Elevation Outdoors May 2016

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FEStIVAL GUIDE 2016

TIME TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER

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HANGIN' AROUND: SLACKLINER AND YOGI MICHELLE GRIFFITH FINDS THE SECRET TO BALANCE WITH HER CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY HIGH ABOVE THE YOSEMITE VALLEY. SEE PG 24

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

9 EDITOR’S LETTER

27 THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016

Our experince in the wild means more than what's in magazines.

10 QUICK HITS Three athletes to watch at the GoPro Games, Salida's secrets, Swedish axes, Teardrop Trailers and more ...

15 FLASHPOINT People said pro kayaker Jed Sebly was crazy when he saw the makings of a sustainable community and a new music festival at the Buena Vista dump site. He proved them wrong.

19 HOT SPOT

It's that time of year again when we run down the best happenings across the West when it comes to music, sport and culture. From Arise to Ride, from the GoPro Games to Mike the Headless Chicken, we have the ultimate planner ready for you.

Plus, we offer up info on the bands you won't want to miss on the festival circuit this summer and all the gear you'll need for camp and beyond.

51 COLORADO'S WHISKEY Tyra Sutak hits the best postadventure sipping rooms in the state.

Inside info on Cortez, Colorado.

53 BEER POLL WINNERS 20 THE TRAIL Head up Golden's Mount Galbraith.

Meet the final four survivors of our 2016 craft beer reader poll bracket.

23 NUMEROLOGY

photo above courtesy MICHELLE GRIFFITH ON GOPRO

Festival facts to blow your mind.

24 STRAIGHT TALK Michelle Griffith on the slackline.

55 THE ROAD Author Jonathan Waterman's dog Jax reports on all the smells and sounds of White Sands National Monument.

58 ELWAYVILLE. The dos and don'ts of festival season.

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M AY 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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CONTRIBUTORS

ElevationOutdoors.com EDITORIAL ED ITOR -IN -CH IEF

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

doug@elevationoutdoors.com MAN AG IN G ED ITOR

CAMERON MARTINDELL

cameron@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR ED ITOR

CHRIS KASSAR

chris@elevationoutdoors.com ASSISTAN T ED ITOR

KELLY CASSIDY

play@elevationoutdoors.com CON TRIBUTIN G ED ITORS

AARON BIBLE, ADAM CHASE, ROB COPPOLILLO, LIAM DORAN, JAMES DZIEZYNSKI, HUDSON LINDENBERGER, SONYA LOONEY, JAYME MOYE, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN ED ITOR -AT-LARG E

PETER KRAY

C ON TRIBUTIN G WRITERS

JASON BLEVINS, JEDD FERRIS, KIM FULLER, AVERY STONICH, MORGAN TILTON, JONATHAN WATERMAN, MELANIE WONG ART + PRODUCTION MEGAN JORDAN

A RT D IREC TOR

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E L E VAT I O N OU T D O O R S M AG A Z I N E

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

05.16

YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO PLAY A THREE-SONG SET ON THE BIG STAGE AT TELLURIDE. WHAT SONGS DO YOU PLAY? DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN “I've Got a Feeling,” The Beatles. “Little Mascara,” The Replacements. “Pale Blue Eyes,” The Velvet Underground.

ELIZABETH O'CONNELL “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” Whitney Houston. “The Boy Is Mine,” Brandy & Monica. “Wagon Wheel,” Old Crow Medicine Show.

CAMERON MARTINDELL If only I knew the actual names of songs, I could then put this list together.

CHRIS KASSAR “The Weight,” The Band. “Uncle John’s Band,” The Grateful Dead. “Satisfaction,” The Rolling Stones. If the crowd insisted on an encore, I’d go with Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself.”

JASON BLEVINS Sanford and Son Theme Song (Loud), Sanford and Son Theme Song (Louder), Sanford and Son Theme Song (Loudest).

HUDSON LINDENBERGER “Ripple,” The Grateful Dead. “Sitting in Limbo,” Jimmy Cliff. “Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967,” John Mayer.

MELANIE WONG I'd start off mellow with “I've Just Seen a Face,” get everyone rockin' with Grace Potter's “Medicine,” and then shamelessly close with Taylor Swift's “I Knew You Were Trouble.”

JONATHAN WATERMAN In my dreams, I’m belting out “Sympathy for the Devil,” then the complex fable of “Tangled Up in Blue,” finishing softly with the utopian “Imagine.”

In this fantasy, I perform embodied as Jagger, Dylan, and Lennon. No encores, no modernity, no apologies.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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READY FOR THE FUTURE: ISA SCHNITZSPAHN, FOLLOWING IN THE WAKE OF POWELL photo courtesy DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

THE HEART OF ADVENTURE

T

his fall my 12-year-old daughter headed off for her first trip down the Grand Canyon with students from her middle school through a group called Boulder Expeditions and the established educational guide service Grand Canyon Youth. The plan was to pay for the trip through fundraising throughout the year, engage in citizen science while on the river, learn about natural history, bond with new friends outside of the narrow confines of school and feel something of the great majesty of that place, to be changed by it.

She was tasked with giving a report about one aspect of the canyon while on the trip and she chose canyoneering. Before she left, she interviewed Dan Ransom, a Utah-based filmmaker who created the movie “Last of the Great Unknown.” The film documents the exploration of some of the last places that are still untouched by humans in North America, the slots and tributary canyons that make up the massive network that builds the Grand Canyon. It's about the entire history of exploration in the place, too, starting with John Wesley Powell, who first ran the river, and ending up with Phoenix-based canyoneerers Rich Rudow and Todd Martin who have made first descents on more than 70 slots in the Grand Canyon. I was lucky enough to tag along with Rudow, Martin and Ransom on one of these first descents a few years ago. The trip scared the crap out of me (if you are a climber, you never want to see the things that canyoneers call anchors), but also touched the infinite beauty of our planet. In there, you build a tactile relationship with the place that's deeper than passing visits.

When my daughter talked with Ransom, he ended by telling her this: “What I hope young people would take from the film is the same thing I hope you would take from your river trip—I want them to be inspired by wilderness and fight to protect it. I want them to realize that real adventure isn't just something you see in videos or read about in magazines. Real adventure is something that is accessible to everyone.”

That idea resonated powerfully with me. Those of us in the outdoor adventure media world thrive on bringing you images and stories of things you may never do. Worse, we often play up the aspect of play too much in the wild, when what really matters is what happens in the internal landscape, how we each go out and meet wilderness and take it into ourselves and bring it back to the world where we live. And above all what's most important is to continue to speak for and fight for these places that could easily be lost.

That message resonated with my daughter, too. She certainly came back from the trip filled with joy and wonder, but also a sadness about the development threats that could diminish the grandeur of the canyon. She wants to fight for it.

I also sent my daughter this quote from John Muir before she left, and I hope it can serve to help us all see deep into wild places: “As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

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QUICK HITS

05.16

TECHNOLOGY AMBIT 3 VERTICAL At-your-fingertips technology continues to thrive with innovation from GPS watch maker Suunto.

The newly released Ambit 3 Vertical is taking wrist computing to new heights, combining push notifications with all the latest Ambit features, including 1-button POI tracking. $519; suunto.com

GEAR WE LOVE ALMIKE HATCHET Swedish axe maker Hults Bruk has some experience in the bushcraft department. They’ve been at it since 1679 and have refined their tools for the modern age, putting perfectly balanced and shaped iron heads on strong shafts of hickory.

Shown here is the 16” Almike hatchet. $149; hultsbruk1697.se

BOOKS THE YIN AND YANG OF CLIMATE CRISIS The co-founder of the Chinese medicine clinic Jade Mountain Wellness in Burlington, Vermont, Brendan Kelly brings Eastern and Western thought together in his latest book, The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis.

He connects how we are treating ourselves to how we are treating the planet—and how we can make a change for the better for all. northatlanticbooks.com

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THREE ATHLETES TO WATCH AT THE GOPRO GAMES

BE SURE TO CATCH THESE RISING STARS AT THE MOUNTAIN GAMES IN VAIL THIS SUMMER. The GoPro Mountain Games, held June 9-12 in Vail, is a celebration of sports you won't see on ESPN, and this unusual slate of outdoor competition draws a cast of unique athletes. Most of these competitors aren’t household names (not yet, anyway), despite the fact that many are world-class athletes on a level with many in mainstream sports.

And that level of competitor can make for some surprisingly good entertainment. With that in mind, here are a few of the brightest stars to keep your eye on in this June in Vail. Just watch carefully, because they’ll be coming by fast.

IZZI GOMEZ STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDER This 16-year-old caught our attention on the rivers last year, with her carefree blonde locks and a 2015 SUP World Championship title under her belt.

Coming from a surfing background, Gomez picked up SUP as a pre-teen when her parents bought a few for the family’s Florida swim shop.

The 2015 GoPro Games was the first time the ocean specialist brought her talents to big mountain rivers, which were a big adjustment for her. A foot injury cut her effort short last summer, but this year, Gomez says she’s ready to be a force in the SUP Cross competition.

“It's the most fun I’ve ever had. There are certain lines you need to follow, shallow spots to avoid, and you have to deal with the current. You have to react—it’s really different from the ocean where you sit and wait for the waves,” she says.

We are excited to see her get after it.

READY FOR THE RIVER: YOUNG SURFER TURNED STAND-UP PADDLE WORLD CHAMP IZZI GOMEZ WILL BE BRINGING HER BIG WAVE PROWESS TO COLORADO'S RIVERS THIS SUMMER. | photo by IZZI GOMEZ ON GOPRO

SAMMY ROTICH HALF MARATHONER Rotich was born near Eldoret, Kenya, a region where many of the country’s famed world-champion road runners come from. He showed athletic promise as a child, and when his family could no longer afford to send him to school, he dropped out and pursued running professionally.

Rotich, 29, who is now based in Iowa, has a blistering half marathon personal record of just over one hour, and he’ll be bringing that speed to Colorado for the first time at the Vail Pass Half Marathon. One of his biggest weapons is his ease when it comes to running at altitude.

“It comes natural to me, coming from Kenya. I can do a race at high altitude or sea level, and it feels the same,” he says.

JOSIAH MIDDAUGH ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGER Eagle-Vail resident Middaugh is far from unknown at the GoPro Games, where he’s a nine-time Ultimate Mountain Challenge winner. The event includes trail running, mountain biking and kayaking, and he’s done exceptionally well for someone who taught himself how to kayak in a garage-sale boat in the local pond. This year, the 37-year-old is coming off a 2015 XTERRA World Championship win.

“My fitness is at an all-time high, and I’ve been injury-free for awhile. You never know what the future will hold, but I want to ride this wave as long as I can,” he said.

This season, he’ll focus on racing professionally, with an intense schedule that will take him to the GoPro Games and around the world.

—Melanie Wong

HAPPY TRAILERS

HITCH ON TO A TEARDROP AND HIT THE ROAD. In the two years since Dean Wiltshire decided to launch his Boulder based business Colorado Teardrop Trailers, he has gotten used to the stares when people see his miniature works of art. “They stop people in their tracks, that’s for sure,” says Wiltshire. What started out as a personal mission to build his own camper has turned into a full-fledged business, with business doubling each year.

Drawing on a lifetime of working with his hands, and a passion for designing, he started with a steel chassis, some wood, and an aluminum skin. The end result is a camper that weighs as little as 858 pounds and can be pulled behind any vehicle with a trailer hitch. The most basic Teardrops provide room for little more than a rolling queen-size bed and a galley for camp cookware, but that's just the beginning.

Wiltshire currently offers three models, and each one is a custom build from beginning to end. “Part of the beauty of creating these is to meet with the buyers and build a platform for their adventuring,” says Wiltshire.

He has created everything from a writer’s retreat complete with desk, to a retirement road tripper complete with outdoor shower. With three models and prices running from $10,300 to $16,100 they won’t tap out your trust fund. Colorado Teardrop Trailers also rents all summer long at coloradoteardropcamper.com.

If you are looking for something a bit larger, Hallmark Campers in Fort Lupton has been making popup campers that fit on the back of pickup trucks since 1969. They can go anywhere you can get your truck, and offer the ability to get off the grid yet still relax in comfort with a cold one.

With a fiberglass shell encasing a full kitchen, windows, a queen-sized bed and indoor seating, these popups offer many of the conveniences you would expect at home. Toss in the ability to stash bikes, standup-paddleboards, or kayaks on the rooftop rack and you can have the ultimate adventure escape parked in your driveway awaiting you all summer long.

Hallmark also offers custom builds with a variety of options to make your popup camper unique.

Prices start at $17,995 and go up depending on the size, and features you request. HallmarkRV.com —Hudson Lindenberger

ADVENTURE AND WINE IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

THIS ROAD TRIP IS SURE TO UP YOUR MELLOW. Planning a trip to the beach? Here are the keys to a perfect escape to California's Monterey Bay. First, stay overnight at the luxurious, playcentric 500-acre Carmel Valley Ranch (carmelvalleyranch.com) then go down-valley to rock climb (or hike) in secluded Pinnacles

HAVE A BAWL: TEARDROP TRAILERS MAKE FOR HAPPY CAMPERS. |

THE MONTERY WAY: A.K.A. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'. | photo by MORGAN TILTON

National Park (nps.gov/pinn).

