Peak-to-Peak - Part 2

September 13, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

The ride south out of Estes Park to Nederland and beyond is known as the Peak-to-Peak Highway. A favorite tourist stop along the way is Lily Lake, a lovely mountain lake, nestled in a picturesque valley. It is always cool at Lily Lake. There's a picnic area, and a walking path around the lake. There's also a nice visitor center across the highway. We didn't stop this time but we did pull over at the The Old Rock Church. I've written about the Church before. This was one of the rare days when a wedding was not in progress.

Here's a bit of the story: It is actually called: The Chapel on the Rock. Monsignor Joseph Bosetti, had for years entertained an idea that one day he would build a chapel on this site. In 1916 he and two friends observed a falling meteor during the night and in his search for the remnants the next morning, he came across a large rock. The beauty of the land inspired the priest and he remembered Jesus’ words to Peter: “Upon this rock, I will build my Church.” (Matt 16:18). Msgr. Bosetti prayed for nearly 20 years to acquire the funds. During that time, he found himself in a constant battle with the Colorado Highway department which had plans to dynamite the enormous piece of granite to both widen and straighten the curve in the road. Eventually, Msgr. Bosetti won the battle and the chapel was built in 1935. Native stone was hauled in by mule carts from the surrounding area to use as building material. In 1999, Boulder County designated the chapel as a historic site.

We're glad the Monsignor was so persistent, it is a lovely place.

Time to ride again - next stop - Nederland. See part 3