July’s top headlines: The latest wolf activity map, Carbondale-to-Crested-Butte Trail
Jonathan Bowers/The Aspen Times
Stories in this list received the most page views on AspenTimes.com from July 1-July 31.
1. Colorado’s July wolf activity map includes update on hazing rumors, wolf pups
Colorado’s collared wolves largely remained in Routt, Grand, Summit, and Jackson counties and somewhat withdrew from some areas like Eagle County over the past month, according to a map released by CPW on Wednesday.
The map, posted on the agency’s website, uses Colorado watershed boundaries to indicate where wolves have been detected and reflects movements from June 25 through July 23.
—Elliott Wenzler
2. Hikers accidentally activate emergency device on Capitol Creek trail, deploys Mountain Rescue Aspen search crew
Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) responded to two hikers who accidentally activated a SPOT emergency device requesting help Thursday.
At about 6:49 p.m., the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a phone call from a concerned family member that two hikers were in need of immediate emergency assistance near the Capitol Creek Campground. They said the hikers activated a SPOT emergency device five times requesting help.
—Aspen Times staff
3. Grazing cattle, stomping seeds, and dung fertilizer: Carbondale rancher hearkens back old days with regenerative farming practices
The sun beat down over a windless, open pasture. The temperature was over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But even under the relentless sun with no shade for hundreds of feet, the temperature was bearable, cool even.
The secret: Felix Tornare’s regenerative farming practices.
—Beau Toepfer
4. Road to recovery: Aspen mountain biker Annabelle Francis back in gym after major fall
A leaking pancreas hasn’t stopped Annabelle Francis from getting back to the gym.
On June 21, the venerable 17-year-old Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC) athlete suffered a bad injury after crashing on her bike while preparing for the Northwest Cup in Tamarac, Idaho. The aftermath included a two-week stay in a Boise hospital.
—Beau Toepfer
5. Western Slope grocery stores would be sold under proposed Kroger, Albertsons merger
Kroger and Albertsons announced on Tuesday a list of 91 Colorado stores, including several on the Western Slope, that they would sell if a merger between the two is approved by regulators.
The two grocery giants announced their $25 billion merger in 2022 but have faced roadblocks since then.
—Elliott Wenzler
6. Excitement palpable for new Carbondale-to-Crested-Butte-Trail portion, yet some unanswered questions remain
The White River National Forest has finalized its decision, granting Pitkin County the authority to construct and maintain the Redstone to McClure Pass Trail across National Forest System land. This decision covers approximately five miles of trail that traverse protected lands.
Acting White River National Forest Supervisor Heather Noel highlighted the trail’s benefits.
—Westley Crouch
7. New group forms to support Aspen airport improvements
A group of Roaring Fork Valley residents, climate-change advocates, elected officials and more have begun a new coalition that supports making improvements at the Aspen airport.
Called The Community Coalition for a 21st Century Airport, the group said it “stands at the brink of a transformative moment, with the potential to create an airport that epitomizes safety, financial sustainability, and accessibility to commercial flights, not just private jets.”
—Westley Crouch
8. Snowmass explores bridge, gondola, escalator to connect Snowmass Center, Base Village
Snowmass Village wants to make navigating the town more intuitive.
A “menu of improvements” recently presented by town staff includes improving wayfinding by potentially adding new signage or ground art. The effort, aiming to connect Snowmass Center to Base Village, could also include new sidewalks and enhanced crosswalks to maintain continuous and safe connections between the two major hubs.
—Lucy Peterson
9. ‘No community appetite’ for Snowmass Club redevelopment
A new proposal to add affordable housing, free-market units, and other amenities to the private Snowmass Club did not gain traction during a joint meeting with the Snowmass Village Town Council and planning commission.
Snowmass Club owner Eric Witmondt introduced a pre-sketch application of a redevelopment of the Snowmass Club that would add 60 units of affordable housing, five single-family “free market attainable” homes, new tennis and pickleball courts, and more. While the 60 units of affordable housing were favorable, council members, commissioners, and members of the public who filled the council chambers Monday did not see the larger community benefit in developing the private club.
—Lucy Peterson
10. Angelo’s: Classic dishes and modern upgrades at newly reopened Aspen eatery
Since 2021, Aspen Hospitality Group has found success with a straightforward business plan that entails buying established local restaurants while keeping the name, culinary concept, and majority of the staff intact.
First, the group acquired Duemani at 216 S. Monarch St. and Acquolina at 415 E. Main St. in a two-restaurant deal. Then in the spring of 2024, they added Casa D’Angelo at 105 Mill St. to their portfolio, which reopened as the newly conceived Angelo’s in June.
—Sarah Girgis
Aspen hotels up their culinary offerings
Aspen’s culinary scene is heating up this winter. In addition to the many extraordinary local chefs and restaurants that make this town a foodie destination, three Aspen hotels offer diners more diverse options by inviting visiting chefs into their kitchens.
Aspen local charged with poaching bull moose in Upper Fryingpan Valley
He said exhaustion and the desire to return home with meat clouded his judgment.
