I can barely imagine what it must have been like for the early explorers who came upon Colorado. Perhaps, they were as awestruck as I during my late July visit.
From our first lunch at the Wynkoop Brewing Company to our last lunch at Westbound and Down in Idaho Springs, our family spent seven enjoyable days in your state.
With Keystone as our base, we hiked, biked, fished, and learned about your priceless and precious land. Though altitude sickness wore on me, it didn’t keep me from admiring majestic mountains, forests thick with evergreens and aspens, wildflowers along the banks of creeks flowing with cold, clear water, and the unexpected sighting of moose.
One afternoon, we witnessed the extremes in Colorado weather. A furious hailstorm pounded on the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway as the train crept back down the famous peak.
No matter where we ventured— steep trails, rocky creeks, pristine lakes, and assorted retailers—we were met with friendly, patient people who were always willing to answer questions and provide guidance.
On our return from Pikes Peak into Keystone, we avoided the interstates. I will never forget the grand openness and splendor of endless pasture lands that unfolded along those back roads.
Zebulon Pike once said: “May Heaven be propitious, and smile on the cause of my country.”
I hope that heaven will be propitious and continue to smile on the people of Colorado with the will to persevere and preserve their irreplaceable land.
William Avery Pike, Jr.
Richmond, Virginia
Note from author: Honored to have this letter published in the Sunday, August 10, 2025 edition of the Denver Post.
might be baloney 