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High Iron to High Adventure
When the narrow gauge railroad was built in 1880 to connect Durango with the mines of Silverton, it traversed a high alpine meadow bordering the Animas River. In the 1950s, the meadow became the site of a family-owned guest ranch known as Ah, Wilderness. The ranch owner's daughter, Judy McCausland, married Denny Beggrow in 1969. Denny took one look at the spectacular meadow in the shadow of the San Juan Mountains and visualized a world-class resort. His dream became a reality a year later, when the Beggrows opened Tall Timber Resort. In the 36 years since, Tall Timber has earned countless five-star awards, glowing reviews, and lavish praise from guests.
Over the years, the Beggrows have expanded and improved amenities, from Tall Timber's world-renowned gourmet menu to the luxurious accommodations. They added a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool, a magnificent library, and hot tubs nestled in beautiful natural settings. Guests can enjoy an ice cream sundae at an old fashioned soda fountain, go fly fishing with an expert guide, opt for a romantic mountaintop helicopter picnic, or indulge in a professional massage to the natural music of the roaring Animas River.
For Tall Timber's 36th anniversary (and the Beggrows' 37th), a brand new attraction opens the resort to day visitors for the first time. Soaring Tree Top Adventures is a high-flying ride through 180 acres of alpine forest. Guests soar 40 to 80 feet above the forest floor, tethered to overhead cables that stretch between towering Ponderosa pines, through shimmering aspen groves, across the roaring Animas River, and along one of the most spectacular canyons in Southwest Colorado.
David Harding, 47, of Boston, Massachusetts, soared with his wife and twin 12 year-old sons. "It looks a lot scarier than it is. At first, you're thinking to yourself, 'What have I got myself into?' Halfway through, you realize you're seeing the whole valley from the viewpoint of an eagle. You begin to appreciate the philosophical, spiritual experience."
Luanne Cloyd, 51, of Jacksonville, Florida, describes the experience as "phenomenal. I'm not an outdoorsy girl at all. I was afraid of heights, scared to death, but they have the best equipment, the staff is so well trained, I felt very secure."
Jay Balducci, 39, a mountain biker from Phoenix, Arizona, recalls, "The biggest surprise was that such a well engineered and fun adventure was so close to home." His favorite part is "gliding through the leaves of the fall Aspens. They're close enough to almost reach out and touch them."
Gratified by the enthusiastic response, Denny Beggrow reports, "Soaring Tree Top Adventures brings a new level of energy and adventure to Tall Timber." Just as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad once brought 19th Century miners to the San Juans in search of adventure, the train now transports modern visitors to a place few people ever see and an adventure all will be eager to share. In the words of Jay Balducci, "Soaring brings magic to your spirit."
The cost for the 4 ½ hour Soaring Tree Top Adventure, including all necessary equipment, expert Sky Ranger guides, and a gourmet lunch served high above the Animas River, is $198, plus a train ticket from Durango to and from Tall Timber.
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