Kick back in the evening with live music and lawn games at Folktale Winery (folktalewinery.com), a hip, recently renovated estate. On day two, dabble in wine tasting rooms along the 34-mile-stretch coined the River Road Wine Trail: Include Hahn Estate’s ATV tour with jawdropping views of Salinas Valley (hahnestate.com). The following morning, head to the crescent-shaped bay to gallop a horse over rolling sand dunes at Salinas River State Beach (parks.ca.gov) then stroll the cobblestone streets of Carmel-by-theSea with the Wine Walk Passport, which grants samplings from nine of 14 tasting rooms tucked amongst the boutique-and-cottage rows (learn more at carmelcalifornia.org).

The region’s 40,000 vineyard acres

photo by COLORADO TEARDROP TRAILERS

produces the most Chardonnay in the U.S. and one of the world’s top-rated Pinot Noirs—but don’t miss Galante Vineyards’ Ace High Malbec. Tap out with an exquisite farm-to-table dinner at the haunted Restaurant 1833 (restaurant1833.com).

—Morgan Tilton

"THE MISH" TURNS 100

COME CELEBRATE A CENTURY OF TUNES. It’s a centennial celebration for the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, an openair venue in the Poudre Canyon, northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado.

The site’s 100th anniversary is an “epic” milestone, says general manager, Dani Grant, especially since The Mish was nearly destroyed during the 2012 Hyde Park fire.

The 2016 century year will be acknowledged throughout the summer with a full slate of special events. In May, Odell Brewing Company will release a signature beer called Mishawaka Ale—try it first on May 14 at the “Pickin’ on the Poudre” annual season kickoff concert with bluegrass band, Head for the Hills.

The Mish also has a full concert schedule set for the summer.

“I think this year in particular, we will see some of the best lineups,” says Grant. “Not just because it’s the 100th year, but also because Mishawaka is finally back on the national touring map.” themishawaka.com —Kim Fuller

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QUICK HITS

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SALIDA, COLORADO CALLED THE “HEART OF THE ROCKIES,” THIS HIGH-ENERGY TOWN IN CENTRAL COLORADO’S SUNNY, DRY BANANA BELT IS AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURER’S PARADISE. COME FOR A WEEKEND AND YOU MIGHT WANT TO STAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

GREEN STREETS: DOWNTOWN SALIDA IS IDEAL FOR CASUAL CRUISER RIDES. photo by SCOTT PETERSON

EAT | Ask ten different people where to eat in

SLEEP | For downtown digs, the Palace Hotel (salidapalacehotel.com) is the spot, a 1909 charmer that reopened in 2012 after Fred and Vicki Klein lovingly restored the building. Think Victorian

elegance with an edge. The place woos with heartfelt touches including sage and lemongrass soap, sheets so soft you may not want to get out of bed and coffee, muffins and yogurt parfait delivered to your suite each morning. Make your plans now, since summer weekends fill fast. If you have a fourlegged friend in tow, nab a cozy cottage or room at the Mountain Motel (mountainmotel.net), a petfriendly spot with Western flair.

PLAY | Since it is both nestled alongside the Arkansas River and also sits in the shadows of 14,000-foot peaks, this small town at 7,000 feet delivers big adventure. Right in town you can cast a line in Gold Medal trout waters or paddle in the play holes and surf waves of the whitewater park.

If peak bagging is your thing, wake in the wee hours and head up 14,197-foot Mount Princeton (14ers.com), then stop for a soak in Mount Princeton Hot Springs (mtprinceton.com). Fat tire fans can tackle the epic Monarch Crest Trail, which (mostly) descends 35 miles from Monarch Pass to Poncha Springs. If it’s snowed in, hit the Rainbow or Methodist Mountain trails instead. Pop into Absolute Bikes (absolutebikes.com) for advice, shuttle info and maps. When your legs wear out, poke around the galleries and studios of downtown, a Certified Creative District (salidacreates.com).

Festivals also abound, including June’s FIBArk (fibark.com), America’s oldest whitewater festival.

For all happenings, go to colorfulcolorado.com.

—Avery Stonich

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

Mason Lacy and Sam Seward celebrate a successful traverse of the Altai mountains via bikepack and packraft, western Mongolia – Joey Schusler

Salida, and they’ll all say The Fritz (thefritzsalida. com), a bustling “gastro pub” where you can nosh on shared plates that draw on Spanish, Asian and American cuisine. Snag a seat on the street-side patio, which opens in May, and dig into some truffle (aka “crack”) fries—just try not to OD. Everyone also raves about the bacon mac and cheese, a melt-in-your-mouth concoction that bubbles with provolone, parmesan and gruyere. Need a nightcap?

Amble over to Wood’s High Mountain Distillery (woodsdistillery.com) to sip handcrafted whiskey, gin or elderflower liqueur in funky lounge bedecked with couches and old church pews.

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FLASHPOINT

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VERTEX VISION FORMER PRO KAYAK CHAMP JED SELBY HAD A DREAM. HE WAS GOING TO REMAKE THE BUENA VISTA TOWN DUMP INTO A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY WITH ITS OWN MUSIC FESTIVAL. HERE’S HOW HE TURNED TRASH INTO TREASURE.

by JASON BLEVINS

I

t’s July 2014 and Jed Selby is trying to share his dream with a skeptical visitor. He’s bounding across pastures, pointing everywhere.

Trails right here, under the old growth cottonwoods. A footbridge over the meandering Cottonwood Creek.

Terraced seating here. Maybe a huge walk-up bar. Camping on this ridge.

And this field, the sprawling 80acre pasture of dirt and rocks in the shadow of Mt. Princeton, this will be the main stage.

“Twenty-five thousand people, dancing right here. Can you see it?”

Selby says.

No. I don’t see it.

But then Selby has always seen things other people can’t.

THE VISION When he and his sister Katie bought the Buena Vista town dump on the Arkansas River a dozen years ago, it was a 41-acre pile of bullet-blasted bottles and rusty rubble. But Selby saw 500 homes, tightly clustered around pocket parks. He saw a pair of hotels and a restaurant with a deck overlooking kayaker-filled waves in the river and a stage-anchored central park capable of hosting a few thousand people. He saw a thriving arts community, with sculptors and painters living in loft apartments above their well-trafficked studios.

It was a bold vision for a pro kayaker on the tail end of a young man’s career. But he had confidence in his intuition, a common characteristic of class-V kayakers who navigate rowdy whitewater with a grin. He knew Buena Vista was special. He knew it had potential. photo by JASON BLEVINS

NEW URBANIST: SELBY DESIGNS RIVER PARKS ALONGSIDE SCULPTORS' STUDIOS.

Fast forward a dozen years and Selby’s South Main has more than 50 sustainably built, stoop-gabled buildings and families are lining up for the next round of homesites he plans to offer. The acclaimed New Urbanism developer travels across the country helping other communities design riverparks and spark pedestrian-friendly communities. His 20-room, cobblestoned Surf Chateau ranks as one of the coolest riverside lodges in the state. He’s broken ground on a larger riverside hotel, where he is planning a 300-person music venue with a top-of-the-line audio system. He’s erected permanent affordable housing in town, using FEMA cottages deployed after Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast.

There's more. Selby has joined AEG and Boulder-based booking and management agency Madison House Presents in hosting what they hope will become an annual festival for the next 20 years on the 274-acre ranch.

Launching in August with Odesza, Alabama Shakes and Trey Ansatasio

headlining, the Vertex Festival expects to lure 20,000 camping concertgoers with an eclectic mix of bands. Both Selby and the promoters are sculpting the festival into Colorado’s Coachella.

“He does like to dream big,” says Seth Roberts, an organic farmer whose Weathervane Farm grows 142 varieties of vegetables and herbs on a portion of the Selby property.

It's not just that Selby dreams big, but he has a near perfect track record of bringing those dreams to fruition.

“So often things just seem obvious to me. I don’t know why that is. One thing I know for a fact is that a lot of people I have worked with over the years give up too easily on what they truly believe in,” Selby says.

“With Vertex from the beginning or South Main from the beginning or being a professional kayaker from the beginning, there were so many obvious points where the world was telling me to give up and everyone around me was telling me it won’t work. You know what my dad’s

nickname for me growing up was?

Gila monster. Because once they bite into something they don’t let go.”

“You know what my dad’s nickname for me growing up was? Gila monster. Because once they bite into something they don’t let go.”

THE FESTIVAL Selby’s dad, Buzz, a dentist with a swath of commercial real estate in downtown Tucson, Arizona, also remembers walking the ranch in 2013. His son, along with his daughter Katie, wanted to buy the place. A bank was selling it after a previous developer had spent years fighting for annexation and local approval to develop as many as 715 homes. Buzz liked the property.

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he was in high school and college. “When I saw this property I knew it was a world-class venue. I knew that before I knew anything about the feasibility or how it could happen or who could do it. It struck me that this is what the property wanted to be.”

A week after that stroll with Buzz, Selby had the executives from AEG and Madison House touring the property. They were impressed with both the property and the soon-to-be owner.

“It’s a very special place, and he has been incredibly gracious and eager to collaborate with us to create an amazing experience here,” says Jeremy Stein, the copresident of Madison House. “We’re grateful for Jed’s dedication to hosting this festival on the property.”

Months after closing on the property, Selby was captaining heavy machinery clearing rocks, grading the pastures and seeding. He would show his pals live video on his phone. He bragged about his Wifi-enabled pivot irrigation system soaking the pastures. He spent months clearing clogged irrigation ditches and diversion boxes across the property. Within a year-and-a-half, the trashed plateaus and pastures were transformed into lush meadows of green grass—perfect for flip-flopped dancers and tent-dwelling campers.

“This is a way to help make this property take care of itself financially based on four days a year,” Buzz says. “That allows us to think about how to make this an incredible green space that is self-sustaining.”

Merrell and Tough Mudder are teaming up for 2016 to bring you the biggest, baddest obstacle challenge yet. Gear up, grab your team, and get muddy.

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MAY-JUNE 2016 EVENTS ATLANTA - MAY 7-8

“Buzz thought his son must be joking when he suggested that this particulary property would make an excellent festival venue.”

OHIO - MAY 7-8 CENTRAL TEXAS - MAY 14 (HALF) CENTRAL TEXAS - MAY 21-22 PHILLY - MAY 21-22 CHICAGO - MAY 21

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CHICAGO - MAY 22 (HALF) TAHOE - JUNE 11-12 KENTUCKY - JUNE 11-12 VIRGINIA - JUNE 11 VIRGINIA - JUNE 12 (HALF) NEW ENGLAND - JUNE 18-19

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

ESTIMATED PROPHET: SELBY SURVEYS THE PROPERTY IN 2013.

It’s hard not to, with its ambling creek, ample water and series of meadows sprawled beneath the looming Collegiate Peaks.

“I was just blown away. This truly is one of the most beautiful sites anywhere,” he said.

But as a businessman, he was wary. A previous developer had nearly lost everything fighting for several years to develop the ranch into a community. The battle to develop had riled the town, with two contentious votes and lawsuits. The Selbys knew they couldn’t propose another community in Buena Vista, especially since they had hundreds of homes planned at South Main. But they wanted to preserve the ranch.

Buzz thought his son must be joking when he suggested that this particular property would make an excellent festival venue. That was actually the initial thought that hit Selby when he first toured the property in early 2013 and began scheming a way to buy it and preserve it.

“I’ve been to a lot of great venues,” says Selby, who chased the Grateful Dead across the country when

All that work transforming the venue came well before Selby inked the deal to create Vertex. But Selby knew that if he waited until he secured a festival promoter, it would take almost two years to prep the ranch for a party. So he started work immediately after buying the ranch, with a lot of help from his dad.

“That was a pretty big leap of faith,” Selby says.

But what Selby learned early is that a really good festival site also is a really good farm. If you can prod strong hay growth, it creates lush, resilient grasses for camping and dancing. And each time the promoter team visited the site, it was a step closer to being ready. That’s what enabled Madison House and Selby to host a festival mere months after negotiating a deal.

The Vertex Festival will mark yet another jewel in Selby’s crown of achievements. Kayak champion.

Developer. Hotelier. Festival host. It hasn’t been an easy road. The first year he went pro in freestyle kayaking, he never made a finals round. It took him almost a decade to make South Main viable, after weathering a recession that broke countless real estate entrepreneurs. But he never let go. Like a Gila monster.

“If I truly believe it’s the right thing to do, I will do everything it takes to make it happen,” he says.

Jason Blevins writes for The Denver Post. He is a strange dancer, but that has never stopped him.

© 2015 Wolverine Outdoors, Inc.

Carves Steps out of stones.

The capra bolt

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T R E C N O C G IN R SP SERIES APRIL 30 — Coral Creek 7 — The Robby Wicks Band MAY 14 — Bonnie and the Clydes 21 — The Railsplitters 28 — New Sensation 29 — Jakarta JUNE 4 — Whitewater Ramble 5 — High 5

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starting at 1:00pm Live music in the Base Area Plaza

HOT SPOT

0 5 . 16

CORTEZ CONFIDENTIAL COLORADO’S CORNER OF COOL DESERT MAY BE THE BEST UNHERALDED PLAYGROUND IN THE STATE. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

by CHRIS KASSAR

S

werve along giggle-inducing singletrack. Wander through spectacular ancestral puebloan dwellings. Play in the wild Dolores River. All this and more awaits intrepid travelers who make the trek to Cortez, a funky spot hidden in the southwest corner of the state.

This little, understated town located near Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners (where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico converge) has a lot to offer the outdoor adventurer as well as the history enthusiast. Here, the desert merges with the mountains to create a playground with some of the best trails in the Southwest.

