Some of us limit sightseeing, outings and adventure to the Front Range foothills and the mountains, overlooking marvelous curiosities east of I-25.

For a new adventure, begin by heading east on E State Highway 86 (CO-86) through Franktown and beyond. First on the agenda is the Elbert County Historical Society and Museum, housed in Kiowa’s first schoolhouse. Though smallish, the displays, imagination and curation are first class. Infused with creativity and a series of dioramas about our gold rush, with a gift shop to boot, you will leave with a big smile and some neat things you had not known before. Joe Martell, who is its leader, is welcoming and congenial. The museum is open 1-4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.

Return to CO-86 and drive to the Simla turnoff further east on the highway. One mile north of town is the Bailey Saddle Shop and Museum at 20140 County Road 125. Once the home of the famous Coors Belgian draft horses, it is now a remarkable and extensive collection of saddles and many things Old West.

Visits are by appointment only and you must call ahead at 719-541-273. Guests receive personal attention from the curator himself. Arrange a time convenient to you and enjoy Don Bailey, a loquacious, iconic, nicely-grizzled cowboy and world-class yarn spinner.

Because there are more than 450 saddles displayed, the Bailey Saddle Shop is likely one of the largest, private collection of saddles in the United States. And there is an added bonus: the smell of regularly saddle-soaped leather that has a near-universal appeal of its own.

Don has a story for every saddle, as virtually all were acquired by him. He has a Civil War saddle, one from Portugal, another from Saudi Arabia and one of the very earliest side-saddles for ladies. There are the peripherals of saddle-making as well, including bits, spurs, chaps, saddle-making machines, branding irons and veterinary supplies.

And there is yet more that draws one in, especially for the baby boomer: old gas station settings, antique cars and signage that old-timers can recognize and appreciate.

Don published a book, Saddle Strings, and his profile was high enough for Denver7 to label him the “Picasso of the Plains.”

To close the entertainment loop, take Highway 24 to the southwest to the town of Calhan. Just before hitting the city limits, there is a turnoff on the left. Take it to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Little known but astonishingly colorful and nicely curated, the park offers a four-mile hike with great scenes, writ small, that can remind one of Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and the Colorado National Monument. There is no charge and the park is open dawn to dusk.

On the return, continue on Highway 24, turning north in Peyton, west in Kiowa, and back on CO-86 west and home via Founders Parkway.

For more information, visit elbertcountymuseum.org, baileysaddleshopandmuseum.com and parks.elpasoco.com/paint-mines-interpretive-park.

 

 

Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner