A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA

Overland TrailThe great frontier in the early 1830s held opportunities for white explorers and fur

hunters. As they moved up river to eastern Colorado and the area now known as

Eagles Nest Ranch French fur trappers established several trading posts and winter

rendezvous quarters to access new populations of mink, beaver and fox. (Remnants

of one of these early trading posts remain today at the eastern boundary of the

ranch.) It was, in fact, French fur trappers who named the river Platte, French for

flat, as it was shallow and of a mostly uniform depth.

The area proved to be a perfect habitat for nesting eagles which still winter in large

numbers along the river and that name was given to the ranch in the 1840s. The

general area, and particularly the valley along the Platte, was highly prized by various

Indian tribes for its outstanding hunting, as still validated today by the abundance of

game found along its banks. Various tribes fought over this land, and at one time or

another, the Sioux, Arapaho, Ute, Comanche and Pawnee tribes each claimed domi-

nance over it. The largest known battle fought between opposing tribes in the high

plains took place here along the banks of the South Platte River.

In the early 1850s, after gold was discovered in California and in Colorado, immi-

grants began to move west in increasing numbers. One of the three principal immi-

grant trails into the west was the famous Overland Trail. It passes through the ranch

and is still in use as a principal ranch road. For safety, groups of

wagons traveled together, frequently using a campsite known

as Seven Springs. Its popularity was in part due to

its location and elevation. Seven Springs pro-

vided the settlers with one of their first

clear views of Pikes Peak, Longs Peak

and the front range, was easier to

defend and provided clear fresh

CONTINUES ON INSIDE BACK COVER

A BRIEF HISTORY - CONTINUED FROM INSIDE FRONT COVER

water from a series of natural springs. History reveals several attacks by Indians on

settlers at this site.

By the mid-1850s the first stagecoach service into Denver City was established from

the east, followed by a stagecoach stop built on ranch land. In 1860, the Pony

Express system was devised and the stagecoach stop at Eagles Nest became in addi-

tion, a Pony Express stop and relay station. This efficient method of communication

for the times came to an end when telegraph service was established along the rail-

road, and the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads linked to forge the first

transcontinental railroad in 1869.

In 1863, the unrest among the various Indian tribes continued with a

series of uprisings and raids by the Sioux Indians. One of the settlements

attacked was the stagecoach stop at Eagles Nest. Five people were killed

in the raid and Colonel John Chivington (who later would conduct the

infamous Sand Creek Massacre) of the Colorado Militia ordered the

stagecoach stop temporarily abandoned until order could be reestablished.

The U.S. Army established Camp Sanborn, a military garrison of cavalry, in

January 1864. It was located one-half mile from what is now the Hemmingway

Lodge. This camp was constructed to protect the travelers along the Overland Trail.

The Overland Trail continued to serve as an important thoroughfare for wagonloads

of settlers and freight, well into the 1890s. There is a small stone house on the ranch,

along the old trail, that once served as a saloon, complete with several ladies of ques-

tionable virtue, before it was converted into a schoolhouse serving what was rapidly

becoming a more settled ranching area.

With the first railroad came commerce. Tracks running immediately north of the

Platte River allowed cattle to be shipped to markets in Denver and Omaha.

The triumph and tragedy of the early Wild West has settled into the history books

and the Eagles Nest Ranch continues the traditions of agriculture and ranching

much as it existed 170 years ago.

AT EAGLES NEST RANCH

Hemingway Lodge

Located on Eagles Nest Ranch,Hemingway Lodge is 60 miles northeastof Denver along the South Platte Riverin Weld County, Colorado. It can bereached via Interstate Highway 76, with

an estimated travel time of one hour and fifteenminutes from either downtown Denver or DenverInternational Airport. For guests arriving by pri-vate plane, landing in Greeley is recommended. Itis approximately 25 minutes from the ranch andhas a good jet strip.

From Downtown DenverTake 18th Street (which is one way, heading north-west) to Lawrence Street (6 blocks from Welton).Turn right onto Lawrence. Proceed northeast, stay-ing in the right lane. Where Lawrence ends, turnright onto Walnut Street, which becomes 40thAvenue (also Colorado State Highway 33) andtravel east to Colorado Boulevard. (From theintersection of 18th and Lawrence to ColoradoBoulevard there are approximately 9 stop lightsand 3.6 miles). Turn left at Colorado Boulevard(which becomes Colorado Highway 6-85) and pro-ceed north approximately 5.3 miles, joiningInterstate 76. Remain on I-76 for approximately38 miles to Exit 48 (Roggen).

After leaving the exit ramp at Roggen, jog approxi-mately 75 feet to the right and turn left (east) onthe access road paralleling I-76 and go 1.2 miles toRural Road 386 (also known as the Painter orRoggen Road). This is the road by a group of treesthat goes under I-76 via the underpass that can be

seen from the access road. There may be no signindicating that it is RR 386. Turn left (north) onRural Road 386, proceeding for a distance of 11.1miles on this road (which becomes gravel) to theunmarked paved highway (Colorado Highway 34).Metal bars on the road are cattle guards and indi-cate the entrance into open range. Watch out forcattle on the road. Turn right on Highway 34, go2.4 miles to the town of Masters (which comesvery soon after the SMALL town of Dearfield) andturn left onto County Road 87 (which is immedi-ately past the green Masters highway sign and inthe town of Masters). Go 1.5 miles, crossing theSouth Platte River, and turn left at the wagonwheel/mail box, following the signs and paved roadto Hemingway Lodge.

