Near Estes Park in Larimer County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Changing Times Bring Changing Uses

Photographed by Connor Olson, August 25, 2020

1. Changing Times Bring Changing Uses Marker

Inscription. Over the years, Hidden Valley has been the site of many different kinds of human uses. Each has left its own changes on the face of the land - visible or invisible. Part of the forest was logged, and a sawmill operated here in the late 1800’s. Logs from the mill provided lumber for the construction of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Part of the forest was burned when a fire that started in the sawdust pile of the mill moved through here in 1900.

Perhaps Hidden Valley’s most well-known use was as a downhill ski area. Local people skied here as early as 1931, often skiing the skid paths left by the loggers. It grew into a commercial ski area and operated until 1992.

It was a popular resort, with lots of skiers and lots of snow. In 1957, the area ranger reported that 38 feet of snow fell! But changes in weather can cause changes in use. By the late 1980’s, even snowmaking machines couldn’t provide enough snow to keep the area open consistently.

Erected by USDI National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.

Location. 40° 23.567′ N,

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105° 39.518′ W. Marker is near Estes Park, Colorado, in Larimer County. It can be reached from Hidden Valley Road. Located on the Hidden Valley Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Estes Park CO 80517, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ancient Paths, Ancient Peoples (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Horseshoe Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rocky Mountain’s “Parks” (approx. 1½ miles away); Animals in Flux (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Woodpecker Army (approx. 2½ miles away); Roger Wolcott Toll (approx. 3.8 miles away); Trail Ridge Road at Rock Cut (approx. 4.1 miles away); Trail of Aspens (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in

Hidden Valley image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, August 25, 2020

2. Hidden Valley

Estes Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.