History of Gold Lake

In the mid 1800s, Chief Niwot (or Lefthand) brought his tribe, the Southern Arapahos, up Lefthand Canyon each summer to the place now known as Gold Lake. From many vantage points one can see the flatlands and the Continental Divide and there is an abundance of water and Lodgepole Pine (used for tipi poles). This combination was highly valued by the Arapahos as it ensured awareness of animal migrations, other tribes’ movements and plentiful food.

Native lore tells us of peaceful meetings between the Arapahos, the Utes and other Native American tribes concerning the past year's events and future plans. These gatherings occurred on the peninsula known as "Inspiration Point" and drumming sessions occurred on the "Drumming Mound" just to the east. The large rock out-cropping to the south of the lake is known as "Niwot's Rock." Chief Niwot was believed to have used this spot for his Vision Quests.

In 1860 miners came to Gold Lake in search of gold and drove the Native Americans away. The Gold Lake mining district was formed in 1861. Mining Districts were commonly formed during the gold rush as a means of maintaining law and order prior to Colorado's ratification as a state. They built the dam at the southern end of the lake, established the dirt road which encircles the lake and attempted to plot the town of Gold Lake. Happily, gold was never found here and the area was left largely unspoiled.

The next phase in Gold Lake's history came with the completion of the Switzerland of America Railroad, bringing "flat landers" up the mountain and the discovery of gold in Gold Lake's neighboring town of Ward just prior to the turn of the century. Ward became a small center of commerce and the Peak to Peak highway, stretching from Nederland through Ward and on to Estes Park, became a popular tourist destination. This was the beginning of Ward's "Golden Era," but it was to be short-lived. In the early 1900s, gold fell in value and the Switzerland of America Railroad closed due to multiple floods. Since that time, Gold Lake has been through many phases: the first girls' camp in Colorado, to corporate retreat, to private club, and lastly, to its current incarnation as an upscale mountain resort and spa. We hope you enjoy Gold Lake's unique blend of past and present for many years to come!