Welcome to the Art Out of Thin Air Valley High ArtTrek --- We’ve planned a free summer adventure for artists that will take us through Middle Park with its snow covered mountain vistas and rolling meadows threaded by sparkling streams and rivers. Every Sunday throughout the summer we will gather at different locations across Grand County. This isn’t just for oil painters – artists working in all media are welcome.
The ArtTrek sites have been chosen for their unique beauty and variety and are located on public routes. Please don’t go through gates or over fences onto private property. You should bring a map, water and a snack and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. If you have a question about local weather conditions call Donna Lyons at 970-627-8523 or Marie Johannes at 970-726-4698.
An AOTA member will be at the designated location from 9:00-9:30am each Sunday to guide you to the ArtTrek site and answer any other questions. If you arrive late follow the directions to the site and join the group. However, if you are unable to find anyone please do not work alone.
At 12:30 those interested can go to a nearby restaurant for lunch to share their work and enjoy a good meal. On your way back you can shop at several art galleries and gift stores. Bring your family – they can golf, hike, ride a horse or go fishing while you are creating your artwork.
For more information or questions about the ArtTrek call 970-627-5823 or 970-726-4698.
ArtTrek Itinerary
Sunday, June 12 -- "No Jane" Hwy 40 pull-off, South of Winter Park (toward Denver)
Description of Site: A short walk down a small, moderate hill with no steps offers much. Large pond, Rocky Mountains, grasses, willows, spruce and fir (green!), rocks, etc. Classic mountain scenery.
Directions to Site: This pull-off is located 1.4 miles south of the light at Winter Park Resort, on the left side of Hwy 40.
Amenities: There is room for 8-10 cars to park. No restrooms; be prepared! Nearest restrooms are in Winter Park.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: In the Bonfils Stanton Foundation Outdoor Center parking area across from the entrance to Winter Park Resort.
Sunday, June 19 -- Town of Winter Park
Description of Site: Downtown Winter Park offers beautiful planters bursting with summer color along the walkways and streets. Flowers abound throughout the town, in planters and hanging baskets near businesses and in the town parks. Winter Park is pedestrian friendly and has convenient parking on the main street which is also US Hwy 40, the main route through town. Vasquez Creek tumbles through the west end of the business district and flows under a covered walkway. There are colorful banners and an interesting mix of modern and rustic buildings along the main street. West of town, the valley opens to wide meadows with views of the continental divide.
Directions to Site: I-70 west from Denver. Take US Hwy 40 at the Empire Exit 232 west of Idaho Springs. After reaching the summit on Berthoud Pass, it is downhill all the way into the town of Winter Park.
Amenities: Clean public restrooms are located at Hideaway Park in the center of town.
There are many good choices for breakfast before you begin your day. Lots of places open for lunch.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: At Hideaway Park across from the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, on the east side of the street at the first stoplight as you head west through town.
Sunday, June 26 -- Mary’s Pond
Description of Site: A quiet, small pond with good reflections. The pond is nestled in a small grove of trees and willows. The Continental Divide provides a stunning background for the foreground shapes of water, rocks and willows. Moose sightings are not uncommon!
Directions to Site: Mary’s Pond is located just outside the town limits of Winter Park on US Hwy 40, between Winter Park and Fraser. The Pond is on the east side of the highway, just south of the Rendezvous Development Sales Office. Look for a large tent near the parking area, just off the highway. The pond is in front of the tent and parking area.
Amenities: There are two port-a-potties near the tent. One is handicap accessible. There is a Recreation Center and gas station/cafe across the highway. There are many restaurants in Winter Park.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: At the site.
Sunday, July 3 -- Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Description of Site: 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 high peaks of the Divide and the Never Summer Range.
Directions to Devil’s Thumb Ranch: Follow US Hwy 40 through Winter Park, Fraser and the portion of Hwy 40 known as the "Fraser flats". There is a multi-rowed blue and white highway sign for Devil's Thumb Ranch on Hwy 40 indicating a turn ahead. Turn right on County Road 83, on the east side of the highway, approximately 3 miles from the town of Fraser. Follow the road to the right for 3.6 miles, over the ridge and pass 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 know Colorado artists, including several large commission pieces by Karen Vance, adorn the blue-stained pine walls. The food at Heck's is as good as the atmosphere and yet reasonably priced.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: In the lower parking lot of the lodge.