From Denver International AirportLeaving the airport, look for the entrance to E-470(toll road) on the right. Take E-470 to 120thAvenue. Turn left onto 120th Avenue (west) andfollow until it intersects with I-76 (follow the signsto Fort Morgan). Take I-76 East until Exit 48 atRoggen. After leaving the exit ramp at Roggen,jog approximately 75 feet to the right and turn left(east) on the access road paralleling I-76 and go 1.2miles to Rural Road 386 (also known as thePainter or Roggen Road). This is the road by agroup of trees that goes under I-76 via the under-pass that can be seen from the access road. Theremay be no sign indicating that it is RR 386. Turnleft (north) on Rural Road 386, proceeding for adistance of 11.1 miles on this road (which becomes

gravel) to the unmarked paved highway (ColoradoHighway 34). Metal bars on the road are cattleguards and indicate the entrance into open range.Watch out for cattle on the road.

Turn right on Highway 34, go 2.4 miles to the townof Masters (which comes very soon after the SMALLtown of Dearfield) and turn left onto County Road87 (which is immediately past the green Mastershighway sign and in the town of Masters). Go 1.5miles, crossing the South Platte River, and turn left atthe wagon wheel/mail box, following the signs andpaved road to Hemingway Lodge.

From Greeley AirportTurn left from Fixed Base Operators parking lotdriveway at stop sign and proceed east on 8thStreet for 3.8 miles. Turn right on Highway 37and proceed south 2.4 miles to Kersey. Turn left atstop sign and proceed east on Highway 34 forapproximately 18.7 miles. Turn left onto Countyroad 87 (which is right past the green Mastershighway sign). Go 1.5 miles, turn left and followsigns to Hemingway Lodge.

Private planes arrive at Greeley Airport, and willbe met by ranch personnel.

Hemingway Lodge: 970-645-1800 970-645-1317 (fax)

Lodge Manager: 970-353-1780Denver Office: 303-299-1205

303-298-8881 (fax)

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Finding the way

estled in Colorados eastern plains, lies an unexpected area of trees, streams and lakes.

Distant calls tell of cattle herd, flapping wings lift thousands of waterfowl and a variety of

wildlife are always in evidence. As guests travel through the Eagles Nest Ranch and turn

down the winding, tree-lined road, they delight at what awaits them an exquisite log

structure, Hemingway Lodge, named for the author.

Twentieth-century author and avid outdoorsman, Ernest Hemingway, was among the first to enjoy

the area for sport as he spent considerable time walking the land, hunting for waterfowl and

upland birds and marveling at the majestic Rocky Mountain backdrop. Later another

author, James Michener also found solace on this land. So much so that it inspired his

epic, Centennial, that was written about the development of the area, with segments

of the movie filmed on and around the ranch.

NWelcome

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arge fireplaces bordered with Native American artifacts and Western artcreate the design format for the lodge. Ranch-grown beef, served withestate-bottled wines, followed by billiards, or just enjoying conversationin the Western bar often completes a day spent on the golf course orshooting in the field.

The sleeping quarters at Hemingway are comfortable with private baths in eachroom. At night, flocks of geese, howling coyotes or cattle may be heard in thedistance but not ringing telephones or noisy televisions. While available for use at the Lodge, guests are spared such intrusions while resting in their rooms.

LPeaceful retreat

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esigned to provide a complete recreational experience, Hemingway offers a myriadof activities sure to peak every interest. The adventuresome can explore the areaon horseback, bicycle or on foot. Anglers can hone their craft in the ponds andtrout stream. Marksman can test their aim on the clay pigeon courses and hunt-ing for a variety of waterfowl and upland birds is considered to be one of the best

shooting experiences in the western U.S. And photographers amateur or pro canfind many a subject worth rendering.

Stream and pond fishing for bass and several trout species are available steps from the lodge.

Outdoor adventure

D

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entle hills and water features complete a mature and challenging 9-hole golf course surrounding Hemingway Lodge.G

Oasis on the plains

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At Hemingway, early fall signals the arrival of hunting season. Located in the centralflyway, three large reservoirs help guide migratory birds onto the ranch. The riverchannel and numerous waterways, many of which are fed by warm water springs,offer protection and desirable nesting habitats. As they feed on grains leftover fromharvest, the migratory fowl are joined by local upland birds as they share the ranchs

amenities.

In order to hunt migratory birds or waterfowl (but not upland birds), a valid Coloradohunting license and stamps are required. The state additionally requires that anyoneborn on or after January 1, 1949 must have a hunter education certificate in hand.Colorado will accept certificates from other states. Licenses and stamps are avail-able at the Lodge upon proof of age or hunter education certificate, and hunting

guides and shooting coaches are available to assist hunters.

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AThe thrill of the hunt

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he Eagles Nest name first appeared in the 1840s when fur trappers noted the presence of large numbers of eagles, which still winter along the river, at this location. Eagles Nest Ranch is one of the oldest cattle ranches in Colorado. Today, the Eagles Nest Ranch is a working ranch with farming and cattle operations. The tradition continues.

One of the first areas in the west to convert and apply excess water onto dry land forconversion into fertile farms (a story told in Micheners book Centennial), the first of several large irrigation canals on the ranch can be seen running parallel to the old

Overland Trail road. Dug by hand and utilizing mules, a series of these ditches empty into three large storage reservoirs, on or surrounding the ranch.

Eagles Nest Ranch is also home to The Eagles Nest Lodge, pictured at top left, and The Masters Camp, shown bottom left. Each of thefacilities on the Ranch has hosted numerous guests and events resulting in memories lasting a lifetime.

TEagles Nest Ranch