theater with food served in seven auditoriums and wait staff serving customers throughout the duration of a movie. There will also be a dedicated kitchen and restaurant for those who may not necessarily want to see a movie but still want to grab a bite to eat or drink a beer. And, Corwin said, he hopes the theater can partner with the arts community to host events such as art festivals.
The Foundry project has been split into two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed this year and include the city-owned parking garage, the two mixeduse buildings and potentially the movie theater — though that completion could go into early 2019.
THE BRANDS The Loveland project that has most recently raised some eyebrows with its vision is The Brands at The Ranch, a project by developer Martin Lind for $500 million, with a $258 million finance package from the city of Loveland. Plans include bringing office, residential, retail and entertainment to both sides of Interstate 25, adjacent to the county fairgrounds. But what’s caught most people’s attention is a mode of transportation that Lind proposed to the Loveland City Council when asking for approval of taxing districts to help fund the project: a gondola that would go between the airport on the west of Interstate 25 to the Budweiser Events Center and The Brands’ portion east of I-25.
Metropolitan Theater planned as part of The Foundry project in downtown Loveland. Metropolitan Theaters
Development hits high gear in Loveland
LIVING
Rendering of the Galaxy IMAX theater at The Brands at the Ranch near the Larimer County Farigrounds in Loveland. Brands at The Ranch
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“The finalization of the metro districts in September pushed this thing into overdrive,” Lind said. “There is no way we would be able to move this quickly without our public-private partnership with the city of Loveland.” The development planned for north of Crossroads Boulevard will feature about 1.3 million square feet of new spaces, as well as the IMAX theater, in two areas of property on the east and west sides of I-25, north of Crossroads Boulevard. The Brands would sit south of The Ranch events complex, and The Brands West is planned for property adjacent to the Northern Colorado Regional Airport. Scholl said the project is expected to break ground by the middle of summer and is in the permitting phase. Previously announced tenants include Zi Imperial Kitchen, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Winter Wonderland and Nordy’s BBQ. “In today’s business climate, it’s all about the experience. Developments need to consider not just retail, but office, residential, hospitality and entertainment,” Lind said in a statement. “They need to bring something unique and exciting to the equation with a great environment and first-to-market tenants.”
Brands at the Ranch does that in a unique way, according to Lind. “The recent passage of ballot 1A (the sales tax supporting The Ranch) will go on long way to helping us achieve this vision,” he said. “We are confident that this plan, matched with the growth for Northern Colorado will be a huge hit.”
LONGBOW INDUSTRIES Loveland’s eighth-largest employer, LPR Construction, plans to take over the Larimer County building in downtown Loveland at 205 E. Sixth St., as well as its coveted parking lot at Sixth Street and Railroad Avenue. LPR construction plans to use the offices for employees of its holding company, Longbow Industries. Plans for The Foundry project previously included the Larimer County building, but after the the county and city could not come to an agreement, Larimer County instead purchased property at First Street and Denver Avenue in Loveland. The financial package agreed to by LPR and the Loveland City Council includes the city purchasing the county building this year and leasing it back to the county until later this year, when the county employees vacate.
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LIVING
Development hits high gear in Loveland
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The city would then cover $750,000 in improvements to the building to be paid back by LPR in taxes. City officials plan to then sell the building to LPR for the cost the city paid for it: $732,000. LPR would be required to make at least $1.5 million in public and private improvements.
THE HEARTLAND CORNER Details and plans for the $10.5 million Heartland Corner mixed-use project are still in flux, but the developer and city staff are continuing negotiations on the project. According to Troy Peterson of Flagstone Partners, the goal is to break ground by the third quarter of this year on the almost 50 residential units and more than 5,000 square feet of retail space at the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Lincoln Avenue in downtown Loveland. The project was named after the former tenant in that location, the Heartland Cafe.
“Downtown Loveland is evolving and we wanted to be a part of that energy,” Peterson said. “We feel the Heartland corner is very strategic to the health and activity in downtown Loveland.” Developer Curt Burgener of 4th Street Properties bought the properties at 301, 309 and 313 E. Fourth St., and the city is hoping to include infrastructure improvements identified as part of its own plans on the block of Fourth Street between Lincoln and Jefferson avenues as part of the project. Scholl said the city is looking at the possibility of making the Heartland redevelopment project the first for the Downtown Development Authority, after a ballot question passed last November authorizing the entity to take on debt. According to principal Randell Johnson of Infusion Architects, the DDA has been supportive of the project and the entities are working together on figuring out the deal structure for the project. After that, the developer will take the project to Loveland City Council for approval.
Jack Krier, President “Downtown Loveland is evolving and we
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wanted to be a part of that energy. We feel the Heartland corner is very strategic to the health and activity in downtown Loveland.”
Wellington food and drink scene begins to emerge
LIVING
A stove top lights up as Tom Casabona adds ingredients to a dish in his kitchen at Papa’s Table in Wellington on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The new eatery, serving Italian specialties, is the latest to join the rising food scene in Wellington. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
WELLINGTON FOOD AND DRINK SCENE BEGINS TO EMERGE New restaurants and brewery taprooms launch in the town that’s growing toward 10,000 residents
Tom Casabona’s thick Long Island accent stands out like a sore thumb in the town of Wellington. So does the Italian cuisine of his restaurant, Papa’s Table, in the growing town just north of Fort Collins that’s quickly approaching 10,000 residents. The 32-seat eatery at 3728 W. Cleveland Ave. opened Nov. 7 to much town fanfare. The Papa’s Table menu includes lasagna, ravioli, chicken Parmesan, chicken Marsala, seafood and a house Casabona family pasta dish topped with sausage, white beans and a garlic anchovy paste. “They are dying for options in this town,” Casabona said. “I bought this restaurant because I could see this is a booming area.” Casabona — a New York native and veteran restaurateur who ran Rose’s Cafe in Denver from 1983 to 2004 and
Red Rose Cafe in Palisade from 2004 to 2015 — had retired and moved to Wellington with his wife, Rose. They came to be in the same town as their only granddaughter, Scarlett, now 2 and calling her grandfather “Papa” affectionately. After noticing the community’s growth and a “for sale” sign along the town’s main strip, the Casabonas decided to join a new wave of entrepreneurs changing the food and drink culture in Wellington. Wellington is home to several new housing developments. The U.S Census estimated Wellington had 8,516 residents in 2016. The town first surpassed 2,000 residents in the year 2000.
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 27
LIVING
Wellington food and drink scene begins to emerge
ABOVE: Tom Casabona and his son, Tim, fill orders in the kitchen at Papa’s Table in Wellington on November 15, 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan BELOW: Tomas, a dish with shrimp, scallops, mussels and clams, is served over a bed of spaghetti at Papa’s Table in Wellington on November 15, 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
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Along with the population growth, a food and drink scene has emerged. A new classic American grill, an independent coffee shop, a Mexican restaurant, a cupcake bakery, a fully stocked grocery store and two craft breweries have all opened within the past five years. A Sonic Drive-Inn and Taco Bell are also in the works. “Wellington has always been a bedroom community for Fort Collins,” Wellington Grill owner Jon Comes said. “People have always driven to Fort Collins to go have dinner or go get groceries. But now that’s definitely changing.” While many residents are excited about the growing food and drink scene, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. “With growth comes problems,” said longtime Wellington resident Colleen Babitz, who runs the 30-year-old Pizza Palace at 3810 Cleveland Ave. “I don’t think (Wellington) is as friendly as it used to be. ... Growth is inevitable, but I still want that small town feel.”
EVOLUTION OF THE FOOD SCENE Pizza Palace and roadside bar T-Bar Inn — located across Cleveland Avenue from each other — have long been the restaurant staples of Wellington. Fast-food spots McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and Taco John’s also eventually came to town, located just off an Interstate 25 exit. The since-closed Susy’s Market had a small selection of basic food items and was Wellington’s only grocer for a number of years. Panhandle Coop brought a second, larger grocery store in 2006 but closed the location in 2012 after poor sales. Bella’s Market took over but struggled to keep shelves fully stocked for years. Idaho-based Ridley’s Family Market arrived at 7670 Fifth St. in late 2015, restocking the shelves. More variety has continually been added to the grocery store’s deli, bakery and liquor store. “Wellington is a great community that we feel will continue to grow and seemed to be underserved at the time we came to town,” said Mark Ridley, the company’s director of operations. “As sales and customer traffic continues to grow, we will continue to expand our offerings.” Comes, who had run restaurants in his native Iowa, opened the 75-seat Wellington Grill at 3724 Cleveland Ave. in 2012. The venue is known for its live music
Wellington food and drink scene begins to emerge The bar of Old Colorado Brewing Company is lined with old license plates. Coloradoan Staff
and serves up a vast menu of appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches, steaks, pastas and seafood. And each time another restaurant has opened, sales at Wellington Grill have increased. “The more people we can keep in town, the better chance they’ll see what we have to offer,” Comes said. Owl Canyon Coffee opened with a variety of drinks, burritos and baked goods at 3745 Cleveland Ave. in 2014. Sol De Jalisco, which also has a Windsor location, opened a Mexican restaurant with jumbo margaritas at 3750 Cleveland Ave. in 2016. Ingrained Bakery opened at 3706 Cleveland Ave. in 2015. Founder Callie Koch closed Ingrained to move out of the area, but the space was quickly replaced by a cupcake and custom cake bakery called The Cakery. “It finally looks like things are going to move forward,” said Brian Newman, a decade-long Wellington resident who purchased Owl Canyon Coffee. With Papa’s Table in place, the Casabonas are eyeing space to eventually open an Asian restaurant in Wellington. Their previous restaurants included Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in addition to Italian food as a way to honor Rose’s Asian heritage. They had initially planned to include both cuisines at Papa’s Table, but the kitchen was too small to accommodate both.
