Basecamp Colorado is Glenwood Springs Colorado

The JQS Trail North and West of Rifle Colorado, 20 minutes west of Glenwood Springs on I-70 is approximately 4 miles northwest of Rifle. This unit embodies Anvil Points, the dominate landscape feature north of I-70 and the adjacent steep and picturesque southeast-facing cliffs of the Roan Plateau. The main road takes off opposite the Rifle Gap road by the bowling alley. It is a dirt road that will climb the cliff face to the top of the Roan Plateau for 4 miles and 1,500 ft. The beauty of this area is all of the side roads. Multiple loops with ups and downs, chances for lots of air. Hot in the summer. This area is popular for motorcycles, mountain bikers, because of access to the plateau it is staging area for horses. JQS was a cattle brand used by H.W. Hallett — a prominent citizen and early founder of Rifle. In 1885, Hallett and a man named William (Billy) Chadwick established the JQS Trail — one of six stock trails that led from the Grand Valley to the top of the Bookcliffs, now referred to as the Roan Plateau.

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High Canyon Adventures is the old Bair Ranch at the east end of Glenwood Canyon. It is at the Bair Ranch rest area 15 miles east of Glenwood Springs. This whole ranch has recently been purchased for open space and will preserve all of the property all the way to Cottonwood Pass. What a beautiful area to go on horseback rides. Daily horseback trips are offered whether you want all-day or half-day. They are also putting on all features of a dude ranch. Nightly Barbeques with a chuckwagon and singing around the campfire.

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The Rifle Creek Golf Course could easily be one of the most scenic and spectacular 18 hole championship courses in Colorado. Richard M. Phelps designed this beautiful and pristine course using all of the area's natural beauty. Situated in the narrow Rifle Creek valley at the foot of the Grand Hogback Range, Rifle Creek is located only a few yards from the spot of artist Christo's famous Valley Curtain.
The natural terrain lent itself to the development of two very distinct nine holes. The front nine is a more traditional design featuring numerous trees, water hazards, and greens that will test your imagination. Rifle Creek runs through the front nine but for the most part these holes are forgiving. The back nine is a target oriented design built in the narrow valleys of the Hogback Range. It features elevated tees, narrow passages and landing areas, and well contoured greens. Locals knowledge goes a long ways on the back nine. Some green damage occasionally due to Elk traffic. The entire golf course is filled with spectacular views that are unobstructed by development. This area is 30 minutes west of Glenwood Springs in Rifle Colorado on the road to Rifle Gap.Read More

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Eagle Ranch Golf Course is an exciting, new Arnold Palmer Signature Design and the first public golf course in Eagle County, Colorado, since 1975. Several water hazards will test your accuracy as the course plays through the Brush Creek Valley. The fairways play tight but some of the rough can be forgiving depending on the time of year. This course is well maintained and challenging. Meanwhile, the views of the surrounding Sawatch Mountains will test your concentration. If you choose, this course can be really long. Five sets of tees ranging from 5,400 yards to 7,500 yards provide an enjoyable and challenging design for golfers of all skill levels. Eagle Ranch is half an hour east of Glenwood Springs, in Eagle up the Brush Creek Road. This is as affordable as Golf gets in this area.

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From the Vail Valley floor to Cordillera's Summit, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Dave Pelz, and Hale Irwin have crafted four extraordinary golf courses, each with an award-winning clubhouse and its own special ambience and culinary experience. The valley courses have little strategically placed foliage whee as the mountaintop courses are covered with Aspens. Cordillera is a Private Community but for those who want to pay they can play. It is easy to get on the valley courses but harder to get on the ones up top. For those who stay at the resort they also offer private Eagle River fishing, the acclaimed Spa, an indoor equestrian arena, miles of riding, hiking and Nordic ski trails, three tennis centers, five indoor and outdoor pools, four fitness facilities, a portal to a million acres of wilderness and a summer camp and Trailhead clubhouse for children. Cordillera is abou 45 minutes east of Glenwood Springs.

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In this day and age of high gas prices one should remember that every time the brakes in a car are applied, that is wasting energy. Anytime you impede momentum energy is wasted. You will need to brake when driving but the jack-rabbit starts where someone punches the SUV so that at the end of the block you have to slam on your brakes, this is just not necessary anymore. No one is impressed. Relax and save gas.

