The Old Spanish Trail and the Gunnison River Bluffs, Grand Junction Colorado

News & Updates - September, 2011

Orchard Mesa Old Spanish Trail Recognized
by National Park Service

A 7-mile-long section of a public trail from Whitewater to Orchard Mesa has been designated as an official Retracement Route on the Old Spanish Trail by the National Park Service.

Previously, this trail, long known to the local public as the Old Spanish Trail, had only been officially identified as a “symbolic” portion of the North Branch of the trail. There has been some confusion and inconsistency where segments of the trail actually existed, according to Sonny Shelton, historian of the North Branch Chapter of the Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA).

“Due to work of Bill Chenoweth, Earl Heusser, Jack Nelson, the late James Robb, and others in the early 1990s we knew the Old Spanish Trail came through Mesa County, but the exact course wasn’t completely researched,” she said. The trail originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico and ended near Los Angeles, California; it followed trails created by Native Americans and was heavily utilized in the early 1800s as a route for traders, fur trappers, and explorers.

Shelton and Vicki Felmlee, a member of OSTA, began to research the 7 mile section of the trail almost a year ago. “Mesa County along with the NPS, formed a task force to make some plans about this section, and the question of the historical meaning of the trail really came to the forefront during those meetings,” Felmlee said. “There wasn’t any doubt in our minds that this section was the one actually used, but it became apparent we needed to get the research down.”

Utilizing documents that Shelton found in Moab, Utah, as well as data supplied by the Colorado Department of Transportation, a report, “Supporting the case for recognizing the 7-Mile Section from Whitewater or Orchard Mesa in Mesa County as an official part of the Old Spanish Trail – Northern Branch,” was submitted to the National Park Service in March of this year.

In August, Aaron Mahr, Superintendent of the NPS in Santa Fe, NM, agreed that the report justified the designation as a retracement route, which “creates and enhances the historical/educational/recreational experience for visitors.” There may be possibilities for technical assistance as well as help with funding and designing improved signage for the area and the usage of the official Old Spanish Trail logo, he said.

Steve Burns, Landscape Architect with the National Park Service in Santa Fe, NM, stated that this section of the trail “represents the pinnacle of projects for retracement routes of a National Historic Trail.” The National Park Service, along with the Bureau of Land Management, administers the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.

Reba Wells Grandrud, President of the National Old Spanish Trail Association, said, "The National Board of the Old Spanish Trail Association is pleased with this recognition, and so proud of the North Branch Chapter. This is a far-sighted group of volunteers who, many years ago, realized the importance of this historic transportation corridor and worked successfully to get it designated as the nation's fifteenth National Historic Trail."

“This is a huge achievement,” Shelton said. “It will help to clear up some errors and inconsistencies related to this segment and really gives us a shot in the arm toward protecting this area. We want to continue to research this trail and provide accurate and valid information to the public.”

Felmlee added, “We owe a lot to our community, especially the early members of OSTA who recognized the trail came through Mesa County. They did a lot of early research, most significantly on the Crossing of the Grand (Colorado) River. Some of the research Sonny and I are doing is a result of the renewed interest in the trail nationally and the fact that so much is available from the national organization.”

Free Trail Stewardship Training Scheduled in Montrose
Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2011

This is an excellent opportunity to help monitor our Old Spanish Trail and to preserve it for future generations. Click here for more and how to register!

Preserving a Hidden Gem
Draft report outlines possible future plans for the Old Spanish Trail/
Gunnison River Bluffs area.
Deadling is Sept. 16

Less than 10 minutes from downtown Grand Junction lays a scenic and historic recreational resource that few people in Mesa County are aware of. The Sister Trails and surrounding countryside offer an easily accessible outdoor escape to hikers, bikers and horseback riders in the Grand Valley.

In recent years, locals have been asking what the future holds for this great outdoor resource. Development on Orchard Mesa is coming ever closer to the Gunnison River Bluffs and Old Spanish Trails, and efforts have begun to plan for the area’s future.

In 2010, several organizations and individuals created a task force to assess the resources in the area, and look at options for future management of the trails and surrounding public lands. The group’s open meetings included local involvement from: neighborhood groups, history buffs, area businesses, natural resources and youth organizations, interested citizens, as well as local, state and federal agencies.

Throughout the year, they held several meetings, a public open house and a trails cleanup day. The task force has now put together a draft report on the future management of the Sister Trails area. The public is invited to review or download the DRAFT plan by clicking here. Reviewers can also leave a comment on the Draft Page site.