WELLINGTON’S OWN CRAFT BEER SCENE Beer now flows freely in Wellington out of a 90-year-old grain elevator. Old Colorado Brewing opened at 8121 S. First St. on Valentine’s Day in 2016. The opening day featured a 45-minute line and standing-room-only crowds. The brewery hosts rotating mobile food vendors and has become a popular watering hole for Wellington residents. “When family or friends came to town, we used to always drive to Fort Collins to take them to Odell or New Belgium,” said Jackie Isvanca, The Cakery owner who has lived in Wellington for the past three years. “But now we just stay here and go to Old Colorado and support the local business.”
LIVING
In 1989, Old Colorado Brewing became the first craft brewery in Fort Collins. It operated inside the Northern Hotel at 172 N. College Ave. until 1991. Old Colorado reopened in 1993 in the Mexican restaurant Casa de Colorado and stayed there for nearly a decade. Then a few years ago, Brandon Neckel — grandson of Old Colorado’s original founder — and his wife, Tara, decided to resurrect the historic brand. The 13-year Wellington residents first targeted a return to Fort Collins. But “our research was pretty evident that the market was saturated or approaching it quickly,” Tara said. “We then thought, ‘We live here in Wellington, we love our little town, this would be perfect.’ ” The Neckels spent several months converting a historic grain elevator into the new craft brewery. Now, Old Colorado isn’t the only game in town. Soul Squared Brewing opened this year out of the former Vestige Press at 3740 Cleveland Ave. Soul Squared Brewing launched in 2015 out of a rural farm in Fort Collins near the Wellington border. The brewery distributed its beers to local liquor stores and restaurants, and also offered a beer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The brewery had always planned to eventually open a public taproom. “Wellington was a no-brainer for us,” said co-owner Mary Gray. “With us being farm-built beer, we really like the agricultural feel of the town.” And Soul Squared is already contributing to Wellington’s emerging food and drink culture. “I remember Wellington used to be a sleepy little town,” Gray said. “But now there’s more light on Wellington, and it is an exciting time.”
Old Colorado Brewing Company in an old grain silo is located in Wellington. Coloradoan Library
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LIVING
New retail center to add to Timnath’s growth
Neenan Co. of Fort Collins is developing a commercial center in Timnath. Neenan
NEW RETAIL CENTER TO ADD TO TIMNATH’S GROWTH The Neenan Company of Fort Collins is beginning development of The Plaza at Riverbend, a mixeduse retail center in Timnath.
30 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
The Neenan Company of Fort Collins is beginning development of The Plaza at Riverbend, a mixed-use retail center in Timnath. The 39,000-square-foot center is located on the southeast corner of Harmony Road at Signal Tree Drive near Poudre Fire Authority Station 8. It will include two single-story buildings with retail, office and restaurant space. The larger building will feature 23,000 square feet of commercial space with Studio 68 Fitness owning 9,307 square feet of space. The fitness center is expected to open by the end of the year. The second facility is being developed on spec and will feature 16,000 square feet of commercial space.
Neenan plans to sell the retail and office condos to each user when they are finished. This is the first neighborhood commercial development in Timnath not within the Interstate 25 commercial zone, said planner Kevin Koelbel. The other commercial development is centered along I-25 and Harmony Road and is leased primarily to national brands such as Costco, Walmart, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. The town did not offer any fee waivers or financial incentives to Neenan, Koelbel said.
Festival season an annual Fort Collins highlight
EXPERIENCES
Fans cheer for Shatterproof at NewWestFest on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Coloradoan library
FESTIVAL SEASON AN ANNUAL FORT COLLINS HIGHLIGHT Plan ahead for lazy days of turkey legs, beer tasting and live music in Fort Collins.
As June draws near every year in Fort Collins, so does the promise of reliably warm weather and the start of lazy days filled with turkey legs, free music and unique events. Here’s a rundown of the summertime festivals Fort Collins residents plan their schedules around. TASTE OF FORT COLLINS
Fort Collins is a foodie city so it’s fitting the first festival of the season centers around good eats. Taste of Fort Collins is a three-day event that takes over Civic Center Park with food booths from local and national restaurants, craft beer and wine pavilions, live music and more. For a full list of food vendors and to purchase tickets, visit tasteoffortcollins.com. When: Early June Where: Civic Center Park
COLORADO BREWERS’ FESTIVAL
Let’s move on to beer. As the “Napa Valley of Beer,” Fort Collins is the site of the Colorado Brewers’ Festival. Taste more than 90 brews from more than 40 Colorado breweries. Hit the interactive beer school, watch demonstrations, catch live music or grab some grub from food vendors. To learn more on BrewFest, visit downtownfortcollins.com. When: Late June Where: Washington Park
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 31
EXPERIENCES
Festival season an annual Fort Collins highlight
old town square New Belgium Brewing’s La Folie is poured for a patron during the Colorado Brewers’ Festival kick-off party June 24, 2016. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan
BOHEMIAN NIGHTS AT NEWWESTFEST
As summer winds down, downtown gears us for three days of free music on several stages, with food and goods from vendors, kids activities and more. Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest will take place on the second weekend of August and feature days filled with music. Headliners will be announced this summer. Learn more about this annual highlight at www. bohemiannights.org. When: Second weekend of August Where: Downtown Fort Collins
TOUR DE FAT
The touring bike parade that began in our own backyard has grown into a 33-city tour celebrating beers, bike and bemusement. Tour de Fat brings out costumed hordes as they pedal along the downtown parade route. Live music, beer tents, vaudeville acts and more follow the parade. Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, visit newbelgium.com. When: Labor Day weekend Where: Civic Center Park FORTOBERFEST
Rounding out the festival season is FORToberfest, which represents the end of summer in this Fort Collins-style fall festival featuring hours of live music,
Dustin Synn and Ryan Brauch take a bite from sticks of teriyaki chicken at Taste of Fort Collins on June 9, 2017. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan
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Festival season an annual Fort Collins highlight
EXPERIENCES
ABOVE: Rachel Carpenter takes a bite out of her waffle from The Waffle Lab Taste of Fort Collins June 11, 2016. Coloradoan Library LEFT: Thousands of people show off their Tour de Fat costumes during the annual bike parade on September 2, 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
tastings of seasonal craft beers and more. Learn more atdowntownfortcollins.com/ events/fortoberfest. When: Mid-September Where: Old Town Square
OTHER SUMMER EVENTS TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR:
NOONTIME NOTES CONCERT SERIES
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
What: An intimate, lunchtime concert series featuring small acts. When: Tuesday afternoons from early June to early August Where: Oak Street Plaza Admission: Free
What: Watch family-friendly movies in the Square with this weekly summer series. When: Tuesday nights from mid July to mid August Where: Old Town Square Admission: Free
DOWNTOWN SESSIONS CONCERT SERIES
What: A Friday evening concert series featuring small- to medium-sized Colorado musical acts. Weekly concerts will feature beer from local breweries. When: First Fridays from early June 2 to early October Where: Old Town Square Stage Admission: Free
Melinda Kolm, Carl Benvenga and Mae Benvenga enjoy drinks at FORToberfest Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. Coloradoan library
EXPERIENCES
Your summer bucket list: Fort Collins things to do Corrine Haybarker holds her daughter, Harlow, 22 months, as they and other trolley passengers ride from Old Town to City Park on May 12, 2013, in Fort Collins. Coloradoan library
YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST: FORT COLLINS THINGS TO DO Clear skies, sunshine and you’re inside binge-watching shows on Netflix? Not on my watch. With summer weather here, don’t waste our few perfect months doing what you always do. Instead, try something new. Not sure where to start? From farm dinners under starry skies to kitten yoga in tap rooms, here are 40 things to add to your Fort Collins summer bucket list. CATCH A MOVIE AT THE HOLIDAY TWIN DRIVE-IN
A couple enjoys a movie at the Holiday Twin DriveIn in west Fort Collins. Coloradoan library
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Nestled near the Fort Collins foothills for 50 years, the Holiday Twin Drive-In is one of America’s few remaining drive-in movie theaters. Bring blankets or camp
chairs and head down Overland Trail for a double feature on one of the theater’s two screens. RIDE THE TROLLEY
Ride back through time on Birney Car 21, a restored 1919 streetcar that has been running its summer route from City Park up Mountain Avenue for decades. Car 21 is owned by the city and operated by the volunteer-run Fort Collins Municipal Railway, which conducts the 3-mile round trip noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from May through September.
Your summer bucket list: Fort Collins things to do
Front Range
TAKE A DIP
Gather the kids for a day at the pool. The city operates one outdoor pool, City Park Pool, which offers daily admission for $7 for adults, $6 for youth (2-17) and free for children under 2. You can also find a list of membership-based community pools to join on Coloradoan.com.
TAKE TO THE HIGH SEAS — ER — RESERVOIR
There’s no place like Horsetooth Reservoir. Head to Inlet Bay Marina, 4314 Shoreline Drive. to rent a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard or hydrobike.
WATCH POOCHES PLUNGE
DO I EVEN HAVE TO SAY IT?
