by Laura Lieff | Apr 1, 2026 | Travel
Head West For A Desert Adventure
by Laura Lieff
View From The Top: The Fleming family enjoys visiting Arches National Park, which is known for its natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks.
Spring is the time of year when everything and everyone emerges — flowers bloom, spring cleaning starts, and Cherry Creek Valley residents begin looking for places to visit outside of the city. One exciting destination, which is just over the Colorado border in Utah, is Moab. Known for its many outdoor adventure options — including mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, and fossil hunting — Moab is also a gateway to the magnificent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
One way to enjoy Moab is on wheels — just ask the hardcore gearheads who love off-roading and are looking forward to the 60th Annual Easter Jeep Safari event which takes place March 28 through April 5. Additionally, Cruise Moab, an annual event that began in 1996, is happening April 15 through 19 this year. Those who prefer riding mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycles usually journey to Slickrock Bike Trail as it features just over 10 miles of scenic and rugged terrain and is located approximately three miles from town. Founded by Dick Wilson in 1969, Slickrock was originally meant for motorcycles. Over five decades later, nothing has changed as a variety of aficionados flock to the area to spend time on their preferred wheels.
Longtime motorcycle mechanic and enthusiast, Dan “The Wrench” Rolfe, has been enjoying Moab for the last 12 years — both on his mountain bike and on his CT-90 motorcycle. “I like Slickrock because it’s a ‘cycle’ trail with great views and terrain that is easy to maneuver,” Rolfe explains. “Also, the traction it provides allows you to go up and down steep landscapes and traverse laterally in places whe
Red Rock View: Fleet Fleming stays cool in the desert heat while climbing around Arches National Park.
re you would normally slip out.” Rolfe is featured in the 2019 documentary film, 50 Years of Slickrock, which chronicles the history and development of the trail that arguably put Moab on the map.
Family Trip
While many Colorado residents head to Moab for camping and mountain biking, there are other ways to enjoy a weekend in the desert and make a family vacation out of it. Depending on where you live in Denver, and the number of stops made while driving, the journey to Moab is about five and a half hours. If that sounds like a trek, keep in mind that the panoramic views along the way are likely to make the time go by quickly.
“We started going to Moab because it is an ideal overnight stopping point when we travel to and from Arizona,” says Boulder native Nicole Ford. “After doing that a few times, we realized that it’s worth spending the weekend there because of all the kid-friendly restaurants and activities offered. Also, we found a dog-friendly hotel with a great pool which is the place to be after a day of exploring in the sun.” Some of the Ford family’s favorite Moab restaurants include Tai Bella, The Sultan, and Antica Forma and her hotel of choice is the Element.
Moab History
Ancient Artwork: While hiking through Mill Creek Canyon, keep an eye out for pictographs and petroglyphs that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes.
Because there is an abundance of history to explore in Moab — including petroglyphs (pecked/carved art), pictographs (painted art), dinosaur fossils, and dinosaur footprints — a weekend might not be enough to see everything. On the way into town, stop at Sego Canyon to see rock art that reflects three cultural styles: Ute, Fremont, and Barrier Canyon. The petroglyphs and pictographs left behind on the sandstone walls depict humanlike figures, abstract shapes, horses, and shields, among other types of rock art. “Sego Canyon is always our first stop when we travel to Moab because seeing that type of history is always exciting for me, my wife, and our son,” says 30-year Colorado resident Brian Fleming. “Checking out rock art that has been there for such a long time is our favorite way to begin the weekend.”
Another place to see pictographs and petroglyphs is Mill Creek Canyon where the hike along the creek features panels that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes that stand out the most on the black rocks. The trail’s “finale” is a picturesque waterfall that offers a memorable destination point before turning back to the trailhead. For those looking for dinosaur tracks, the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone and Track Sites are highlights. Accessible via a short pathway, the Track Site displays footprints from theropods, sauropods, ornithopods, ankylosaurs, birds, and crocodilians. The Bone Trail, located about a mile from the Track Site, has fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in rock along a family-friendly hiking path with educational panels.
Additional family-friendly spots include Moab Giants and the Moab Rock Shop. Since 2015, Moab Giants has offered various exhibits and experiences for people of all ages. The indoor/outdoor dinosaur museum showcases state-of the art, life-size land and sea dinosaurs that roamed the area. Another stop for fossil hunters and rockhounds is the Moab Rock Shop. Founded in 1960 by Lin Ottinger, this family owned and operated store has been a staple for over 50 years. In fact, many of Ottinger’s discoveries were donated to museums and universities and he discovered at least four species of dinosaurs.
