Cheyenne Mountain State Park Management Plan

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Cheyenne Mountain State Park Management Plan COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Cheyenne Mountain State Park 2013 PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN www.cpw.state.co.us - This page is intentionally left blank - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Development of the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Management Plan was made possible through the support and collaborative efforts of the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Management Planning Team, Colorado Parks & Wildlife Leadership Team, and interested members of the public. This management plan is the fourth management plan to be developed based on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Park Management Plan Template, which was approved in 2009 by the Colorado State Parks Board. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Management Planning Team Scott Babcock, Strategic Planning Manager - Parks Mitch Martin, Cheyenne Mountain State Park Manager John Geerdes, Southeast Region Manager - Parks Nancy Matchett, Trails Coordinator Shaun Gordon, Design & Construction Region Manager Jeff Thompson, Resource Stewardship Coordinator Additional research and mapping assistance provided by the following CPW Seasonal Staff: Caitlyn Horose, Megan Deffner, Sarah Lamagna, and Dan Nally. Special thanks to other CPW program staff that provided input and suggestions on draft iterations of the plan. CPW Leadership Team Rick Cables, Director Chad Bishop, Asst. Director of Wildlife Natural Resources Kurt Mill, Northwest and Southwest Region Manager - Parks Ken Brink, Asst. Director of Parks & Outdoor Recreation Dan Prenzlow, Southeast Regional Manager Steve Cassin, Chief Financial Officer Gary Thorson, Asst. Director of Information & Education Heather Dugan, Asst. Director of Law Enforcement Ron Velarde, Northwest Regional Manager Marilyn Gallegos‐Ramirez, Asst. Director of Support Jeff Ver Steeg, Asst. Director of Research, Policy & Planning Services John Geerdes, Southeast Region Manager - Parks Steve Yamashita, Northeast Regional Manager Tony Gurzik, Acting Southwest Regional Manager Consultants Special thanks to Computer Terrain Mapping, Inc. for their assistance in developing visual models of the Top of the Mountain trail and property and to BBC Research, Inc. for compiling the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Financial Assessment (Appendix J). TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ 1 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 11 Park Description ...................................................................................................................... 11 Purpose of the Plan ................................................................................................................. 12 Park Goals ................................................................................................................................ 13 Relevant Planning Efforts ........................................................................................................ 14 Public Input Process ................................................................................................................ 14 Influences on Management .................................................................................................... 16 Management Considerations .................................................................................................. 17 2.0 Regional Planning Context ........................................................................................... 19 Physical Setting ....................................................................................................................... 19 Planned Development ............................................................................................................. 21 Regional Recreation and Tourism Trends, Needs, and Opportunities .................................... 23 Population Trends ................................................................................................................... 24 3.0 Existing Conditions ...................................................................................................... 25 Park Land Ownership .............................................................................................................. 25 Natural Resources ................................................................................................................... 27 Cultural and Historical Resources ........................................................................................... 46 Scenic Resources ..................................................................................................................... 51 Recreation Resources .............................................................................................................. 51 Interpretation and Environmental Education ......................................................................... 59 Facilities and Infrastructure .................................................................................................... 61 Visitation ................................................................................................................................. 65 Park Administration and Special Functions ............................................................................. 70 Park Budget and Finances ....................................................................................................... 78 Economic Value ....................................................................................................................... 85 4.0 Management Zoning ................................................................................................... 87 Methodology for Determining Management Zones ............................................................... 87 Description of Management Zones ......................................................................................... 87 Area Descriptions that Influence Park Zoning ......................................................................... 91 5.0 Park Enhancement Opportunities ................................................................................ 93 Existing Facilities & Infrastructure .......................................................................................... 94 6.0 Implementation Priorities Summary ........................................................................... 101 Implementation Considerations ........................................................................................... 