Pups will take to the water yet again for the annual Pooch Plunge at City Park Pool at the end of August. Tickets go on sale in early August for the beloved event. For more information, visit fcgov.com.
Go on a brewery tour. Call ahead to New Belgium to secure a spot or make a reservation up to 24 hours in advance for Odell Brewing Co’s tour. We have a whopping 20-plus breweries so even if some don’t offer tours they’re likely good for a relaxing patio beer instead.
CATCH A SHOW AT THE MISH
There’s nothing like a summer night at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre. Built on the banks of the Poudre River more than 100 years ago, this Northern Colorado music venue is a favorite among locals. For a full lineup and ticket and shuttle information, visit themishawaka.com. TOUR OUR ARTISAN VILLAGE
Once a working farm on the edge of town, Jessup Farm Artisan Village, 1957 Jessup Dr., was recently retooled as a onestop shop to fill your lazy summer Sundays. Have breakfast at The Farmhouse, pop into shops, sip a latte at Bindle Coffee or have a “5 o’ clock somewhere” moment at the Jessup Farm Barrel House.
EXPERIENCES
Pool Table Company
Turn an ordinary room
INTO A
GAME ROOM!
HEAD TO ESTES FOR THE DAY
With U.S. Highway 34 reopened, getting to Estes Park is easier. Head out for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and end your afternoon with a beer or meal in Estes. Walk the tiny mountain town’s sweet streets and grab some taffy or a scoop of ice cream. HAVE A PEACHY DAY
In August, the annual Fort Collins Peach Festival will take over Old Town, bringing with it a 5K run/walk, fresh Palisade peaches, peach pie, margaritas, vendor booths, live music, kids activities and more. Ticket information will be available on the festival’s site at fortcollinspeachfestival.com.
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GREAT SHOWROOM! Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 6pm 1600 E. Mulberry St. Fort Collins, CO 970-419-0816 Dogs run in the water at City Park Pool as a part of the annual Pooch Plunge in Fort Collins. Coloradoan Library
www.frontrangepooltables.com
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EXPERIENCES
Your summer bucket list: Fort Collins things to do
A group of people tube down the Poudre River Sunday, July 10, 2016. Tube traffice was busy with highs in the mid-90s. Coloradoan Staff
EAT IN THE OPEN AT A FARM DINNER
BEAT THE CLOCK
Take your pick from farm dinners that allow you to eat under the stars and twinkly lights. Fortified Farm Dinners will host six dinners. The Coloradoan hosts secret suppers and smaller food pairings. For information on Fortified Farm Dinners, head to fortifiedcollaborations.com. For a schedule of the Coloradoan’s events, try tickets.coloradoan.com.
As an active city, you won’t be hurting for opportunities to get out and get in shape. Try races like the Firekraker 5K on July 4 in City Park, the Human Race on July 27, where runners try to beat Birney Car 21 along Mountain Avenue, or the Mountain Avenue Mile in August. Round out your summer race season with the inaugural Labor Day Fortitude 10K, which finishes in Colorado State University’s new on-campus stadium.
TUBE THE POUDRE
Why head to a water park’s lazy river when we have one of our own? From midJuly through August — safer times for the river’s water level — dust off the tube stashed in your garage and drop in for a cooling trip down the Poudre. Know the dangers involved and tube at your own risk. If you go for it, consider these tips. HIKE A 14ER
If you’re a hiker looking for a challenge, try summitting one of Colorado’s 54 peaks that reach 14,000 feet or higher. There’s a list of five peaks for beginners on Coloradoan.com. WATCH KICKBALL UNDER FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
It’s a little late to join a summer league here, but that shouldn’t stop you from heading over to Rolland Moore Park for the full Friday Night Lights experience. Lights illuminate the park (weather permitting), so head over to cheer on the teams.
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PLAY A PAINTED PIANO IN OLD TOWN
Pianos About Town, a collaborative program that brings locally-painted pianos to our city’s nooks, crannies and alleys, is in full force. Thirteen donated pianos will be rolled out as part of the project and most will be painted for all to see under the Art in Action tent at the south side of Old Town Square. TAKE A CLASS
Learn a new skill with a class from the Fort Collins Recreator or try out the Fort Collins Creator Hub, which offers classes in soldering, 3D printing, stained glass, 3D design and more. TOUR THE CSU ANNUAL FLOWER TRIAL GARDEN
Tour Colorado State University’s outdoor display and test areas at the Annual Flower Trial Garden, where students, researchers, homeowners and extension personnel learn through horticultural research and demonstrations. Free to the public and open daily, the garden is a great spot to bring a book and whittle away at a summer day.
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EXPERIENCES
Your summer bucket list: Fort Collins things to do
Children stand on the Statue of Liberty in City Park to watch the Fourth of July fireworks July 4, 2016. Coloradoan library
PERUSE A LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
JOIN A CSA
GO PUT-PUTTING
The Fort Collins Farmers Market is on Sundays and Wednesdays at 1001 E. Harmony Road. The Larimer County Farmers Market will be at 200 W. Oak St. on Saturdays. The Drake Road Farmers Market will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 802 W. Drake Road.
Try your hand at community-supported agriculture by joining a farm’s program. Pay a monthly fee and pick up fresh produce all summer long. For more information, try farmshares.info.
Take a traditional route and play mini golf. Fort Fun, which also offers go karts, bumper cars, an arcade and slide, is located at 1513 E. Mulberry St. If summer rain thwarts your plans, try another classic by bowling at Chipper’s Lanes, 217 W. Horsetooth Rd. and 830 N. College Ave.
FIND FRESH DAIRY
Take a drive to Bellvue and enjoy a cup of coffee or cone of ice cream at Morning Fresh Dairy’s Howling Cow Cafe at 5821 W. County Road 54E.
TRY A SUMMER READING PROGRAM
If you have an antsy kiddo at home, feed their imagination by signing up for a summer program through Poudre River Library District. Reading logs and prizes are now available at the district’s three libraries, with challenge-related events planned.
WALK THE MALL
The renovated Foothills Mall is a far cry from what many grew up with in Fort Collins. Tour its sleek halls while window shopping, or take to its outdoor dining spots. And watch for the new food court, which is set to open later this summer. WATCH THE FIREWORKS
There’s nothing like ringing in the Fourth of July on a blanket at City Park. After watching the parade, visiting the Avery House front lawn or tanning at City Park Pool, the park’s annual fireworks display promises to once again delight. The display is estimated to begin at 9:35 p.m. ENJOY THREE DAYS OF FREE MUSIC WITH BOHEMIAN NIGHTS AT NEWWESTFEST
The annual festival takes over Old Town every August. Stay tuned for its headliner announcements. 38 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
Scenes from August 12, 2017 at the Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest music festival in Downtown Fort Collins. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
SET UP A PICNIC
With picnic tables located around Horsetooth Reservoir, a lazy Sunday is the perfect time to pack sandwiches and enjoy lunch in the great outdoors.
Pianos About Town amps up for new season, 100th piano
EXPERIENCES
Clint Burkeholder looks at fine details as he paints a piano at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on April 19, 2018. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan
PIANOS ABOUT TOWN AMPS UP FOR NEW SEASON, 100TH PIANO The public art project has dotted Fort Collins with colorful, painted pianos for eight years.
Keep your eyes peeled for pianos. Pianos About Town, a collaborative public art project that pairs donated pianos with local artists, is back with a new season and new crop of painted pianos. Each summer, you can find transformed, ready-to-play pianos sprinkled in 20 public locations— six in the winter—to encourage spontaneous music and appreciation for local art. And after eight years, the program is gearing up to welcome its 100th piano into the Pianos About Town ranks later this summer. This year’s new pianos will be painted by artists Chris Bates, Ren Burke, Diana Dellos, Chelsea Emer, Chelsea Gilmore, Mary Harnett, Kyla Novak, Burt Nunnelee, Werner Schreiber, Robin Street, Larry Tucci and Kristen Vohs. “This season’s artists bring a wide range of experience to the program; a former
Marine, a teacher, a retiree and more,” said Ellen Martin, the visual arts administrator for the city’s Art in Public Places program. “Each artist has a unique perspective that is visible in their work.” Pianos About Town is a collaboration among Art in Public Places, Bohemian Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority. Artist Clint Burkholder painted the program’s 94th piano this spring. Painting of the 95th piano started in May. Some pianos will be painted outdoors from May through October under the “Art in Action” tent on the south side of Old Town Square. The program will unveil its special 100th piano to the public Aug. 2 as part of the Bohemian Nights Presents Thursday Night Live concert series. More information on that unveiling will be released in late June. FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 39
EXPERIENCES
A cupcake lovers guide to Northern Colorado Promise Montoya applies frosting at Butter Cream Cupcakery on S. College Avenue on April 23, 2018. Montoya said she sometimes dreams of new flavor combinations for the shops line of specialty cupcakes. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
A CUPCAKE LOVERS GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO Cupcakes are arranged in a tower at Butter Cream Cupcakery on S. College Avenue on April 23, 2018. Austin Humphreys/ The Coloradoan
40 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
Visions of new cupcake flavors come to Promise Montoya in dreams. It’s why the Butter Cream Cupcakery head baker and co-owner keeps a notepad and pen next to her bed. “A cupcake is really a blank canvas,” said Montoya, who has created varieties like caramel popcorn, French toast, Fruity Pebbles, Rocky Road and sangria. While gourmet cupcakes started gaining in popularity around the turn of the century, Google food trends show cravings for the dessert have remained steady. Advancements in gluten-free and vegan products have helped create cupcake offerings for people of most diets. The single-serving treat is increasingly bought in bulk for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other parties. Expecting couples are even using cupcakes to reveal the gender of their children — with a pink filling for a girl or blue filling for a boy.