Magic In The Desert
The two most well-known attractions near Moab are the national parks — Arches and Canyonlands. For those staying in the heart of town, Arches is a much closer option (five miles away). It’s also a smaller park which is ideal for families with young kids or for people who prefer to spend a shorter amount of time walking around the park. Known for its legendary red rock topography, Arches boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks that can be seen while hiking or driving. The Windows Section is a favorite destination within the park as it contains some of the most iconic views.
Conversely, Canyonlands is best-suited for visitors looking for an all-day adventure. Shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands is divided into three districts that have dramatic buttes, spires, canyons, and desert landscapes: Island in the Sky (40 minutes from Moab), The Needles (90 minutes away), and The Maze (the most remote and challenging as its ranger station is accessible by 46 miles of dirt road).
If visiting national parks is not part of your agenda, keep in mind that the magic of Moab is the variety of ways to experience the desert. Whether you are camping, staying in a hotel, off-roading, hiking, mountain biking, or fossil hunting, it is a breathtaking destination for all ages and all types of adventure-seekers. Discovering historical petroglyphs and pictographs, finding dinosaur bones, and then cooling off at the pool are definitely memorable ways to spend time. Regardless of
Desert History: Sego Canyon’s rock art dates back thousands of years and features multiple cultural styles.
your chosen itinerary, spring is an ideal season to head west into the desert and see different landscapes and wildlife, enjoy diverse cuisine, explore new terrain, and participate in unique activities.
Pro Tips:
- Check the weather before you leave because you’re going to Moab to be outside.
- Pack a cooler — no matter what your accommodations are — because having water and snacks ready for consumption is essential in the desert.
- Make sure to pack layers and plan for the daytime versus nighttime temperature changes.
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and comfortable walking shoes are crucial.
- Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations so plan ahead by booking online.
by Laura Lieff | Aug 22, 2025 | Glendale City News
By Laura Lieff
In the gardening world, just because something is decaying does not mean it’s unusable. Constructed in less than a week by Kevin Philip Williams, Manager of Horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), the dead hedge installation can be found in the Pollinator Garden at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Comprised of various layered, locally- sourced materials — including branches, plant debris, and small logs that are in different stages of decay, as well as willows from Vail, alpaca wool from McCoy, and trees cut in the Gardens — the installation was executed with a great deal of intention. “With the help of some friends and volunteers from both Eagle County and Denver, Kevin’s piece was constructed very quickly,” says Gardens Education Director Gabe Starr. “We appreciate Denver Botanic Gardens ‘lending’ us Kevin for the week!”
Since mountain landscapes differ from city landscapes, the materials differ as well. At the Gardens, Williams incorporated brush piles, dead hedges, and log walls into the exhibit space in ways he says are “ascetically accepted by the public.” He goes on to explain that “there are many practitioners who are elevating garden design horticulture to a level of fine art” and that his work is “new, experimental, and different than traditional horticulture.”
Visitors will notice that the installation resembles an animal habitat — except it is a much more upscale, artistic version. By mixing the log walls into the woven structure — which is comprised of rolled and bound branches, as well as the aforementioned materials — his installation connects with this summer’s theme of Habitat in conjunction with the installation of our exhibit from the Smithsonian Gardens and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
In addition to the Habitat theme, Williams explains that many aspects of the project were inspired by the long, narrow space provided. “I try to bring new elements to each install and this space allowed us to play with length and dimensionality,” he adds. In fact, he describes it as a “calcified exoskeleton type of structure that features crevices filled with grasses, branches, and leaves held by the harder outer structure.”
Williams has an MS in Public Horticulture and is a naturalistic garden designer who uses active and passive materials to create dynamic and climate-appropriate gardens. His work includes the Denver Art Museum Sensory Garden, the Alien Dream Worlds and Hello Food Forest at Meow Wolf, and the Abstract Expressions installation at the Clifford Still Museum. He also co-wrote a book called Shrouded In Light: Naturalistic Planting Inspired by Wild Shrublands.
Williams adds, “These installations take an incredible amount of material to create and the Gardens staff did a good job saving materials from around town which allowed us to give discarded branches and forgotten debris a second life as art. In nature, nothing is ever truly waste — it’s simply matter waiting for its next beautiful purpose.” For more information, visit bettyfordalpinegardens.org.
by Laura Lieff | Mar 18, 2024 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Home Team Support: Infinity Park has become a destination that people of all ages look forward to visiting as they enjoy cheering on their home team.
Since opening its gates in 2007, Infinity Park has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. The first and only municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in the United States, Infinity Park spans 16 acres (including an eight-acre green open space), features a state-of-the-art gym, a full-sized outdoor training pitch, and a stadium with a seating capacity of 4,000. It is also home to a recreation center and an event center, as well as the American Raptors rugby team.
