GEORGETOWN • EMPIRE • IDAHO SPRINGS • CENTRAL CITY • BLACK HAWK • GOLDEN GATE • ROLLINSVILLE • COAL CREEK • NEDERLAND • GOLD HILL • WARD • JAMESTOWN • ALLENSPARK • LYONS • ESTES PARK
MMAC
May 2014 • FREE
Mountain Music, Arts & Culture
FOOD & DRINK
Gardener
monthly
Spirit Hound recuperates, recovers, rebuilds Page 4
ARTS
New Gilpin Arts manager prepares for season Page 13
CULTURE
Outdoor Games provides recovery, fun for Lyons Page 9
MUSIC
Shafer anchors Boulder singer-songwriter scene Page 17
The High-Altitude
By Jeffrey V. Smith
High-altitude horticulture can be difficult, but many mountain residents find overcoming the issues is a rewarding pursuit. Page 8
Silverdale Interpretive Site
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Trail Features: Easy access from Georgetown to historically significant area including former town site of Silverdale, ruins of the Colorado Central Mill and other mining era remnants. Trail Location: From I-70, take the Georgetown exit, No. 228, and follow the signs for Guanella Pass through town. Take Guanella Pass Road for 2.0 miles and park at the trailhead on the left just past Georgetown Reservoir. Round-trip Length: 2 miles Trailhead Elevation: 9,276 feet Trail Difficulty Rating: Easy
Georgetown mining history found on easy Guanella Pass trails By Jeffrey V. Smith GEORGETOWN Colorado’s Peak to Peak region is teeming with amazing backcountry spots and the trails that take you there. Each month, MMAC Monthly takes a closer look at some popular places to enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways and in any season. The Silverdale Trailhead offers a series of hikes located on Guanella Pass Scenic Byway near Georgetown. The area features a creek, open views of the valley, large stands of aspens, towering mountains and a scenic drive.
The handful of trails in the area are located on former BLM lands transferred to the Georgetown and the U.S. Forest Service. It is easily accessed from the Guanella Pass Road over property held for conservation purposes by Historic Georgetown Inc. The network of pathways, which includes an old railroad grade, has been used for numerous years by hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers and cross county skiers. It is ideal for short walks in the forest over relatively level terrain. Parking is available on the west side of Continued on page 8
Ruins of the Colorado Central Mill near the former mining town of Silverdale.