Where is Beltania?

Florence Mountain Park is located just a few miles away from Florence, Colorado. Detailed driving directions are available here.

About Florence
Hotels
Things to Do in the Florence, Colorado Area
Wildlife and Hunting Nearby
Weather

About Florence, Colorado

Florence Chamber of Commerce

City of Florence

A metaphysical fair near Florence is sponsored by one of our Beltania merchants on June 12 and 13, 2010

Calendar of community events in and around Florence

Hotels

For those who wish to attend Beltania but would like an alternative to camping, there is the option of hotel lodging. The closest hotel to Florence Mountain Park is the Super 8 in Florence, CO. It is about 10 miles and 15 minutes away. We have arranged for a discounted rate for all Beltania guests, just mention when you make your reservation that you are with Beltania and call them directly to reserve your room.

4540 State Highway 120
Florence, CO 81226
(719) 784-4800
Get directions

Other hotels in Florence:

Riviera Motel
Rooms $40 and up
136 East Front Street, Florence - (719) 784-6716
Directions and more

Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast
1305 West 3rd Street, Florence - (719) 784-4734
57 reviews, directions, and more

Other hotels which are in the Canon City area (about a half hour from the festival):

American Inn 719-269-1158
Colorado Inn 719-275-9601
Comfort Inn 719-276-6900
Parkview Motel 719-275-0624
Royal Gorge Best Western 719-275-3377
Travel Inn 719-275-9125

Riviera Motel - 136 East Front Street, Florence - (719) 784-6716

Things to Do in the Florence, Colorado Area

Downtown Florence

Before you arrive at Beltania or before you head out when the festival is over, take some time to visit and patronize our host city of Florence. And let them know you came for Beltania! This is what one local shares about the quaint downtown area:

“Come on down and spend some time perusing the myriad of antique shops in lovely Florence, Colorado. Have lunch at Main Street Grille, followed by dessert and coffee at the Aspen Leaf Bakery. Antique dealers come from three states to buy from our many malls all along Main Street. We have a beautiful historic theater that is being refurbished and can be toured on the weekends. Visit the Pioneer Museum in town and the local mineral hot springs just a few miles up the road. Florence is a colorful little town that is too cute to miss.”

Hiking near Beltania

Newlin Creek Trail is on National Forest land just a little up the road from the pond, on the south edge of Florence Mountain Park. According to Trails.com, “Newlin Creek Trail wanders up a little canyon following the remains of an old logging road. Due to floods and deterioration, it’s tough to tell that this trail was once a road. Rocky cliffs loom over the trail in spots, while little waterfalls and cascades dance down the creek. After crossing one wooden bridge, the trail crosses creeks 18 times on logs and rocks. The most interesting features of this hike lie in the destination meadow. An old steam boiler, flywheel, and chimney are all that remain of a sawmill operation.” Length: 5.4 total miles. Elevation Gain: 1,360 feet. Trail Type: Out-and-back. Skill Level: Moderate. Duration: 2.25 - 4 hours

Hot Springs

During Beltania we will be doing two “field trips” to a local hot spring. Carpooling is offered.; we prefer that guests keep their parking spaces if possible, so let us chauffer you there and back! Clothing is optional at the family-oriented hot spring pool we are attending for our field trips. See Dakotahotsprings.com for pricing and more information. Sign up at the Information Booth by noon on Friday for the Friday trip, and noon on Saturday for the Saturday trip. Maximum 15 guests per trip. You may also go on your own at any time they are open.

Wildlife and Hunting Nearby

State trust land is adjacent to Florence Mountain Park, and is accessd by County Road 15 to the Amphitheater Road. Please do not park at the State Trust Land parking lot; it is not included in our site permit and we must maintain public access for hunters using the land. It is turkey season, and other small game may also be hunted. For your safety, we recommend staying away from this area unless you are there to hunt and are wearing hunter orange clothing. DO NOT go a-maying on the state trust land or you might be mistaken for a turkey! It is sufficiently far from the festival area and not heavily used so we do not expect this to be a big issue.

The area where Beltania is held is in the middle of one of the highest concentrations of mountain lions in Colorado. There are also bears, deer, elk, snakes, poisonous spiders, and many other species. If you are hiking away from the crowds, be sure to make lots of noise to scare off whatever is nearby so that you don’t stumble upon and startle a wild animal, and keep your children close. We also recommend carrying a 2-way radio; check at the Info Booth for the recommended channel to use. Take plenty of water and sufficient clothing and food for any conditions if you do any hiking.

Keep your camp free of food or odors; return all coolers and other food to your vehicle at night and when not in use. COOLERS/ICE CHESTS LEFT OUT OVERNIGHT WILL BE CONFISCATED and a fee must be paid for its return.

What to do if you encounter a Bear

  • If a black bear is visible, but not close, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.
  • If a black bear approaches, do not run. Remain calm, continue facing the bear and slowly back away. If the bear continues to approach, try to group together and pick up small children. Try to scare the bear away by shouting and acting aggressively.
  • If a black bear attacks, it is suggested to fight back using everything in your power fists, sticks, rocks, and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray.

What to do if you encounter a Mountain Lion

  • Do Not Approach a Lion—Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
  • Do Not Run from a Lion—Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Do not turn your back. Make eye contact. If there are small children nearby, pick them up if possible so they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.
  • Do Not Crouch Down or Bend Over—A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. When in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.
  • Appear Larger—Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.
  • Be vocal—Talk calmly and regularly.
  • Teach others how to behave.—One who starts running could initiate an attack.

If a lion attacks:

  • You can use bear pepper spray to deter the lion. Many potential victims have also fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.
  • Defend other people—If you need to defend other people, be aggressive.

Weather to Expect

Since the altitude is about 6700 ft., it’s not going to be as cold as if it were in the higher mountains. You can expect some wind. Average nighttime low for the dates of Beltania is in the 40’s, and daytime highs are around 70 degrees. However, it could rain, snow, be roasting hot…. It’s Colorado!