Northern Colorado has a handful of cupcake-specializing bakeries. Use this guide whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or treat an entire party.
NORTHERN COLORADO CUPCAKE BAKERIES B SWEET CUPCAKES
Address: 425 E. 4th St. in Loveland Phone: 970-430-7073 Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m on Saturdays Most popular specialty cupcake: Lemon cream cheese Price: $2.35 for a single cupcake; starting at $26 per dozen
A cupcake lovers guide to Northern Colorado
Background: When Dana Brungardt lost her teaching job due to budget cuts, she turned her lifelong passion for baking into a career. She founded B Sweet in 2010, and the operation moved to its current retail location in 2011. The bakery experiments with unique flavors like Boston cream pie, root beer float and margarita.
Larimer County last year. They converted an old trailer into a food truck to serve the treats. Cupcake Gypsies caters weddings and events, and also regularly sets up at weekly summer food truck festivals throughout Northern Colorado.
BUTTER CREAM CUPCAKERY
THE CAKERY
Address: 3663 S. College Ave. and 172 N. College Ave. Phone: 970-225-1040 at South College; 970-482-2505 at North College Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays Most popular specialty cupcake: Triple fudge brownie Price: $3.25 for a single cupcake; starting at $36 per dozen Background: Sisters Robin Pavel and Mary DeHerder launched this operation in 2008, adding the Old Town Fort Collins satellite store in 2010. The sisters sold the business to longtime head baker Promise Montoya and her brothers Cassidy and Callahan in 2015. Butter Cream Cupcakery offers a daily surprise flavor.
Address: 3706 Cleveland Ave. in Wellington Phone: 970-591-2253 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Most popular specialty cupcake: Maple bacon Price: $3 for a single cupcake; starting at $27 per dozen Background: A year ago, Jackie Isvanca turned her lifelong baking hobby into a commercial farmers market stand. Her downtown Wellington commissary kitchen became available later in the summer and she opened a brick-andmortar location there last fall. The Cakery is part of the town’s growing food and drink scene.
CUPCAKE GYPSIES
Address: 514 S. College Ave. Phone: 970-223-0172 Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m on Saturdays Most popular specialty cupcake: Carrot cake Price: $3 for a single cupcake; starting at $36 per dozen Background: After several years baking custom cakes as part of a catering company, Daddy Cakes Bakery opened its own retail storefront in the summer of 2016. Owners Rudy and Angi Burns continue to operate the catering company called Babette’s Feast but now also offer a variety of retail baked goods.
Address: Mobile bakery Phone: 970-691-3468 Hours: By appointment only Most popular specialty cupcake: Vintage peach Price: $4 for a single cupcake; starting at $36 per dozen Background: Sisters Amber Cronin and Andrea Strick have been running a mobile cupcake bakery since 2014 and arrived in
EXPERIENCES
Celebrating the big
40!
2 Entertainment Stages
July 28 • 9am-5pm July 29 • 10am-4pm
DADDY CAKES BAKERY
L in
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1979-2018
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• 800 10th Ave • Arts
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Food Court & Beer Garden Kids Creation Station
Over 150 Art & Crafts Booths Major Sponsors
The Cupcake Gypsies is a mobile bakery operating in Northern Colorado. Courtesy of Cupcake Gypsies
Co-Sponsor
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 41
EXPERIENCES
A cupcake lovers guide to Northern Colorado
6 REASONS TO USE THE TIMBERLINE RECYCLING CENTER:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Old cans of paint trying to take over the garage.
Admit it- that trusty old wheelbarrow is never getting repaired.
Summer patio parties just around the corner remove clutter from your outdoor living space.
Fried chicken for a summer picnic...yum! Used cooking oil can be recycled.
Its time to finally splurge on some new outdoor furniture to replace your metal-frame oldies. Tulips ready to tiptoe into the garden? Yard trimmings can also be recycled.
1903 S. Timberline Road For more information visit fcgov.com/trc
42 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
The Cakery, a custom bakery and cupcake shop, opened in downtown Wellington in August, 2017. Erin Udell/Coloradoan
DONUT HAUS
Address: 265 E. 29th St. in Loveland Phone: 970-278-1464 Hours: 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday through Saturday; 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays Most popular specialty cupcake: Critter Cakes that feature animal frosting designs Price: Starting at $1.75 for a single cupcake; starting at $18 per dozen Background: While doughnuts are the trademark of this bakery, the Orchards Shopping Center location is also a pit stop for cupcake lovers. The store is especially known for its animal frosting designs called Critter Cakes. Donut Haus was started in an old Estes Park gas station by German baker Dieter D’Alquen. Lois Marth purchased the operation in 1997 and opened the Loveland spot in 2003 — she sold the Estes Park location to new owners in 2008.
MAKE YOUR CAKE
Address: 3012 E. Vine Drive Phone: 970-214-5909 Hours: By appointment only Most popular specialty cupcake: Lemon-filled cupcakes Price: Starting at $15 a dozen Background: Rhonda Carmichael grew up in Wyoming as the daughter of a custom cake baker. The family business eventually moved to Northern Colorado and Carmichael took over for her retiring mother about six years ago. Custom cakes are Carmichael’s specialty but cupcakes are becoming a larger portion of her business. SARAH B’S BAKERY
Address: 1913 W. Lake St. Phone: 970-556-9333 Hours: By appointment only Most popular specialty cupcake: Red velvet Price: Starting at $40 a dozen Background: This custom cake bakery solely for private events also bakes its fair share of cupcakes. The operation is run by Sarah Hegstrom, who studied pastries at the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York. After a long career preparing desserts across the country at high-end resorts, Hegstrom opened her own specialty cake bakery three years ago when moving to Fort Collins. She titled the bakery after her maiden name, Borries.
Cupcakes from The Cakery, a downtown Wellington bakery and cupcake shop that opened in August, 2017. Erin Udell/Coloradoan
Your guide to Coloradoan Experiences for 2018
EXPERIENCES
Alisha Lubben tells her story of food and culture during the Coloradoan Storytellers Project at Ginger and Baker on May 16, 2018. Tanya Fabian/For the Coloradoan
YOUR GUIDE TO COLORADOAN EXPERIENCES FOR 2018 Coloradoan Experiences were created to provide unique, meaningful ways to engage with the community. Come Experience Northern Colorado with us. We’re excited to announce some changes and the rest of our Coloradoan Experiences for 2018. While we’re no longer doing Pop-Up Pairings, we’re opening up our Secret Supper events to more people. This year, we’ll also continue hosting The Storytellers Project and Brews & News community gatherings. Here’s what we have planned so far. Keep checking back in for more ticket information and more as the event dates draw near.
SECRET SUPPERS SPONSORED BY EYE CENTER OF NORTHERN COLORADO JULY 26: CHIMNEY PARK
Join us for a Secret Supper from Chimney Park with pairings by Wilbur’s Total Beverage. It’ll still be summer, so we will be eating outdoors again. Venue: It’s a secret
DEC. 31: NEW YEAR’S EVE
DEC. 11: HOLIDAY STORIES
Our annual New Year’s Eve party is back for the third year in a row. The popular 12-course New Year’s Eve dinner will be held in a downtown Fort Collins location. We’ll have a team of multiple chefs working together to create an incredible dinner to help you ring in the new year in a way you won’t forget. Venue: It’s a secret
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but is it really? From celebrations to traditions to hilarious disasters to heartbreak and family drama, the holiday season is a whirlwind and we can all relate. Join us for holiday stories that encompass the joyful and difficult season at our December Storytellers Project night. Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St.
STORYTELLERS PROJECT AUG. 8: PARENTHOOD
Parenthood is a messy roller coaster of love, rebellion and reward. It’s full of highs and lows, good days, rough days and days that seemed like they would never end. Join us for a night of reminiscing on parenthood during our August Storytellers Project night. Venue: Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House, 316 Willow St.
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVALS The Coloradoan will move its upcoming summertime food truck festivals to Timberline Church, 2908 S. Timeberline Road. Upcoming festivals will be held on July 11 and Aug. 22. Admission is free, with donations going to the Coloradoan’s First Class Scholar program.
