The Ute Indians give name to 'Tomichi'

The Tomichi Creek headwaters area has long been an area of utility and enjoyment dating back to at least the Ute Indian era. It’s unclear whether the Utes seasonally hunted the area for deer and elk or enjoyed the neighboring hot springs year aound, but we do know that the word ‘tomichi’ translates to ‘hot water’ in the Ute language. Thinking back to a time when Ute Indians roamed the valley hunting and gathering for survival while occasionally enjoying the natural hot springs brings a smile to most.

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Tomichi's Mining Boom

During the mining boom of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains both towns of Tomichi and White Pine were established in the 1880’s, with locals hoping to cash in on the lead, silver and gold. The town of Tomichi had a bank, barber shop, saloon, ironsmith and even a small local newspaper for a brief stint.

To gain access to the many mining claims located above/around the town, clear-cutting of the mountain slopes’ timber was performed to create ease for transporting mining extractions. Unknown to the locals during that time, the clear-cutting would eventually lead to massive avalanches which plagued the town and its community. Most of the hopeful miners and families had moved on to other mining camps by 1888 due to the small profit margins allowed by the remote location and difficult transportation. In 1890 a devastating avalanche event occurred leveling the town and killing most of the remaining Tomichi locals. Tomichi survivors buried their deceased and eventually abandoned the town permanently. Mining claims, structures and remnants of the days are still found scattered within a day’s hike of Tomichi Lodge. Tomichi Cemetery can still be found above the old Tomichi town site on County Road 888.

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Tomichi Park Subdivision

Gunnison County has records of Tomichi Park Subdivision being developed with official plat maps around 1967. There were 20 parcels subdivided in rectangular fashion starting with Lot 1 highest up in the valley and counting up to 20 heading down valley. All parcels are adjacent to one another and most contain sections of the Tomichi Creek.

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Tomichi Lodge Owners

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William Rigoli

1979 - 1982

 

William Rigoli originally purchased the 10.5 acres of raw land in the Tomichi subdivision to construct a commercial hunting lodge for big game enthusiasts from around the country. Bill applied for and successfully gained a commercial/special land use permit to operate a commercial hunting outfit through Gunnison County’s Board of County Commissioners in 1979. Bill, with the help from a few local ‘hippies on acid’, fell all the timber needed AND constructed the log cabin lodge the very same summer. Without letting the lumber fully cure (or season) before construction, the individual logs then began twisting and warping after the lodge was fully constructed. Hence, the curving and bowing walls of today’s Tomichi Lodge.

The way the story ends for Bill… A handful of hunting groups were booked to hunt the Gunnison Basin with Bill’s outfitting assistance. The groups were fully paid and scheduled to hunt the area’s plentiful population of mule deer and elk. Group after group arrived to the lodge to successfully harvest the big game they were after to find out that Bill had picked up and left town with everyone’s money… leaving the lodge vacant to the hunters without any hunting guide assistance. Bill was never seen or heard from again…
 

Granite Mountain Outfitters

Sue Applegate / Don Glittenburg
1982 – 1993

Sue Applegate and Don Glittenburg purchased the property in 1982 and began running their horseback riding/touring business Granite Mountain Outfitters out of the property. During their 11 years as owners Sue and Don successfully operated GMO with marketing efforts geared towards Colorado tourists and big game hunters alike. The extremely high elevation (10,300’) of the property provided unbeatable access to aesthetically stunning horseback tours as well as high-alpine eco-systems home to Colorado’s famous mule deer and elk populations.

Infrastructure improvements and upgrades to the property during their ownership include the addition of a well, construction of the tack barn, Buckhorn Cabin and outhouse across Tomichi Creek and the quaint barn-turned- Colorado Cabin adjacent to the Tomichi Lodge.

Granite Mountain Outfitters continues to operate its business on the south side of Poncha Pass in Poncha Springs. Old GMO signs are still hung inside the great room at Tomichi Lodge.

Frank Culbertson
1993 – 2007

When Granite Mountain Outfitters decided to relocate their beusiness, the Tomichi Lodge property was soon purcased by Frank Culbertson in 1993. Frank spent approximately 8 of his 14 years of ownership living solo at Tomichi Lodge year round. On frequent occassions, Frank's family would visit for the holidays or to help work on projects at the property. One of the major improvements during Frank's reign was this installation of the hydro-electric power station, allowing for limited electricity at the property without the use of a generator.

 

Frank passed away in 2014 and is survived by his family.

Steve & Lasal Miller
2007 – 2016

Steve and Lasal Miller relocated from Colorado Springs to Salida and purchased the Tomichi Lodge in 2007. The Miller’s played a huge role in the upgrading of the lodge and property to its current condition including the installation of a new roof, constructing a new foundation, installation of windows throughout the lodge, new plumbing, installation of a French drain to capture and reroute spring runoff and the installation of an on-site septic system.

The Miller’s also purchased the domain www.TomichiLodge.com and built the lodge’s first website, helping to gain exposure amongst backcountry enthusiasts looking to escape the daily grind and get back to the simplicity of nature. Steve and Lasal live in Salida and are the owners/operators of the best bakery in town, The Little Red Hen Bakery.

James & Kristina Bengala
2016 – Current

 

James and Kristina lived in Colorado for eight years before relocating to San Diego, CA in 2013. In the summer of 2015 they found a listing for a backcountry lodge in Colorado – or rather it found them – and conversations began with The Millers. After enjoying the southern California coast for nearly three years they decided to trade in the fast paced lifestyle for the smaller town vibe of Salida, CO and purchase the Tomichi Lodge.

Their energy and desire to grow business operations are at the forefront of the The Bengala’s business plan and include transforming the property to a sustainable eco-resort. The lodge will continue to be available to family groups, backcountry skiers, mountain bikers and hikers as well as other outdoor enthusiasts while new additions to the property will cater to retreats, special events and educational programs.

 

Additions slated for 2016-2018 include the installation of an event yurt, the construction of overnight treehouses, a greenhouse facility, a dry sauna and a special event deck in the neighboring meadow. Much of their inspiration derives from their wedding at an authentic eco-resort in Big Sur, California.

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