RIDE Just east of town, 29 miles of wellmarked flowy singletrack, built by and for mountain bikers, cruises through fun rolling terrain, pinyonjuniper forest and sagebrush-lined arroyos. Because Phil’s World is perched at relatively low elevation (6,230 feet to 6,582 feet), trails dry out earlier in the spring here. Thus, this excellent network of directional trails is the perfect place to dust off the cobwebs—from your bike and your body—after a long Colorado winter. Silky smooth trails snaking through gullies, challenging, but short climbs, slickrock sections, roller coaster-like downhills and whoop-dedoos will all have you hollering.

Beginners will love the Trust Loop, a 3.5-mile route near the trailhead that offers a great introduction to this spectacular system. Stinking Springs and Ledges Loops (each six-plusmiles) roll along canyon rims, drop rollovers and scale boulders, photo by SCOTT D W SMITH, COURTESY CORTEZ, COURTESY MESA VERDE

DESERT LIFE: (CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT) RIDE PHIL'S WORLD, FISH THE DOLORES AND COMMUNE WITH THE ANCIENTS AT MESA VERDE.

providing spectacular views and countless options for intermediate riders. And, of course no trip to Phil’s World is complete without a cruise across the famed Rib Cage, a flowy, curvy section with great jumps and berms. Join this with the Abajo Trail for sweeping mountain vistas of the La Platas, Abajos, La Sals and the Wilson group. And don't miss the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde (12hoursofmesaverde.com), an endurance race that brings hundreds of riders to Phil’s World each May. Bonus: Phil’s World is only open to mountain bikers (no hikers or equestrians) and the trails are all onedirectional, so you can fly around the corners with abandon.

Want more? Nearby Sand Canyon Trail is a 14-mile singletrack route that cruises over slickrock and passes around areas teeming with ancient archeological sites.

For more information and trail conditions, check out Kokopelli Bike & Board (970-565-4408; kokopellibike.com); the Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Office (970-882-7296; blm.gov/co/st/ en/fo/sjplc.html); and the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association (swcocycling.com).

HIKE Just 15 miles from Cortez, Mesa Verde National Park is home to 5,000 archeological sites, including some of the most intriguing remnants from the ancestral puebloan people, who descended on the Montezuma

and Mancos valleys in 600 AD and prospered here through the 1300s until their civilization shifted and the cliff houses were left empty. On tours guided by knowledgeable park personnel, you will scale ladders and slink through tunnels to visit impressive ruins like Cliff Palace and Balcony House, which ancients carved into stone alcoves high above the canyon floor. If you’d prefer to go on your own, hit the Petroglyph Point Trail, a 2.4-mile hike that skirts the edge of a plateau to reach a panel of petroglyphs, ancient rock art. For solitude, meander the Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail, a tranquil two-mile stroll that ends overlooking an ancient cliff dwelling.

For more info, visit the National Park Service: nps.gov/meve Want more? Nearby, Canyon of the Ancients (blm.gov/co/st/en/ nm/canm.html) and Hovenweep National Monuments (nps.gov/ hove/index.htm) are chock full of beautiful hikes, steeped in history and overflowing with ruins.

RAFT Flowing more than 200 miles from high in the San Juans to its confluence with the Colorado River, the unspolied Dolores River passes through five life zones and provides a stellar way to experience all this majestic area has to offer.

In an average snowpack year, it’s runnable late April to early June, but in dry years, there may be no boatable flows at all. Take a fun

multi-day whitewater trip through this beautiful, archeologically rich canyon with Dvorak Expeditions (dvorakexpeditions.com). Or private boaters find registration and flow information at blm.gov/co/st/en/ fo/ufo/recreation/dolores_river_ information.html.

SLEEP Canyons of the Ancients Guest Ranch: This peaceful, historic ranch is an ideal place to rest in McElmo Canyon outside Cortez. canyonoftheancients.com Willowtail Springs: Here, you'll find enchanting lakeside cabins offering birdwatching, boating and fishing. willowtailsprings.com Retro Inn at Mesa Verde: This affordable, art-deco hotel option serves up some big mountain views. retroinnmesaverde.com

EAT The Silver Bean: A morning must, this chic coffee shop in an Airstream trailer serves up great java, fruit smoothies, delicious breakfast burritos and other tasty treats.

The Farm Bistro: Here, you'll get fresh, local, delicious “comfort food with style,” including burgers, salads, sandwiches and grilled pizzas served in a fun, warm atmosphere. thefarmbistrocortez.com Pepperhead: Enjoy cuisine with a regional flare at this casual spot popping with spicy chile flavors and locally sourced ingredients. pepperheadcortez.com —C.K.

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POWERED BY

THE TRAIL

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DOWNLOAD APP viewranger.com/gpsadventure

ROUTE CODE: ELEV0047 Scan for this route’s GPS Hike!

STAY GOLDEN: WELCOME TO THE PERFECT AFTER-WORK HIKE.

Scan for all of Elevation Outdoors’ published routes!

photo by CHRIS KASSAR

MOUNT GALBRAITH DOWNLOAD THE FREE VIEWRANGER GPS MAP AND THE COORDINATES TO HIKE OR RUN THIS CLASSIC LOOP JUST MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN DENVER.

by CHRIS KASSAR Break free from the bustle of work with this beautiful, moderately challenging hike in Mount Galbraith Park. Near Golden and only 25 minutes from downtown Denver, this 4.2-mile lollipop loop around the top of a 7,260-foot peak flanked by rugged Clear Creek Canyon on one side and Golden Gate Canyon on the other, makes a great sunrise or sunset escape. Offering stellar views, excellent spring wildflowers and the chance to see elk, bighorn sheep, golden eagles or red-tailed hawks, this trail rewards every bit of your effort.

To reach the trailhead, head north 1.25 miles on Colorado 93 from the intersection with U.S. 6. At the stoplight for Golden Gate Canyon Road, turn left and head west for 1.5 miles to reach the Cedar Gulch Trailhead and parking area on the left. The lot for this popular trail often fills up on weekends so it is best to arrive early. Note: Mount Galbraith is open only to hikers and runners (no mountain biking allowed) CEDAR GULCH TRAILHEAD

Head south out of the parking lot to pick up the Cedar Gulch Trail. Immediately cross the water on a small wooden footbridge. Follow the dirt path along the streambed for a few hundred feet and then begin a steady, moderate climb offering peaks into Golden Gate Canyon and Tucker Gulch. To reach even greater heights, follow the trail as it edges along a series of switchbacks, which amble in and out of various ravines. Along the way, you'll catch glimpses of Golden, Denver, North and South Table mountains and the Continental Divide.

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MOUNT GALBRAITH LOOP TRAIL INTERSECTION

After 1.2 miles and a 600-foot climb, the trail splits and noticeably levels out. From here, choose which direction you’d like to take on the 1.6-mile Mount Galbraith Loop trail. (Note: we recommend going right and tackling the loop in the counter-clockwise direction for the best scenery, so that is the route this descriptions follows). From the junction, head right on a rocky trail to begin circling the summit of Mount Galbraith. Meander through stands of serene, shaded forest dominated by ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and a variety of spruce. Periodically, the trees part, providing stunning vistas of the canyon below, as well as Mount Tom (9,741 feet) and Ely Hill (10,045 feet).

BREAK TIME

The trail gets a little rougher and more interesting as it curves around the north side of Mount Galbraith. Take care as you navigate some rock ledges, stone stairways and a couple narrow, rocky traverses. Right before the trail bends sharply east, you’ll encounter an obvious rocky outcropping accessible via a small social trail. Rest here for a moment enjoying views of Golden below and Clear Creek Canyon to the southwest. Lookout Mountain, a popular paragliding launching site, dominates the skyline to the south. Keep an eye out in this direction for people paragliding through the sky, flying chutes of all colors. Scan the varied hillsides and ridges for critters that may be roaming the area.

A FAMILIAR SPOT

Turn the corner and continue east along the front side of Mount Galbraith. Unlike the forested northern section, this portion of the loop, dominated by shrubby mountain mahogany, passes through an open landscape that can be brutal on hot days. Begin early, don a hat and slather on the sunscreen to make it more pleasant.

Continue descending and turn northeast to reach

a junction with the Nightbird Gulch Trail, which comes in from the east and provides access to this circuit from nearby neighborhoods. Just past this intersection, you reach the same trail junction that started this loop. Turn right and retrace your steps back to the trailhead on the Cedar Gulch Trail.

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Credit that stability to Boost energy-return, which charges each step with a quick spring back, so you can last longer in the mountains. Plus, a sock-like upper and extraordinary grip keeps you solid and grounded on rocky surfaces. Speed lacing keeps it all secure and adds comfort and a snug fit. $160; adidas.com EDDIE BAUER WOMEN'S MOVEMENT PIECED CAPRIS

These extremely cozy pants made of compression stretch fabric moves with you, wick moisture and control odor. The mid-calf length is perfect for spring hikes and runs when the weather can vary greatly.

The wide waistband includes a hidden pocket for phone and keys. $60$65; eddiebauer.com —C.K.

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M AY 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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NUMEROLOGY

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Festy Figures WANT TO DO THE FESTIVAL MATH? WE RAN THE NUMBERS, AND A FEW OF THE THINGS WE LEARNED JUST MIGHT SURPRISE YOU. | by CAMERON MARTINDELL

2

32

The number of the 23 boaters who entered the first FIBArk—a 57 mile run from Salida to Canyon City in 1949—who finished the race.

MILLION

Number of people who go to at least one U.S. music festival per year.

903

1973 Number of USA Pro Challenge events happening in 2016. Plans are underway to bring it back in 2017.

62,079 The record-setting number of spectators at the 2015 GoPro Mountain Games in Vail.

Average distance festival goers drive to get to a U.S. music festival.

The number of festivals in Colorado listed on everfest.com/colorado.

Taxes collected in Salida last August thanks to festivals held there.

28

MILES

The year of the first Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

0 0

$

509,000

Hot air balloons were part of the Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo last year. The same number are expected again this year.

140

Number of times the Colorado State Fair has been canceled since it started in 1869. It was only called off in 1917 because the Army National Guard used the grounds in Pueblo to train for WWI.

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STRAIGHT TALK

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MICHELLE GRIFFITH THIS COLORADO YOGI TALKS ABOUT HER EMERGENCE AS ONE OF THE YOUNG FEMALE STARS OF SLACKLINE—AND WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BALANCE WITH GRACE FAR ABOVE THE VOID.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

M

ichelle Griffith is the woman you want to grow up to be. She started to play on the slackline (and climbing and practicing yoga) while she was studying for her degree in physics at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden. By the time she graduated, she decided that a life high above the world and grounded on the mat was calling to her. She spent the next 14 months traveling in Europe and Hawaii, but most of all, living in the back of her Toyota Tacoma (she named it Kai, and it has a bed in the back as well as all of Griffith’s worldly possessions) and touring across the United States. She perfected her craft, pulling off walks on lovely and dangerous highlines and teaching yoga and AcroYoga with the YogaSlackers across the country (and making some extra cash as a math tutor). She also stars in the beautiful Wanderlust and Greenheart.TV film Slackline Sisters (youtube.com/watch?v=l9k2IIrC8a4), which follows her and three other women slackliners on harrowing highlines while showing how they support each other in their sport and passion for life. Griffith took the time to talk to us before she 24

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

was off for a spring and summer full of teaching at Wanderlust 108 Festivals in California and Oregon, continuing her yoga and AcroYoga teacher training in Bali and Hawaii and heading out on a teaching tour across country from Whistler, British Columbia to Miami Florida with her teaching partner Dani Whitehead.

You can catch up with her at michellegyogini.com.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SLACKLINE AND HIGHLINE PROJECTS.

One time, I made the right friends while I was in Spain and ended up highlining in a massive cave. There was a huge hole in the ground above us and it was pouring rain, but we were underneath a lip in the cave, so we stayed perfectly dry. That’s probably tied with highlining in Yosemite at Taft Point. We rigged out hammocks on the line and relaxed with El Cap towering in the background (see photo on page 5).

HOW DO YOU FIND THE INNER BALANCE THAT IT TAKES TO BE ABLE TO WALK ACROSS THE VOID ON A SLACKLINE?

It took a long time for me to find the focus and calmness to walk a highline. Every mental, emotional

photo by ANDREW MUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

SKYWALKER: GRIFFITH FINDS THE BREATH TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE LAST STEPS, THE ONES SHE SAYS ARE THE HARDEST, ON A HIGHLINE AT THE FRUITBOWL NEAR MOAB, UTAH.

and physical response in your body tells you to go back. Breathing has made the biggest difference.

Consciously slowing down your breathing shuts off your body’s fight or flight response and allows you to focus and find the peace and inner balance that is intrinsic in all of us.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK TO THE WANDERLUST FESTIVALS?

The YogaSlackers have developed a great relationship with the Wanderlust festivals. So much so, that we’re the only entity teaching both Slacklining and AcroYoga at all of their smaller 108 festivals. Really what keeps us coming back is the level of “happy human sounds” we run into on a daily basis—everyone comes there to get out of their everyday lives and learn new things and have new experiences, and they do so with joy and curiosity.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE SLACKLINE COMMUNITY AND HOW IT IS GROWING?

Sometimes, I joke around and say that the slacklining community is the only reason I really stuck with slacklining.

In some ways, this is true. The community is large enough that there are slackliners in pretty much every state and most developed countries,

but it’s small enough that there’s usually only one or two degrees of separation between you and every slackliner out there. I traveled Europe and the U.S. alone sleeping on the couches of slackliners, and I’ve never once had a bad experience. The inclusiveness and the passion for life and exploration magnetically draws more people into our community and our sport.

HOW DO YOU SHARE YOUR PASSION WITH OTHER WOMEN IN THE SPORT?

