The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1876-11-08
Denver. COLORADO, Der. 21sr. 1876.

Mr.. EDIToR II started from Denver
Tuesday afternoon, Oct 10th, on journey
through the southern part of the State, with
the intention Of seeing some Of the wonders
and sights in that direction. From Denver
to Colorado Springs is seventy-six miles by
the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, mar
gauge thoroughfare. For great por-
ton of the distance the road lies along a
pleasant country up the Platte river and
Plum Creek, across the Divide, the watershed
of the Arkansas and Platte rivers, north and
south. The grade is very heavy to the sum-
1 NIT Of the Divide, nearly three thousand feet
above Denver, and eight thousand feet above
the sea. On the southern slope the descent
is rapid, and the country changes from rug
| ged hills, covered with pine forests, to level
and interesting expanse of prairie, sloping
from the east towards the foothills. Taken
as whole, this trip from Denver south, af-
fords much that is picturesque and satisfying
to the tourist, curiosity seeker or the invalid.
/ stopped at Colorado Springs two days and
was much pleased with the place. 1t has a
population of about 5000. The streets arc
wide and lined with shade trees. Over seven
| thousand have been planted at an expense
Of six thousand dollars. 1t is a temperance
city not a bar to be found where liquors are
sold, provision being made in every deed
against the internal business. Standing here
in the streets you have grand view of Pixies
Peak, Cheyenne Mountains, while beyond and
higher up rise innumerable peaks namelcss
oh
of this scene arc never tiresome, and the
longer they are dwelt upon the more fascinat-
ing do they become. Five miles away we
find Maniton. They call this place the Saratoga
of Colorado, because there are waters here
that carry soda and mineral properties. 1t is
q desirable sojourning place for one with
weak lungs and debilitated constitution, for
the air builds up the one and the water regu-
lates the other.
The reputation of the springs at Maniton
has spread to a national renown, and the
waters are sought by people far and near, for
the healing of various ailments. They extend
along beautiful creek which runs through
this valley and are of various character, soda
and iron. Some of them bubble out upon the
banks of the creek and discharge their heal
ing water into the stream, while others are at
tho very edge of the creek. Since the spot
has become resort, some of the springs have
been nailed up and made very attractive.
Rustic bridges have been thrown across the
creek and delightful walks laid out. In short
this locality appC ans to be a sanitarium where
the afflicted may come and battle in or drink
of the healing waters. Within easy walking
distance from Maniton, is the Ute Pass,
through which travel to the South Park
passes from this vicinity. 1t is romantic
spot, and winding amongst the rocks presents
a multitude of attractions. Only short dis
lance up are the Ute falls, where splendid
descent is made in an unbroken sheet of fifty
or sixty feet. The roadway runs close to the
edge of the precipice, below which flows the
creek. On the other hand the rocks tower
above to an immense height. After seeing all
the great sights Of this vicinity, proceeded
with my friends toward the Garden of the
Gods The garden consists of tract of land
of a little less than five hundred acres in ex-
tent hemmed in by mountains ON the west
and north, bordered by ravines on the south,
and old red sandstone rocks on the east, which
shuts it out from the plains. The chief point
of attraction is the Beautiful Gate that opens
into the garden proper, and through which is
seen one Of the most magnificent sights man
ever beheld. The opening is perhaps fifty
feet in width on either side stand high piles
of sand stone, rising over them a hundred feet
;1,t, IN, Ia of nil
thirty feet in height, and way beyond stands
Pixies Peak, with here and there bank of
snow upon its cold grey sides. There is
scarcely limit to the changing scenes, caused
by every turn amongst the curious rocks.
1t is drive of several miles from Maniton
to Cheyenne Canon, across a fine section of
farming land. The roadway takes us to the
mouth of the canon, and leaving our horses
there we made the remainder of the distance
afoot 1t is nearly three miles to the point
we wish to reach. The trail--such as it is
leads through tangled underbrush on each
side of the little stream, which dashes and
foams and makes music between the granite
walls. Two miles and half of hard climb
ing and the war of the cataract suddenly
bursts upon our ears, the warning grows loud
and louder, as we stumble on painting for
breath, when suddenly we emerge into
chamber, over a ledge, on one side of which
a sparkling sheet of water tumbles,. full forty
feet or more in three different falls. There
is trail up the mountain side just below the
falls, by means of which we can ascend to
the bench above the cataract, and climbing
farther up, we have opened to our view
succession Of falls seven in all, rising one
above the other at almost regular intervals
Here we hang over q high rock gazing in the
canon below and try TO hold some CONVERSE
tion with party at the base of the falls, but
the distance is too great. We find it much
easier to descend the mountain than to as
cend, as you can roll down if you choose to
run the risk of doing SO. Our party, however,
were all fortunate to get back to our carriage
in safety, and feeling that we had been amply
repaid for orr trouble, we proceeded back to
Colorado Springs.
The next day bidding adieu to my travelling
/ . o. IT.. fx.l--