101 Using the Implementation Plan ............................................................................................ 101 7.0 Conclusion .................................................................................................................109 i 2013 Cheyenne Mountain State Park Management Plan APPENDICES Appendix A Land Ownership Appendix B Public Input Summaries Appendix C Wildlife Species List Appendix D Vegetation Species List Appendix E Asset Inventory and Facility Conditions Appendix F Staff Responsibilities and Organizational Chart Appendix G Citations and Assists Appendix H Agreements and Local Ordinances Appendix I Geologic Hazard and Engineering Suitability Mapping Appendix J Financial Assessment Appendix K Photo Monitoring Appendix L Community Connection Plan (to be added) TABLES Table 1. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Mean Temperatures .................................................. 19 Table 2. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Average Precipitation Totals ..................................... 19 Table 3. Noxious weed species that occur at Cheyenne Mountain State Park .......................... 39 Table 4. Rare animal species occurring at Cheyenne Mountain State Park ............................... 41 Table 5. Rare plant species and communities near Cheyenne Mountain State Park ................ 42 Table 6. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Trails. ......................................................................... 53 Table 7. Total Campsites by Campground (2011). ...................................................................... 56 Table 8. Total Overnight Use Participation by Campsite Type (FY 2009-FY 2011). .................... 57 Table 9. Percent Campground Occupancy by Month (FY 2009-2001). ...................................... 57 Table 10. Emergency Response Protocol ................................................................................... 74 Table 11. Partnerships ................................................................................................................ 77 Table 12. Park Budget (FY 2011 - FY 2012) ................................................................................. 79 Table 13. Operating Expenditures (FY 2011). ............................................................................. 80 Table 14. Operating Expenditures (FY 2011). ............................................................................. 80 Table 15. Projected Temporary Employee Expenditures (FY 2012). .......................................... 81 Table 16. Management Zone Classification Scheme and Characteristics .................................. 88 Table 17. Priority Management Actions at Cheyenne Mountain State Park ........................... 102 ii FIGURES Figure 1. 3D Rendering of the Top of the Mountain Conceptual Trail Alignment. ...................... 6 Figure 2. Total Revenue and Reservations by Campsite Type (FY 2009-FY 2011). .................... 58 Figure
Recommended publications
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
    Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Particulars Organisation Name Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Corporate Website Address cmzoo.org Primary Activity or Product Environmental NGO Related Company(ies) None Country Operations United States Membership Number 6-0017-10-000-00 Membership Type Ordinary Members Membership Category Environmental and Conservation NGOs Particulars ACOP 2013/2014 - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Environmental and Conservation NGOs Operational Profile 1.1 What are the main activities of your organization ? Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's main acitivites are wildlife conservation, captive breeding, and education. Our mission statement: A leader in conservation, captive breeding, and animal care, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo connects people to wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action. 1.2 Does your organization use and/or sell any palm oil? Yes 1.3 Activities undertaken to promote sustainable palm oil, the RSPO and/or members in the reporting period The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo continues to take a lead in our industry in the U.S. on palm oil sustainability. Our palm oil awareness program has made it possible to educate our over 600,000 guests as well as other zoos about the importance of using only sustainable palm oil. We promoted the RSPO and sustainable palm oil in the following ways: 1. We hosted the first ever sustainable palm oil symposium at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) in April 2014. Representatives from many zoos attended, as well as guest speakers from the RSPO and other RSPO E-NGO representatives. 2. CMZ also hosted an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Palm Oil Task Force meeting at which we created a palm oil position statement.
    [Show full text]
  • Of 4 2020 Annual Report on the Administration of Colorado Parks
    2020 Annual Report on the Administration of Colorado Parks and Wildlife February 2021 To: House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee I. Statutory Requirements On June 6, 2011, Governor Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 11-208 into law, merging the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Division of Wildlife into the Division of Parks and Wildlife, referred to herein as Colorado Parks and Wildlife or CPW. On June 4, 2012, House Bill 12-1317 was signed into law to finalize the merger of the Divisions and to create the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Among the requirements of HB 12-1317 is the delivery to the Legislature of an annual report, more fully described below: C.R.S. 33-9-106 (2) “Beginning in 2013 AND NOTWITHSTANDING SECTION 24-1-136 (11), C.R.S., the executive director shall report annually to the joint house agriculture, livestock, and natural resources committee and the senate agriculture, natural resources, and energy committee, or any successor committees, regarding the administration of the division, including an evaluation of division resources and their utilization and an identification of opportunities for efficiencies. Each such report must summarize stakeholder outreach conducted during the prior year and must also identify disposition of assets and cost savings, both planned and realized, since the previous year, including savings pertaining to personnel, equipment, services, and provisioning.” II. Division Resource Utilization Utilization of division resources is reported to the Parks and Wildlife Commission. The FY 19-20 report on sources and uses of funds is available on the Commission’s website.
    [Show full text]
  • Report to the Community
    NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Colo. Springs, CO P.O. Box 1579 w Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1579 PERMIT NO. 839 Address Service Requested PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT 2015 Report to the Community PPLD and Partners Bring Spears Named New Executive Director Little Free Libraries In December, the Board of Trustees announced to Manitou Springs Locations the selection of John Spears as PPLD’s next Two years ago, the little free library Executive Director. “Over the past five years, idea came to Manitou Springs Cheyenne Mountain Library th Mobile Library Services Pikes Peak Library District has earnedst Century the from Steve Wood of the non-profit 1785 S. 8 St. Palmer Lake Library reputation as a true pioneer of 21 organization Concrete Couch. He (719) 633-6278 66 Lower Glenway St. PPLD’s mobile library fleet includes a 30-foot box Library services,” said Board President Ken approached the Friends of Manitou Palmer Lake truck and a 32-foot transit. In addition, we have a Beach. “Our vision of elevating these services to Springs Community Library to East Library (719) 481-2587 26-foot Sprinter van purchased with the Colorado the next level requires a ‘unique’ individual to lead create a little free library. It was 5550 N. Union Blvd. Trust’s Healthy Aging Grant which serves assisted the Library forward from this point. Understanding (719) 531-6333 perfect timing, as PPLD was Penrose Library living facilities. The Mobile Library department also the importance of the decision, the Board has 20 N. Cascade Ave. awarding micro grants for library oversees three stand-alone book returns in the spent 15 months in the search process and we programs.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Locatable Mineral Reports for Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming provided to the U.S. Forest Service in Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997 by Anna B. Wilson Open File Report OF 97-535 1997 This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. CONTENTS page INTRODUCTION ................................................................... 1 COLORADO ...................................................................... 2 Arapaho National Forest (administered by White River National Forest) Slate Creek .................................................................. 3 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Winter Park Properties (Raintree) ............................................... 15 Gunnison and White River National Forests Mountain Coal Company ...................................................... 17 Pike National Forest Land Use Resource Center .................................................... 28 Pike and San Isabel National Forests Shepard and Associates ....................................................... 36 Roosevelt National Forest Larry and Vi Carpenter ....................................................... 52 Routt National Forest Smith Rancho ............................................................... 55 San Juan National
    [Show full text]
  • Copyrighted Material
    American Express (Denver), 56 Arts and crafts Index America the Beautiful Access Boulder, 152 Pass, 36 Colorado Springs, 212 See also Accommodations and America the Beautiful Senior Denver, 104–105 Restaurant indexes, below. Pass, 36–37 Art Source International Amtrak, 31, 32 (Boulder), 152 Denver, 50 Arvada Center for the Arts & Andrew J. Macky Gallery Humanities (Denver), 114 General Index (Boulder), 145 Asian community (Denver), 52 A Angie Star Jewelry (Boulder), Ask-A-Nurse Centura, 56 153 Aspenglen campground (Rocky AAA (American Automobile Anglers All (Denver), 98 Mountain National Park), 168 Association) GENERAL INDEX Angler's Covey (Colorado Astor House Museum (Golden), Boulder, 126 Springs), 208 116 Colorado Springs, 178 Antique Emporium at Manitou A Taste of Colorado (Denver), 26 Denver, 55 Springs, 211 Atencio, John (Denver), 107 A&A Historical Trails Stables, 121 Antique Row (Denver), 104 ATMs (automated-teller AARP, 36 Antiques machines), 33–34 Academy Boulevard (Colorado Colorado Springs, 211 Australia Springs), 178 Denver, 104 customs regulations, 28 Academy Riding Stables Applejack Wine & Spirits embassy of, 229 (Colorado Springs), 209 (Denver), 106 passports, 231 Accommodations. See also Aquarium, Downtown visas, 232 Accommodations Index (Denver), 90 Auto racing best, 4–6 Arapahoe Park (Aurora), 103 Colorado Springs, 210 Boulder, 128–134 Arcade Amusements (Manitou Denver, 102–103 Cañon City, 220–221 Springs), 207 Pueblo, 227 Colorado Springs, 180–187 Area codes, 22, 56 Denver, 57–67 Boulder, 127 eco-friendly, 37–38 Colorado
