FEATURED PARK

PINE VALLEY RANCH PARK

The initial 820 acres of this park were purchased in 1986 for $2.35 million.  Thwe price included $90,000 for water rights and the buildings and contents were donated to the County.  An additional 80 acres later were acquired as surplus from the Bureau of Land Management.

Pine Valley Ranch Park straddles the North Fork of the South Platte River about one mile west of Pine.  It is reached by taking US 285 southwest to Pine Junction, turning South on County 126 (Pine Valley Road) for about five miles, and turning West a the Crystal Lakes turnoff.

The main features of Pine Valley Ranch are:

• Pine Valley Lake was built in 1908 to harvest ice in the winter for shipment to Denver.  The lake now has two handicapped accessible fishing piers and is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.  The lake is open for ice skating and ice fishing in the winter.
• The North Fork of the South Platte is Denver's major conduit of Western Slope water.  The Roberts Tunnel brings about 23% of Denver's water from Lake Dillon to the North Fork.
• The Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad operated alongside the Platte until the early 1940's hauling passengers and freight to South Park and Leadville.  The railroad bed now serves as the Narrow Gauge Trail.
• Other trails loop the lake, and connect to the Pike National Forest.  More than 50 miles of trail are accessible in Pike National Forest.
• The log and native stone lodge was built in 1925 by 60 European craftsman in 90 days.  The lodge was a summer home for the William Baehr family.  In 1956 the Baehr's sold the property to a group of prominent Denverites to use as a fishing retreat.  In 1976 it then was sold to commercial interests.  A restaurant area added and the property operated as a restaurant, and retreat and conference center.  This operation was not profitable, which led to the sale to Open Space.  Open Space has replaced the lodge roof, removed the low-quality constructed  restaurant area, and restored the building exterior.  The lodge is not available for use as the heating and wiring are not up to code.  In addition the building has 17 levels which precludes any high levels of public use.  Open Space immediate plans are preservation, but any good ideas for its use will be considered.
• An observatory was built in 1937 by the Baehr's foreman.  The observatory has a revolving roof and a 6-inch telescope.  The Lookout Mountain Nature Center pro\grams about two programs a month for the observatory.
• Three picnic shelters are available for use at the park.  These are used for many weddings and family reunions during the summer.  Reservations for the shelters must be made through the Open Space Office (303-271-5925).

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