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 43
EXPERIENCES
N ORDER ONLI
Funkwerks grows Fort Collins’ next brewing empire
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s ’ r u b l Wi Total e g a r e v e B app t e h t d a o l n dow
oday
Funkwerks taproom manager Kipp Powell, center, leads a tour for Funkwerks sales representative Michael Shobe, right, and CSU biology student Jason Pliego, left, August 4, 2017, at the Funkwerks brewery in Fort Collins, Colo. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
FUNKWERKS GROWS FORT COLLINS’ NEXT BREWING EMPIRE The saison specialty brewery recently won a World Beer Cup gold medal and is growing at much faster rate than the rest of the inudstry
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Funkwerks co-founder Brad Lincoln collected a World Beer Cup gold medal earlier this month and then proceeded to celebrate the victory that night at the bars of Nashville. “I was kind of in shock,” Lincoln said of Oud Bruin’s win at the global competition. “When they say your name, it feels really good.” The Fort Collins craft brewery specializing in saisons and sours is not only earning world recognition these days — it’s also expanding and growing much faster than the rest of the craft beer industry. Funkwerks added distribution to Missouri and Southern California already this year. The brewery now distributes to nine states and has plans to add several more in the next few years. Of Fort Collins’ 23 total breweries, only AnheuserBusch, New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing have a larger distribution terri-
tory than Funkwerks. “When first starting with saison, it seemed like this crazy style would only be accepted by a minority,” Lincoln said. “As time has gone on, we have become more mainstream.” After brewing about 6,000 barrels last year, Lincoln said the brewery’s production is up significantly so far with the expectation to increase production by a “couple thousand” barrels in 2018. Traditional six-packs are replacing the brewery’s previous packaging method of four packs. New tanks and production jobs have been added this year, and a new packaging line is scheduled to be delivered next month. Funkwerks previously expanded its production capabilities by about 50 percent in 2016 and added a separate 3,500-square-foot warehouse last September. The brewery also has an ownership
Funkwerks grows Fort Collins’ next brewing empire
EXPERIENCES
“Everyone thinks you need an IPA to make it today. Funkwerks is a great example of an entity that is successful and well-respected without one.”
stake and produces the wort for Fort Collins’ Jessup Farm Barrel House. “There is this desire to keep on going and not rest on our laurels,” Lincoln said. “I keep wanting us to grow and get better.” The recent rapid expansion has been fueled by a new creative distribution partnership with Brooklyn Brewing and San Francisco’s 21st Amendment Brewing that officially began at the start of 2018. The three strategically located breweries share sales staffs and help one another break into new territories across the country. “Between the three of us, we have most styles covered,” said David Duffy, Brooklyn Brewing’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Together as one portfolio, we can increase our relevance.” Like with the new distribution alliance, Funkwerks has long dared to think outside the box. Lincoln and fellow Funkwerks cofounder Gordon Schuck met in the winter of 2009 while studying brewing science at Chicago’s Siebel Institute of Technology. They agreed to start a brewery together and set up inside 1900 E. Lincoln Ave., which had previously housed H.C. Berger Brewing and Fort Collins Brewery. Schuck had won a gold medal at the 2007 National Homebrew Competition for his saison. “We thought the style was underdeveloped,” Lincoln said. “We thought it would be a good add-on to this town and to distributors.” Funkwerks debuted to the public in 2010. The brewery gained major critical acclaim by 2012 after winning two gold medals and the honor of Small Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. Funkwerks’ best seller is currently Raspberry Provincial, a beer first made to salvage a kettle sour that was brewed incorrectly. “Everyone thinks you need an IPA to make it today,” Duffy said. “Funkwerks is a great example of an entity that is successful and well-respected without one.” And now, more of the country is getting a chance to taste the Fort Collins brewery’s funky creations.
“People see this bright red (Raspberry Provincial) beer and get intrigued,” said Brad Welsh, the Major Brands distributor in charge of introducing Funkwerks to Missouri. “Then all of a sudden you look up and the whole bar is trying it.”
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FUNKWERKS BEER MEDAL HISTORY 2011: Great American Beer Festival silver medal for Saison 2012: Great American Beer Festival small brewery of the year; Great American Beer Festival gold medal for Saison; Great American Beer Festival gold medal for Deceit 2014: Great American Beer Festival gold medal for Raspberry Provincial; World Beer Cup silver medal for Deceit 2016: World Beer Cup bronze medal for Deceit 2017: Great American Beer Festival gold medal for Saison 2018: World Beer Cup gold medal for Oud Bruin
BREWERIES OF FORT COLLINS Anheuser Busch, 1988 Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, 1989 Odell Brewing, 1989 New Belgium Brewing, 1991 C.B. & Potts, 1996 Equinox Brewing, 2010 Funkwerks, 2010 Black Bottle Brewery, 2012 Pitchers Sports Restaurant, 2013 Horse & Dragon Brewing, 2014 Snowbank Brewing, 2014 Zwei Brewing, 2014 Rally King Brewing, 2015 Soul Squared Brewing, 2015 McClellan’s Brewing, 2015 Three Four Beer Co., 2015 Jessup Farm Barrel House, 2015 Maxline Brewing, 2016 Intersect Brewing, 2016 Prost Brewing, 2016 Gilded Goat Brewing, 2017 D.C. Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery, 2017 Purpose Brewing & Cellars, 2017 Ramskeller Brewery at Colorado State University, 2018 Freedonia Brewing (plans to open in 2018) Red Truck Beer (plans to open in 2018)
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2201 South College (970) 226-8662 WilbursTotalBeverage.com Open M-Sat 9-10 • Sun 9-7 Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
OUTDOORS
Top 5 beginner fourteeners
Hikers make their way up the trail to Grays Peak, located on the Continental Divide. Paired with nearby Torreys Peak, the two mountains combine for a solid 1-2 punch for a beginner. Coloradoan library
TOP 5 BEGINNER FOURTEENERS Climbing a fourteener is the quintessential Colorado bucket list item
46 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
Colorado has 54 peaks rising 14,000 feet or higher, the most of any state. Many of them are within a few hours’ drive from Fort Collins, and all offer breathtaking views. We’re not going to call climbing a fourteener easy. You need to be physically fit, expect 8 to 12 hours of hiking, be acclimated to the elevation and also carry some common sense to the mountain. Climbing Longs Peak for your first fourteener probably isn’t a good idea. To make your first fourteener experience a positive one, here are five beginnerfriendly fourteeners to bag this summer.
GRAYS PEAK
Elevation: 14,270 feet Class: 1 Distance: 8 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 3,000 feet Why it’s good for beginners: A solid, gentle trail, and it’s well-traveled and close to Interstate 70. If you’re feeling ambitious, bag nearby Torreys for your first two fourteeners. Range: Front Location: On the Continental Divide in the Front Range. Interstate 70 is 4 miles to the north.
Top 5 beginner fourteeners
Directions: Take I-70 to the Bakerville exit (No. 221). Leave the highway and drive south to the dirt parking area near the start of Forest Road 189. From here, it’s almost 3 miles to the trailhead; a rough road for low-clearance vehicles. Reach a junction after 1 mile, stay straight and follow the sign 2 miles to the trailhead. There are restrooms and a few dispersed camping spots. Nearby towns: Bakerville and Keystone TORREYS PEAK
Elevation: 14,267 feet Class: 2 Distance: 8 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 3,000 feet Why it’s good for beginners: Similar to its neighbor, Grays Peak, Torreys is a short, gentle climb with little exposure. You can bypass the summit of Grays by heading directly to the Grays-Torreys saddle. Expect to hike with hundreds of people during the peak season from late June to October. Range: Front Location: On the Continental Divide in the Front Range, next to Grays Peak. Directions: Start your hike from the Grays Peak trailhead (directions above). Nearby towns: Bakerville, Montezuma and Keystone QUANDARY PEAK
Elevation: 14,265 feet Class: 1 Distance: 7 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 3,450 feet
OUTDOORS
Why it’s good for beginners: Its proximity to Denver and Breckenridge make Quandary another popular mountain during the summer. The trail is well-marked and takes climbers on a relatively tame ascent. The mountain is also popular with backcountry skiers. Range: Tenmile Location: Quandary Peak is 6 miles southwest of Breckenridge on Colorado Highway 9. Directions: From Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on Colorado 9. Turn right on 850 (Blue Lakes) Road. Go a few hundred yards and turn right on 851 (McCullough Gulch) Road. Drive 0.1 mile to the signed trailhead and small parking area. If the trailhead lot is full, cars should park along the 851 road or in the overflow lot, down at the start of the 850 road. The trail starts just above the trailhead, on the 851 road. Nearby towns: Breckenridge, Alma, Fairplay, Leadville MOUNT BIERSTADT
Elevation: 14,060 feet Class: 2 Distance: 7 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 2,850 feet Why it’s good for beginners: Considered by many hikers as Colorado’s easiest fourteener, Bierstadt offers hikers a mostly-gentle climb, though several sections are fairly steep. A great option for younger hikers. If you want an added challenge, a popular option is to continue the hike to nearby Mount Evans along a ridge known as The Sawtooth, an intermediate-level hike.
Helping people...
and the planet...
for over 20 years!