Sunday, July 10 -- County Road 5 Pole Creek Subdivision
Description of Site: Lupines! On the entrance road to Pole Creek Golf Course and throughout the subdivision there are hundreds of stands of this brilliant blue flower which grow wild in the woods. Morning or afternoon shadows, soft lush grass and other vegetation set off the color of these beautiful signs of summer in the high country.
Directions to County Road 5: Just after leaving the town of Fraser, heading west on US Hwy 40, look for the sign marking County Road 5 on your left. Turn Left and immediately cross the railroad tracks. Proceed up the hill and follow the wandering road through the countryside with interesting views, fences and historic buildings. Look for the Pole Creek Golf Course sign on the left which marks the way to the golf course and the entrance to the Pole Creek subdivision. Turn left and follow the road as it winds through the subdivision. Lupines are everywhere! Follow this road to the Pole Creek Golf Course Clubhouse and parking lot.
Amenities: There are restrooms and a restaurant inside the Clubhouse.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: In the Pole Creek Golf Course Clubhouse entry area.
Sunday, July 17 -- Cottonwood Pass Road (County Road 55)
Description of Site: 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. Eventually, this road will take you into Hot Sulphur Springs, which is 9 miles from Granby on US 40.
Directions to Site: From Winter Park take 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 approximately 2.5 miles from the entrance to Snow Mountain Ranch, as you head toward Granby.
Amenities: Restrooms are available at City Market (grocery store with a nice salad bar) or at McDonald’s. Both are located in the shopping center at the first stoplight (Thompson Road) as you approach the town of Granby.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: At McDonald's. Turn into the shopping area at the Thompson Road traffic light and then turn left by the gas station to McDonald’s. The host will be in the parking lot waiting to guide you to this site.
Sunday, July 24 -- Kaibab Park and River Park, Granby
Description of Site: Tumbling water over river rock and meandering stream shaded by willows, cottonwoods and other vegetation. Lots of shadows and colorful plants along a gravel walking paths. The foot bridge over the stream affords a great picture of the area with long views of rolling hills to the east and leads to a pond and rivulet on the other side.
Directions to the Site: As you approach the town of Granby, look for the Fire Station on the west side of the road before the highway goes over the railroad bridge into the business district. Turn into the Fire Station parking lot and pull around to the “river side” of the parking area.
Amenities: Public toilets in the Park; restrooms inside the Fire Station. Close to the many restaurants in Granby.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: In the parking lot of the Park at the Fire Station.
Sunday, July 31 -- County Road 57, Granby
Description of the Site:This road follows the river as it meanders through Middle Park. There is ample parking along the roadside or at the parking lot of the County Animal Shelter building. Some of the best sites may be from this parking area, as it affords good access to the stream, and is shaded by large cottonwoods. There are many historic ranch buildings along this route. The picturesque meadows with lots of willows, sagebrush and 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 be respectful of buildings and animals. Limit your inspiration to things you can see from the roadside, please.
Directions to the Site: As you come through the town of Granby, heading west on US Hwy 40, turn south (Left) on Zero Street, about a block west of the stoplight by the bank. Zero Street will be on your left. Go down the hill and cross the railroad tracks. County Road 57 curves around to the right. The Animal Shelter is on your right just about a mile ahead, at the bridge over the river.
Amenities: None on this road, but Granby is an easy drive to restaurants or to the restrooms at the Kum N Go gas station on Hwy 40, west of the Zero Street turn. From Zero and Hwy 40, turn Left.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: In the parking lot at the County Animal Shelter building on County Road 57.
Sunday, August 7th -- Rocky Mountain National Park
Description of site: A beautiful spot in the Kawuneeche Valley along the Colorado River. You've seen paintings accepted in the Art for the Parks series done from this location and now is your chance to paint this setting. The river, the mountains and the trees..... Wow! National Park day fee payment required at the entry gate.
Directions to the site: Take Hwy 40 north through Granby. Take Hwy 34 from Granby to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Amenities: Pull-off parking for a half dozen cars. No restrooms; be prepared! The nearby Kawuneeche Visitors Center has facilities and vending machines. There are also other larger parking areas along the route. Carpooling suggested.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: At the Kawuneeche Visitors center parking lot.
