COLORADO EXPERIENCE - SEASON 11
Back for another epic season, Colorado Experience Season 11 premieres this fall with eight new episodes! Each episode tells a unique story from Colorado's history, offering fresh perspectives that foster a deeper sense of connection among Coloradans. Season 11 premieres September 26 at 7 p.m. on Rocky Mountain PBS. New episodes will drop every Thursday on rmpbs.org and our YouTube. Keep scrolling to check out the lineup for this season.
Watch the Season 11 Trailer
Uncovering Dearfield - 9.26.24
This episode uncovers the history of Dearfield, a once-thriving African American settlement founded in 1920 during the Great Migration. Situated on the arid plains east of Greeley, Dearfield was more than a community; it was a dream of prosperity and autonomy for Black settlers seeking refuge from the racial tensions of the South. This episode traces the rise and decline of this pioneering town, and how the Dearfield Preservation Committee is working to keep the memory and lessons from Dearfield alive.
100 years later, this is what is left of the town of Dearfield, Colorado.
The Ute Water Legacy - 10.3.24
This episode dives into the pivotal history of the Ute Water Settlement, a landmark water agreement affecting the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes. Spanning several decades of negotiations, we take an in-depth look at the complex interplay of water rights, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship in the arid West. After years of legal battles, the 1988 Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, finally recognized the tribes’ rights to a large portion of the water from the Colorado River and its tributaries but wasn’t all the Tribes hoped for as water becomes increasingly scarce.
Lake Nighthorse, near Durango, was built to fulfill water rights for both Colorado Ute Tribes.
Weapons to Wildlife - 10.10.24
This episode reveals the remarkable transformation of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal from a chemical site to a thriving sanctuary for wildlife. The arsenal’s history reflects changing ideals and priorities for Americans throughout the 20th century. We explore the arsenal’s role in producing chemical weapons during WWII and hosting pesticide production for 30 years until becoming one of the country’s first Superfund sites. After years of cleanup and remediation, now more than 330 species of animals including bison, bald eagles and black-footed ferrets call this place home.
The Ski Train - 10.17.24
In this episode, we delve into the history of the Winter Park Express, a beloved ski train that carves its way from Denver through Colorado’s mountains to the ski slopes. The first riders of the ski train were 100 years ago as Denverites ached for that fresh powder and easy access to it. After the train was discontinued from 2009 to 2017, it has gained more and more popularity offering travelers a different option to the high country as opposed to the driving headaches of I-70. This episode captures the romance and adventure of a unique rail experience and its legacy in the heart of ski country.
The Ski Train goes through the more than six-mile long Moffat tunnel before arriving in Winter Park.
Gothic's Outdoor Science Lab - 10.24.24
This episode ventures into the heart of the Colorado Rockies to explore the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), a hub of scientific research and ecological study since 1928. Nestled in the Gothic Valley, this unique laboratory has facilitated groundbreaking research on environmental and biological processes at high altitudes. In this episode, we highlight key discoveries made at RMBL, including important insights into climate change, wildlife behavior and plant ecology.
Return of the Wolf - 10.31.24
This special one-hour episode takes a deep look into the relationship between humans and wolves in Colorado, tracing their history from when they occupied wild lands across the country to their near eradication in the 1940s. Fast forward to today where we examined the controversial and groundbreaking ballot decision to reintroduce wolves to the landscape. Viewers will hear from biologists, ranchers, conservations and learn the complexities and emotions that come with every set of new paws on the ground.
Saving Hartman Castle - 11.7.24
This episode explores the intriguing history of Hartman Castle, located in Gunnison. Constructed in the early 20th century by Alonzo Hartman, this unique structure is a testament to the eclectic and often eccentric architectural movements of the period. The magnificent mansion has also become a local landmark for the town of Gunnison as a passionate group of people work to preserve it and pursue a historic landmark status.
Palisade Peaches - 11.14.24
Save the sweetest episode for last. Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Grand Valley, Palisade is synonymous with peaches. This episode explores the more than 150 years of peach growing in this unique valley where its conditions make for the perfect sweet peach. Through interviews with local farmers, migrant workers, and community members, we trace the journey of three orchards as they work to produce the best peaches of the season.
Meet the Team
Chase McCleary
Multimedia Journalist
Episodes worked on: Gothic’s Outdoor Science Lab, The Ute Water Legacy
“It’s a tough one to pick, but my favorite part was probably skiing into snow-covered Gothic to film at the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab and potlucking with all the Marmoteers before the city opened up.”
Joshua Vorse
Western Slope Multimedia Journalist
Episodes worked on: Palisade Peaches
“In early May, I got up at 3 a.m. to tag along as one Palisade farmer went from orchard to orchard, turning on wind machines and lighting propane heaters to protect her crop from a late freeze. Sunrise over the Palisade Rim Trail was a welcome sight, and all it made for a memorable shoot.”
Amanda Horvath
Managing Producer
Episodes worked on: Weapons to Wildlife, Return of the Wolf, Palisade Peaches
“One of my favorite parts of working on this season was all the different people I met, especially with the Return of the Wolf episode. I spoke to people with very different opinions on wolves but having the chance to connect with them all was incredibly special.”
Peter Vo
Multimedia Journalist
Episodes worked on: The Ski Train, Weapons to Wildlife, Gothic’s Outdoor Science Lab, Return of the Wolf
“The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. It was a privilege to document the important work being done here, but also look around and be able to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife that shared the space with us.”
Alexis Kikoen
Executive Producer
Episodes worked on: Uncovering Dearfield, The Ute Water Legacy, Weapons to Wildlife, The Ski Train, Gothic’s Outdoor Science Lab, Return of the Wolf, Saving Hartman Castle, Palisade Peaches
“For The Ski Train we had the opportunity to ride and film the train 3 separate times. The views as we traversed through the mountains never got old, and then we got to film the action up at Winter Park! Getting to know Brad the Conductor was such a highlight of the season.”
Jeremy Moore
Senior Production Manager
Episodes worked on: Uncovering Dearfield, The Ute Water Legacy, The Ski Train, Return of the Wolf, Saving Hartman Castle
“As I waited for a time-lapse recording of Hartman Castle, I pulled out my phone to get footage of an aspen-lined walkway. A pair of small donkeys stopped me. They seemed determined to make contact as I began to back away. Although they likely wanted me to feed them, I decided to interpret their pursuit as friendliness.”
Melanie Towler
Senior Video Editor
Episodes worked on: Uncovering Dearfield, The Ute Water Legacy, Weapons to Wildlife, The Ski Train, Gothic’s Outdoor Science Lab, Return of the Wolf, Palisade Peaches
“Our trip to Gothic to film at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory was one of my favorite shoots of this season. Seeing and learning about some of the long term studies that are being worked on there was an amazing experience, and the jaw-dropping views certainly didn't hurt!”
Kyle Cooke
Digital Media Manager
Episodes worked on: The Ski Train
“My favorite memory was the first trip on the ski train with Peter Vo. It was zero degrees in Winter Park that day.”
Polina Sarana
Contract producer
Episodes worked on: Saving Hartman Castle
“My favorite thing was meeting all the talented and passionate people that are driven by one goal to save the castle, no matter what.”
Christi Bode
Contract producer
Episodes worked on: The Ute Water Legacy
“I've learned over the years that the most important stories are the ones closest to home. It's been a humbling experience working with both Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes, to understand how landscapes in Southwestern Colorado have been shaped over time.”