From the summit of Grays Peak, you can cross the mountain?s saddle to another fourteener, Torreys Peak. Coloradoan Staff
633 Remington Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 484-3678
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Top 5 beginner fourteeners Getty Images/iStockphoto
Range: Front Location: Bierstadt is in the Mount Evans Wilderness, 2 miles west of 14,264foot Mount Evans. Directions: From Denver, take I-70 west to Georgetown (exit 228), then follow the signs to Guanella Pass. Take Guanella Pass Road, which is an easily passable but bumpy dirt road, 11 miles to the top of the pass. The trailhead is marked clearly on the left. Nearby towns: Georgetown, Idaho Springs and Grant
Location: Southwest of Leadville in the San Isabel National Forest of the Sawatch Range. Mount Massive (14,421 feet) is north of Elbert. Directions: From U.S. Highway 24 south of Leadville, turn onto Colorado Highway 300 and cross the railroad tracks. Go 0.7 mile and turn left onto County Road 11 toward the Halfmoon Creek. After another 1.2 miles, turn right on the dirt road to Halfmoon Creek. Drive on the dirt road (OK for low clearance vehicles) for
5 miles to the Mount Elbert trailhead on the left. There is a large parking area with restrooms. Nearby towns: Leadville, Twin Lakes and Aspen
SAFETY TIPS START EARLY
The biggest reason for an early start — about 2 or 3 a.m. for Longs Peak — is the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common at elevation, and the storms
MOUNT ELBERT
Elevation: 14,433 feet Class: 1 Distance: 9 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 4,700 feet Why it’s good for beginners: You’re in for a long day and nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, but you’ll get to brag that you’ve summited the highest peak in Colorado. Views of Leadville and Turquoise Lake are stunning. Range: Sawatch
48 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
Getty Images/iStockphoto
OUTDOORS
Top 5 beginner fourteeners
move quickly, meaning lightning is a big issue, especially when above timberline. Every five seconds between seeing a lightning strike and hearing thunder equals 1 mile. Descend quickly if you get caught in an exposed area, such as a ridge or a summit, and make sure any metal gear is away from your body. Crouch down with your feet together and your head low. WHAT TO WEAR
A cotton T-shirt isn’t going to cut it at 14,000 feet when rain, wind and temperature drops are common. Layering is the most common defense, starting with a moisture-wicking shirt on your body with a long-sleeve/turtleneck layer to give your arms protection. Keep a fleece layer in your backpack, along with a down or synthetic jacket, and a rain and wind shell. Hiking shorts or pants will work fine, and make sure to wear broken-in, sturdy hiking boots with appropriate hiking socks. WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
Bring 1 to 3 quarts of water for the hike (a Nalgene bottle is 1 quart), and it’s important to have water in the car for your return. As for food, think of quick, easy-to-eat foods you can munch on while hiking. Granola bars, beef jerky, fruit, your favorite salty foods and gels are all good options. Pack a more substantial meal with protein and fat (a sandwich) for the summit or keep it in your car for your return. STAY SAFE
Tell someone when you are leaving, where you are staying/camping, when and where you are hiking, and when you plan to return. Altitude sickness and falls are concerns for hikers. As you gain altitude, the barometric pressure decreases, causing air to expand in volume and decrease the amount of air you take in on each breath. The more energy you exert at that elevation, the more likely for altitude sickness to set in, with symptoms of becoming lightheaded and nausea. Head to lower elevation immediately. If the condition worsens, it can lead to high altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema. Take your time near the top of peaks, especially areas where you have to scramble and on narrow ledges. VARYING DIFFICULTY
Some of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners require technical climbing skills; others are long hikes with well-marked trails. All require stamina and a little bit of crazy.
Here’s how they are rated in terms of difficulty: Very difficult: Mount Wilson, Crestone Needle, Maroon Peak (N), Capitol Peak, Little Bear Peak and Pyramid Peak. Difficult: Longs Peak, Wetterhorn Peak, Mount Sneffels, Crestone Peak, Snowmass Mountain, Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, El Diente Peak, Maroon Peak (S), Sunlight Peak and Wilson Peak. Moderate: Mount Belford, Mount Oxford, Humboldt Peak, Redcloud Peak, Sunshine Peak, Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard, Uncompahgre Peak, Mount Shavano, Tabaguache Mountain, Blanca Peak, Castle Peak, Mount Yale, Missouri Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, Ellingwood Point and Mount Lindsey Easier: Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, Handies Peak, Mount Sherman, Mount Democrat, Mount Bross, Mount Lincoln, Quandary Peak, Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Mount Antero, Pikes Peak, Mount Princeton, Culebra Peak, San Luis Peak, Huron Peak and La Plata Peak. Source: www.14ers.com TRAIL RATING
Most fourteener guides use the Yosemite Decimal System to describe trail conditions: Class 1: Well-marked and worn trail. No route-finding is necessary Class 2: This can vary from a semiworn trail to no trail at all. Trail surface might be steep and slick (loose dirt/scree) and route-finding might be necessary. Scrambling (using your hands) might be required. Class 3: Scrambling is to be expected. Good rule of thumb is that, for a class 3 hike, descending will require you to face the rock, rather than face outward. Class 4: Climbing, usually without a rope, but using one doesn’t hurt. A fall may be lethal. Class 5: Technical climbing with a rope. Source: www.14ers.com WHAT TO PACK: THE 10 ESSENTIALS
Map Compass Flashlight or headlamp Extra food Sun protection — hat, sunglasses, sunscreen Extra clothing Small first-aid kit Pocket knife Matches Fire starter Source: Colorado Mountain Club
Journey to the GEM of Southern Wyoming
OPEN: Memorial Weekend - early October Tuesday-Saturday: 9am-5pm & Sundays Noon-4pm Admission by Donation
Come tour historic buildings dating back to the Copper Boom Era from the early 1890’s to 1920.
Experience the struggles and triumphs of people who braved the challenges of the West. • 15 Historic Buildings • GEM’s Research • Aerial Mining Library Tramway Segment • Lora Webb Nichols • Two-Story Outhouse Collection One of the Largest • Original S&E collections of photos Caboose from the early 1900’s • Fire Lookout Tower in the West!
Stop by the GEM Store for books on local and regional western history, t-shirts, and unique gifts made by local Wyoming artists! The Grand Encampment Museum is located in beautiful southern Wyoming, just 2.5 hours from Cheyenne, 3 hours from Casper, & 4 hours from Denver, CO.
2018 EVENTS
PLEASE CHECK WWW.GEMUSEUM.COM CJ BOX BOOK SIGNING May 26 at 3pm WOODCHOPPERS JAMBOREE, RODEO AND MELODRAMA June 16-17 DONNA COULSON PRESENTATION & BOOK SIGNING July 12 at 6pm at Encampment Opera House MOUNTAIN MAN RENDEZVOUS & LIVING HISTORY DAY AND GRAND ENCAMPMENT COWBOY GATHERING July 20-22 TOWN OF ENCAMPMENT FLEA MARKET, COMMUNITY BBQ & DANCE WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM JAKE CLAYTON August 4 COPPER DAYS FESTIVAL & COMMUNITY DANCE Early-September
807 Barnett Ave. • Encampment, WY 82325 • 307-327-5308 GEMDirector@GEMuseum.com • www.GEMuseum.com
Design by Cindy Loose, Visions In Progress (V. I. P.) Marketing, LLC • 307-460-8502 Produced in cooperation with the Carbon County Visitors Council
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 49
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Avoid the sting Red. Itchy. Irritating. Unsightly. Did we mention itchy? Nobody likes to spend their summer scratching and uncomfortable, but the bigger concern isn’t the bite itself, it is the possibility of infection with a disease. West Nile Virus has become a yearly presence in Colorado, and unfortunately there is at least one human casualty from the disease every year. The City of Fort Collins has implemented a multi-faceted plan to combat the spread of the disease and monitor the levels of infection in the local mosquito populations. Early in the spring, bodies of water are tested and treated to combat the mosquitos in their larval
stage, before they take to the air. To monitor the adult populations later in the season, traps have been set up all over the city. These traps are checked on a regular basis to determine the portion of mosquitos throughout the city who are carriers of the disease. While the West Nile infection rates generally remain low, if they reach a certain level the City will implement their spraying program to kill the adult population of mosquitos. This program is designed to protect the city residents from disease, but business owners who wish to opt out of the program
are invited to do so on the City of Fort Collins’ website (http://www.fcgov. com/westnile/). The biggest thing that everyone can do to combat West Nile Virus in their own everyday life is prevent the development of more mosquitos, and protect themselves from being infected. The City provides a free backyard inspection to help homeowners keep their properties mosquito-free. Additionally, the City of Fort Collins recommends 4 easy steps to minimize the risk for each individual, and in turn reduce the risk for the population as a whole.
Drain
Dusk thru Dawn
DEET
Dress
Don’t leave standing water around outdoor areas. Whenever possible, drain away standing water, since this is where mosquitos breed and lay eggs. Any small puddle, flower pot full of rainwater, clogged rain gutter, or kiddie pool sitting in the backyard is like a mosquito Club Med. Keep those frisky bugs at bay by keeping things dry.
Half-light times are the most active for the little biters. While dusk especially is a popular time for outdoor activities in the summer, try to limit this time whenever possible.
Bug spray is your friend! Any repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency will be safe and effective when used according to the label. There are many mosquito specific solutions, as well as organic options to try. Search out an approved repellent, and don’t be afraid to use it!
Even in the summer, long sleeves and pants are a good idea. Keeping your skin covered in light colored and loose fitting clothing is one of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites. Unfortunately lightweight and tight fitting clothes allow the little buggers to bite right through, so try to choose something that covers and does not fit too snugly.
BEAT
THE
BUZZ WITH THE
1
Mosquitoes breed in water! Drain any standing water in your yard each week.
2
Keeping covered will do a lot to prevent biting.
3
Use an approved repellent according to its label.
4
Mosquitoes are most active dusk through dawn.
fcgov.com/westnile Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities.
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OUTDOORS
Want to climb a fourteener? It’s time to prepare Longs Peak is enveloped in clouds as the sun dips below the horizon on Dec. 6, 2017, in Loveland, Colo. Timothy Hurst/The Coloradoan
WANT TO CLIMB A FOURTEENER? IT’S TIME TO PREPARE How to train, easiest to climb, when to climb and how to stay safe on these tallest peaks in the state.
52 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
The Colorado fourteeners climbing season starts now — whenever now is. While deep snow renders the state’s 54 peaks of 14,000 feet or more inaccessible for much of the year, getting fit to make one of those tantalizing treks, which an estimated 300,000 people do each year, can start in any weather. Getting in shape mentally and physically will enhance the overall experience. There is some danger involved with such climbs, from falls to lightning, and at least 11 people died climbing fourteeners last year in Colorado. But by starting now you’ll have enough time to improve your chances of reaching the summit.
