2015 ArtTrek
The Valley High ArtTrek is operating a little different this year than in the past. We have created a Google Group (ArtTrek Grand County) to be a communication tool for those who want to participate since we have also decided to eliminate weekly "Hosts" this year. Using the Google Group will allow participants to schedule alternative days, dates and times to meet up with one another. Anyone who wants to participate will be added to the Google Group. Contact Donna (970-531-0299), Julia (303-683-0210) or Marie (970-531-2906) to be added to the Google Group, ArtTrek Grand County.
This year's schedule starts June 7 and runs through September 27. The meet-up time is between 9:00 and 9:15 am.
There are two schedules available below. The first schedule includes descriptions, directions and photos as well as general information. The second is a single page schedule with dates and locations as well as general information.
2015 ArtTrek
ArtTrek is a summer-long Grand County, CO art adventure. Highlighted by snow-covered mountain vistas and rolling meadows threaded with sparkling streams and rivers, these weekly scheduled sites call out to all artists. ArtTrek locations have been chosen for their unique beauty and variety and are located on public routes.
Meet up time for each designated location is between 9:00-9:15 AM. Promptness avoids frustration for all. Please carry and use your mobile phone if you have one. Personal safety is a prime concern. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Use a highly detailed county map if you are not familiar with an area and be prepared for changes in the weather with layers of clothing. Remember the saying; there is “Safety in numbers”.
Questions? -- Call Donna (970-531-0299), Julia (303-683-0210) or Marie (970-531-2906).
The 2015 ArtTrek Schedule~
Sunday, June 7 – Town of Fraser -- If the weather is inclement on this date, let’s meet for coffee. Seasoned and new trekkers can get acquainted and share experiences.
Description: Slightly funky mountain town with in-town or mountain-view options.
Directions to the site: North of Winter Park on US Hwy 40. Turn left at the Conoco gas station and turn right just before the railroad tracks onto Railroad Avenue.
Amenities: Parking located at the train station. Restrooms/limited convenience food, snacks and sodas, coffee, etc. at the Conoco gas station; restrooms at the library.
Meet: At the Train Station parking lot.
Sunday, June 14 – Grand Lake Village -- If the weather is inclement on this date, let’s meet for coffee. Seasoned and new trekkers can get acquainted and share experiences.
Description: A mountain village that supports a western feel, with boardwalks, the lake and views of the Continental Divide. Victorian- rustic style and historical buildings, with quaint structures on the side streets. Point Park at the east end of town offers views of Mount Baldy and Grand Lake or you can paint the lake and waterfront beach near the marina.
Directions to the site: Take US Hwy 40 through Winter Park, Fraser and Granby. After passing through Granby, turn right on US Hwy 34 and follow this north about 15 miles to Grand Lake.
Amenities: In town street parking. Restrooms in the park by the lake and on the east side of the library in the town square.
Meet: At the Blue Water Bakery. Turn right on Grand Avenue.
Sunday, June 21 – Father’s Day – Celebrate with dad!
Sunday, June 28 -- Byers Canyon, west end fishing accesses, HSS
Description: Nice views of the river valley and ranch meadows lined with big trees and willows. Several fishing accesses to choose from. Directions to the site: Take US Hwy 40, west of Granby to Hot Sulphur Springs. The fishing accesses are all the way through the Byers Canyon.
Amenities: Bring everything you’ll need or backtrack to HHS!
Meet: In the parking lot of the Glory Hole restaurant; far end of HHS on left side of highway; Hot Sulphur Springs.
Sunday, July 5 – “Fourth of July” – Celebrations and Activities throughout the county!
Sunday, July 12 -- CR 33, fishing access, south of Kremmling
Description: Beautiful Colorado River views, historic ranch buildings, sky views and valley views, soft sage covered hills, willows and cottonwoods, lots of water. Directions to the site: Take US Hwy 40 to Kremmling. Turn south on US Hwy 9. Just south of town you will cross bridges over the river. Immediately after the second bridge, at mile-marker 137, turn left on CR 33. Drive east approximately 2 miles to the fishing access parking area. Amenities: Restrooms may not be available; backtrack to Kremmling! Parking is available at fishing access or along the road. Meet: At the fishing access.