Located in the heart of Glendale, Infinity Park was built on a bold vision to center the future of the city around the growing sport of rugby. Featuring a multi-purpose indoor/outdoor sports complex, Infinity Park has earned the designation of RugbyTown USA. Along with serving as the American Raptors’ headquarters, Infinity Park has hosted several different international men’s and women’s rugby matches including the 2008 North America 4, the 2009 and 2010 Churchill Cups, the 2009 Americas Rugby Championship, the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup, and all three 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the United States men’s national rugby team. The venue was also the United States stop on the 2018- 2019 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and is home to the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament.
Local Destination
Beyond rugby, Infinity Park has become a destination that people of all ages look forward to visiting. “We see families, groups of friends, rugby fans, and community members who want to spend time outside and cheer on their home team on a beautiful weekend afternoon,” says Glendale City Manager Chuck Line. “Watching Infinity Park become the heart of our city has been very rewarding.”
Another aspect that sets Infinity Park apart is the local feel it brings to hosted events and provides for the community. Because of the park’s expansive space and Glendale’s welcoming mindset, local recreational leagues, youth leagues, and residents always have a place to practice and compete, gather and interact, or simply hang out.
Local Destination: With a seating capacity of 4,000, Infinity Park continues to draw large crowds for all types of events.
“Infinity Park serves as an entertainment anchor for Glendale and offers the community and beyond the opportunity to enjoy sporting events, movies, and music,” says Director of Infinity Park Operations, Kieran Nelson. “Also, since its inception, the park has garnered a reputation among the international rugby community as a world-class venue, and we could not be prouder to have earned that distinction.”
In addition to the family-friendly environment and welcoming staff, spending time at Infinity Park is affordable as adult tickets for rugby games are $10 and admission for kids 12 and under is free. This spring, Glendale residents are looking forward to watching their home team return from South America to play in the professional SRA league.
Upcoming games will feature the following theme days:
April 7
For Military Appreciation Day, Glendale will show gratitude to our armed forces by offering camo koozies at the gate and opportunities to engage with various on-site military branches. Additionally, fans can nominate a hero to be honored during the match, making it a day to celebrate and recognize our military heroes.
April 14
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Day, Infinity Park is partnering with Howzit — a mental health awareness brand founded by former rugby players — by offering a gate giveaway of stress balls. Engage with representatives from All Health Network, the Glendale Police Department, and Canine Partners of the Rockies, as Glendale promotes mental well-being and support within the community.
April 21
Social Spot: Spending a spring afternoon outside socializing with friends has become part of the park’s legacy.
Celebrate Colorado Day at Infinity Park with exciting promotions including a complimentary American Raptors Colorado keychain, opportunities to interact with mascots from local college and sports teams, and delicious Colorado-themed food from our on-site food trucks, among other festivities.
April 28
For Autism Awareness Day, Firefly Autism will provide valuable resources and information at Infinity Park. Receive a complimentary fidget spinner at the gate, and meet the adorable service dogs in training from Canine Partners of the Rockies. There will also be a quiet room for those needing a sensory break. Additionally, thanks to KultureCity, sensory bags will be available at all Infinity Park events, ensuring inclusivity and support for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
More events happening this summer include:
May 11: 2024 High School Boys and Girls Rugby Championships
June 10: Movie Night — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
June 24: Movie Night — The Marvels
July 2: Glendale Fireworks
July 8: Movie Night — Trolls Band Together
July 22: Movie Night — Barbie
August 23-25: RugbyTown 7s
For more information, or to view the Raptors’ schedule and ticket information, visit www.americanraptors.com/schedule-and-tickets.
by Laura Lieff | Feb 19, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Laura Lieff
Returning for a second year as part of the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) league, the American Raptors team faces fierce competition. In addition to the Glendale team, the SRA league is comprised of six other franchises — defending champions Peñarol Rugby (Uruguay), Cobras Brasil XV, Selknam (Chile), Yacare XV (Paraguay), and two teams from Argentina, Dogos XV and Pampas. All the clubs will be traveling to and from South America and the United States, with several ga
Full Force: Feofaaki Pulu carries the ball in an American Raptors match against Yacare XV at Infinity Park. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
mes slated to be played at Infinity Park throughout the 2024 season.
“With the goal of providing a pathway to international rugby for high caliber players, and creating a fanbase that brings new players to rugby, SRA continues to provide a unique competition over twelve rounds, with teams playing matches at home and on the road,” says Frankie Deges, Media & Communication Manager for Super Rugby Americas. “Additionally, with the inclusion of the American Raptors in 2023, SRA represents the coming of age of the Superliga Americana de Rugby that was first played between 2020 and 2022.”
Launched two weeks before the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Superliga Americana de Rugby successfully returned in 2021 and 2022. Many have recognized this tournament as the catalyst for Chile’s first-ever qualification for Rugby World Cup, and Uruguay beating the USA Eagles to take the first spot in the Americas Qualifying system.