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For almost 40 years, the Vail Golf Club has been offering guests the chance to play golf at over 8,200 feet in elevation in one of the world's most prestigious resorts. Located just east of the Vail Village, this traditional 18 hole tree lined public golf course has spectacular views of the Gore Range and Gore Creek. The setting is spectacular, the holes are challenging and well thought out. Like most world class ski resorts, Vail Golf Club is a world class golf course. Lots of water, sloped greens for good landing areas. During September this is probably the most scenic golf course in America. Make reservations well in advance. For the summer of 2006 they are offering a $37 after 5:00 fee.

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This is a par 3 course located at the Ranch at Roaring Fork on Highway 82, 15 miles south of Glenwood Springs outside of Carbondale. As time goes by this course gets better and better. If this is what you are looking for this is a good par 3. The greens don't offer a lot of undulations but they are varied and with multiple hazards can be difficlt. This is a course that will improve your iron's game. Well maintained and lush late into the fall. Easy to get on to and is the cheapest golf south of Glenwood Springs.

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Test your mettle on our new 18-hole golf course designed by Golf Digest's "Architect of the Year 2003", Jim Engh. At first Glance one may feel that there is nothing spectacular about the Snowmass Club but don't forget that nothing but the best will do in Aspen and Snowmass. This 7,008 yard course features an undulating landscape with seven different grasses including bent greens, blue grass fairways and native Colorado mix, creating a one-of-a-kind "Irish links course with mountain flair". The views in this valley are incredible, Snowmass Ski area, Mt. Daly, Snowmass Peak. The professional staff offer the best of staff for lessons. All of the amenities are first class. Make reservations two weeks in advance if possible. The rates were around $120 at the time of this post. In the winter this is turned in to a cross country ski area. Snowmass is 45 mintes south of Glenwood Springs on Highway 82.

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Bold, rugged and exhilarating! There are few settings in the world more spectacular for golf. Aspen Glen is a private club but it is worth mentioning for if you get a chance to play it take it. Everything about this Club says Colorado including the magnificent new mountain lodge clubhouse, designed in the Western style of rough-sawn timber and Colorado River Rock. Designed by Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II this course offers majestic views of Sopris and is very lush for a high mountain desert. The holes are well thought out, the fairways can be long but forgiving and the greens can be hard to hit. 18 Is the signature hole with the green on an Island in the Roaring Fork River. 9 Miles south of Glenwood Springs on Highway 82.

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River Valley Ranch is a Public Course located next to Highway 133 in Carbondale Colorado. Fees range from $40 to $90. 18-hole Regulation is designed by Jay Morrish opened in 1997. This is a beautiful public course that rests at the base of Sopris and has a nice stream running through. The rough gets deep and this can play long. On the back nine there are a couple holes that seem like the designer took a break but for most holes they are well thought out. They do have a driving range but leave the Big Dog in the bag. In summer make tee times two weeks in advance as this is the locals favorite course as the club has a good discount for locals. No Denim, Collars, No spikes.

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I saw an ad recently in the local paper that stated, "The hottest workout in LA and NYC is now available in Carbondale" with the catch phrase "Are you ready to get stripper fit". Of course this is a Seven Week Striptease Dance Class series. Now my thoughts on this is has porn become so mainstream that women now strive to be like the stars of it all. Are all women secretly wanting to be striptease dancers. Now I don't mind a good night out once every six months but I always thought that the women dancing were there because they were at the botttom of their luck and had no where else to go. And seriously, are they really in good shape because of their dancing or in spite of it, along with their daily workout routine. I talked to a dancer one time that told me she did 100 pushups along with her daily workout. Maybe this is a good thing, I don't know, but don't forget a good bike ride when getting in to shape.

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This may be the most popular free hot springs in the area but in reality is not a hot spring at all. This is where the runoff form the Hot Springs pool comes out. It is located on the Colorado River bank right below where the eastbound on-ramp to I-70, at the main Glenwood Springs exit. It is fairly private considering that it is in the heart of Glenwood Springs, but is a popular place. Rafters often stop here and at night is popular because of easy access.

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This hot spring is located right on the bank of the Crystal River. 2 Miles north of Redstone's North Entrance on Highway 133, look for the pullout on the river side. The downfalls of this hot spring is because of it's proximity to the Crystal river, high water may damage the spring and cover it and the pools are not always consistent as cold river water may flow through getting hot and cold flashes. The proximity to the highway cuts down on privacy. The benfits are spectacular views, bighorn sheep and accaisional moose across the river.

