Where the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges meet in the Upper Arkansas Valley, many travelers have passed over the centuries. The Utes and other native peoples knew this area well and frequently camped at the hot springs, and five surrounding peaks honor their leaders. Spanish explorers, French fur trappers, and early American frontiersmen also traveled this way. Presidents, governors, sheriffs, outlaws, reformers, entertainers, miners, railroaders, farmers, ranchers, and shopkeepers all left their imprints here. Those who stayed brought a wide variety of cultural traditions that shaped growing communities, and people continue to meet at this crossroads for travel, adventure, quiet retreats, and nature experiences.