Sunday, July 19 -- Cottonwood Pass Road (CR 55), east of Granby
Description: This gravel road winds up the side of the mountain into stands of high country aspen. The road provides spectacular views of Middle Park as it winds towards the “summit”. There are interesting ranch buildings, meadows and cattle along this route.
Directions to the site: From Winter Park take US Hwy 40 through Fraser and Tabernash. Pass Snow Mountain Ranch and just after Red Dirt Hill on US 40, the Middle Park valley opens up in front of you. County Road 55 will be on the west side of the highway as you approach Granby.
Amenities: Restrooms are available at City Market grocery store (they have a nice salad bar!) or at McDonald’s in the shopping center at the first stoplight as you approach the town of Granby.
Meet: At McDonald's. Turn into the shopping area at the stoplight and then turn left by the gas station to McDonald’s.
Sunday, July 26 -- Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash
Description: Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a spectacular western guest ranch set in a lovely valley. There are fields and pastures with characteristic “buck and pole” fences, horses, barns, and buildings resting under the Indian Peaks Wilderness area and the continental Divide.
Directions to the site: Take US Hwy 40 through Winter Park, Fraser and the portion known as the "Fraser flats". There is a multi-rowed blue highway sign for Devil's Thumb Ranch on the road indicating a turn ahead. Turn right (east) on County Road 83. Follow the road bearing to the right for 3.6 miles. Go over the ridge and pass the Sunset Ridge development on the right. Continue down the back side of the ridge to DTR at the end of the road.
Amenities: There are restrooms in the beautiful national park style lodge where Heck’s Restaurant is located. A collection of original paintings by well-known Colorado artists, including several commissions by Karen Vance, adorn the blue-stained pine walls. The food at Heck's is as good as the atmosphere; reasonably priced.
Meet: In the lower parking lot to the left of the lodge.
Sunday, Aug 2 -- Monarch Lake, between Granby and Grand Lake
Description: A pristine mountain lake with the majestic Continental Divide as a backdrop. It is a lovely and serene area in which to paint and spend a day. Bring water and a lunch to enjoy as you will be “away from it all”!
Directions to the site: Take US Hwy 40 northwest to Granby. Just west of Granby, turn north on Hwy 34 and go about 5 miles to the Arapahoe National Recreation Area entrance and Lake Granby. You will be looking for Forest Road 125. It is at the top of the long hill on Hwy 34. Turn right (east) on Forest Road 125. Stop and purchase a parking pass ($5) at the kiosk near the beginning of Forest Road 125. Travel about 10 miles to the lake. (Please note that this is Forest Road 125, not Colorado Hwy 125.) There is a parking lot at the lake.
Amenities: There are bathrooms and picnic tables, but personal folding chairs assure you a seat! An easy 4 mile trail circles the lake, and fishing is common, if you want to bring a companion with you.
Meet: By the Forest Service Sign-in station after parking.
Sunday, Aug 9 -- County Road 57, Granby area
Description: This road follows the river as it meanders through Middle Park. There is parking along the roadside or at the parking lot of the County Animal Shelter building. There are paintable views from the parking area, where the stream is shaded by large cottonwoods. There are many historic ranch buildings along this route. The picturesque meadow with lots of willows, sagebrush and the rolling valley add variety to the mountain views. This road eventually connects to US Hwy 40 again a few miles west of the town of Granby. This road is bordered by private property on both sides. As tempting as it may be, please do not climb through fences, or open gates; please, limit your inspiration to things you can see from the roadside.
Directions to the site: Head west on US Hwy 40 to Granby. Turn left (south) on Zero street, which is about a block past the stoplight by the bank. Go down the hill and cross the railroad tracks. County Road 57 curves to the right. The Animal Shelter is about a mile ahead on your right, just before the bridge over the river.
Amenities: None on this road, but Granby is an easy drive to restaurants or restrooms at the Kum N Go gas station on the highway. From Zero and US Hwy 40, turn left.
Meet: In the parking lot at the County Animal Shelter building on County Road 57.
Sunday, Aug 16 -- Confluence Recreation Area, Trough Rd, Kremmling
Description: Beautiful views of the Blue River and valley, distant views of the Gore Range, ranch lands and animals. The Blue River and the Colorado River converge here. The parking area overlooks the confluence.