Sunday, August 14 -- Hot Sulphur Springs, Pioneer Park
Description of site: Views of the Colorado River, cottonwood trees, willows. You may also want to drive through the town for interesting buildings and views. Byers Canyon is just west of town and has beautiful canyon views in both directions. There is a large pullout on the west end of this canyon as well as small ones along the way. Hot Sulphur Springs Spa is located next to Pioneer Park, so you may want to consider bringing your suit and relax after painting.
Directions to Pioneer Park: Coming from the east-Take Hwy 40 through Hot Sulphur Springs and turn right at County Road 20, the Depot restaurant is on the corner. Down about 1 block you will turn left crossing a bridge. Pioneer Park is on the left.
Amenities: Parking in the park. Bathroom in the park.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: Pioneer Park parking lot.
Sunday, August 21 -- Hot Sulphur Springs, Pioneer Park
See above instructions. Because there is so much to see that will inspire you, we will spend two Sundays here.
Sunday, August 28 -- County Rd 3 between Hot Sulphur Springs and Parshall
Description of site: Ranch, Colorado River and valley views. Bar Lazy J Dude Ranch is on this road.
Directions to County Rd 3: Coming from Winter Park, take US Hwy 40 through Hot Sulphur Springs and Byers Canyon. Begin looking for River Access signs. County Rd 3 will be on the left, (south side of the highway) about 2 mi. after leaving Byers Canyon.
Amenities: No Bathrooms are available except at the Parshall Inn. Parking along the road. Be sure to bring water and a snack.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: At the Parshall Inn parking. The Parshall Inn (PI) is located lot on US Hwy 40 in Parshall. We will travel from there as County Road 3 can be easily missed.
Sunday, September 4 -- County Rd 33, south of Kremmling, CO
Description of site: Beautiful Colorado River views, historic ranch buildings, sky views, valley views, soft sage covered hills, willows and cottonwoods, lots of water.
Directions to County Rd 33: 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 is County Road 33. It goes east along the river. We will meet at ”Junction Buttes", the first fishing access parking area about 1 mi. east from the highway on CR 33.
Amenities: There may be port-a-potties at the fishing access; otherwise you would need to go back to Kremmling. Bring water and a snack. Parking at fishing accesses or along the road.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: Junction Butte fishing access parking area.
Sunday, September 11 -- Trough Road and the Confluence Recreation Area
Description of site: 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 rest area with ample parking space overlooks the confluence.
Directions: The Confluence Recreation Area is located on Trough Road (Grand County Road 1). From Kremmling head south on Hwy 9 for about 1 mile. Across the bridge at the top of the hill, make an immediate turn west off of Hwy 9 onto Trough Road. Go about 1/2 mile on County Road 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 on the left is private property -- DO NOT PARK HERE. Make sure you know where you are and respect private property.
Amenities: Parking and bathrooms at Confluence Recreation Area parking lot.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: Parking lot of the Confluence Recreation Area.
Sunday, September 18 -- Grand Lake Village
Description of site: A mountain village that sports a Western “feel”, with boardwalks, the Lake and beautiful views of the Continental Divide. You will find Victorian Rustic style architecture and a variety of historic structures all set along the tranquil glacial waters of the largest natural lake in Colorado. At this time of year the aspen should be well on their way to full glorious fall color! The town has lots of quaint structures located on the many side streets and roads. Paint views of Mount Baldy and the Lake from less-frequented Point Park at the east end of the lake (lots of parking and restrooms), or from the public beach area near the marina.
Directions: From Winter Park follow US Hwy 40 through Granby. At the west side of town, turn right on US Hwy 34 and follow this north toGrand Lake.
Amenities: Parking in the village. Public restrooms are located in the park by the lake and on the east side of the library in the town square.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: Blue Water Bakery (just off Main Street, turn right at the stop sign, 1/2 block toward the Lake on right side of street).
Sunday, September 25 -- Monarch Lake
Description of site: 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 and enjoy!
Directions: To reach Monarch Lake take Hwy 40 north from I-70 to Granby. Just west of Granby, turn north on US 34 and go about 5 miles to the Arapahoe National Recreation Area entrance and Lake Granby. At the top of the long hill on Hwy 34, turn right (east) onto County Road 6 and travel about 10 miles to the lake. You will need to purchase a parking pass ($5) at the kiosk near the beginning of County Road 6 just after leaving Hwy 34.
Amenities: There are bathrooms and picnic tables. There is also an easy 4 mile trail that circles the lake if you feel like a hike. The parking lot is right at the lake.
Meet the Host at 9:00 AM: In the Monarch Lake parking lot .
