Purchased from the Estes Park Land Company in 1904, the land remained in the hands of the Birch family until the 1980s when daughter Briana Birch sold the property with the hopes that it would remain an open space. The historical significance for both structures is the period 1904 to 1983, based on the Birch family’s ownership and the use of the property as a summer retreat.

17-M2-008

The grant helped pay for construction documents to be used to extend the walkway, as well as the development of interpretive signage for the Birch Ruins.

19-M1-013

This grant includes funding for stabilization of the ruins, implementation of the extended walkway, and the addition of seven interpretive panels. The extended walkway will offer visitors a safe way to view the site by utilizing railings and signage to protect the ruins. Masonry repair will begin with the recommendations from the 2005 Historic Site Assessment and be expanded to what may be identified.

The proposal includes up to five signs to be integrated into the ruins with two additional signs at the Birch Cabin for consistency of interpretation. Interpretation will include an overall history of Al Birch and the creation of the two historic structures as a visitor approaches them. Interpretation inside the ruins will expand on its history and detail sites within view, including downtown Estes Park and Longs Peak. The panel describing Longs Peak will interpret how the Native American Indians regarded the peak, the first ascent, and the inclusion of it within the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915.

The site is listed on the State Register.