July 2011

A Rooftop Rodeo?

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There’s non-stop, rip-roarin’ cowboy action in store for rodeo fans July 12 through 17 at Estes Park’s annual Rooftop Rodeo, a PRCA sanctioned event and one that has been recognized as the best small rodeo in the nation along with being named the top medium-sized rodeo in the midwest. Nightly professional rodeo performances combine with Mutton Bustin’ competition for the kids, a parade through downtown Estes Park and dance during the annual affair.

It's a Green Celebration!

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The beautiful Green Mountain Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. It has been closed to the public for many years, but has now been restored. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage at 2pm on Thursday July 21 and join OSMP staff for a strenuous yet refreshing hike from Chautauqua through Gregory Canyon up to the lodge for a reopening party.  Along the way we will admire the natural beauty while learning about the history of the area.

Reach to the Sky

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Why not get a little closer to the sky this weekend with a trip to Eldorado State Canyon and the Fowler Trail.  

The Fowler Trail starts at a trail sign in the middle of Eldorado Canyon State Park at 6,116 feet. Over the next 0.7 of a mile, the trail only gains about 80 feet in elevation.

Hooray For McKay Lake

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Who says you can't get a little taste of nature close to home?  McKay Lake gives you the perfect getaway after a long day of tapping the keyboards and signing the docs.  This short 1.2 mile loop around the lake provides more than just water scene.  Nature calls from the hooting owls, slithering crossings from the resident bull snakes, buzzing fly-by's from local dragon flies and many others just might take your attention away from the surrounding views.

No Holds Barr Lake

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Just northeast of Denver and northwest of DIA, Barr Lake is the focus of the eponymous state park and home to the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Bird records for the park go back well over a century, making this historically the best-studied birding site in Colorado. In that time, Barr has added at least eighteen species to the state list. The lake is almost completely surrounded by mature cottonwoods, often several deep with considerable undergrowth, making this an excellent place to find migrant landbirds and riparian breeders.