The Crags Lodge, the main building of the Golden Eagle Resort, first opened its doors on the fourth of July 1914, making it the third oldest lodge in Estes Park. It was built by Enoch "Joe" Mills, a well-known 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 a large part in establishing the 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. Joe's love of the mountains and appreciation of beauty are very apparent in the construction of the lodge. 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. Everything was done family style. Many famous people, including Robert Frost, have been inspired by their stay at the Crags Lodge.

The warmth that Joe instilled in the lodge still lingers today. It is the wish of everyone at the Historic Crags Lodge at the Golden Eagle Resort to honor his beliefs and make you feel as much a part of its history as the guests before you. For nearly a century, guests have sat at the same tables and on the same chairs that you use today. We sincerely hope you feel this comfort and know you are a welcome part of Joe and Ethel's dream.