colorado | The Filson Journal

artist, jess mudget, standing next to his completed work on the back of a horse trailer

Western Inspirations: Artist Jess Mudgett

Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, Jess Mudgett, developed a love of painting and drawing at a young age. Growing up, he learned about US history and was surrounded by antiques and native objects. Such an upbringing inspires what he does today with his art.

2 Min

Field Notes

George McJunkin’s Discovery of a Lifetime

Born sometime between 1851 and 1856, McJunkin originally came from Texas, and as a young man worked his way across Colorado and New Mexico as he pursued the life of a professional cowboy. He was a self-made in this respect: he worked the trails on cattle drives, trained horses to sell in Santa Fe, and helped a family called the Roberds establish a ranch on the Purgatoire River in Colorado.

3 Min

a shimmering pool of water lined by angular rock slabs

Field Notes

Top Natural Hot Springs in the West

The rejuvenating benefits of hot springs are well documented, for both body and mid. File these six standout natural soaking pools away in your “must-visit” places. Be sure to plan ahead–they can be a popular destination and some require reservations.

5 Min

Profiles

Working with the Land: Samantha Meldon

3 Min

man stands upriver in rushing water among large rocks

Profiles

On the Banks with John Ludlam

John Ludlam is a medium format analog photographer currently residing in Denver, Colorado. Two years ago, he started processing and printing his own photos in the darkroom and hasn’t gone back to digital since. He loves photographing anything and everything, but especially those people who enjoy traditional or artisan processes. Ever since I can remember,