A Modern Day Pioneer

When John S. Hendricks and his family first came to Gateway, Colorado in 1995 to build the family home, they were deeply moved by the beauty and history of the area, as well as by the spirit of the people who lived in this remote section of the country. Mr. Hendricks soon began the design for a sustainable, scenic-based recreation economy that could replace the area’s long-lost mining businesses.

The Past

Years of careful planning, community infrastructure and business development, and on-going teamwork – all combined to make Gateway Canyons what it is today, with much more to come. The development of Gateway Canyons has created many new permanent and seasonal jobs as well as provided needed infrastructure for the area, such as the first waste water treatment plant. With the opening of the Outpost General Store in 2005, residents and tourists alike enjoyed access to fuel, food, supplies and a “community porch.”

But Gateway Canyons is much more than economic development.

The Present

The Hendricks family places such great value on this land and community that efforts for preservation, respectful recreation and education are on-going. As Chairman of the National Forest Foundation, Mr. Hendricks is committed to promoting awareness of our natural wonders, and responsible use of the lands.

Conservation and Energy Principles

In recognition of the need to preserve the scenic landscapes and critical wildlife habits outside the small community of Gateway, Colorado, all lodging, restaurant, retail, and residential structures of the Gateway Canyons will be located within a 7,500-foot radius of the U.S. Post Office at Gateway, Colorado in conformance with the best practices of  “smart growth planning” to preserve existing open space lands.  By confining commercial and residential development to an area already impacted by humans, Gateway Canyons and the Experius Community will not encroach on existing wildlife habitats nor adversely impact the precious open-space vistas in the scenic lands outside the Gateway community.

Gateway Canyons is committed to energy conservation and its buildings have been constructed to utilize a variety of alternative and sustainable energy sources.  The Kiva Lodge and the brand new Palisade Event Center employ geothermal heating and cooling as well as solar water heating.

The Future

With the 2010 opening of Experius Academy at Gateway Canyons, educational retreats will be redefined, as leading experts from around the country share their latest news and research in lectures and workshops to limited numbers of guests. This land and the destination continue to thrive, providing an expanding gateway to adventure and enrichment.