Overland Trail A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA

The great frontier in the early 1830s held opportunities for white explorers and fur hunters. As they moved “up river” to eastern Colorado – and the area now known as Eagles Nest Ranch – French fur trappers established several trading posts and winter rendezvous quarters to access new populations of mink, beaver and fox. (Remnants of one of these early trading posts remain today at the eastern boundary of the ranch.) It was, in fact, French fur trappers who named the river Platte, French for flat, as it was shallow and of a mostly uniform depth.

The area proved to be a perfect habitat for nesting eagles – which still winter in large numbers along the river – and that name was given to the ranch in the 1840s. The general area, and particularly the valley along the Platte, was highly prized by various Indian tribes for its outstanding hunting, as still validated today by the abundance of game found along its banks. Various tribes fought over this land, and at one time or another, the Sioux, Arapaho, Ute, Comanche and Pawnee tribes each claimed domi - nance over it. The largest known battle fought between opposing tribes in the high plains took place here along the banks of the South Platte River.

In the early 1850s, after gold was discovered in California and in Colorado, immi - grants began to move west in increasing numbers. One of the three principal immi - grant trails into the west was the famous Overland Trail. It passes through the ranch and is still in use as a principal ranch road. For safety, groups of wagons traveled together, frequently using a campsite known as Seven Springs. Its popularity was in part due to its location and elevation. Seven Springs pro - vided the settlers with one of their first clear views of Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and the front range, was easier to defend and provided clear fresh

CONTINUES ON INSIDE BACK COVER A BRIEF HISTORY - CONTINUED FROM INSIDE FRONT COVER

water from a series of natural springs. History reveals several attacks by Indians on settlers at this site.

By the mid-1850s the first stagecoach service into Denver City was established from the east, followed by a stagecoach stop built on ranch land. In 1860, the Pony Express system was devised and the stagecoach stop at Eagles Nest became in addi - tion, a Pony Express stop and relay station. This efficient method of communication for the times came to an end when telegraph service was established along the rail - road, and the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads linked to forge the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

In 1863, the unrest among the various Indian tribes continued with a series of uprisings and raids by the Sioux Indians. One of the settlements attacked was the stagecoach stop at Eagles Nest. Five people were killed in the raid and Colonel John Chivington (who later would conduct the infamous Sand Creek Massacre) of the Colorado Militia ordered the stagecoach stop temporarily abandoned until order could be reestablished.

The U.S. Army established Camp Sanborn, a military garrison of cavalry, in January 1864. It was located one-half mile from what is now the Hemmingway Lodge. This camp was constructed to protect the travelers along the Overland Trail.

The Overland Trail continued to serve as an important thoroughfare for wagonloads of settlers and freight, well into the 1890s. There is a small stone house on the ranch, along the old trail, that once served as a saloon, complete with several ladies of ques - tionable virtue, before it was converted into a schoolhouse serving what was rapidly becoming a more settled ranching area.

With the first railroad came commerce. Tracks running immediately north of the Platte River allowed cattle to be shipped to markets in Denver and Omaha.

The triumph and tragedy of the early Wild West has settled into the history books – and the Eagles Nest Ranch continues the traditions of agriculture and ranching – much as it existed 170 years ago. Hemingway Lodge AT EAGLES NEST RANCH Finding the way

ocated on Eagles Nest Ranch, seen from the access road. There may be no sign gravel) to the unmarked paved highway (Colorado Hemingway Lodge is 60 miles northeast indicating that it is RR 386. Turn left (north) on Highway 34). Metal bars on the road are cattle of Denver along the South Platte River Rural Road 386, proceeding for a distance of 11.1 guards and indicate the entrance into open range. in Weld County, Colorado. It can be miles on this road (which becomes gravel) to the Watch out for cattle on the road. reached via Interstate Highway 76, with unmarked paved highway (Colorado Highway 34). Lan estimated travel time of one hour and fifteen Metal bars on the road are cattle guards and indi - Turn right on Highway 34, go 2.4 miles to the town minutes from either downtown Denver or Denver cate the entrance into open range. Watch out for of Masters (which comes very soon after the SMALL International Airport. For guests arriving by pri - cattle on the road. Turn right on Highway 34, go town of Dearfield) and turn left onto County Road vate plane, landing in Greeley is recommended. It 2.4 miles to the town of Masters (which comes 87 (which is immediately past the green “Masters”” is approximately 25 minutes from the ranch and very soon after the SMALL town of Dearfield) and highway sign and in the town of Masters). Go 1.5 has a good jet strip. turn left onto County Road 87 (which is immedi - miles, crossing the South Platte River, and turn left at ately past the green “Masters” highway sign and in the wagon wheel/mail box, following the signs and From Downtown Denver the town of Masters). Go 1.5 miles, crossing the paved road to Hemingway Lodge. Take 18th Street (which is one way, heading north - South Platte River, and turn left at the wagon west) to Lawrence Street (6 blocks from Welton). wheel/mail box, following the signs and paved road From Greeley Airport Turn right onto Lawrence. Proceed northeast, stay - to Hemingway Lodge. Turn left from Fixed Base Operators parking lot ing in the right lane. Where Lawrence ends, turn driveway at stop sign and proceed east on 8th right onto Walnut Street, which becomes 40th Street for 3.8 miles. Turn right on Highway 37 Avenue (also Colorado State Highway 33) and From Denver International Airport and proceed south 2.4 miles to Kersey. Turn left at travel east to Colorado Boulevard. (From the Leaving the airport, look for the entrance to E-470 stop sign and proceed east on Highway 34 for intersection of 18th and Lawrence to Colorado (toll road) on the right. Take E-470 to 120th approximately 18.7 miles. Turn left onto County Boulevard there are approximately 9 stop lights Avenue. Turn left onto 120th Avenue (west) and road 87 (which is right past the green “Masters” and 3.6 miles). Turn left at Colorado Boulevard follow until it intersects with I-76 (follow the signs highway sign). Go 1.5 miles, turn left and follow (which becomes Colorado Highway 6-85) and pro - to “Fort Morgan”). Take I-76 East until Exit 48 at signs to Hemingway Lodge. ceed north approximately 5.3 miles, joining Roggen. After leaving the exit ramp at Roggen, Interstate 76. Remain on I-76 for approximately jog approximately 75 feet to the right and turn left Private planes arrive at Greeley Airport, and will 38 miles to Exit 48 (Roggen). (east) on the access road paralleling I-76 and go 1.2 be met by ranch personnel. miles to Rural Road 386 (also known as the After leaving the exit ramp at Roggen, jog approxi - Painter or Roggen Road). This is the road by a Hemingway Lodge: 970-645-1800 mately 75 feet to the right and turn left (east) on group of trees that goes under I-76 via the under - 970-645-1317 (fax) the access road paralleling I-76 and go 1.2 miles to pass that can be seen from the access road. There Lodge Manager: 970-353-1780 Rural Road 386 (also known as the Painter or may be no sign indicating that it is RR 386. Turn Denver Office: 303-299-1205 Roggen Road). This is the road by a group of trees left (north) on Rural Road 386, proceeding for a 303-298-8881 (fax) that goes under I-76 via the underpass that can be distance of 11.1 miles on this road (which becomes page 12 Welcome