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I was watching "We were Soldiers" and all I could think of is what happened to Madeleine Stowe's lips. Do we as a society like what happend to her. I couldn't help staring at them the whole movie. They had more collagen than Andy Mcdowell's new breasts. What I wonder is because of her star power is the media afraid to tell her that her plastic surgeon should be arrested. I can't help but laugh at "the Donalds" hair everytime I see him. Are we supposed to believe that it is just a really bad dye job. The top half of his head is redder than Madeleine Stowe's lips. Couldn't the Donald be just as attractive showing his age and wisdom. At least can't he afford a real hairdresser. If stars are going to be as superficial as they are we deserve to call them on it when the work is bad. Or they could just age gracefully.

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This is an all day bike ride. Deceptive, tough, in good weather. This ride starts at the top of McClure pass on the east side and goes down to Erickson Springs 20 miles away at the base of Kebler Pass. You will want to shuttle vehicles. This is a ride that one would hope is all downhill but in reality has many climbs, single track. For those who do this ride, if the weather is good it is a great day in a pristine valley with great views, especially of the Raggeds that loom over you. Bring sunscreen, lots of water, and snacks, and tools.

Posted by Brett at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is an area right off I-70. Pronounced "The Pukes" this aea is one mile east of Glenwood Springs in Glenwood Canyon. Park right off of the interstate on the east side of No Name tunnel going westbound. You will see the cliff up to the right of the tunnel. There are about 30 climbs here ranging from 5.8 to 5.14 one pitch.

Posted by Brett at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is the newest Regulation 18-Hole course in the area just 12 miles west of Glenwood Springs in New Castle, Colorado. A tough course with long flights to designated landing areas. As forgiving as the sagebrush hillsides seem to be, bring lots of balls. this course opened in 2004 and was designed by Jim Engh. This course plays 7048 from the back tees and carts are required. No Denim. The Clubhouse at this point is a modular with minimal selections of food and amenities, but soon to be updated. $55 - $88. Take I-70 West to New Castle and go north off of the exit. Go straight through the stop and up the hill on Castle Valley Blvd. Look for the course on the right.

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Known as "The Hill" this public course has been named "Colorado Golf Magazine - State's Best 9-Hole Course." Thanks to grandfather water rights and a committed and proud crew this course remains lush late into the summer. This is a full service club with a remodeled clubhouse that has great views of Glenwood and a great place to eat lunch. Local's tip, everything runs to the river. Head to West Glenwood on US 6, after going under the tram take your second right onto Donnegan Road. Then head to the right again on your second right uphill and around the corner. 9 Holes $27 at the time of writing this.

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This is a local favorite. Along with Rifle Gap Reservoir and the Climbing park this is one of the main attractions of this area. The park sits at 6,000 ft. which allows for warm temperatures in the summer. Wading happens at the falls and is a good place for kids to play in the summer, with the right supervision. The creek is pristine and one can see the trout swimming in the stream. Camping is allowed here for $7-12 a night. Parks Pass and or Day Passs required.

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Harvey Gap is at the Silt exit on I-70. Head north into Silt and left at the stoplight, mainstreet. Turn right at Seventh street. Follow the signs along county road 237 to Harvey Gap. The biggest motorboat allowed here is 25 horsepower or less. This lake is popular for fishing. Along with the usual fair of trout Harvey Gap also boasts Crawfish and Pike. It has a swimming area and is best noted for windsurfing. The lower elevation makes for warm summer temperatures. This is about 2/3 the size of Rifle gap and is 20 minutes from Glenwood Springs. There are some firepits and Restrooms. A $5 day fee or Parks Pass.

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South Canyon Rapids are at the entrance of South Canyon on the Colorado River, 6 miles west of Glenwood Springs. They can be accessed via car by getting off at the South Canyon exit on I-70 and Crossing the bridge to park. This is a popular place with kayakers as the rapid has a powerful eddy that allowers kayakers to access the bottom part of the rapid over and over again with ease, and one of the highlights on an all day raft trip through Glenwood. There is a nice boat ramp here on the North side of the Colorado River and this can be and is a departure site for a lot of trips. There are fishing holes along here that can be accessed via the banks but they are fairly steep and most fishing through here is done on boats via guides. South Canyon in recent years has been the setting of two major fires, the Storm King Fire which originated across the river and the Coal Seam fire which started 4 miles up South Canyon. There are Hot Springs 1 mile up on the right hand side of the road. Park and follow the trail to the west over the creek and up the other bank. These have been destroyed a couple of times over the years but keep reappearing. Two pools able to hold about 10 people. The proximity to I-70 makes for a lot of diversity.