If you need more time to train, no worries. You can usually climb these peaks into September. And, if you’re not ready, they’ll be there next year. Here is what you need to know:
HOW TO TRAIN Overview: Depending on your fitness level, you will want to work up to five to six days a week on training. If not in very good shape, start with two to three days a week and slowly work your way up. Your workout week should be a combination of cardiovascular, strength training and hik-
Want to climb a fourteener? It’s time to prepare
OUTDOORS
ing. Generally, you will want to do two to three cardio workouts, two strength training sessions and a hiking day. Make sure to schedule rest days and listen to your body to prevent injury. CARDIOVASCULAR
Step 1: If you haven’t been running, start with two to three slow runs/walks for 30 minutes each, gradually building up to 45 minutes or more. Take your time. An injury will derail your plans. Step 2: The next step is to add interval training into your weekly running. This includes running fast for a minute or two, then walking the same time and repeating this for as long as you can go. Step 3: Now simulate your climb by adding in hill repeats. Depending on your fitness level, this includes walking or running up hills, then walking, jogging back down and repeating. The city’s natural areas on the west side of Fort Collins offer several trails with varying degrees of difficulty that are good for this. Step 4: Gradually add in conditioning hikes to your routine. Stuff 10 to 20 pounds of gear into a backpack and head out for two- to four-hour hikes. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Lory State Park offer lots of nearby trails to get you started. Then gradually increase in elevation to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, even doing part of the beginning of the Longs Peak trail. The goal is to get to where you can hike to the top of a 13,000foot peak. STRENGTH TRAINING/STRETCHING
Step 1: Start with lighter weights and do 15 to 20 repetitions for each set. Step 2: Incorporate exercises that replicate the movements of a fourteener hike. Mimic hiking on trails with exercises using a Bosu ball to create an unstable surface. Step 3: Focus on legs and core. Lunges, squats, step-ups and calf raises are good for your legs. For core, focus on exercises that work the front and back core muscles. If you wish to do upper body, lat pulldowns, dips, chin-ups and push-ups are good options.
A climber walks around the summit of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park on July 19, 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
Step 4: To combine cardio and strength training, perform these exercises in a circuit, doing one after another with rest and number of circuit sets dependent on your fitness. Step 5: Make time to stretch daily to reduce your chance of injury during training and while on the hike. Be careful not to over-stretch, which can also cause injury.
LONGING TO DO LONGS? At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park landmark seen by motorists cruising Interstate 25. It is the most popular fourteener, with 17 percent of those responding to a survey listing Longs as their top peak. And though it’s listed a Class 3 (out of 5), difficult hike, it was the third-most favorite first fourteener, according to a survey. It also has claimed its share of lives. Still, you know you want to summit it, so here is what you need to know: Prime time to hike: Usually July to September Trailhead: From Estes Park, take Colorado Highway 7 south about 9 miles to the Longs Peak Ranger Station. Turn right and follow the road to the parking lot.
When to hit the trail: No later than 6 a.m. Earlier is better, not only to reach the summit and get back down to treeline before afternoon thunderstorms, but the parking lot is usually full by very early morning on weekends. Route: The nontechnical Keyhole Route is by far the most popular. The trail is 16 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of about 5,000 feet. It starts with a grinding 6-mile hike to the Boulder Field, then scrambles up to the Keyhole. It’s about a mile from here to the summit, with exposure the rest of the way. Follow the yellow-and-red bull’s eyes that mark your way on a spiraling ascent to the summit along The Ledges; up the Trough, which can contain snow late into the season; to The Narrows, which offers the most exposure; through The Homestretch, the most sustained vertical section that requires climbing up fairly wide rock cracks; and to the summit, which is about the size of a football field. Weather watch: Before you go, check conditions on Longs Peak at noconow.co/ longsconditions. Watch a live feed of the mountain at http://noconow.co/longslive. Park information: www.nps.gov/ romoor 970-586-1206
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 53
OUTDOORS
Want to climb a fourteener? It’s time to prepare
Climbers take in the view from the summit of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park on July 19, 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
CONSIDER THE CROWDS Here is usage of fourteeners by day: 1. Saturday, 30.6 percent 2. Sunday, 19.8 percent 3. Friday, 13.7 percent 4. Thursday, 9.7 percent 5. Wednesday, 9.4 percent 6. Monday, 8.9 percent 7. Tuesday, 7.9 percent Source: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative 2015 estimates
SAFETY TIPS
Longs Peak rises above a line of cars waiting at the Beaver Meadows entrance station to enter Rocky Mountain National Park in 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
54 » FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO
Start early: The biggest reason for an early start, well before sunrise for most hikes,isweather. Afternoon thunderstorms, including lightning,are common. You want to be below treeline as quickly as possible. Wear it: Temperature fluctuations call for layering. Start with a moisture-wicking shirt next to your body, then a fleece layer, a down or synthetic jacket and a rain/wind shell. Hiking shorts are fine, but pack in a pair of rain/wind pants. Wear moisture-wicking socks and make sure your hiking boots are sturdy and broken-in.
Eat/drink: 1 to 3 quarts of water for the hike (a Nalgene bottle is 1 quart), and it’s important to have water in the car for your return. For food, consider granola bars, beef jerky, fruit, trail mix, and a peanut butter sandwich. Safety first: Write down when you are leaving, when you plan to return and what trail or route you are taking. And make sure someone reliable has it. Also, it is safer to hike with a friend or two than going solo. Altitude sickness: It’s caused by gaining elevation too quickly and is exacerbated by strenuous activity. At the first sign of symptoms of lightheadedness and nausea, head to a lower elevation. If the condition worsens, it can lead to serious high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema.
THIS SUMMER 5TH GRADERS GOLF FOR FREE.
This summer 5th graders can golf for free at all three City of Fort Collins Golf Courses. Collindale, Southridge and City Park Nine will offer free green fees to all current 5th graders. Children currently enrolled as 5th graders (2017/2018 school year) qualify for the offer. The offer will be active from June 1 to August 31. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult golf partner who is actively playing a round of golf with the child. • • • • • •
Offer valid at all City of Fort Collins golf courses Children enrolled as a 5th grader during the 2017/2018 school year qualify Must be accompanied by a paying adult golf partner Non-prime time tee times only Offer active from June 1 - August 31, 2018 Please visit fcgov.com/golf or call 970.221.6300 for more information.
OUTDOORS
Waterfalls are the payoff for these 5 hikes Water crashes down Horsetooth Falls Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
WATERFALLS ARE THE PAYOFF FOR THESE 5 HIKES Horsetooth Falls ripped down the rocky chute to the small, chilly pool 25 feet below. Brave souls stood under the falls, letting the steady stream of cold Spring Creek water crash on their heads and shoulders. The refreshing blast was welcome on the warm, late spring day. There aren’t many better nature experiences than hiking to a mountain waterfall. The best Northern Colorado waterfall hikes are in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Ouzel Falls. HORSETOOTH FALLS
Where: Go west on Harmony Road (Larimer County Road 38E) and follow this around Horsetooth Reservoir for 6.5 miles to the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space parking lot on the north side of County Road 38E. Trail distance: 1.7 miles one way
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Prime time: June-July Go with the flow: The 25-foot waterfall is fed by Spring Creek. Bring the kids on a hot day to play in the pool below. Enjoy the wildflowers along the trail. Fee: $6 for daily entrance or $75 for annual pass Information: Larimer County Parks, 970 679-4570 or www.co.larimer.co.us/ naturalresources/htmp.cfm. ALBERTA FALLS
Where: From the main Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, head west for a quarter of a mile to Bear Lake Road. Take Bear Lake Road 8 miles to the Bear Lake parking lot.
Waterfalls are the payoff for these 5 hikes
Trail distance: 0.8 miles one way Prime time: June-July Go with the flow: These falls cascade 25 feet over granite slabs and boulders and into a pool before funneling into Glacier Creek. These easily accessible falls at the popular Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park are the most visited in the park, so time your visit accordingly. Plan to arrive at the parking lot by 10 a.m. during the weekends. Fee: $20 for one-day pass Information: Rocky Mountain National Park, 970-586-1206 orwww.nps.gov/romo BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Where: From Fort Collins, take U.S. Highway 287 south to U.S. Highway 34 in Loveland. Take U.S. 34 west to Drake and then veer off on Larimer County Road 43 (Devil’s Gulch Road). Take LCR 43 (you may encounter delays) 11.5 miles west onto McGraw Ranch Road. Continue 2.2 miles to Cow Creek Trailhead. Trail distance: 3.2 miles one way Prime time: June-July Go with the flow: Once you see the falls with whitewater flowing over repeated drops, you’ll know how the falls got its name. Enjoy the refreshing mist. Make sure to hike above the falls on the giant granite slabs to picnic and take in the show. Fee: It’s part of Rocky Mountain National Park, but there is no entrance fee. Information: Rocky Mountain National Park, 970-586-1206 orwww.nps.gov/romo
OUTDOORS
Since 1982 FISH CREEK FALLS
Where: From the middle of Steamboat Springs, follow Fish Creek Road for three miles to the parking area. The upper lot is for day hiking and lower lot for overnight and horse trailers. Trail distance: 0.6 miles; wheelchair accessible Prime time: The falls run all year, but the biggest show is June-July Go with the flow: Just minutes from downtown Steamboat, this is one of Colorado’s premier waterfalls with an impressive 280-foot freefall. It is easily accessible with a short concrete nature trail leading to the upper viewing area. Fee: $5 Information: Routt National Forest, 970-870-2299 orwww.fs.usda.gov/mbr LORY STATE PARK WATERFALL TRAIL
Where: Lory State Park, accessed from the Timber Group Picnic Area, near the visitor center. Trail distance: 0.1 miles Prime time: Spring-July Go with the flow: Normally not much more than a trickle, the series of waterfalls can gush in spring and early summer. Fee: $7 for daily entrance or $70 for annual state parks pass Information: orcpw.state.co.us/ placestogo/parks/Lory.