    [Show full text]
  • Financial Supporters
    FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado 2011-12 Financial Supporters 100% Chiropractic Lanny and Paul Adams Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Ahrendsen 14K Real Estate Investments LLC Ms. Laura Adams Mr. Kevin Ahrens 1882 Management Mr. and Mrs. Lon Adams Mr. and Mrs. Charles Aiken 1st Cavalry Rocky Mountain Chapter Col and Mrs. Louis Adams Ms. Laverne Ainley 221 South Oak Bistro Ms. Maggie Adams Air Academy Federal Credit Union 4-Bits 4-H Club Ms. Mary Adams Air Academy Federal Credit Union 4Clicks - Solutions, LLC Mr. Michael Adams Air Academy High School - District 20 A & L Aluminum Manufacturing Company Mr. and Mrs. Rexford Adams Mr. TJ Airhart A Handymike Home Repair Mr. and Mrs. Robert Adams Aka Wilson, LLC A to Z Realty Mr. S. Michael Adams Mr. Richard Alaniz AA “Accurate and Affordable” Striping, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Adams Ms. Susan Alarid AAA NCNU Insurance Exchange Mr. Steve Adams Ms. Karin Alaska AAA Northern California Nevada & Utah Suzanne Adams Mr. Arturo Albanesi AARP Foundation Adams Bank & Trust Mr. and Mrs. Mac Alberico Ms. Renee Abbe Mrs. Alda Adcox Ms. Cheryl Alberto Ms. Marjory Abbott Add Staff Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Albertson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Abbott Ms. Constance Addington Mr. W. Gary Albertson Ms. Stephanie Abbott Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Addington Albertsons LLC Ms. Brianna Abby Ms. Linda Addington Mr. and Mrs. Albert Albrandt Mr. and Mrs. Donald Abdallah Ms. Vicky Addison Mr. Gerald Albrecht Mr. Tony Abdella Ms. Deirdre Aden-Smith Ms. Patricia Albright Mr. and Mrs. William Abel Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Guide to Arts and Culture in Colorado's Pikes Peak Region
    2014 - 2015 Your Guide to Arts and Culture in Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region PB Find arts listings updated daily at www.peakradar.com 1 2 3 About Us Every day, COPPeR connects residents and visitors to arts and culture to enrich the Pikes Peak region. We work strategically to ensure that cultural services reach all people and that the arts are used to positively address issues of economic development, education, tourism, regional branding and civic life. As a nonprofit with a special role in our community, we work to achieve more than any one gallery, artist or performance group can do alone. Our vision: A community united by creativity. Want to support arts and culture in far-reaching, exciting ways? Give or get involved at www.coppercolo.org COPPeR’s Staff: Andy Vick, Executive Director Angela Seals, Director of Community Partnerships Brittney McDonald-Lantzer, Peak Radar Manager Lila Pickus, Colorado College Public Interest Fellow 2013-2014 Fiona Horner, Colorado College Public Interest Fellow, Summer 2014 Katherine Smith, Bee Vradenburg Fellow, Summer 2014 2014 Board of Directors: Gary Bain Andrea Barker Lara Garritano Andrew Hershberger Sally Hybl Kevin Johnson Martha Marzolf Deborah Muehleisen (Treasurer) Nathan Newbrough Cyndi Parr Mike Selix David Siegel Brenda Speer (Secretary) Jenny Stafford (Chair) Herman Tiemens (Vice Chair) Visit COPPeR’s Office and Arts Info Space Amy Triandiflou at 121 S. Tejon St., Colo Spgs, CO 80903 Joshua Waymire or call 719.634.2204. Cover photo and all photos in this issue beginning on page 10 are by stellarpropellerstudio.com. Learn more on pg. 69. 2 Find arts listings updated daily at www.peakradar.com 3 Welcome Welcome from El Paso County The Board of El Paso County Commissioners welcomes you to Colorado’s most populous county.
