Holzwarth Historic Site — Attraction in Four Corners States

I pulled in on intuition alone, not a clue what I was getting into: a ranger talk, a fascinating and inspiring historical comedy, a psycho-social experiment.

Ranger Zoe was very knowledgeable about the Holtzwarth fam, both in her lecture and when further interrogated. I found it to be a remarkably interesting story that I will leave you to discover for yourself. Place yourself in the time period, consider the greater American historical backdrop, visualize the setting, imagine the Holtzwarth’s family experience with the land and the many could-be characters who came through—just think of all the potential drama and situational comedy that must have ensued. There are several old, historic structures behind the story, replete with novel artifacts, that you can waltz through at your leisure to enhance your appreciation of the history. So glad people are telling this story. God bless the NPS.

As for the experiment, we began with the hypothesis that the subject would be more successful socializing stoned than did his former life self (FLS). In seven out of seven trials, with interlocutors including park rangers and random tourists (a sample comprised primarily of white-haired Georgians), we found the subject handled himself with a plum, initiating engaging and positive interactions with a range of randos without once turning on himself or spiraling into anxiety, self-loathing, or despair. This supports our hypothesis that the subject is overall much more betterer than his ding dong FLS. Areas for further study include subsequent trials with variable situational confounds as well as additional research around the question, Do they know? Can...

A Hidden Gem on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Just before exiting Rocky Mountain National Park through the Grand Lake entrance, we stumbled upon the Holzwarth Historic Site and we’re so glad we did! This place is a beautiful blend of history and scenery, tucked away in one of the most stunning parts of the park.

The walk out to the site is easy and incredibly scenic, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Along the way, you’ll come across historic cabins that once served as a rustic getaway for wealthy visitors back in the early 1900s. Guests would stay for a week at a time, with meals, heat, and cozy accommodations provided—quite luxurious for the time!

Some of the cabins are furnished with what appears to be original or replica pieces, giving you a real sense of what life was like back then. You’ll even see old washing equipment and other everyday items from the era. It’s like stepping back in time.

A highlight of the visit was seeing the headwaters of the Colorado River, a surreal experience knowing this peaceful stream eventually becomes the powerful force that carved the Grand Canyon, hundreds of miles away.

If you have an extra hour to an hour and a half as you're passing through, it’s absolutely worth the stop. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it—both for the history and the peaceful walk. Highly...

Great location to take the kids and see an old school dude ranch from the 1920s. Short hike along a prairie so I would recommend some bug spray and sunscreen. The hike is maybe 1/3 of a mile on a gravel road. Once you reach the site there is some uneven terrain so it may be difficult for some disabilities. Cool stuff for the kids to see and touch like a buffalo coat and some antlers, old tools, and some other stuff. Parking can be tough on weekends so try to go on a weekday. Rangers are there to give you fun facts and help guide you through the site. Worth the stop on your way up...