		News & Updates - September, 2011 Orchard Mesa Old Spanish Trail Recognized by National Park Service A 7-mile-long section of a public trail from Whitewater to Orchard Mesa has been designated as an official Retracement Route on the Old Spanish Trail by the National Park Service. Previously, this trail, long known to the local public as the Old Spanish Trail, had only been officially identified as a “symbolic” portion of the North Branch of the trail. There has been some confusion and inconsistency where segments of the trail actually existed, according to Sonny Shelton, historian of the North Branch Chapter of the Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA). “Due to work of Bill Chenoweth, Earl Heusser, Jack Nelson, the late James Robb, and others in the early 1990s we knew the Old Spanish Trail came through Mesa County, but the exact course wasn’t completely researched,” she said. The trail originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico and ended near Los Angeles, California; it followed trails created by Native Americans and was heavily utilized in the early 1800s as a route for traders, fur trappers, and explorers. Shelton and Vicki Felmlee, a member of OSTA, began to research the 7 mile section of the trail almost a year ago. “Mesa County along with the NPS, formed a task force to make some plans about this section, and the question of the historical meaning of the trail really came to the forefront during those meetings,” Felmlee said. “There wasn’t any doubt in our minds that this section was the one actually used, but it became apparent we needed to get the research down.” Utilizing documents that Shelton found in Moab, Utah, as well as data supplied by the Colorado Department of Transportation, a report, “Supporting the case for recognizing the 7-Mile Section from Whitewater or Orchard Mesa in Mesa County as an official part of the Old Spanish Trail – Northern Branch,” was submitted to the National Park Service in March of this year. In August, Aaron Mahr, Superintendent of the NPS in Santa Fe, NM, agreed that the report justified the designation as a retracement route, which “creates and enhances the historical/educational/recreational experience for visitors.” There may be possibilities for technical assistance as well as help with funding and designing improved signage for the area and the usage of the official Old Spanish Trail logo, he said. Steve Burns, Landscape Architect with the National Park Service in Santa Fe, NM, stated that this section of the trail “represents the pinnacle of projects for retracement routes of a National Historic Trail.” The National Park Service, along with the Bureau of Land Management, administers the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Reba Wells Grandrud, President of the National Old Spanish Trail Association, said, "The National Board of the Old Spanish Trail Association is pleased with this recognition, and so proud of the North Branch Chapter. This is a far-sighted group of volunteers who, many years ago, realized the importance of this historic transportation corridor and worked successfully to get it designated as the nation's fifteenth National Historic Trail." “This is a huge achievement,” Shelton said. “It will help to clear up some errors and inconsistencies related to this segment and really gives us a shot in the arm toward protecting this area. We want to continue to research this trail and provide accurate and valid information to the public.” Felmlee added, “We owe a lot to our community, especially the early members of OSTA who recognized the trail came through Mesa County. They did a lot of early research, most significantly on the Crossing of the Grand (Colorado) River. Some of the research Sonny and I are doing is a result of the renewed interest in the trail nationally and the fact that so much is available from the national organization.” Free Trail Stewardship Training Scheduled in Montrose Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2011 This is an excellent opportunity to help monitor our Old Spanish Trail and to preserve it for future generations. Click here for more and how to register! Preserving a Hidden Gem Draft report outlines possible future plans for the Old Spanish Trail/ Gunnison River Bluffs area. Deadling is Sept. 16 Less than 10 minutes from downtown Grand Junction lays a scenic and historic recreational resource that few people in Mesa County are aware of. The Sister Trails and surrounding countryside offer an easily accessible outdoor escape to hikers, bikers and horseback riders in the Grand Valley. In recent years, locals have been asking what the future holds for this great outdoor resource. Development on Orchard Mesa is coming ever closer to the Gunnison River Bluffs and Old Spanish Trails, and efforts have begun to plan for the area’s future. In 2010, several organizations and individuals created a task force to assess the resources in the area, and look at options for future management of the trails and surrounding public lands. The group’s open meetings included local involvement from: neighborhood groups, history buffs, area businesses, natural resources and youth organizations, interested citizens, as well as local, state and federal agencies. Throughout the year, they held several meetings, a public open house and a trails cleanup day. The task force has now put together a draft report on the future management of the Sister Trails area. The public is invited to review or download the DRAFT plan by clicking here. Reviewers can also leave a comment on the Draft Page site.