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Storm King Memorial Trail is in honor of 14 Firefighters who died in 1994 while battling the Storm King Fire. This is a steep 1.3 mile hike and very dry. Bring water, sunscreen, and proper hiking boots. This trail is interesting in the fact that crosses mark where each firefighter fell. With a little understanding of fire, history and the seeing steepness of the terrain, one may gain a renewed respect of the speed at which fire can travel, especially uphill. There is another memorial in Glenwood Springs at Two Rivers Park in honor of these firefighters. To get to the trailhead travel west on I-70 and get off at the Canyon Creek exit. Take 2 rights until you are traveling east on the frontage road north of I-70. The parking lot for the trail will be at the end of the road.

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Glenwood Springs Geography is defined by the two rivers that flow through, the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River. And like everywhere the confluence is a great place to fish. One can usually see the difference in the waters where they merge as the Roaring Fork flows clear and cold and the COlorado is usually not as clear and warmer. This is right down town and a popular place for fishing,and with multiple bridges in a couple hundred yards access to any side is easy for walkers. Follow the bike path west off of the 8th street bridge and you will see the confluence on the left hand side.

Posted by Brett at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ANother 4th of July has come and gone and due to prevention and banning of fireworks, the fire season surrounding the fourth was fairly light. Aspen cancelled their fireworks but Carbondale, Glenwood and Avon all had exceptional shows which could never be surpassed with anything purchased at the roving firework stands that always seem to appear this time of year. I wonder if with global warming and common sense maybe it is time to just ban over the counter fireworks all togeter and leave the shows to the public municipalities. If you think about it what intrinsic value do fireworks provide. The answer is none! The only provide for a lot of taxpayer money dipensed to fighting fires and occaisonal property damage, along with frequent injuries to mostly kids. Maybe it is time for our generation to make a societal change that would benefit all future generations.

Posted by Brett at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Head North on Railroad Avenue and about a mile out of town on Highway 13 go right on highway 325, Go a couple miles to Rifle Gap. There is a park fee, $5 or Parks Pass. One of three lakes in the area that allow powerboats so waterskiing, wakeboarding, jetskis and all sports behind a boat are popular here. There is also windsurfing here and camping. This is a popular lake in the summertime, and like most Colorado Lakes the water level fluctuates during the year as water is in more need in late summer and more abundant in the early spring. Always wear your life vest and pick up trash. There are public restrooms. Fishing is also popular here whether you use flys and spinners from the bank or rapala and bait from a boat. There are even annual fly fishing contests in the winter. The Gap is the valley in the hogback where the dam is built and is the site of the famous Christo Curtain in the early seventies. Lower elevations promote warm temperatures which condone water activities.

Posted by Brett at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Head North on Railroad Avenue and about a mile out of town on Highway 13 go right on highway 325, Go for several miles past RIfle Gap, and Rifle Falls and the road will head right there. Daily Use Fee of $5 or Parks Pass. This area is on the edge of the Flattops in the White River National Forest. The stream that runs through the Box Canyon here is pristine and use to be the site of a hatchery below. This is the main mecca for this region for climbing and can have heavy traffic. Some of the bad things of high traffic happen here so police yourself, pick up garbage, keep down the noise, etc. This area is renowned for it's amount of quality rock climbs, most of which are rated 5.12 - 5.13, but it does have easier routes like "Hot Potato". Camping is also available here for $7 - $12. For a complete guide for the routes here pick up "Western Sloper - Rifle Mountain Park" by Dave Pegg

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"In 1916 Congress passed a public lands act containing a general reservation of valuable minerals in the lands, reserving “all the coal and other minerals in the lands” in all lands patented under the Act. And Colorado, like most other western states, recognizes separate ownership of the Surface Estate and the Mineral Estate and the distinct private property rights associated with each." This is the single most threatening piece of legislation to the future of Colorado. As gas companies seem to have their way with municipalities of the west there is no powerful way to police these companies, because most of the leases/places that they drill are often lining the pockests of owners of mineral rights that live in other states. The most important thing we could do to police these companies that seemed to be raping and pillaging the remote places of Colorado is to reverse this law. "All mineral rights should be transferred at the time of sale, of all properties at every transaction, making the current holder of the title of every property also the current holder of all mineral rights that accompany that piece of property.

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There is a new jet service in Grand Junction that is offeriing one-way flights to Las Vegas for $59. This is a great deal with the price of gas what it is these days. You can book by going to www.allegiantair.com Service starts July 29th.

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