Most female slackliners will tell you that, especially when starting out, for whatever reason, we spend our time mostly around dudes. So when I first met a female slackliner who was just absolutely crushing it, I felt way more inspired than meeting a hundred more dudes who were also absolutely crushing it. It’s a different and deeper feeling of motivation, because I fundamentally relate with women more because, well, I am one. So, I still have many role models out there, and I hope that by living my life as unfiltered and unbridled as I can, I can be that example, that inspiration, for other women who might relate to me as well.

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#EAGLEEVERYWEEKEND With dozens of events on the calendar – from mushrooms to mountain biking, motocross to music festivals - Eagle, CO is the place to be in 2016.

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MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL GUIDE IT’S TIME! IF YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED TRYING TO PLAN A SUMMER FULL OF TUNES, DANCING, RACING, BEER TASTING, YOGA, PADDLING AND JUST PLAIN-OLD CHILLING OUT, WE HAVE YOU COVERED. THE ANNUAL ULTIMATE LIST OF HAPPENINGS IN COLORADO AND BEYOND IS HERE.

TAKE IT HIGHER: THE ARISE FESTIVAL BRINGS GOOD VIBRATIONS TO THE FRONT RANGE WITH MUSIC AND YOGA ON AUGUST 5-7. THE EO ROAD SHOW WILL BE THERE, TOO, SO STOP BY AND SAY HI. photo by BEYOND FORM PHOTOGRAPHY

T

his annual Festival Guide is the lifeblood of what we do here at Elevation Outdoors. The way we see it, festival season is far more than a time for hippies to argue over their two-squarefeet of tarp space and ladies with far-away

eyes to whirl in hula hoops. The following music events, outdoor sport extravaganzas, beer celebrations, races and other cultural happenings are a gathering of the tribes.

Festival season is the perfect excuse to get outside and play with hundreds of your new

best friends. It’s when the mountains truly feel like one massive, sweaty home.

Want to know what’s happening at each of these festivals? Check these icons in the listings for easy reference.

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MAY RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER 75TH ANNIVERSARY MAY-OCTOBER | MORRISON, CO redrocksonline.com The iconic outdoor music venue will celebrate all summer long with concerts, films and fitness events.

DON’T MISS: The 1975 kick off the concert schedule on May 2, and Bob Dylan, The Lumineers, My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic, Sufjan Stevens, The Avett Brothers, LCD Soundsystem, Ryan Adams, Lotus and many more swing through over the summer. And don’t miss The Global Dub Festival on May 14, Global Dance Festival July 8-10 and Reggae on the Rocks August 27.

INSIDE INFO: Want to downward dog in a massive open-air yoga stuido?

Don’t miss Yoga on the Rocks.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS PICKIN’ ON THE POUDRE MAY 14 | BELLVUE, CO mishawaka.ticketforce.com Festival season kicks off every spring with this big Mishawaka happening.

DON’T MISS: Pickin’ on Phish featuring Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon and Blue Gamma.

INSIDE INFO: The stoke should be even higher this year since it’s The Mish’s 100th birthday (see page 11).

LA SPORTIVA VAIL MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUNNING SERIES BONEYARD BOOGIE 11K MAY 14 | VAIL, CO vailrec.com This race in Eagle, Colorado, will start the motor on trail-runing season.

DON’T MISS: This is just the first of a hot slate of events that also includes: La Sportiva Beaver Creek Summer Solstice (June 18), La Sportiva Hill Climb (July 10), La Sportiva Half Marathon (July 24), La Sportiva Berry Picker 5K (August 7), La Sportiva 5K & 10K @ 10,000 Feet (August 21) and the La Sportiva EverGold 5K & 11K (September 18).

INSIDE INFO: Vail Rec just launched a new online registration system for the trail running series that makes registration easier than ever.

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THE GOLDEN GAMES MAY 20-22 | GOLDEN, CO visitgolden.com No sporting event has more soul— our readers voted it the best outdoor happening in the Rockies.

DON’T MISS: The SUP racing.

INSIDE INFO: Head to the vendor village for live music.

GRAND JUNCTION OFF-ROAD MAY 20-22 GRAND JUNCTION, CO epicrides.com Bringing bike racing from the town’s famed dirt trail right into downtown, this race and music event rocks.

DON’T MISS: Test your balance skills in the Pivot/Maxxis Slow Ride.

INSIDE INFO: Funds raised help benefit GJ’s Community Food Bank.

COLORADO WHITEWATER’S 60TH ANNUAL TRAINING CAMP MAY 20-22 ARKANSAS RIVER, CO coloradowhitewater.org Over 150 people head to this massive camp to improve their skill set.

DON’T MISS: Live music from Nathan and Jessie.

INSIDE INFO: Non-campers are welcome to enjoy the music.

UPSLOPE GET DOWN MAY 21 | BOULDER, CO upslopebrewing.com/getdown Our friends at Upslope turn their parking lot into one hell of a party.

There will be a kid friendly zone, food trucks galore and a couple hundred of your drinking buddies.

DON’T MISS: Thirteen bands playing on three stages.

INSIDE INFO: Imperial Rye IPA!

MEADOWGRASS MAY 27-29 | LA FORET, CO rockymountainhighway.org It’s easy to relax at this laid-back festival on the lovely ground of the La Foret retreat center.

DON’T MISS: Leopard & The Vine.

INSIDE INFO: You can volunteer to work at the festival for free passes.

CKS PADDLEFEST MAY 27-30 | BUENA VISTA, CO ckspaddlefest.com The are few more authentic paddlesports events out there that can beat this all-ages bash. And, with a mountain bike and a running race it is more than splashing around.

DON’T MISS: The SUPhill-Downhill out and back paddleboard race.

INSIDE INFO: Be ready to go home wth swag from the Gear Swap.

FESTIVAL OF THE BREWPUBS MAY 29 | ARAPAHOE BASIN, CO arapahoebasin.com Few things go better together than craft beer and A-Basin’s Beach.

DON’T MISS: Music from Jakarta.

INSIDE INFO: It’s just $30 to sample from 15 different craft brewers.

JUNE CAMP OUT FOR THE CAUSE JUNE 2 | RANCHO DEL RIO, CO campoutforthecause.org Good vibes rule at this mash-up of music, yoga and fun on the river.

DON’T MISS: Paper Bird, Trout Steak Revival, Head for the Hills.

INSIDE INFO: The Kleen Kanteen that comes with your admission also gives you discounts on festival bevvies.

ANIMAS RIVER DAYS JUNE 2-4 | DURANGO, CO animasriverdays.com Durango’s annual big river-fest blowout celebrates the town’s newly renovated whitewater park and the simple joys of the Animas River.

DON’T MISS: The Ska Beer Garden.

INSIDE INFO: Bring that Kylo Ren costume for the river parade.

MIKE THE HEADLESS CHICKEN JUNE 3-4 | FRUITA, CO miketheheadlesschicken.org A festival dedicated to a bird’s will to live. Well yes, and it’s awesome.

DON’T MISS: The Peep eating contest.

INSIDE INFO: Bring your favorite driver for the disc golf tour.

M AY 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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EAGLE OUTSIDE FESTIVAL / CO XC & ENDURO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 4-5 | EAGLE, CO eagleoutsidefestival.com

A DOG’S EYE VIEW OF THE GOPRO GAMES. BE THERE IN VAIL, JUNE 9-12. photo by ZACH MAHONE

LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES JUNE 3-4 | LYONS, CO lyonsoutdoorgames.com

Eileen Ivers, Aoife O’Donovan, Tony Furtado.

INSIDE INFO: You’ll need a three-day pass for camping.

It may be best known as the home of Planet Bluegrass, but this funky little town can throw down with a kickass outdoor competition event, too.

DON’T MISS: The Outlaws of Dirt BMX and Dirt Jump competition.

INSIDE INFO: The games run in conjunction with Oskar Blues Burning Can festival on June 4.

40TH ANNUAL RUN THE ROCKIES 10K AND HALF MARATHON JUNE 4 | FRISCO, CO runtherockies.com

DON’T MISS:

PAGOSA FOLK AND BLUEGRASS JUNE 3-5 | PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO folkwest.com

Run from Copper Mountain through Ten Mile Canyon and end on Frisco’s Main Street.

DON’T MISS: The post-race party with beer from Backcountry Brewery.

INSIDE INFO: Racers must take the shuttle to the Copper Mountain start.

This is one of our favorite festivals for its authentic music and vibe.

Colorado’s up-and-coming outdoor epicenter hosts these fun games as well as the Colorado state crosscountry and enduro championships.

DON’T MISS: Six live bands at the Bonfire Block Party.

INSIDE INFO: There are killer lodging deals available in town.

GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES JUNE 9-12 | VAIL, CO mountaingames.com The Mountain Games have grown to become the biggest outdoor sports and lifestyle happening in the West.

The best thing about them? Anyone can compete or just watch top athletes do their thing.

DON’T MISS: The Mountain Mud Run. Costumes are welcome!

INSIDE INFO: Stephen Marley will be playing a free concert.

EO_HORIZ_AD_2.pdf

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HANUMAN JUNE 9-12 | BOULDER, CO hanumanfestival.com Boulder’s core yoga festival draws gurus and curious students from around the globe.

DON’T MISS: Janet Stone, Richard Freeman, Amy Ippolitti.

INSIDE INFO: Sign up for a hike with EO resident badass Gina Caputo.

GOLDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 10-12 | GOLDEN, CO goldenmusicfestival.org Looking for a fest without all the fuss of the big events? Head to Golden.

DON’T MISS: Lineup TBD. INSIDE INFO: Head up Clear Creek Canyon for climbing and biking.

PALISADE BLUEGRASS AND ROOTS JUNE 10-12 | PALISADE, CO palisademusic.com Pickin’ and strummin’ in peach tree country—sounds dreamy.

DON’T MISS: David Grisman.

INSIDE INFO: Bring your bike.

4:44 PM

Paddling, Dirt Jump, Slacklines, Kid Zone

Santa Rita Park | SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2016 C

COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES!

Slalom | Freestyle Kayak | BoaterCross SUP Events | And More!

M

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ALL DAY FUN IN THE PARK!

Ska Brewing Beer Garden | Food | Gear Vendors

CELEBRATE THE ANIMAS!

River Parade Viewing Party | ARD Late Night After Party www.animasriverdays.com |

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Find us on Facebook!

K

FEATURING AN OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH

2016

June 4

Run the Rockies Road Half Marathon & 10k

June 18

Bacon Burner 6k

Tuesdays in July

Mountain Goat Kids Trail Running Series

July 16

“Best Triathlon” in Elevation Outdoors Magazine’s 2016 Best of the Rockies

Frisco triathlon: 3k Stand-up-paddle-board, 15k mountain bike, 5k trail run

August 13

Run the Rockies trail half marathon & 10k

www.RuntheRockies.com

BEANSTALK JUNE 10-12 | STATE BRIDGE, CO beanstalkfestival.com

MEEKERPALOOZA JUNE 11 | MEEKER, CO meekerpalooza.com

FIBARK JUNE 16-19 | SALIDA, CO fibark.com

This music happening in the San Juans doubles as an excuse for an outdoor adventure road trip.

DON’T MISS: Space funk with the Magic Beans.

INSIDE INFO: No pets allowed.

Music, art and beer in the mountains.

DON’T MISS: Chicago Farmer.

INSIDE INFO: Enter the 10K race or metal art competition for a free pass.

The oldest and boldest whitewater festival on the planet just keeps getting bigger and better.

DON’T MISS: The famous anything goes Hooligan Race, Robert Randolph and the Family Band and some amazing freestyle kayak action.

INSIDE INFO: Eddyline Brewery serves up hard-to-find, limited-edition beers throughout the weekend.

LOHI MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 11 | DENVER, CO lohimusicfestival.com Downtown Denver’s music fest is one giant block party.

DON’T MISS: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Analog Son. INSIDE INFO: Wear a costume.

CITY OF ASPEN- ASPEN GRAN FONDO JUNE 11 | ASPEN, CO granfondoaspen.com Join Lance Armstrong and friends for an epic 50-mile ride in Aspen.

DON’T MISS: 3,911 feet of climbing.

INSIDE INFO: A Gran Fondo can be a race or a casual ride—it’s up to you.

TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS JUNE 16-19 | TELLURIDE, CO bluegrass.com What’s there to say? It’s the original.

DON’T MISS: Emmylou Harris, Leftover Salmon, Ryan Adams.

INSIDE INFO: The Punch Brothers play Nightgrass on Sunday.

SONIC BLOOM JUNE 16-19 | RYE, CO sonicbloomfestival.com It’s everything a Millennial tripster yogi could ever wish for.

DON’T MISS: Bonobo’s DJ set.

INSIDE INFO: Hit a yoga class with two of our favorite teachers: Rob Loud and Katrina Kopeck.

BUENA VISTA: A TOWN THAT GOES WITH THE FLOW

by ANNA SITTON From the first sign of snowmelt to the time the leaves start their change, the Arkansas River Valley is the place to be. The overall sense of community revolves around Sup’ing the Milk Run with a handful of your favorite friends, riding your bike down to surf in our play park until the sun sets, getting your heart rate up on the Pine Creek and Numbers section of the Ark, and exploring the Brown’s Canyon Monument by raft, kayak, or foot. There is something for everyone in those summer days that keep on giving.

Around the endless amount of activities offered by this valley, is the support of a community that throws itself into making all the fun as accessible as simply showing up. Start your day with a steaming cup of coffee from The Buena Vista Roastery, head over to CKS Main Street and pick up anything you need to enjoy all that the river has to offer, and finish your day sipping a cold beer from Eddyline Brewery or a cocktail from the Deerhammer Distillery.