Directions to the site: The Confluence Recreation Area is located off Trough Road (CR 1) just south of Kremmling. Take US Hwy 40 to Kremmling. Turn left (south) on CO Hwy 9. After crossing the bridges over the Colorado River on Hwy 9, turn right at the top of the hill on CR 1. Go about 1/2 mile on CR 1 until you see a BLM sign on the right for the Gore Canyon put-in. Turn right and go about 1 mile until you see a parking area. The parking area will be at the END of the road. There are three little segments of BLM land along this road intermixed with private property. The first driveway you’ll see on the left is private property. Do NOT park here. Continue to the public area at the end of the road and meet up with the ArtTrek group there.
Amenities: Parking and bathrooms at Confluence Recreation Area parking lot.
Meet: In the parking lot of the Confluence Recreation Area.
Sunday, Aug 23 -- Cozens Ranch Museum and Mary’s Pond, Winter Park
Description: Cozens Ranch Museum is located next to Mary’s Pond. Mary’s Pond, owned by the Rendezvous development, is a small, quiet pond with good reflections and the Continental Divide in its background. The pond, always a painter’s favorite, is nestled in a small grove of trees and willows. The Fraser River trail follows along the pond toward Winter Park. Be aware; moose sightings are common here.
Directions to the site: Cozens Ranch Museum is located just north of Winter Park’s town limits on the east side of US Hwy 40. Look for a large tent near the Rendezvous Development Sales Office. Pull in at Rendezvous or by the tent.
Amenities: Parking and port-a-potties at the Museum. Gas station with cafe across the highway and many restaurants in Winter Park.
Meet: At the parking lot in front of Cozens Ranch Museum.
Sunday, Aug 30 -- Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake
Description: Choose from rushing water, still water, aspen, pine forest, meadows, high mountain peaks or historic buildings. There are many options for painting in the park. A National Park fee ($20 for 7 consecutive days) or pass is required at the entry gate. Consider carpooling.
Directions to RMNP: US Hwy 40 west through Granby. Turn right on US Hwy 34, about 16 miles to the park.
Amenities: Restrooms at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
Meet: at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
Sunday, Sept 6 -- Williams Fork Picnic area, east then south of Parshall
Description: Lovely views of Williams Fork Reservoir, the river inlet, cottonwoods and bushes, as well as, distant mountains. It is a very comfortable, well-maintained area.
Directions to the site: Head west on US Hwy 40 from Hot Sulphur Springs toward Parshall. Just before Parshall, turn left (south) on CR 3 (Williams Fork Road on some maps). Continue approximately 3 miles to CR 330. Take this short, right switchback to the picnic area.
Amenities: Picnic tables and restrooms. Plenty of parking. Meet: At the Williams Fork Picnic area.
Sunday, Sept 13 – Willow Creek Reservoir, north of Granby
Description: Excellent views of the valley, hay meadows and a stream, as well as the reservoir.
Directions to Willow Creek Reservoir: Take US Hwy 34 toward Grand Lake. Turn left on County Road 40 and follow this road to Willow Creek Reservoir, about 3-4 miles.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and shade at the campground.
Meet: At the boat ramp located on the drive into the recreation area and before the campground.
Sunday, Sept 20 -- Adam's Falls, Grand Lake
Description: Beautiful views of Adam's Falls and the East Inlet Creek, which is a very popular (.3 miles one way) hike. Aspen and lodge pole pine forests with beautiful grey-black out-croppings of rock, plus the stream.
Directions to Adam's Falls: Take US Hwy 34 toward Grand Lake. Turn right toward GL on CR 278 and continue on CR 278 towards Grand Lake for .3 mile; bear left at all forks until you reach the East Inlet trailhead parking lot.
Amenities: Restrooms at the trailhead. Meet: In the East Inlet trailhead parking lot.
Sunday, Sept 27 -- Pioneer Park, Hot Sulphur Springs
Description: Views of distant peaks and high bluffs, cottonwood trees and willows along the Colorado River or drive to the museum in town for rustic buildings and historic artifacts.
Directions to Pioneer Park: Take Hwy 40 through Hot Sulphur Springs and turn right at County Road 20. The Depot restaurant is on the corner. Turn left and cross a bridge. Pioneer Park is on the left.
Amenities: Parking throughout the park and some port-a-potties, too. Hot Sulphur Springs Spa is located next to Pioneer Park, so you may want to consider bringing your suit and relax after painting.
Meet: In Pioneer Park parking lot; first left after entering.