Strong Team
Comprised of 35 players, the American Raptors staff is excited for the year ahead and is thrilled to have a talented pool of returning and new players.
“The American Raptors’ mission to develop the best young American talent is hitting full stride going into their second season of competing in SRA,” says Patrick Guthrie, Chief Operating Officer of the American Raptors. “Marking a strategic blend of experience and fresh young talent
Tough Tackle: Watson Filikitonga gets tackled during a match against Selknam last spring. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
, the Raptors have expanded their lineup by adding 19 promising new players while retaining the skills of 16 seasoned athletes.”
Key players include Mikey Grandy, who is returning for his fourth season, and Diego Fortuny returning for his second year, as well as newcomers Ignacio Mieres and Facundo Ignacio Pomponio. The club began its 2024 season with a three-match road trip to Argentina and Uruguay before returning to Infinity Park for six straight home games. They will finish the season back on the road traveling to Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile.
Raptors games can be streamed on ESPN+ but the best way to enjoy rugby is attending games at Infinity Park. Since its inception in 2007, Infinity Park remains the first and only municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in the United States. Known as RugbyTown USA, Glendale continues to welcome rugby teams from around the world to play at the 4,000-seat facility.
In addition to serving as the American Raptors headquarters, Infinity Park has hosted several international men’s and women’s rugby matches over the years including the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup and all three 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the United States men’s national rugby team. The venue also served as the United States stop on the 2018- 2019 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and is home to the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament, which takes place annually during the third weekend of August.
For more information about the schedule, and to buy tickets, visit americanaptors.com/schedule-and-tickets.
Home Game Themes
3/17: Raptors Green Out (St. Patrick’s Day) | Giveaway: Green Raptors t-shirt | Wear green to celebrate the Raptors’ first home game.
3/24: Western Day | Giveaway: Raptors Bandanas | Wear your best cowboy/cowgirl attire to Infinity Park.
4/7: Military Appreciation Day | Giveaway: Camo Koozies | Honoring those who served and active military members throughout the game.
4/14: Mental Health Awareness Day | Giveaway: Stress Balls | Raising awareness and promoting positive mental health.
4/21: Colorado Day | Giveaway: Raptors Keychains | Celebrate everything Colorado with local mascots, local colleges, and Colorado food staples.
4/28: Autism Awareness Day | Giveaway: Fidget Spinners | Raising awareness about Autism at the Raptors last home game of the season.
by Laura Lieff | Feb 22, 2023 | Editorials
by Laura Lieff
All In The Family: Dave and David Wroblewski are the first father/son officers to be part of the Glendale police force.
For the first time in its 63-year history, the Glendale Police Department has a father and son on the force. With the recent hiring of David Wroblewski, the son of Glendale police officer Dave Wroblewski, Glendale welcomes a new family member. While Dave has been with the department since October 2011, his son David was hired in January after graduating from the Arapahoe Community College Police Academy.
According to Glendale PD Captain Jamie Dillon, “David interviewed with several departments and we’re happy he chose Glendale. Over the years, a few officers have married dispatchers, but back in the 1980s and 1990s one was required to leave because family members were not allowed to work together.”
Although family members are not permitted to supervise other family members directly or indirectly, Dillon says that kids raised in police families usually have a better understanding of what the career entails. He adds, “They understand up front that their parents will be working shifts in all sorts of weather and will regularly miss holidays because they are working.”
Dave, who has been in law enforcement for over 30 years and was a Marine before that, has seen a lot of changes over the last three decades. “I decided to be a police officer because I wanted the chance to make a difference,” he explains. “I chose Glendale because it is a smaller jurisdiction which has allowed me to get to know the people I am serving on a personal level. In fact, there have been many occasions where people have requested certain officers because of the relationships the smallness of the city allows us to build.”
Father And Son
When asked about his son David following in his footsteps, Dave says he is thrilled. “I am excited and proud about what my son has chosen to do and uphold,” he says. “The most rewarding part of this job is knowing that you truly make a difference every day and the toughest part is the current anti-police outlook by the media and in general.”
Adds Dillon, “Because David is joining the police force at a time when officers are under a great deal of pressure and scrutiny, it says something that Dave would encourage his son to follow in his footsteps and also to come to Glendale.”
After finishing his first week on the job for the Glendale PD, David believes he made the right decision to work for a smaller force with “a welcoming atmosphere.” He says that he’s both excited and anxious.
“Being officially sworn in is the start of a rewarding career and I am looking forward to what the FTO [Field Training Officers] program has to teach me, although I am nervous because of the unknown,” David says. “It’s not only a high honor to be given the opportunity to serve as a law enforcement officer, but to carry on the tradition of policing in the family makes it even better.”