The Arkansas River Valley has captured the hearts of all who visit or now call it home. It is the mountain town that just won’t quit, and the summer months give it the soul that makes it a nook worth exploring.

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RAILS AND ALES JUNE 18 | ALAMOSA, CO coloradotrain.com Riding a train across Colorado and drinking beer? Kerouac be praised!

DON’T MISS: Block party at San Luis Brewery the night before.

INSIDE INFO: The event sells out months in advance.

ESTES PARK MARATHON & HALF JUNE 18-19 | ESTES PARK, CO epmarathon.org These super scenic races should be on the calendar for all runners.

Grab up to four of your running pals and sign up for the lessdaunting marathon team relay.

INSIDE INFO: It’s a family friendly event with a 5K, too.

DON’T MISS:

CRESTED BUTTE BIKE WEEK JUNE 23-26 CRESTED BUTTE, CO cbchamber.com It’s a cyclist-centric party in the home of the mountain bike.

DON’T MISS: The film festival.

INSIDE INFO: If you are going to enter one race, make it the Chainless World Championships. Wear a costume.

SALIDA ART WALK JUNE 24-26 | SALIDA, CO salidaartwalk.org Local and regional artists exhibit their dynamic works, musicians play on the streets and at participating venues, and the infamous street performers of the Salida Circus and Salida’s very own Mud People romp.

DON’T MISS: Head out on the new Art Walk After Dark.

INSIDE INFO: Relax with a cocktail at

Estes Park, base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park, is home to fantastic festivals all year long. Here are some highlights: Estes Park Duck Race Festival - May 7th Vintage Market Days – May 13th-15th Jazz Fest & Western Fine Art Show – June 4th & 5th Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – June 25th & 26th Estes Park Marathon, Half, 10K & 5K – June 18th & 19th Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K - July 29th & 30th Estes Park Wine Festival - August 13th & 14th Labor Day Weekend and Arts & Crafts Show - September 3rd-5th Base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park | VisitEstesPark.com/events

Woods Distillery at night.

ROYAL GORGE WHITEWATER FESTIVAL JUNE 24-25 | CAÑON CITY, CO royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com Held where the Arkansas River tumbles out of the world famous Royal Gorge, this premier whitewater and river event features 20 different events, seven bands, great food and fun for the whole family.

DON’T MISS: The Build Your Own Boat Race and headline bands.

INSIDE INFO: You won’t want to miss the live auction on the 25th at 8 p.m.

BLUES FROM THE TOP JUNE 25-26 | WINTER PARK, CO grandblues.org

Yep, bacon. And music and stuff.

DON’T MISS: Earn a “Bacon Diploma” at the Bacon Education Center.

INSIDE INFO: Be sure to try a Bacon Bloody Mary.

CLEAR CREEK RAPIDGRASS JUNE 24-26 IDAHO SPRINGS, CO clearcreekrapidgrass.com This is real bluegrass, folks.

DON’T MISS: Peter Rowan and Rapidgrass, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience.

INSIDE INFO: Volunteer as a street team member and earn a free pass.

Jas Cafe at the Little Nell during the festival and beyond.

and more.

Jalan Crossland Band. is the only brewery you’ll visit that began in a barn.

DON’T MISS:

INSIDE INFO: This

WANDERLUST JUNE 30-JULY 3 SNOWMASS, CO wanderlust.com Far more than a yoga festival, this enlightened throwdown is a community gathering.

DON’T MISS: Eoin Finn’s Blissology— you’ll hug someone on your way to all those athletic asanas.

INSIDE INFO: Set your schedule as soon as you can. Classes fill up fast.

JULY

JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS JUNE 24 - JULY 2 | ASPEN, CO jazzaspensnowmass.org

TEN SLEEP CLIMBING FESTIVAL JULY 2 | TEN SLEEP, WY bighornclimbers.org

Jazz? Yes. But there are also a lot of big-name acts mixed into this bigtime musical showcase.

DON’T MISS: Diana Ross.

INSIDE INFO: For true jazz, hit the

Hosted by the Ten Sleep Brewing Company, this all-ages climbing get-together with live music features onsite support from Petzl, Scarpa, prAna, the American Alpine Club

PIKES PEAK ART AND MUSIC JULY 2-4 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO pikespeakartfest.com Chill with art and tunes in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs.

DON’T MISS: The hands-on demonstrations at booths.

INSIDE INFO: Bring your gear to climb at Garden of the Gods.

RIDGWAY CONCERT SERIES JULY 7-28 | RIDGWAY, CO ridgwayconcertseries.com This free concert series gets Ridgway hopping on Thursday nights in July.

DON’T MISS: Honey Island Swamp Band on opening night, July 7.

INSIDE INFO: The late show starts at the Sherbino Theater starting at 9:30pm—it’s full of surprises.

16th Annual

Get it on at the second-oldest Blues Festival in Colorado.

DON’T MISS: The breaks: short sets from ultra-talented youngsters on the “Future of The Blues” Stage.

INSIDE INFO: There will be pre-parties and after-parties at Smokin’ Moe’s.

KEYSTONE’S BLUE RIBBON BACON TOUR JUNE 25-26 | KEYSTONE, CO keystonefestivals.com

Feed your inspiration in the North Fork Valley!

September 22-25 2016 Paonia Colorado Music ]Arts ]Crafts ]Wine ] ]Food ]Farms ]Kids Activities ] ]

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

SLACKTIME AT THE GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES. photo by ZACH MAHONE

HIGH MOUNTAIN HAY FEVER JULY 7-10 | WESTCLIFFE, CO highmountainhayfever.org

back and forth from Town Park.

No pop bands posing as “bluegrass” here—this mellow fest attracts roots aficionados who care more about the music than the party-crowd mentality.

DON’T MISS: The Claire Lynch Band.

INSIDE INFO: Catch the workshops with headliner bands.

PUEBLO WHITEWATER FESTIVAL JULY 9-10 | PUEBLO, CO pueblowhitewaterfestival.com

COPPER MOUNTAIN MUSIC FEST JULY 8-10 COPPER MOUNTAIN, CO coppercolorado.com Copper turns into a big festival ground for this rollicking good time.

DON’T MISS: Check the website for the lineup. Beer is a given.

INSIDE INFO: Stop by and say hello to the EO Road Show Crew!

RIDE JULY 9-10 | TELLURIDE, CO ridefestival.com The fifth incarnation of this hip happening is sure to get butts moving.

DON’T MISS: Pearl Jam! INSIDE INFO: Bring your bike to get

TOURNAMENT

STARTING MAY 16 VISIT ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM

AND CAST YOUR VOTE! 38

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

PRESENTED BY

This annual shindig features kayak and SUP competitions alongside other events meant to promote the outdoors and an active lifestyle.

DON’T MISS: Cash prizes to competition winners.

INSIDE INFO: There’s camping and mountain biking nearby at Pueblo Lake State Park.

WINTER PARK RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAPITAL USA™ WEEKENDJULY 9-10 | WINTER PARK, CO playwinterpark.com/event/mbcweekend This namesake weekend promotes Winter Park as mountain bike heaven.

DON’T MISS: Free cycle coaching from top Colorado pro riders.

INSIDE INFO: There’s free yoga to soothe those aches on Sunday.

UPADOWNA: ROAR IN THE CITY JULY 16 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO upadowna.org Grab your team, roll up your sleeves and get ready to put your brawn and brain to the test with numerous physical and mental activities.

DON’T MISS: There will be free food and beer, prizes and the “MVJ” (Most Valuable Jedi) at the after-party.

INSIDE INFO: Be sure to have fun!

BOULDER BEER COMPANY’S 37TH ANNIVERSARY JULY 16 | BOULDER, CO boulderbeer.com Boulder plus beer equals party.

DON’T MISS: Live music from Half Raff, The Al Capones and The Goonies.

INSIDE INFO: In addition to their core brands, there will be over a dozen rare experimental brews on tap.

BRECK 100 JULY 16 | BRECKENRIDGE, CO warriorscycling.com Ready for the pain? The alpine

LE T T H E

FUN

B E G I N. 4 4 DAYS DAYS OF OF

FREE FREE MUSIC MUSIC SAT. SAT. ROBERT ROBERT RANDOLPH RANDOLPH & & THE THE FAMILY FAMILY BAND BAND FRI. FRI. PETER PETER ROWAN ROWAN & & FRIENDS FRIENDS THUR. THUR. MARCHFOURTH! MARCHFOURTH! (FORMERLY (FORMERLY MARCH MARCH FOURTH FOURTH MARCHING MARCHING BAND!) BAND!)

JUNE 16 -19 for for the the Nation’s Nation’s Oldest Oldest & & Boldest Boldest Whitewater Whitewater Festival Festival

FREE FREE Live Live Music Music & & Performances Performances

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singletrack course climbs 13,719 feet over 100 miles crossing over the Continental Divide three times.

DON’T MISS: Enjoy some downtime in Breckenridge post race.

INSIDE INFO: Not quite ready for the 100 miles? Challenge your abilities and ride the 68 or 32 mile courses.

KEYSTONE WINE AND JAZZ JULY 16-17 | KEYSTONE, CO keystonefestivals.com Sip like a pro and chill in the village.

DON’T MISS: The grand tasting!

INSIDE INFO: Bring your bike and ride the gondola or climb to the top.

FESTIVAL IN THE CLOUDS JULY 16-17 | ALMA, CO almafoundation.com This little festival in Colorado’s highest incorporated municipality serves up continuous live music as well as things like gems and minerals.

DON’T MISS: Check the website for the music lineup.

INSIDE INFO: There are quite a few campgrounds in the area.

TARGHEE FEST JULY 17-26 GRAND TARGHEE RESORT, WY grandtarghee.com It’s well worth making the drive from the Front Range to rage in the Tetons.

DON’T MISS: Drive-By Truckers, Grace Potter, Electric Hot Tuna.

INSIDE INFO: Come back! Targhee will host a Bluegrass Festival in August with the Infamous Stringdusters.

THE DIVIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 22-24 | WINTER PARK, CO dividemusicfestival.com Be sure to catch the latest happening on the Colorado festival circuit!

DON’T MISS: Blondie, Cake, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

INSIDE INFO: Got an Airstream?

There’s RV parking/camping here.

ROCKYGRASS JULY 29-31 | LYONS, CO bluegrass.com/rockygrass If you love bluegrass and can only make one festival this summer make it this one held at the classic grounds of Planet Bluegrass in Lyons.

DON’T MISS: Punch

Brothers, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.

INSIDE INFO: Register for the instrument contests.

OYSTER RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 29-31 | KEMMERER, WY oysterridgemusicfestival.com Head north for core bluegrass music from artists around the country.

DON’T MISS: Robin and Roberts, The Lowest Pair, Scratchdog Stringband.

INSIDE INFO: Free camping is available with showers nearby.

magic experience.

VERTEX AUGUST 5-7 | BUENA VISTA, CO vertexfestival.com This brand-new festival was the brainchild of former pro kayaker Jed Selby (see page 15 for the story).

DON’T MISS: Odesza, Alabama Shakes, Trey Anastasio Band.

INSIDE INFO: Sign up for a rafting, SUP or kayak experience, too.

TELLURIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL AUGUST 5-7 | TELLURIDE, CO telluridejazz.org

AUGUST ARISE AUGUST 5-7 | LOVELAND, CO arisefestival.com Arise has risen to the top of our calendar. It’s more cultural happening than mere music festival. Be there.

DON’T MISS: Ziggy Marley, Jurassic 5, Hard Working Americans, Wildlight.

INSIDE INFO: Chanting and flow with Boulder yogi Steph Schwartz is a

Telluride Jazz brings in acts with as much credence as Telluride Bluegrass but with far less of the hooplah.

DON’T MISS: Galactic, Marcus Miller.

INSIDE INFO: The Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble, made up of students from age 13 through 18, plays throughout town and opens the festival on the Town Park Main Stage.

The 18th Annual

CRESTONE

MUSIC FESTIVAL

PRESENTED BY

WILD

RUN THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS! 970-479-2280 | www.vailrec.com

August 12, 13 & 14, 2016 FEATURING Friday

T SISTERS Saturday

THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS

May 14 June 18 July 10 July 24 Aug. 7 Aug. 21 Sept. 18

LA SPORTIVA BONEYARD BOOGIE 11K LA SPORTIVA BEAVER CREEK SUMMER SOLSTICE: 5K & 10K PLUS KIDS FUN RUN LA SPORTIVA VAIL HILLCLIMB LA SPORTIVA HALF MARATHON LA SPORTIVA BERRY PICKER 5K LA SPORTIVA 5K & 10K @ 10,000 FEET LA SPORTIVA EVERGOLD 5K & 11K

The VRD is an equal opportunity service provider and operates under special permission from the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management.

Sunday

BANDÁ BORDEL Multi-Cultural  Multi-Genre C a m p i n g  Ve n d o r s Global Cuisine  Colorado Libations Kids Zone  Family Fun

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

2016

JUNE 25-26, 2016

AUGUST 6 & 7, 2016

pick your passion /keystonefestivals @KFestivals

IT! F O T U O D N E K AY AT: W A T E G MAKE A WEE R U O Y PLAN

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almost exclusively on singletrack.

DON’T MISS: The diversity and elevation gain will challenge even the well trained athlete.

INSIDE INFO: There’s a new route, new date and new half marathon, too.

JAMMIN’ AT THE GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES.

