Wanderlust (Room 530)

Jan 1
6 min read

How to get to Wanderlust

Wanderlust is my ultimate favorite way to ski to Peak 6. The entrance is hidden behind Pioneer Crossing. It can be really difficult for snowboarders who ride defensively and can’t hold their speed because the narrow path in between the trees does flatten out quite a bit. It’s probably the best traverse on the mountain because it’s not boring, really beautiful, and a little more challanging than a simple flat catwalk. I don’t know how it was named, but it’s fitting.

Ski resort trail map showing various ski runs in blue, black, and red lines through mountainous terrain with tree symbols, names, and symbols. — *Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 6 and 7*

The original people and their homes

Before there was Breckenridge there were the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ peoples (Ute Mountain Ute Tribe), one of the three recognized Ute tribes, along with neighboring Navajo Nation and Southern Ute Tribe. As the Ute people expanded across the Great Basin, they were connected to each other by the Southern Numic language, a division of the Uto-Aztecan language family.

Much of what we know about Colorado today is due to the knowledge of the indigenous people of the area. The mountains you see today, called the “Shining Mountains,” were home to the native Ute people for more than 8,000 years and is one of the few tribes without a migration story. The state of Utah was named after the Ute tribe, who migrated seasonally through the Rockies, following game such as bison and searching for plants to harvest. One of the infamous Colorado trees, lodgepole pines, were used to make poles for their lodges, hence “lodgepole.” They were known throughout history to be excellent horsemen and friendly to settlers in Colorado, but were driven out due to pollution in the Blue River that decreased the game in the area. Dredging of the area for the mining industry caused the pollution, leading naturalist Edwin Carter to think that it was driving species to the brink of extinction.

There is very limited photographic evidence available (at least in public archives) of Ute presence in Breckenridge due to the destruction of land and overall decline in flora and fauna by the time the camera was invented. There is also sometimes uncertainty which of the exact Ute tribes the photo represents. Many of the photos you’ll see in this gallery are of their homes from other parts of Colorado, but it’s still important to highlight the tribes existence in this area. You can read more about the Ute Tribe here and here.

Teepees set on an open plain with a few structures in distance. Overcast sky, no visible people. Monochrome scene suggests historical context. — **Ute:** View of a Native American Ute camp, Platte river bottoms, later Denver, Colorado, shows tepees, horses and tripods with war shields, clothing and bedding. *Original creator: 1874; Unidentified. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-30649.*

Man with long hair stands beside a horse in a rural, wooded setting. Sparse vegetation and large trees in the background. Black and white image. — **Ute indian abodes:** A young Native American (Ute) stands next to a horse and holds a saddle in one hand. A shelter, made of tree boughs arranged like a tepee, a wickiup, is behind him. *Original creator: [1880–1900?]; Unidentified. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-30353.*

A woman stands beside a donkey carrying a child in a woven hat. The setting is rural, with a tent and trees in the background. — **Garden of the Gods, Ignacio or southern Ute:** A Native American woman (Ute) stands holding a cradleboard with a tightly secured baby, Garden of the Gods, Colorado. A bonnet protects the baby’s head; the board is made of a branch doubled back on itself and bound by a stretched animal skin. *Original creator: 1911; Unidentified. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-30360.*

Person stands on a rock wearing a feathered headdress, looking into the distance. Vast sky and hills form the background, evoking a serene mood. — **Garden of the Gods — Ignacio or southern Ute:** A Native American man poses atop a rock at Garden of the Gods, Colorado, and shields his eyes with his right hand. He wears moccasins, beaded leggings, a loose shirt, a beaded vest, a breechcloth, and a feathered headdress. Original creator: 1911; Unidentified. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-30368.

Woman kneeling and weaving outdoors near a rustic wooden structure with two goats nearby. She appears content in the sunny, rural setting. — **Towee making biscuits in summer house:** A Native American Ute woman, identified as Towee, wife of Buckskin Charlie, sits making biscuits near a frame building. Her cooking fire, utensils, and two dogs are around her. Hand-written on back: “Squaw of Buckskin Charlie, Ute Chief, making biscuits in summer house.” Original creator: 1900–1920?; Unidentified. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-30641.

A person sits at the entrance of a tipi in an open field with mountains in the background, creating a serene and solitary mood. — **Early morning:** Outdoors portrait (crouching), Native American woman near a tepee, old Zoo Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado; a metal pan and blanket are on either side of entrance; she wears print dress and blanket shawl. Original creator: 1906; Poley, H. S. (Horace Swartley). Denver Public Library Special Collections, P-62.

