Hiking Through History
Overview
Join Walking Mountains Science Center and the Eagle County Historical Society for a full day of hiking and history as we explore sites with significant relevance to Eagle County history, from prehistoric areas to the wild west!
Guides from Walking Mountains will lead participants to these locations and speak to the geological formations that make these sites significant. Experts, locals, and fellow community members from the Eagle County Historical Society will be on hand to tell the story how American natives and settlers interacted with these sites throughout the years. Join us for stories from the past and a fun, educational day of learning about and from our special valley.
Can’t make one of these special events? Click here to view all of the guided hiking options we offer in the summer and fall!
Join the Eagle County Historical Society and Walking Mountain Science Center for a history hike on the Old Stagecoach Trail in Fulford. Here, we’ll learn about the development and history of the Fulford mining town and about the use of stagecoaches in Eagle County. Formerly hosting two separate 19th-century mining camps, Camp Nolan and Polar City, today Fulford still has many historic buildings and lots of stories to tell!
Hike Description:
The trail is easy to moderate, one-way, 5-mile hike that is mostly downhill. Riding in the shuttle will be required from either Walking Mountains in Avon or from the Eagle park & ride. Bring a pack lunch, water, and extra layers.
Partner & Presenters: Eagle County Historical Society, Kathy Heicher & Janice Tonz
Hike Location & Details: Old Fulford Stagecoach Trail
Mileage: 5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Trailhead: Fulford, ending near Yeoman Park
Timing: 8:00a-4:00p (including travel time from Avon)
Cost/Transportation: $50 per person includes shuttle transportation
Ranger Brown Trail
Join the Eagle County Historical Society and Walking Mountain Science Center for a history hike on East Brush Creek. The Eagle County Historical Society will share stories about Ranger Brown, who tended the forest from 1920-1935. Working primarily by himself, Ranger Brown handled tasks including managing grazing allotments for local ranchers, building some key trails and roads throughout the forest, building Forest Service cabins and offices throughout Eagle County, and handling predator control issues including wolves. Brown also managed the Civilian Conservation Corps camp established at Yeoman Park in 1940. He and his wife, Myrtle, raised five boys who spent their summers roaming Yeoman Park. Family members still return to the park annually.
Sweetwater Cave
We’re heading west, like the Ute people once did, to check out the Sweetwater Cave nearby Sweetwater Lake resort. This infamous location is a historical hotspot from Native American’s to infamous gangsters who once called the cave home!
McCoy Fossil Beds
Join Walking Mountains Science Center and the Eagle Valley Historical Society for a full day of hiking and history as we explore the McCoy Fossil Beds. Guides from Walking Mountains will lead participants to these locations and speak to the geological formations while the Eagle Valley Historical Society will be on hand to tell the story how American natives and settlers interacted with the site throughout the years.
Red Cliff
Join Walking Mountains Science Center and the Eagle County Historical Society for a full day of hiking and history as we check out an infamous Eagle Valley landmark. The mining town of Red Cliff, established in 1879, was the original county seat of Eagle County, is a history hotspot. Local historians will guide you through the small (but fascinating) museum, introduce you to some intriguing early-day pioneers buried in historic Greenwood Cemetery, and offer insight into the lives of the county’s earliest pioneers.
Fulford
Join Walking Mountains Science Center and the Eagle County Historical Society for a full day of hiking and history as we check out an infamous Eagle Valley landmark. The locally famous gold mining camp of Fulford was established and 1889, and is home to some of Eagle County’s rich mining history. Local historians will guide you on a hike that will reveal the true story of this one-time booming community’s early day history.
Camp Hale
Join Walking Mountains Science Center and the Eagle County Historical Society for the next installment of the Hike Through History series. This time, we’ll travel to World War II-era Eagle County and explore what life was like with a booming army city on Tennessee Pass. Camp Hale is a National Historic Site and is being considered to become the nation’s first National Historic Landscape. This added designation would help restore the site to its original ecological integrity while improving the history experience of visitors.
East Brush Creek
Join the Eagle County Historical Society for a snowshoe history trek on East Brush Creek. Local historian Kathy Heicher will share stories about Ranger Brown, who tended the forest from 1920-1935. Working primarily by himself, Ranger Brown handled tasks including managing grazing allotments for local ranchers, building key trails and roads, building Forest Service cabins, and offices throughout Eagle County, and handling predator control issues involving wolves! Brown also managed the Civilian Conservation Corps camp established in 1940. Come enjoy a half day snowshoe hike while learning about this fascinating character who helped shape many of the trails and forest resources in our valley.