NEDFEST AUGUST 26-28 | NEDERLAND, CO nedfest.org

photo by ZACH MAHONE

KEYSTONE BLUEGRASS AND BEER FESTIVAL AUGUST 6-7 | KEYSTONE, CO keystonefestivals.com You have to love a fest built around “frothy flavors and hillbilly luxuries.”

DON’T MISS: Haymarket Squares, Kanktankerous, Blue Moon.

INSIDE INFO: Check out New Belgium’s bike-in cinema Thursday.

STEAMBOAT MOVEMENT FEST AUGUST 11-14 | STEAMBOAT, CO steamboatmovementfest.com Movement is more than yoga or sport.

DON’T MISS: Classes with Rusty.

Wells, Gina Caputo, Valerie D’Ambrosio, Lisa Fierer.

INSIDE INFO: Check the website for

pre-fest events in Steamboat.

18TH ANNUAL CRESTONE MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 12-14 | CRESTONE, CO crestfest.org This three-day, multi-cultural, multigenre event summons up vendors, global cuisine and Colorado libations.

DON’T MISS: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, T Sisters, BandaBordel.

INSIDE INFO: Hike a Fourteener, too.

CITY OF ASPEN- ASPEN BACKCOUNTRY MARATHON AUGUST 13 | ASPEN, CO aspenbackcountrymarathon.com This beautiful, full marathon is run

If it’s in Ned, it needs to be weird, or at least alternatively expressive. Ned Fest delivers with music, art, crafts, microbrews and assorted oddness.

DON’T MISS: Colorado Bluegrass Music Society’s Young Pickers.

INSIDE INFO: Be sure to head over and visit our friends at Salto for libations.

BRISTOL BREWING BUSES AT THE BREWERY AUGUST 27 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO bristolbrewing.com The Brewery celebrates the iconic and beloved Volkswagen bus, with about 40 unique buses of every variety, age, and level of renovation on display out front.

Rogue VWs that are not buses sneak in every year.

INSIDE INFO: The day starts with a cruise ride through town of all the buses in the fest. Look for the Bristol family’s own 1967 bus with the family’s Laughing Lab hanging out of the window.

DON’T MISS:

FOLKS FEST AUGUST 19-21 | LYONS, CO bluegrass.com/folks The smallest of Planet Bluegrass’ big three festivals is our personal favorite thanks to its laid-back vibe and eclectic music lineup.

DON’T MISS: The Decemberists, Lucinda Williams, Passenger.

INSIDE INFO: Bring your bike and take a break with a spin on Hall Ranch.

SEPTEMBER FOUR CORNERS FOLK FESTIVAL SEPT. 2-4 | PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO folkwest.com Meet the sister festival to FolkWest’s

Colorfest in Pagosa

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 16-18

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September 16th | 6-9 p.m.

Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival Town Park Athletic Field Tickets $45 per person in advance. Available beginning July 13th. 21+

September 17th | All Day Mass Balloon Ascensions Downtown | 8 a.m.

The Pagosa Springs Music and Micro-Brew Festival 4 - 8 p.m.

Tickets $25 for beer tasting | $10 General Admission | Kids 17 & under FREE

Annual 5K Colorfest – Color Run Town Park | 8 a.m. hosted by Archuleta County Victims Assistance

September 18th | 8 a.m.

Mass Balloon Ascensions Uptown

Colorado’s favorite Playground

playWinterPark .com

2016 FEATURED SUMMER EVENTS 14TH ANNUAL BLUES FROM THE TOP June 25 - 26

RENDEZVOUS RUN FOR INDEPENDENCE July 2

LANCE GUTERSOHN 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4

TEQUILA & TACOS July 9

RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAPITAL USA™ WEEKEND July 9 - 10

34TH ANNUAL WINTER PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL July 16 - 17

ADVANCE TICKETS: $28/ 1-day or $49/ 2-day

SAVE $5 OFF OF

DAY OF SHOW PRICE FOR A LIMITED TIME! Information on lineup, lodging, tickets & more available on new website:

bluesfromthetop.org *Lineup subject to change

THE DIVIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL July 22 - 24

WINTER PARK BEER FESTIVAL August 6

WINTER PARK SOLSHINE MUSIC FESTIVAL August 12 - 13

WINTER PARK UNCORKED August 20

WINTER PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL August 27

FITNESS IN THE PARK

Sundays: June 12 – August 28

HIGH-NOTE THURSDAYS

Thursdays: June 16 – August 18

FRASER TUESDAYS PICNIC IN THE PARK Tuesdays: June 28 – August 9

Find daily events at PlayWinterPark.com TICKETS & INFO: WWW. BLUESFROMTHETOP.ORG

M AY 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass Festival.

Enjoy the same core vibe and listen to rootsy performers under a 1,200-plusperson tent or kick back in the surrounding meadow.

DON’T MISS: Del McCourySara Watkins, The Milk Carton Kids.

INSIDE INFO: Beyond its festivals, FolkWest runs bluegrass camps for adults and kids, June 2–4 in Pagosa.

JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS LABOR DAY EXPERIENCE SEPT. 2-4 | ASPEN, CO jazzaspensnowmass.org Yeah, well forget about the jazz, this festival pulls in big-gun talent.

DON’T MISS: Stevie Wonder, The Killers, Duran Duran, Train.

INSIDE INFO: Bring your bike and hit

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the Government Trail between sets.

TELLURIDE BLUES AND BREWS SEPT. 16-18 | TELLURIDE, CO tellurideblues.com Telluride’s other big festival tops our personal list for fall must-do events.

DON’T MISS: Stay tuned to the website for this year’s lineup.

INSIDE INFO: The Grand Tasting features top-notch craft brewers competing to be the crowd favorite.

COLORFEST IN PAGOSA SEPT. 16-18 PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO pagosachamber.com Enjoy fall with wine from around the

world, beer from local craft brewers, local food and, of course, music.

DON’T MISS: Mass balloon ascensions on Saturday, September 17 at 8 a.m.

INSIDE INFO: Archuleta County Victims Assistance hosts the Annual 5K Colorfest Color Run on Saturday.

16TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL SEPT. 22-25 | PAONIA, CO mountainharvestfestival.org When the weather cools, this festival heats up the North Fork Valley.

DON’T MISS: The lineup will be posted on the website.

INSIDE INFO: Mountain Harvest Creative, the nonprofit organization that manages the festival, supports local agriculture and the arts,

provides educational opportunities and scholarships.

CITY OF ASPEN SALOMON GOLDEN LEAF HALF MARATHON SEPT. 24 | ASPEN, CO goldenleafrace.com If you only run one trail race this year, make it this scenic beauty.

DON’T MISS: Don’t fear. It’s more down than up. The course runs 13.1 miles with 980 feet of elevation gain and 1,712 feet of descent.

INSIDE INFO: Book a room at the Little Nell for post-race relaxation.

FIELD OF DREAMS: DON’T YOU WANT TO BE HERE? HEAD TO ARISE, AUGUST 5-7. photo by JEDEDIAH LIDDELL

KALEIDOSCOPE EYES? THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM SUMMONS UP SOME SERIOUS PSYCHEDELIC SOUNDS.

Compass brings together copious amounts of Columbus, Chinook and Cascade hops in a tasty combination that lingers beyond the finish. Big hop flavor with malt in a nice supporting role.

EAR CANDY DON’T MISS THESE HOT BANDS ON THE COLORADO FESTIVAL CIRCUIT THIS SUMMER.

by JEDD FERRIS

W COMPASS IPA

ith so many bands playing so many festivals in Colorado this summer, it’s hard to know who you want to make sure you see. Don’t fret.

Below, we give you the must-see acts for this summer: HARD WORKING AMERICANS Todd Snider is a hazy-eyed folk singer with a 14-album back-catalog full of witty tunes that spans two decades.

The popular Nashville outsider and prolific stoner poet is also a huge jam band fan. Lately, Snider has been living out his fantasy to be in a psychedelic rock crew by fronting Hard Working Americans, a super group that includes Widespread Panic members Dave Schools on bass and Duane Trucks on drums, as well as guitarist Neal Casal of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

The band has been getting together for sporadic shows since an initial 2013 gig in Boulder, Colorado, and, the following year, it released a debut self-titled album that consists of hard-edged covers of some of Snider’s favorite fellow tunesmiths, including Gillian Welch and Hayes Carll. This summer, the group is touring behind “Rest in Chaos,” a sophomore effort that will be out May 13 and brings some of Snider’s original cosmic country lyrics to an experimental rock sound that’s all at once trippy, twangy, gritty and ready for improvisational tangents.

APPEARING AT: ARISE photo by CLAYPOOL LENNON DELERIUM

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MANDOLIN ORANGE If you dig the minimalist power that comes from the work of Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch, check out this acoustic duo from the Triangle area of North Carolina.

Partners Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz deliver poignant folk tunes that draw on a range of influences, including early Appalachian mountain songs and vintage country ballads.

The group’s fourth and latest album, last year’s “Such Jubilee,” is full of introspective front-porch ruminations on road restlessness and personal redemption, delivered through sparse acoustic arrangements on guitar, mandolin and fiddle.

APPEARING AT: TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, PALISADE BLUEGRASS AND ROOTS FESTIVAL

A DOUBLE DOSE OF BELA FLECK Banjo wizard Bela Fleck rarely takes a rest. The inventive instrumentalist always has a full schedule, diving into a range of projects that take his nimble fingers through variations in bluegrass, jazz and even classical music. For the past few years Fleck has predominantly been touring with his wife, fellow banjo player and songstress Abigail Washburn, as a pair that focuses on folk songs and banjo duets. The couple will lead the Saturday line-up at Rockygrass, but that won’t be Fleck’s only appearance in Colorado this summer. The folks at Planet Bluegrass also booked him to play the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, where he’ll take the stage in Town Park with the Flecktones, the popular jazz-fusion outfit that’s reuniting for its first shows since 2012. The band is only promising a short two-week reunion tour, with the Telluride appearance as the final night.

APPEARING AT: TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, ROCKYGRASS

DARLINGSIDE Put the vintage harmonies of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young within the modern context of ethereal indie folk and you get Darlingside. Originally formed as an a-capella group in college, the emerging Massachusetts quartet sing in pristine unity while rotating between a variety of mostly acoustic instruments. On the band’s latest album, last year’s “Birds Say,” introspective lyrics with soul-searching depth float above tastefully mellow chamber folk-pop tunes. Classically trained chops are easy to hear, but the band doesn’t instrumentally embellish. The dominant force here is the quietly intense power of joined voices.

APPEARING AT: FOLKS FESTIVAL

THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM This new project combines Primus front man/gonzo bass virtuoso Les Claypool and multi-instrumentalist Sean Lennon (yep, son of John and Yoko). The two met last summer when Lennon’s band, the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, opened for Primus. Informal back stage jam sessions led to the two new friends joining forces for six weeks to record what Claypool described as “an old-school, psychedelic/prog record.”

With Claypool playing his usual mind-bending bass runs and Lennon handling both guitar and drums, the result, “Monolith of Phobos,” will be released on June 3. If the lead track, “Mr. Wright,” is any indication, the album is going to be a trippy odyssey full of experimental twists and turns—perfect sounds for losing yourself at a festival.

APPEARING AT: VERTEX

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

1. TREEPOD

The ultimate portable tree fort, this comfy little elf home hangs from a sturdy tree branch (or a stand sold separately for $225). Once properly set up, it’s the ideal place for a kid (or even a dreamy adult) to laze away a summer day. $325; mytreepod.com

2. IGLOO TRAILMATE

It’s easy to bring the party with you thanks to this Hummer of portable coolers. The wheels can tackle sand and gravel and the top comes complete with drink holders and a telescoping tray, making it a table, too. $300; igloocoolers.com

3. DREAMWAVE TREMOR

Cranking out a crisp 50 watts of power, this Bluetooth sound system is the ticket for bringing the party along on the road with you—or even just hanging out and grilling on the deck.

The shoulder strap and a case that can withstand outdoor abuse make it the bomb box of the Millennial era.

Just be sure your camp neighbors appreciate your musical tastes. $300; dreamwaveus.com

5. TOAD AND CO. FESTIVATOR SHORT

Every festival-going woman needs a pair of shorts that can deal with everything from dancing the day away to escaping for a peaceful hike. Made of comfy, organic cotton these smart shorts should top your packing list. $49; toadandco.com

6. MANDA ORGANIC SUN PASTE

It can be a battle to get sunblock on kids, but Manda’s comes in the form of an SPF 50 face paint made of all natural ingredients, including Thanka from Myanmar that protects and revitalizes the skin. That equals fun at a festival—no matter your age! $18 (15 grams), $28 (50 grams); simplebynature.net

SHOULDN’T BE INSIDE YOUR BOOT.

2.

7 . EVRGRN CAMPFIRE ROCKER

Want to rock out long after the show is over? This snug little portable seat provides some motion whether you are around the campfire or want to engage in some sedentary grooving close to the stage. $99; rei.com

4.

4. SHWOOD CANBY OSPREY FEATHER

3.

5.

Shades with frames made from sustainable domestic walnut hardwood and cruelty-free, naturally molted feathers? Oh how very

6.

7.

THE ROUGHEST TERRAIN YOU ENCOUNTER

OBO ZF OO T WE AR .C OM

MEET THE GEAR THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH THE RIGORS OF A SEASON FULL OF ALL THOSE MUSIC, SPORT AND OUTDOOR GATHERINGS.

festivarian. But there’s more than that to these shades: polarized lens cut the glare and German spring hinges make the frames easier to fit on your head and harder to break or bend out of shape. $250; shwoodshop.com

M E N’ S S CA PE G OAT M I D / CH A RC OA L /

FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS

1.

