The Dolores River Restoration Partnership and the Interpretive Association of Western Colorado will be highlighting the rich natural and cultural history of Western Colorado with two events on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Driggs mansion
From 1-5 p.m., the Interpretive Association will host an open house at the Driggs Mansion in Unaweep Canyon to provide a rare opportunity to see the historic mansion up close and learn the stories behind its sandstone walls.
The mansion was constructed in the early 1900s by Lawrence LaThourette Driggs. Driggs acquired the 320 acres of land through the Desert Entry Act, approved by Congress in 1877. Under the plan, landowners petitioned the General Land Office with a plan to develop and cultivate desert land. Driggs met all the petition requirements and built the mansion between 1914 and 1918.
Driggs hired local masons Nunzio Grasso, and his son, to do the work. The construction process was long and hard, as water had to be hauled from West Creek to mix the mortar. The the final construction, the mansion had six rooms and a unique archway that resembled a rock formation found nearby.
Gateway Trail
At 3 p.m., join the Dolores River Restoration Partnership at the Gateway Canyons Resort, just off 4.1 Road, to celebrate the opening of a new interpretive trail along the Dolores River. The trail features seven signs with artwork by local artist Paul Gray, and information about the region's plants, wildlife, geology, land use, history and river restoration efforts. This dedication will be followed by a guided walk along the new trail.
Directions from Whitewater, Colo.: Take Highway 141 south to Mile Marker 129.6 to reach the Driggs Mansion, which will be on your left. Continue 18.5 miles past the Gateway General Store, over the Dolores River, then take an immediate right onto 4.1 road to reach the trail head.
Gateway is home to the Gateway Canyons Resort and Auto Museum, established by Discovery Channel founder John S. Hendricks. Tourists enjoy kayaking, off-road tours, guided fly-fishing, horseback riding, and air tours. The resort hosts several running races each year and a large bike race that attracts some of the best riders from around the country.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com