The Historic Crags Lodge at Golden Eagle Resort

Crags first opened its doors on July 4, 1914, making it the third oldest lodge in Estes Park. It was built by Enoch “Joe” Mills, a published author, photographer, lecturer, English professor and football coach at the University of Colorado.

Joe had a profound appreciation for Estes Park and the surrounding area. He and his brother Enos played an important role in establishing Rocky Mountain National Park. Born in 1880, he made his first trip to Estes Park alone, at the age of sixteen. The boy’s response to first seeing the Estes Valley, was “Before me loomed the Rockies, strangely unreal in the moonlight and yet very like the mountains of my imagination. I gazed spellbound. My dream was realized.”

At the young age of 34, Joe and his wife Ethel built their dream on the north shoulder of Prospect Mountain. They named their dream The Crags Lodge because of the “craggy” like rocks that make up the side of the mountain. He and Ethel opened their doors to anyone who needed a place to sleep and a hot meal. With an ease that seemed inherent to them, Joe and Ethel surrounded their guests with hospitality. Many famous people, including Robert Frost, have been inspired by their stay at The Crags Lodge.

The Ceremony and Reception

The wedding ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday October 18, 2008 and will be held outdoors at The Crags Lodge, weather permitting. If inclement weather arises, the ceremony will be moved indoors to The View Restaurant. The ceremony is expected to last approximately one hour.

Those guests who do not need to stay for the bride and groom family photo session may proceed to The View Restaurant for an appetizer cocktail hour. The reception will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. The celebration will continue with music, dancing, toasts, dessert, more dancing, etc. The reception will conclude at 10:00 p.m.