TRUE TO THE TRAIL

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SECRET SINGLETRACK KICK YOUR SUMMER OFF RIGHT BY SEEKING OUT THE FIVE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS IN GUNNISON AND CRESTED BUTTE THAT YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF … UNTIL NOW.

by CHRISTOPHER COGLEY

M

ountain biking is supposed to be fun.

And in the mountains surrounding Gunnison and Crested Butte that gave birth to the sport, it still is. With more than 150 trails spanning more than 750 miles, there’s definitely something for everyone here—no matter if you are a novice or a pro racer.

Each year, riders from all over the globe come to the region for a chance to dig into some of the most coveted mountain biking trails on the planet. And while the region's most iconic rides are definitely worth the trip (think the famed 401 trail), there are

also some killer trails that have remained relatively obscure. This summer, add a couple of these local favorites to your bucket list.

They’re guaranteed to show you just how fun mountain biking is supposed to be.

1

AWAKENING AND HOTDOGGER

Awakening and Hotdogger are a pair of downhill trails that are part of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s famed Evolution Bike Park. They were designed to give beginner riders their first taste of the downhill experience. Don’t let the green rating fool you, though.

While they are perfect runs for beginners, the machine-groomed flow trails will send your stomach somersaulting regardless of your ability level. Combine the runs with the skills park at the top of Red Lady lift, and you have the recipe for endless hours of enjoyment.

And because the trails are both lift-served, you don’t have to worry about wearing out your legs on the uphill, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

2

LOWER CEMENT CREEK TO UPPER CEMENT CREEK

“I love rides where I can stay on

my bike for most of the time,” says John Norton, executive director of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association. “And the Cement Creek trail is exactly that kind of ride.”

The 19.3-mile trail is challenging enough to push most riders, but it’s not so technical that it forces you out of the saddle very often.

The ride skirts along little-known Cement Creek, giving you that magic feeling that you are worlds away from anyone else. It’s an illusion that’s seldom shattered on this lightly traveled trail.

One of the biggest benefits of the in-and-back route is that

DON’T YOU WANT YOUR SINGLETRACK ALL TO YOURSELF? photo by DEVON BALET

you can turn around at any point.

So if the climb up the 10,220-foot Walrod section at the end of the trail isn’t appealing to you (despite the unbelievable downhill along Warm Springs that it offers as a reward), then feel free to chill your wine or beer in the creek at the base of the ascent and enjoy a casual picnic lunch before heading back at the kind of leisurely pace that keeps you where you’re meant to be—on your bike.

3

FOSSIL RIDGE HALF LOOP

Sometimes you just can’t decide what you’re in the mood for: Sweeping views. Flowy downhills. Challenging uphills.

Technical, rocky descents. And sometimes, you come across those rare rides that give you a little taste of everything and leave you feeling completely satisfied that you got just what what you were hungry for. The Fossil Ridge Half Loop is one of those rides.

“It’s so far off the radar of most riders that you rarely see anyone out there,” says Eric Freson, executive director of the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce.

“But it’s an awesome trail, and it’s definitely a big adventure.”

The 18-mile loop includes a roughly five-mile climb from Left Alder Creek at 9,104 feet to the top of Fossil Ridge at 11,890 feet.

It’s all downhill after that, but drop your post and warm up your forearms, because it isn’t soft flowy trails ahead, but rather the rocky, technical descents designed to test your brakes, your suspension and your adventurous spirit.

4

MATCHLESS DOCTOR PARK

The Matchless Doctor Park loop features 33 miles of some of

the toughest, most technical riding available in the Gunnison Valley with 6,726 feet of elevation gain peaking out at 11,667 feet above sea level before bringing you back down the Gunnison Spur of the Colorado Trail in a descent you’ll never forget.

“This is the real deal,” says David Ochs, the director of the Crested Butte/Mount Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce.

“This is hard-core, true Colorado mountain biking.”

Don’t take this trail lightly. You should expect to spend some time earning the rewards it has to offer in terms of scenery, memories and, mostly, a sense of accomplishment for having tamed a little piece of trail that is quintessential Colorado mountain biking fun.

5

EPIC DOPE LOOP

Sometimes, the name really does say it all. The Epic Dope Loop isn’t for the faint of heart. Or the weak of legs. This 45mile loop starts and ends in town and features more than 8,500-feet of elevation gain, topping out at a peak elevation of more than 12,300 feet at the far edge of the loop.

“There are people who say it’s insane,” says Derrick Nehrenberg, CEO of Juicy Trails. “But it’s not insane. It actually gives you more sanity than you can imagine.”

The reward for the effort is as Epic as the ride itself: Miles of aspen trees. A wildflower bowl full of rare alpine blooms—rare even in a place widely known for it’s abundance of wildflowers—and an eight-mile stretch of downhill that is guaranteed to have your mouth stretching from one side of your face to the other by the time you finally peel yourself off your bike.

That’s not just dope, that’s what's rightfully called Epic Dope. •

JOIN THE RODEO: FUN TIMES ON HOTDOGGER. photo by CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT/CHRIS SEGAL

ON THE RIGHT TRACK MEET THE ONE APP THAT EVERY COLORADO MOUNTAIN BIKER NEEDS. Regardless of which trails you decide to ride this summer, Gunnison and Crested Butte have made it easy to find your way with the new cbgtrails.com website and mobile app.

“All of the trails in this area are mapped, and they’re all on the app,” says Derrick Nehrenberg, CEO of Juicy Trails. “We have designed it to be easy to read on your phone when you’re dirty, sweaty and tired.”

That way it’s easy to keep track of exactly where you are on the trail and how much farther away the much-anticipated descent is.

And for those times when cell service might be lacking, the maps are also available for offline use—because with this many trails, it’s always good to know where you are, and how much fun is still waiting for you down the trail. cbgtrails.com

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THE BOOZE NEWS

0 5 .16

WHISKEY

COURAGE THESE FIVE COLORADO DISTILLERIES WILL HELP MAINTAIN THE STOKE AFTER A BIG DAY OF ADVENTURE.

of two years in American oak barrels, and it’s damn tasty. Sip the distillery’s variety of offerings or drink ‘em down in one of the hand-crafted cocktails on the tasting room menu.

by TYRA SUTAK

SPIRITHOUNDS.COM

C

raft beer? Oh so 2014. Meet the new game in town.

Colorado’s local distilleries are producing some amazing hootch and offering up tasting rooms with all the ambience of your favorite brew pub. Here are five of our favorite spots to relive our adventures and plan for our next excursion. (Oh, and to drink fantastic liquor and spirits.)

SPIRIT HOUND DISTILLERS LYONS

The small town of Lyons, Colorado is home to some of the best mountain biking, hiking and kayaking on the Front Range. After an epic day playing in the mountains, head to the Spirit Hound distillery and post up in the quirky tasting room for a refreshing adult beverage. This distillery is quickly garnering a name for itself throughout Colorado for its line-up of spirits which include Gin—made with handpicked juniper berries—a Mountain Bum Rum, White Dog Moonshine, the incredibly smooth and devilishly deceiving Richardo’s Decaf Liqueur and the recently released Whisky—made with Colorado malt from Alamosa.

The Whisky is aged for a minimum photo by DEREK SKALKO

MARBLE DISTILLING COMPANY CARBONDALE

Thanks to the Marble Distilling Company, the small town of Carbondale is gaining a reputation for being an exceptional place for a nice weekend getaway—complete with outdoor fun, laid-back mountain town vibes and this welcoming tasting room/inn that’s cranking out awardwinning spirits and bringing new life to Carbondale’s main drag. Using old-school family recipes, co-founder and head distiller Connie Baker is creating a Marble Vodka, Moonlight EXpresso, and a Gingercello that are bringing all of the locals and tourists to the bar. And she's winning a steady stream of medals picked up at some of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the country. And did we mention the accommodations?

The Marble Distilling Company also owns and operates an affordable, eco-friendly luxury inn above the distillery. MARBLEDISTILLING.COM

PEACH STREET DISTILLERS PALISADE

With a craft brewery, winery and distillery all located within a stone's throw of each other, Palisade is one

heck of a place to imbibe after a long day on the trails. On any given night, the tasting room at Peach Street Distillers is filled with adventurers still clad in cycling gear or hiking boots, all enjoying the distillery’s variety of offerings. From the Goat Artisan Vodka to the Jackelope and Jenny Gin to the D’Agave Tequila, Peach Street Distillers’ arsenal runs deep. But it’s the Colorado Straight Bourbon and the Peach Brandy that will keep you coming back for more.

Twenty-six pounds of fresh Palisade peaches are used in each bottle of Peach brandy—and it’s simply delightful. PEACHSTREETDISTILLERS.COM

MONTANYA DISTILLERS CRESTED BUTTE

Crested Butte is one of those mustvisit Colorado destinations in the summertime, with exceptional Singletrack, breathtaking views on Kebler Pass and that mountain town charm that rivals any across the state.

But at the end of the day—when the sun goes down and the trails empty out—the outdoor patio at Montanya Distillers fill up. Enjoy one of three of Montanya’s award-winning highmountain rum options, which are delicious on their own, but also quite delicious in one of the tasting room’s hand-crafted cocktail concoctions.

MONTANYARUM.COM

WOODY CREEK DISTILLERS BASALT

The Roaring Fork Valley is home to gold-medal fishing waters, backcountry adventures and miles and miles of biking and hiking trails. After a day soaking in the beautiful Colorado sunshine, hit up the cozy and comfortable Woody Creek tap room to pay homage to the most prolific vegetable in the region—the potato. The folks behind Woody Creek Distillers are growing and harvesting potatoes locally, and they’re using them to make 100-percent potato vodka, which they’re packaging and selling all over the country. The distillery is also making a Gin and a Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey which is every bit as smooth as it sounds.

WYOMING WHISKEY IT MAY NOT BE IN COLORADO BUT MEET THE DISTILLERY OUR READERS VOTED BEST OF THE ROCKIES

Winner of our Best of the Rockies reader poll, Wyoming Whiskey is located in the small town of Kirby, Wyoming. While the surroundings are nothing short of an outdoorsperson’s dream, the distillery itself draws in hordes of tourists on its own each year. It uses local grains, and the limestone-rich water from the area to make incredible whiskey, which is currently available for sale in nearly thirty states. Visit the distillery’s Whiskey Shop and see why the small batch bourbon whiskey, single barrel bourbon whiskey, and barrel-strength bourbon whiskey are flying off the shelf. WYOMINGWHISKEY.COM

WOODYCREEKDISTILLERS.COM

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COLORADO’S

BEST

BEERS

WE ASKED, YOU VOTED. MEET THE FINAL FOUR WINNERS OF THE 2016 ELEVATION OUTDOORS READER’S POLL BREW MADNESS BEER BRACKET. | by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

W

e do love our craft beer here in Colorado. And, to determine the best in the state, we asked our readers to vote through six rounds of a March-Madness-style beer bracket in March and April. We started with 64 entrants from across the state broken down into four divisions—Dark, Hoppy, Strong and Session. We have one champion.

co-founder Whitney May. “The support and passion of City Star crew members really helped clinch the win. Our staff shared the beer bracket daily with friends, family and City Star fans to encourage voting.”

If you have not been to the taproom, which opened four years ago, we suggest you do so immediately. Six mainstay brews are always on tap: Cowboy’s Golden, 6 Shooter Pale Ale, Red Necktar American Red Ale, All American IPA, Bandit Brown and Night Watchman Stout. In addition, four taps are always dedicated to specialty beers.

what it calls “Brewtegrity.” “Our All-Natural brewing methods offer the best quality beer without the use of dimethylpolysiloxane, or any other anti-foaming process agents. We don't chemically wash our yeast, or use enzymes or stabilizers to prop-up the yeast in the process of brewing our beer. We also provide full-disclosure on our label about everything added to the beer we make. We invite the beer drinking public to know what's in their beer,” explains Vindication’s Marty Lettow.

VINDICATIONBREWING.COM

CITYSTARBREWING.COM

RUNNER UP

WINNER

CITY STAR BANDIT BROWN BERTHOUD, COLORADO This malt-forward favorite at the City Star taproom already took home a gold medal at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival, so it’s not a big surprise that EO readers chose it as their favorite of our 64 brews. “I would say City Star's Bandit Brown won thanks to our support in the Berthoud community, greater craft beer community and our ‘virtual’ fans who may have visited the taproom once or twice and continue to follow City Star via social media from states away,” says City Star

BLACK SHIRT BREWING BLOOD ORANGE DOUBLE IPA DENVER, COLORADO Powering through the Htrong section of the bracket, this beer has a cult following (and you may be on board once you try it). “It's a recipe that fits the hop-forward desires of the Colorado craft-beer drinker, yet it has a whole new flavor profile,” says head brewer Branden Miller.

“It's juicy, tropical, and packed with these delicious citrus aromas and flavors that explode out of the glass. It's a ‘new school IPA’ and it exemplifies just how far the boundary is being pushed in this city.” If that’s not enough to make you want to head to the brewery and try one (and perhaps the flagship Colorado Red Ale), you can stick to wine.

BLACKSHIRTBREWINGCO.COM

FINALIST

BLACK BOTTLE BREWERY DEATH FROM ABOVE FORT COLLINS, COLORADO While the name may sound intense, this tasty dark beer has so many fans because it’s not overwhelming—think dark beer flavor without the heavy body of stouts and porters. Beyond that, the Fort Collins brewery is one funky spot worth a visit no matter your beer flavor preference. “Having opened just over three years ago, we have always strived to stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s our beer recipes, the collection of squirrel taxidermy we showcase at the brewery and festivals, the off-the-wall beer names or just the fact that we are one of the only brew pubs in town, we always like to be a little different from the rest,” says Black Bottle manager Dustin Larson.