estled in Colorado’s eastern plains, lies an unexpected area of trees, streams and lakes. Distant calls tell of cattle herd, flapping wings lift thousands of waterfowl and a variety of wildlife are always in evidence. As guests travel through the Eagles Nest Ranch and turn down the winding, tree-lined road, they delight at what awaits them — an exquisite log N structure, Hemingway Lodge, named for the author.

Twentieth-century author and avid outdoorsman, Ernest Hemingway, was among the first to enjoy the area for sport as he spent considerable time walking the land, hunting for waterfowl and upland birds and marveling at the majestic Rocky Mountain backdrop. Later another author, James Michener also found solace on this land. So much so that it inspired his epic, Centennial , that was written about the development of the area, with segments of the movie filmed on and around the ranch.

page 1 page 2 Peaceful retreat

arge fireplaces bordered with Native American artifacts and Western art create the design format for the lodge. Ranch-grown beef, served with estate-bottled wines, followed by billiards, or just enjoying conversation in the Western bar often completes a day spent on the golf course or L shooting in the field.

The sleeping quarters at Hemingway are comfortable with private baths in each room. At night, flocks of geese, howling coyotes or cattle may be heard in the distance — but not ringing telephones or noisy televisions. While available for use at the Lodge, guests are spared such intrusions while resting in their rooms.

page 3 page 4 Outdoor adventure

esigned to provide a complete recreational experience, Hemingway offers a myriad of activities sure to peak every interest. The adventuresome can explore the area on horseback, bicycle or on foot. Anglers can hone their craft in the ponds and trout stream. Marksman can test their aim on the clay pigeon courses and hunt - D ing for a variety of waterfowl and upland birds is considered to be one of the best shooting experiences in the western U.S. And photographers — amateur or pro — can find many a subject worth rendering.

Stream and pond fishing for bass and several trout species are available steps from the lodge.

page 5 page 6 Oasis on the plains

entle hills and water features complete a mature and challenging 9-hole golf course G surrounding Hemingway Lodge.

page 7 page 8 The th rill of the h unt

At Hemingway, early fall signals the arrival of hunting season. Located in the central flyway, three large reservoirs help guide migratory birds onto the ranch. The river channel and numerous waterways, many of which are fed by warm water springs, offer protection and desirable nesting habitats. As they feed on grains leftover from A harvest, the migratory fowl are joined by local upland birds as they share the ranch’s amenities.

In order to hunt migratory birds or waterfowl (but not upland birds), a valid Colorado hunting license and stamps are required. The state additionally requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1949 must have a hunter education certificate in hand. Colorado will accept certificates from other states. Licenses and stamps are avail - able at the Lodge upon proof of age or hunter education certificate, and hunting guides and shooting coaches are available to assist hunters.

page 9 page 10 Eagles Nest Ranch

he Eagles Nest name first appeared in the 1840s when fur trappers noted the presence of large numbers of eagles, which still winter along the river, at this location. Eagles Nest Ranch is one of the oldest cattle ranches in Colorado. Today, the Eagles Nest Ranch is a working ranch with farming and cattle T operations. The tradition continues.

One of the first areas in the west to convert and apply excess water onto dry land for conversion into fertile farms (a story told in Michener’s book Centennial ), the first of several large irrigation canals on the ranch can be seen running parallel to the old Overland Trail road. Dug by hand and utilizing mules, a series of these ditches empty into three large storage reservoirs, on or surrounding the ranch.

Eagles Nest Ranch is also home to The Eagles Nest Lodge, pictured at top left, and The Masters Camp, shown bottom left. Each of the facilities on the Ranch has hosted numerous guests and events resulting in memories lasting a lifetime.

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