    [Show full text]
  • (719)846-1515
    The Chronicle-News Trinidad, Colorado “Weekend Edition” Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 28-30, 2021 Page 5 431 University Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 (719)846-1515 www.cotwrealestate.com TBD Vacant Land, Trinidad, 200 E Main St, Aguilar, CO 81082 | Listing Price $85,000 CO 81020 | Listing Price $199,000 214 E Kansas Ave, Trinidad, Beautiful Lot in Gated Fisher Peak Ranch Subdivision - Majestic 25110 N Ridgeline, Trinidad, Are you looking for a great place to run a successful business, look CO 81082 | Listing Price $119,000 Views of Colorado’s Newest State Park ‘’Fishers Peak’’. Views of the CO 81082 | Listing Price $795,000 no further than the Historical, Reputable and Famous Sunset Tavern Classic 1919 Bungalow in HistoricTrinidad. This Home is in a great Sangre De Cristo & Spanish Peaks Mountains along with views of the Large Acreage Hunting & Horse property located in the mountains NW in Aguilar, CO. This establishment has been in continual operation location just across from a beautiful park and walking distance to City of Trinidad. Build your Dream home, Hike on almost 55 acres. of Trinidad. This top of the mountain home sits at 7400’ in elevation for over 75 years. It has been recently renovated. The property has a downtown. New carpet, fresh paint and a Bright Spacious kitchen Close to Town, Trinidad Lake State Park and Highway of Legends offering a 360 degree vantage point, seclusion, tranquility and the quaint Bar/Restaurant on one side for your everyday operations and Scenic Byway. it adjoins the enormous Dance Hall with an additional large covered with traditional saltillo tiles and even a mudroom.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report Table of Contents
    May 2020 - April 2021 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Who We Are . 3 The Year’s Highlights . 4 New Zoo Family Members . 7 Conservation . 8 EdVenture . 11 Numbers at a Glance . 12 Financial Summary . 15 Donors & Sponsors . 16 1926 Society . 19 Who We Are OUR MISSION A leader in conservation, captive breeding and animal care, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo connects people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action. OUR Every Kid . Every Time . Goosebumps! VISION Every kid, of any age, will have an experience for a lifetime with every visit. OUR With only a mission and vision to guide them, these are LEADERS the people who volunteer their time to make sure the greatness of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo continues. 2020 - 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Hans Mueh, Chair Tia Ferguson, Vice Chair Vic Andrews, Treasurer Ann Naughton, Secretary Bob Chastain, President & CEO Directors Ed Anderson Ken Keene JL Austgen Carol Kleiner Amy Bales Kevin Kratt Matt Carpenter Trevor Miller Mike Edmonds Susan Sallee Peri Faricy Mari Sinton-Martinez Stephannie Fortune Sue Switzer Lynn Janeczek Sally Veitch Susan Johnson Brenda Whitlock Barbara Kalbli Gary Winegar Honorary Director Katherine H. Loo May 2020 - April 2021 CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO 3 The Year’s Highlights Q4C HITS $3 MILLION MILESTONE DEMOLITION OF MONKEY PAVILION OPENING OF WATER’S EDGE: AFRICA Every visit to CMZoo is conservation in In September 2020, we announced plans to action. In July 2020, CMZoo and its guests and demolish Monkey Pavilion. Built in 1942, it members celebrated a huge milestone, having provided good homes for its residents, but raised $3 million since the Zoo’s Quarters for fell short of supporting our mission to connect Conservation (Q4C) program launched in guests with animals and inspire them to protect 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • RMFI Annual Report 2020