BLACKBOTTLEBREWERY.COM

FINALIST

VINDICATION FREEDOM STOUT BOULDER, COLORADO This solid, foreign-style with hints of chocolate and coffee in the crisp finish took our Dark category by storm. And Vindication practices

Special thanks to our favorite spot to pick up a cold six pack (or more), ARGONAUT WINE AND LIQUORS in Denver (argonautliquor.com). Not only did they sponsor this poll, they also are firm proponents of the KEEP COLORADO LOCAL campaign, which is working to keep big out-ofstate corporations from selling alcohol in grocery stores. Local shops keep money in Colorado communities. Support them!

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photo | chris miller 468 “I DEFINITELY would get these for camping; they are super simple and if the rest of the meals have this quality of taste then I think they would be a hit with my family. They would be way easier to pack and certainly much easier to make!!” - JKT

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Now is your chance to try one of our dozens of meals – on The House!

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / MAY 2 01 6

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E-MAIL Check if you would like to receive e-mail offers and news from us Mail-in Rebate Terms & Conditions: Limit one refund per household, or address. Mail-in submission only. Rebate applied to price paid and does not include tax. Maximum rebate value of $11.00. Rebate not payable at retail stores. Only valid in USA. Must be at least 18 years old. Fraudulent submission may result in prosecution. Please allow 8 weeks for delivery of refund check. Call 1-847-387-8721 to check refund status. © 2016 Mountain House

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THE ROAD

0 5 .16

CANINE CORRESPONDENCE THE STORY OF WHAT ONE DOG THINKS ABOUT TOURING AROUND THE LOVELY, FRAGRANT DESERT OF NEW MEXICO’S WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT WITH HIS EAGER HUMAN COMPANIONS.

by JAX, as told to JONATHAN WATERMAN

O

-dark thirty and we are hitting the road again.

Bound for southern New Mexico you say, as if geographic place names matter to those of us in the genus canis.

I am flummoxed about why you always expend three days of complicated packing in preparation for an ordinary weekend backpacking trip. And like most intelligent bipeds, however beloved, why is it that you spend as much time traveling in the car as you do in our wild destination?

You talk about how excited I am “to be leaving for a national park that allows dogs,” yet my barking and jumping signifies impatience rather than excitement.

Or: “How smart Jax-dog is to know that he’s coming.” But I would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind–or a cat—not to know that you have been preparing to leave with me because you packed exactly 10 scoops of Grain Free Natural Dog Kibbles into my canine torture-saddlebags, along with five gallons of water, and the

life is to please humans. (Eating, I confess, is a close second.) If evolution had equipped me with more powerful vocal cords and a flexible tongue, I would say that if you didn’t want a chowhound you should’ve gotten one of those hyper-energetic herding breeds.

D

espite my love of road trips, this one is over the top: We spend all day in the car. Consequently, you should expect some intestinal flatus after eight hours of no exercise, a recent snack from the cat litter box (even recycled cat food tastes better than my wretched Kibbles) and only two pee stops.

Uncountable miles and tens of thousands of missed smells later (I barked, but you still wouldn’t open the windows), we are at the trailhead.

I wait for you to write in the register before I lift my leg in similar comment onto the post and continue sniffing. I spent all day cooped up in the car not able to smell anything but your overpowering deodorant—I’m

“But even from within the tent, I can sense so much more: the rattlesnake slithering after a nervous pocket gopher, whistling great horned owl wings and the sand scorpion clicking toward our door.” inferior nylon dish that substitutes for my usual, proper stainless steel bowl.

Last but not leash—Woof, Woof!!—you loaded our car with the ultimate restraining indignity for canis lupus familiaris everywhere: the retractable plastic and nylon, human-dominating-animals walking device. A lesser species (your goldfish for instance) would report you to the Humane Society.

Still, my Labrador mission in photos by JONATHAN WATERMAN

dying for more organic aromas. The ranger whose crotch I just stuck my nose into does not count.

On the post alone, you’d have to be high on doggy aspirin not to smell an obviously ovulating Lab, a poodle perishing from heat exhaustion, a twitchy dachshund, and a mentally arrested golden retriever.

The overpowering deposit of a coyote underlies all this correspondence. His Howliness comes to this trailhead nightly. Partly, I believe, to reassert his dominance.

OPEN-MINDED LANDSCAPE: ALL SPECIES APPRECIATE WHITE SANDS' EMPTINESS.

But mostly he is messaging us with the call of the wild.

In the register you scrawl and date a line about where we live. Down on the post below, I employ liquid, run-on paragraphs about who I am through pheromones designating my alpha-male status and how excited I am to be here in this new sandy place (plus a chemical signature containing information about your plastic wrapped turkey sandwich that I scarfed off the car seat).

I

f I could really speak (and I don’t mean barking for treats amd other stupid dog tricks), I would tell you about the underlying wild world of natural beauty here in the place you call White Sands National Monument. After all, my job is to identify the sights, sounds and smells that humans miss when we venture into the backcountry.

According to the latest science about canine olfactory prowess, I have a sense of smell thousands of

times more acute than humans. And if you think my gas is powerful I would like to loan you my nose for a quick whiff.

As we hit the trail, you should know that I clip the back of your knees and knock you over while wearing these wide and unwieldy saddlebags in hopes that you’ll remove this pack and its heavy water bottles, then carry it yourself.

Meanwhile, as part of humanity’s mission to keep the domesticated under rigorous supervision, you follow me with a plastic bag turned inside out over your fingers and unnaturally strain chips naturally descended from my alimentary canal out of the grass. You can’t cherish this task, despite the plastic bag protection, because of your inability to discern the subtle layers of scent laced with message and meaning, contained in food recycled by all mammals. Including you.

The plodding walk of the sweating bipeds continues, with your noble

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ATAVISTIC VISTA: JAX SEEKS OUT A PLACE FOR SHADE AND SNACKS.

quadruped bound by various canine torture devices. But I do appreciate your oblique apology, delivered when you read aloud the trail signs: “All dogs must be on leash.”

I would like to protest that you do not allow me to stop and linger over the musky, tangy spoor of 23 mammal species—skittering Apache pocket mice, fierce American badgers, or leaping Merriam's kangaroo rats–who crossed our path. Nor do you seem to notice the tail dragging tracks of the bleached earless lizard, the running vectored footprints of the horned lark, the curving, capillaried trail of the

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Nevada buck moth caterpillar.

To quell boredom I provide entertainment. You think that I think it is snow as I munch on the cool, white sand. If I had a human tongue and more pliable lips, I would break into laughter upon your horrified reactions. Like most of my breed, I am accustomed to playing the chump, enacting my primordial role as humankind's best friend.

W

e stop after a scant two miles, but I could have walked much further, even in blistering heat. Humans are such pussycats, so weirdly trained to stay on trails. You

finally remove the wretched Kibble saddlebags, soaked by leaking water.

We are in a shady, dirt hollow marked as campsite “10” by another post containing such a bouquet of canine scents that I can barely process it all.

A hundred feet above, white sand dunes block the sun.

I choke down my Kibbles in cold gravy then sniff and watch and drool (sorry) as you savor mac and cheese.

Why could you not bring steak with the inevitable leftovers?

When the sunset comes, and light rays refract through the atmosphere into the colors you rave about (I see only blue, violet and yellow), the breeze wafts a panoply of earthy, sweet, lush and dusty fragrances of the resinous creosote bush, the soaptree yucca, and the claret cup cacti. Sand grains move over the dunes in a raspy murmur that you ignore. Somewhere in the 275-square miles of peculiar, ancient, alabaster seabed engulfing us, I inhale the scent gland rubbings of a bobcat. With my ears, you would hear the kit fox yipping to the west, along with some other campers who think that they are conversing in reverent whispers.

While you focus only on the sky,

I smell and hear into dimensions concealed from human eyes.

As the sun disappears you obsessively admire the stars—okay, I admit that the night sky is glorious.

But even from within the tent, I can sense so much more: the rattlesnake slithering after a nervous pocket gopher, whistling great horned owl wings and the sand scorpion clicking toward our door.

I apologize, beloved humans, for taking half of your sleeping pads, or during those rare moments that I sleep, for how my legs violently twitch in flight as I envision chasing prey across the star-lit dunes. I am also very sorry that I have deprived you of sleep, but it is my job to be alert and guard you wherever we go.

I have a dream that someday you will train me to speak in words instead of my barking. Then, in our jointly evolved future, I will gently awaken you to the hidden world of wonders that calls us to the wild.

—Jax is a disciplined ski-joring athlete and in the summers he runs trails near his home in Carbondale, Colorado. He adopted author Jonathan Waterman six years ago as his companion for road trips and outdoor adventure.

ELWAYVILLE

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FESTIVAL SEASON DOS AND DON'TS WANT TO MAKE THE BEST OF A SUMMER OF FRIENDS, MUSIC, DANCING, BEER, STARRY NIGHTS AND HULA HOOPS? PAY ATTENTION TO THESE TIPS FROM A PRO.

by PETER KRAY

I

t’s festival season! Which means it’s time to get your fun on, show that winter skin to the sun and get out of the house for a weekend, a week or three unforgettable months.

Since I am a veteran of more than a couple decades of outdoor Colorado concerts (does anyone else here remember seeing John Denver at Red Rocks?), I thought I might share some well-earned wisdom about the things you may want to do and bring on your Great Festival Adventure, and the things you don’t. I’m sure anyone who’s ever watched the sky turn yellow and the sun turn blue over a Rocky Mountain stage will gladly offer their own insight. Just ask them.

And feel free to share those sage thoughts with us. Here’s my little list:

DO BRING: THE KIDS

I don’t have kids. And it drives me crazy when parents let their rugrats make a playroom out of the local restaurant. But thanks to my folks, I got to make some lifelong memories swinging under the constellations to some of the greatest stars in the Milky Way of music—many of whom I never would’ve seen anywhere else.

Throw in all the other kids, facepainting booths, mountain air and a big picnic basket, and you’ve got one full family performance.

DON’T BRING: THE DOG

I love dogs. I stop and talk to them on the street. Sometimes I never even make eye contact with the human on the other end of the leash. But I would never bring my dog to a concert. They get hot. They get bored. Everything they want to do, you tell them they can’t. And Jerry Garcia forbid some jackass breaks out the fireworks. Best to leave pup back at home or in the llustration by KEVIN HOWDESHELL / kevincredible.com

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condo, where in the morning you can take them for a nice mountain walk.

DO SMOKE: THE WEED

It’s legal. It’s easy to ingest. And depending on your tolerance, a good pot high can last about as long as a really good set of music. Best of all, it also wears off. Which means when the show is over, you can get back to real people business.

DON’T TAKE: THE ACID

Especially that second hit. Unless you’re kicking off your own personal Burning Man weekend, the LSD is probably not your best choice for a concert drug. Last time I “did the acid,” I hardly watched the show, never danced with my girlfriend, and ended up at a Hell’s Angels birthday party with a bluegrass band (which, I admit, was actually pretty cool).

Except the next day, when a friend finally drove me home in my own International Scout II, I had to ask him to pull over because I thought the dashboard was starting to melt.

DO DRINK: THE BEER

Along that same, “how-much-of-abuzz-do-you-really-want?” train of thought (especially after what you paid for concert tickets), beer is a great way to maintain a nice low-level of interactive inebriation throughout your music-going night.

DON’T DRINK: THE GIN

Gin, however, is not a festival/ concert/rock-and-roll kind of drink— unless you are listening to Dean Martin in some Palm Springs tavern in 1966. It's anger-inducing, violently effective in small doses, and not recommended for anyone wearing anything other than a tuxedo. A friend of mine got so drunk on gin at Stevie Ray Vaughn’s very last Red Rocks show that he kept wailing as we were carrying him out, “I just want to hear ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb.’” “Yeah,” we replied. “He just played it.”

DON’T: STAY HOME

People very rarely learn big new things at home. Unless you’ve got a really cool house.

DO SHARE: YOUR SMILE

Be nice, and you’ll get nice back.

It’s a concert. It’s supposed to be a friendly place.

DON’T SHARE: YOUR POLITICS Leave that stuff at home—especially this summer! It’s not that kind of concert. And nothing takes the ‘f’ out of fun faster than an argument.

DO BRING: A TENT AND SLEEPING BAGS

DO EXPECT: TO HAVE AN AWESOME TIME

You never know when you might need it. Especially if (and when) you first hear and fall in love with some new band, and someone hands you tickets to see them again, and again, for the next two to five nights.

The fun train is leaving the station, all summer long. Be glad you’re on it.

DON’T BRING: THAT DAMN BOOM BOX

DON’T EXPECT: ANYTHING LESS Be safe. Dance your ass off. And enjoy your friends and yourself. I hope to see you out there.

Nothing ruins a great evening of live music faster than some wannabe DJ cranking Kanye at the next campsite.

DO: SURPRISE YOURSELF

Whether you love reggae, jam bands, country, rock, gospel, bluegrass or house, check out something new.

Bring an open ear, and you may never forget it.

—Elevation Outdoors editor-at-large Peter Kray is the author of The God of Skiing. The book has been called “the greatest ski novel of all time.”

Don’t believe the hype? You can buy it here: bit.ly/godofskiing

THINGS JUST GOT EASIER

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2015

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