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OUTDOORS
Swim guide: Where to take a dip in Northern Colorado America Wright and her daughter, Olivia, 3, take a dip in Horsetooth Reservoir to escape the heat last year. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
SWIM GUIDE: WHERE TO TAKE A DIP IN NORTHERN COLORADO Looking for a summerlong membership, or just a daily dip? We have you covered.
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Northern Colorado may be rocked by the occasional late-spring snowstorm, but that doesn’t mean it won’t heat up. If you’re looking to take occasional dips on especially hot days, a daily pass at Fort Collins’ City Park Pool or one of Northern Colorado’s many swim beaches may be right for you. If you’re looking to lay out for hours on end, work on that tan and keep the kids entertained during summer vacation, a summer membership to a community pool would be more your style. Get a lay of the land— er, water— with this rundown of where to cool off.
COMMUNITY POOLS VILLAGE GREEN POOL
Where: 1831 Valley Forge Ave. (near the corner of Drake and Taft Hill roads) Fees: For non-residents of the Village Green neighborhood, a family membership is $430 and $220 for a senior (55+) membership. Website: villagegreenpool.com COLLINDALE POOL
Where: 3500 Lochwood Drive (near Lemay Avenue and Horsetooth Road) Fees: For non-residents of the Collindale neighborhood, a family membership is $385. Website: collindalepool.com
Swim guide: Where to take a dip in Northern Colorado
WESTFIELD POOL
Where: 1515 Westfield Drive, (Seneca Street and Horsetooth Road) Fees: Family memberships are available for $475, student memberships are $220 and senior memberships (65+) are $100. Website: westfieldpool.org
PUBLIC POOLS CITY PARK POOL
As the only city-run outdoor pool, City Park Pool offers daily options for fun in the sun. The pool includes a 30-foot drop slide, curly slide, lazy river and children’s play structure. Where: 1599 City Park Drive (next to Sheldon Lake in City Park) Fees: Daily admission is $7 for adults, $6 for youth (2-17) and seniors, and free for children under 2. Admission to daily twilight swims, which start at 4:30 p.m., is $4.50. Website: fcgov.com Note: City Park Pool closes for weather issues and will not open for the day if high temperatures aren’t expected to reach 65 degrees.
OTHER PLACES TO COOL OFF OUTSIDE HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR
Where: Larimer County roads 38E and 23, west of Fort Collins
OUTDOORS
Fees: $7 per vehicle daily, $14 per vehicle and boat daily Website: larimer.org/naturalresources Note: Swimming in Horsetooth is only allowed at its South Bay and Sunrise swim beaches. To rent a kayak, boat or paddleboard, visit Inlet Bay Marina or call 970223-0140 for rates. BOYD LAKE
Where: Between Loveland and Fort Collins on Larimer County Road 11C Fees: $8 per vehicle Website: cpw.state.co.us Note: For more information, call 970-669-1739. CARTER LAKE
Where: 7 miles southwest of Loveland on Larimer County Road 31 Fees: $7 per vehicle daily, $14 per vehicle and boat daily Website: www.larimer.org/ naturalresources Note: The Carter Lake Swim beach, located at Carter Lake Dam No. 2 on the east side of the lake, is the only place you can legally swim in Carter Lake. For more information, call 970-679-4570. LAKE LOVELAND
Where: 2626 N. Taft Ave. (in North Lake Park) Fees: There is no admission to use the swim beach Website: ci.loveland.co.us
Sophia Loya, 7, and Hanah Lugo, 6, have fun playing in the water together at City Park Pool Thursday June 5, 2014. Weather in Fort Collins today was in the high 70’s making it a great day to have fun in the sun. Coloradoan Staff
Note: The Lake Loveland swim beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather and staff permitting). The swim beach will be closed on July 3 and 4 for the annual fireworks show. For more information, call 970-962-2727. WINDSOR LAKE
Where: 100 N. Fifth St. (inside Windsor’s Boardwalk Park) Fees: Free Website: windsorgov.com Note: Swimming is only allowed at Windsor Lake’s swim beach.
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FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 59
OUTDOORS
Hikes to do when it’s cooler Sarah O’Neil and Norah Post, of Fort Collins, hike with their dog, Lucy, at Devil’s Backbone Open Space under blue skies on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan
HIKES TO DO WHEN IT’S COOLER These trails are at their best in late spring, boasting peak wildflower and wildlife viewing.
We have some cool trails close to Fort Collins. However, as spring moves into summer, these trails heat up fast — making the hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding less fun. Sure, you can always hit these trails in early morning or late evening. But if you go before the weather heats up, you get a peak combination of moderate temperatures, wildflower bloom and active wildlife (including rattlesnakes, which should be admired from a distance). Here are five trails to hit when the weather is cooler. DEVIL’S BACKBONE OPEN SPACE
Why go when it’s cool: In summer, this can be hell’s kitchen, making what should be an enjoyable short hike to the signature Keyhole a “let’s turn around and
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hit up nearby Dairy Delite.” What this 2,198-acre county-managed area lacks in wildflowers it more than makes up for in its rock formations. Be sure to look for this old tricycle while on your hike. Where: West side of Loveland, 1725 Hidden Valley Drive Popularity: The parking lot often fills in summer, and if it’s full you have to find another place. Hours: Dawn to dusk
Hikes to do when it’s cooler
On the trail: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Keyhole Trail is hiking only. Cost: Free Pets: On leash at all times Information: www.larimer.org/ naturalresources/parks/devils-backbone COYOTE RIDGE NATURAL AREA
Why go when it’s cool: From the parking lot to the first ridge can be tough later in the season, and the hump from the cabin to the top of the ridge offers no shade and climbs 600 feet, which can have you second-guessing why you chose this trail. If you go now, the 2-mile one-way hike to the top offers lots of wildflowers and wildlife, especially birds (look for colorful western tanagers and common yellowthroats), as well as a great view of the lush green valley below. The trail connects to the Rimrock and Blue Sky trails if you want to add some mileage. Where: About 1 mile south of the Larimer County Landfill on Larimer County Road 19 (Taft Hill Road) Popularity: The parking lot often fills on mornings on weekends, so it’s best to get out early in the season and early in the day to beat the heat and the crowds. Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: Free On the trail: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Pets: No pets allowed Information: www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas/finder/coyote BLUE SKY TRAIL
Why go when it’s cool: This is a favorite trail, until it gets hot. Then it’s a least favorite, unless you go in the morning. The trail hugs the west side of the hogback, which makes for lovely morning outings. If you wait until late afternoon or early evening, the sun will bake you. The wildflowers here are spotty but now is the best time to enjoy them as the show loses its flower power fairly quickly when things get dry. The 6.2-mile trail connects to several others. Where: There are several trailheads. You can connect to the trail for free from Devil’s Backbone Open Space and Coyote Ridge Natural Area or pay $7 at the Blue Sky Trailhead located on the southwest side of Horsetooth Reservoir along Larimer County Road 38E. Popularity: Popular, but with three trailheads you should be able to find a place to park. Hours: Dawn to dusk Cost: Free, unless you access from the Blue Sky Trailhead, where it is $7 for a daily use pass.
OUTDOORS
On the trail: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Pets: On leash at all times Information: www.larimer.org/ naturalresources/parks/devils-backbone FOOTHILLS TRAIL
Why go when it’s cool: This 6.8-mile trail snakes along the east side of the first hogback west of Fort Collins. Wildflower viewing is better in spring with recent rains. Now is prime viewing time. The wildlife viewing possibilities are exciting, as you never know what you might encounter. You might see deer, rattlesnakes, foxes and coyotes here. Don’t rule out the rare mountain lion or black bear sighting. Go now when the cooler temperatures extend wildlife watching opportunities. Where: You can access the trail from Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. Popularity: Popular, but with three trailheads you should be able to find a place to park. Hours: Dawn to dusk Cost: Free On the trail: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Pets: On leash at all times Information: fcgov.com/naturalareas VALLEY TRAIL
Why go when it’s cool: The rolling East and West Valley trails parallel the main road in Lory State Park for a little more than 2 miles one way and offer some outstanding wildflower viewing in good rain years. The show lasts a little longer into the summer than most other trails on this list. This is also another excellent wildlife viewing area where black bears, mountain lions and wild turkeys are rarely seen but are present. If you get too hot, you can veer off the East Valley Trail and jump into a refreshing Horsetooth Reservoir or simply jump on the other 20 miles of trails that take you up in elevation and into the trees. Where: 708 Lodgepole Drive, west of Horsetooth Reservoir Popularity: Quite popular but there several parking lots that rarely fill. Hours: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $7 daily use pass On the trail: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding, though some trails are foot only. Pets: On leash at all times Information: https://cpw.state.co.us/ placestogo/parks/Lory/
FYI: YOUR GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO « 61
And I think I’ve found my place Colorado, I want to come home “Colorado” by Linda Ronstadt
Longs Peak is obscured by early morning clouds, Sept. 20, 2017, at Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colo. Timothy Hurst/ The Coloradoan
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