Our Vision #19: Underground Passage

a slide into the river through the unknown underground?

Though the mountains appear to be solid, miners have carved out veins of metals, leaving voids deep in the earth. Because the mines, and the creek—far below the level of the mine site—are inaccessible, a new route to reach the creek could be carved through the hillside in the spirit of the mine.

Our Vision #16: Tramway, Zipline, Waterslide

Productive mines are often discovered in inaccessible terrain. For many mining operations like the Ute Ulay, it was not cost-effective to build and maintain roads for several burros or pack horses to transport ore down the mountain. Aerial tramways developed in the 1860s transformed the mining industry. This creative solution inspired us to imagine reinstating the Ute Ulay tramway. 

Ute Ulay adventure loop

In our vision, a low-energy, small tramcar would carry two people up the slope. At the top, visitors would have the choice to ride the tram down or take a zipline to the inoperative Ute Ulay dam. If the flume were also reinstated, one could waterslide back to the mill site, completing the Ute Ulay loop adventure.

Our Vision #15: Trails

Interpretive trails are found in many parks, historical sites, and open-air museums. Designs range from simple signage to highly integrated benches, pavers, and design elements that display or provide information. At the Ute Ulay, a variety of options exist for self-guided tours. 

old flume path trail

One area that particularly stands out is the path of the old flume that transported tailings from the mill to a field west of the site. Cut into the hillside at a gentle slope, this is an ideal spot to situate an interpretive trail, leading casual walkers away from the Ute Ulay to a Bureau of Land Management reclamation site. The educational content found around the trails should employ natural materials as well as local poetry and anecdotes.

Packing List for Team Members

Hello,

I'm Peggy Lawless, the co-founder (with Grant) of Colorado Art Ranch and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone on the team. I won't be going to Lake City with you, but I will be there for the Artposium.

Be prepared for changeable weather. In the mountains, it's possible to wear shorts, a raincoat, and a down jacket in the same day. Summer temperatures in Lake City range from the low 40s to highs in the 60s to low 80s Farenheit. The sunshine is intense at an elevation of 8600 feet and Colorado's climate is dry, so it's important to drink LOTS of water. Staying hydrated is especially important at high elevations to prevent high-altitude sickness.

Following are some suggestions for packing:

Daypack

Water bottle

Hiking boots and non-cotton socks

Sunscreen Camera (optional)

Binoculars (optional)

Notebooks or sketchbooks and pens

Raingear (afternoon thunderstorms are common)

Sunglasses

Hat and gloves

Layers (e.g., fleece or wool jacket, windbreaker, vest)

Bathing suit (Lake San Cristobal is nearby)

If you're driving to Colorado, please bring camping equipment if you have it. We will also provide tents, a cooking stove, and sleeping bags for those who are flying in.

Warm regards,

Peggy