FOOD & DRINK
Peak to Peak home to variety of handmade candies - Page 4
CULTURE
ARTS
Holiday markets, events highlight community camaraderie - Page 8
Millsite Inn staff serve up original, artistic creations - Page 12
MUSIC
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with music in mountains - Page 14
DECEMBER
Birding along the Peak to Peak
By Jeffrey V. Smith PEAK TO PEAK he Colorado’s Front Range is known as one of the best bird watching areas in North America. Whether on a hunt in the wilderness for an elusive species or simply enjoying the variety of birds that visit the area’s backyards, the Peak to
T
Peak region of Colorado is an incredibly unique area for birding. In less than 40 miles, east to west, there is an average elevation gain of 9,000 feet spanning five major “life zones.” Within each of these zones, north to south, are a mixture of natural areas producing a Continued on page 7
Photo of Clark’s Nutcrackers/Long’s Peak by Jeffrey V. Smith; Bird Feeder by Dorothy Connors/Dot’s Pots
Peak to Peak reaches its end in Estes Park near national park entrance By Jeffrey V. Smith PEAK TO PEAK The Peak to Peak Highway, for which this region is named, is a designated Scenic and Historic Byway. The 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches and winds past a string of popular attractions including Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Eldora Mountain Resort and Rocky Mountain National Park. The route combines Part Twelve abundant recreation, scenery and mining history allowing those who drive it a chance to experience the full-range of Colorado’s
offerings. This is a year-long series exploring the history found along the drive. PART TWELVE: Estes Park
The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway ends (or begins) in Estes Park, the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The area was one of the state’s first tourist destinations— and continues to be one of its most popular— offering everything from world-class outdoor adventure and a rich history to myriad shopping, dining and arts options. The land of today’s Estes Park and adjacent national park have been home to humans for at least 10,000 years. Some of the earliest known inhabitants included the Arapaho Businesses along Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park sell ice cream cones, hot coffee, tribe who referred to the valley as “the Circle.” near beer, sandwiches and tobacco to tourists in 1921. Photo courtesy Denver Public Library Western History Collection Continued on page 7