Colorado Experience is the premier documentary series at Rocky Mountain PBS dedicated to preserving and celebrating Colorado history. This Emmy award-winning series explores the people, places and events that have shaped the state, and even the nation.
Glenwood Canyon Highway
Initially fraught with controversy and opposition, the Glenwood Canyon Highway is one of the most scenic highways in the United States. In collaboration with a citizen advisory committee and the use of context sensitive design, the Glenwood Canyon Highway was completed in 1992, and remains an architectural and engineering feat.
The Fairy Caves
Descend into the magical Fairy Caves - dubbed “The 8th Wonder of the World.” Hidden inside Glenwood Spring’s Iron Mountain, this living cave network inspires awe. but the caverns were nearly lost to time and were closer for over 80 years - until an engineer who happened to be a caver had a vision of how to return the magic to this fantastical place.
Wall Street of the West
As the New York Stock Exchange grew, powerbrokers turned westward to develop the next financial empire. But to attract investors, Denver had to be come more than a rag-tag western town. Despite enduring floods, fires, war and financial disaster, Denverites found a way to survive and compete. The resurgent new city built a financial district that propelled it to become the “Wall Street of the West.”
Auraria
In the late 1850s, prospects of gold lured miners to the intersection of the Platte River & Cherry Creek. It was here that Auraria, later to become “West Denver,” was born. Explore the origins of Denver through its oldest neighborhood and see how this culturally-rich community fought against urban renewal and is now home to several historic buildings and a thriving campus of opportunity.
The Redstone Castle
Built by John C. Osgood, the “Fuel King of the West,” this “Ruby of the Rockies” represents the styles and social culture of 20th century American elite. This castle stands as a monument to the empire built by one of Colorado’s most successful entrepreneurs and represents a change in social policy with labor management relations. Wander through the extravagant halls of the Redstone Castle and learn of its struggle for survival through multiple owners and a flirtation with demolition.
The Brown Palace Hotel
Check in to Denver’s “Oasis of Elegance,” the Brown Palace Hotel. As Denver’s longest operating hotel, this “Palace,” was an engineering marvel for its time and today serves as a time capsule in the heart of downtown Denver; attracting many colorful, powerful and famous guests through its past. Explore the halls that have hosted cultural icons, and discover the secrets intertwined in the history of this magnificent hotel.