    Rocky Mountain Field Institute 2020 Community Impact report Photo by Riley de Ryk Letter FROM The Director Dear Friends and Supporters of RMFI, It goes without saying that 2020 was a year like no other. Yet, despite all of the challenges we, and the rest of the world, had to overcome, we, above all else, remained grateful. Grateful that we were still able to operate; grateful that we were able to employ nearly 30 people and do so safely; grateful that so many sought and relied on nature for mental, physical, and emotional well-being; and grateful that we accomplished incredibly impactful stewardship projects at a time when our public lands needed them most. We could not have accomplished all that we did without your generosity, support, and steadfast commitment to RMFI. We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you who collectively make the work that we do possible. Thank you. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, we were faced with tremendous uncertainty as to whether we’d even be able to have a field season. But, the more we spoke with our key land management partners, the more it became clear they needed our staff and our expertise out on the ground. We immediately set out to develop COVID-19 operating procedures and guidelines to keep our staff and community safe and then got to work. Slowly, we began introducing volunteer opportunities into our schedule and when it was all said and done, we ended up having the biggest and most impactful season to date. Some important project highlights and accomplishments include finishing a new
    [Show full text]
  • Western Road to 30 Content Citations
    Western Road To 30 Content Citations Homepage Bhargava Marripati, drone-footage-of-the-natural-landscape-of-the-canyons-in-arizona, Pexels (Video); Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, Children on Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Flickr (Wide photo); State of the Rockies Project, Colorado College, Conservation in the West Poll data (Polling graphics); Utah State Parks, Antelope Island State Park (State Conservation Areas); Bureau of Land Management New Mexico, Dripping Springs Hiking Trail, Flickr (Funding); Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Agua Ramon State Trust Lands Public Access Program (State Trust Lands); Will Parson, Chesapeake Bay Program, Pine Draft Farm, Flickr (Voluntary Private Conservation); Adams, National Park Service, Grizzly Bear, Flickr (Promoting Ecological Connectivity); Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, Rio Grande, Flickr (Protections for Waters); Center for American Progress, Nature Gap Report (Nature deprivation data) State Conservation Areas TheAdventureTravelers.com, drone-shot-of-desert-canyons, Pexels (Video); Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Lone Pine Hike (State Parks); Idaho Fish and game, Market Lake Wildlife Management Area (Wildlife Areas); Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Fishing (Fish Management Areas); Colorado State Land Board, CNAP (Natural Areas); Library of Congress, Wyoming State Historic Site Territorial Prison (Other); Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, Family on Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Flickr (Wide photo); Wendy, Red Rock State Park, Flickr (Arizona); Tom Wilberding, Staunton
    [Show full text]
  • Garden Ofthe Gods
    GARDEN OFTHE GODS I I &d :,i:1 W rc*l Il Welcome To The Garden Of The Gods a park of dramatic colors, rock silhouettes, grasses that ripple in the wind. trees gnarled with age, and wildlife soaring in the sky or scurrying across the ground. The Garden of the Gods - a meeting place symbolizing beauty, strength, and diversity - in which nature blends the elements of life. Where Indians, settlers, and travelers throughout time have paused. We invite you to discover and enjoy this unique park and Registered Natural Landmark. A UNIQUE MEETING PLACE GARDEN OF THE GODS VISITOR CENTER Hourc: a.m. - 4 p.m., Weekends (Aprtl, May, The Garden of the Gods was first frequented by Native 1l Americans who called it the "old red land". They often used the September, October) - (June Day) Ute Pass Trail. a major thoroughfare through the Garden of 9 a.m. 5 p.m., dally ' Labor the Gods that continues into the mountains. The Ute Indians Serving as park information headquarters, the Visitor Center wintered near the park until the 1880's, when the pressure of is an excellent starting point for visits to the Garden of the Gods. settlement forced them to reservations in Utah. The Center features displays that interpret the park's human Many plans were made in the late 1800's to take advantage history, geology, plants and wildlife. Slide programs better of the area's scenic beauty, such as carving Gateway Rock as acquaint you with feafures of the park. Brochures about horse Mt. Rushmore now is, or establishing the area as a national park.
    [Show full text]