A modern touch

At Wedgewood Lodge, we want to give you a distinctive look into the past history of Breckenridge. Each photo in your historical gallery is unique to your stay and took countless hours to curate. There are stories to tell about Breckenridge and Summit County today as well, and the following photos have been shot by Julia Anna Moore.

Winter 2010

From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?

Aerial black-and-white image of a mountainous landscape with valleys and ridges. Snowy peaks are visible, creating a dramatic contrast. — From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?

Summer 2020

In the midst of the pandemic, historic wildfires hit the state of Colorado. Most of my photos during my short walk on Boreas Pass had a hazy red undertone, representative of how my lungs felt even just going a short distance. The air quality was terrible, I’m surprised you could even see these mountains at all.

Tall evergreen trees frame a distant mountain range under a hazy sky, creating a tranquil and serene natural landscape. — Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.

Tall evergreen trees frame a distant mountain under a clear sky. The scene conveys a tranquil, natural atmosphere. No text visible. — Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.

Distant mountains against a hazy, pinkish sky with dark pine trees in the foreground, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Purple flowers with yellow centers bloom in a garden. Green leaves and more blurred flowers are in the background, creating a serene mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Bird perched on evergreen branch against a cloudy sky. The scene is serene, with muted greens and soft light, creating a peaceful mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Chipmunk perched on a fallen log, nibbling something in a sunlit forest. Background is blurred with green and yellow foliage. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Hazy mountain view with a forest of tall, slender trees in the foreground under a soft, muted sky, evoking a serene mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Summer 2022

Storms in Summit County roll in like clock work during the summertime, so you better do all your fun outdoor activities before lunch. Sometimes the rain blows over quickly, sometimes it lasts until sunset, creating a beautiful pattern in the sky.

Mountain peak bathed in orange sunset light under dramatic clouds. Dark foreground contrasts with vibrant sky, creating a serene mood. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

Orange and gray clouds fill the sky during sunset, creating a dramatic and serene atmosphere. No text visible. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

Moon in a twilight sky with dark clouds and hints of pink and blue, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

The mountains below are some of the same mountains you saw in some of my above photos from the 2020 wildfires. Notice the clarity in the air as the sun sets, lighting the mountains up with alpenglow. 2022 was a very wet year, a large contrast from the year of COVID-19.

Mountain landscape at sunset with snow-dusted peaks and pine trees in the foreground. Dramatic orange and pink clouds fill the sky. — A panoramic view of the White River National Forest.

Autumn 2022

A small snowstorm turned the peaks white in September, and I ran out of my front door to get the clouds leaving the mountains as the sky cleared. The excitement of ski season set in.

Snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky, surrounded by dense green forests. Yellow foliage in the foreground adds a touch of autumn. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Snowy mountain peak behind lush, autumn-colored forest with yellow and green trees. Overcast sky adds a serene, tranquil mood. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Snow-capped mountain under cloudy sky, surrounded by autumn-colored hills with scattered trees. A tranquil, scenic landscape. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Winter 2022

The picturesque Hoosier Pass in dark greens and grays as snow falls, creating yet another perfect powder day for Summit County.

Snowy cabin surrounded by tall pines, with a parked SUV in front. Overcast skies create a serene, wintry mood. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Foggy forest landscape with tall evergreen trees. The background is misty, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. No visible text. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Winter 2023

A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. The alpenglow lit up the mountains before the sun sank behind the mountains creating a hazy blanket of darkness over White River National Forest.

Loveland Pass is the perfect place to take in the view, just be sure that you have 4WD if it’s been snowing and park off the road in the parking lot.

Snowy mountain range at sunrise with purple and pink clouds, highlighting the peak. Forested lower slopes add contrast. Serene mood. — A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass

Snow-covered mountain with evergreen trees, a ski lift, and a small building at the peak. The sky is clear, creating a serene atmosphere. — Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin

Snow-covered mountain peak with a forest below, bathed in warm sunset light. Clear blue sky above, creating a tranquil and majestic scene. — Strings of alpenglow touch the Continental Divide

Snowy mountains with a sign reading "White River National Forest" in the foreground. Overcast sky and serene, wintry landscape. — The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.

During the storm you see below in Summit, conditions were windy, rough, and cold. While most people chose to stay in, I ran up the mountain with my camera.

Want to take a piece of Summit County home with you? We will ship any of the prints from Julia’s gallery straight to your house. We offer different sizes and framing options. Reach out here.