By night, the newly remodeled riverside amphitheater at State Bridge casts a festival vibe complete with live music, light shows and a quiver of sparkling hula hoops. By day, though, it’s all about outdoor adventure.
Harkening back to its roots as a hunting and fishing destination reportedly visited by President Teddy Roosevelt, the arson-afflicted lodge on the banks of the Colorado River north of Wolcott has embarked on a new era of outdoor exploration to complement its refurbished, open-air ambiance. New owners have partnered with Gore Range Expeditions to create a stand-up paddle (SUP) surfing hub on the learner-friendly riffles of the “Upper C,” as well as offering guided trips along with a raft rental outlet. There’s also ample opportunity to wet a line while float-fishing the 4-mile stretch from Rancho del Rio to the Colorado 131 bridge.
A new lease agreement for camping on nearby BLM property adds to the festival scene on music weekends (pretty much all summer), and visitors renting one of the 11 yurts or six riverside cabins can expect to be kept up late until the summer social calendar closes. But come the quiet season, the plan is to rent to hunters and fishermen who aren’t above sleeping in beds.
The new amphitheater and adventure center is located along the Colorado River on Colorado 131, 14 miles north of Wolcott. For more information, visit .
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
