Red Lady Testimonies

The first Red Lady Salvation Ball was held in Crested Butte in 1978. This has become a valued tradition for High Country Conservation Advocates and the community. The annual crowning of the Red Lady is a paramount part of this history. Each Red Lady is chosen for showing their devotion, support, and hard work toward HCCA’s mission to protect and conserve the town’s beloved mountain. Below are some stories, poems, and photos from our 47 Red Ladies about the fight to Save Red Lady, and its value to their place in the community.

Reflecting on the 47 year fight to Save Red Lady

I am Red Lady #11. This means that back in 1988, I was already into my eleventh year of devotion to keeping Red Lady mine-free. I never thought it would take this long, but always believed we’d be triumphant in this David v. Goliath battle. Whether climbing/skiing Red Lady or just seeing her from my window, this iconic mountain has always been superimposed on and embedded into my life. Her presence and meaning to our community cannot be exaggerated. Red Lady embodies the beau

Sue Navy

Glo Cunningham, Red Lady #12

Glo moved to Crested Butte in 1975 from Fort Lauderdale, FL when only 500 people lived in the city's limits. At the time the first mine threat, AMAX, wanted to move 8,000 people into the town for the sole purpose to develop an open-pit mine that would effectively demolish the mountain we know today as Red Lady. With this shocking news Glo, and other devoted community members decided to take a stand through Red. Taking a stand through Red means “Always representing at any time

HCCA

Nancy Wicks, Red Lady #27

I was the 27th Red Lady back in 2004, I was in umpteen 4th of July parades and a few Flauschink parades over the last two decades. I made almost all of the Red Lady Balls up until I got cancer in 2021. When I was done with treatment which I did in Iowa, I came back for a visit in Crested Butte in October of 2021. My heart was filled up with Red Lady JOY when Mallika hosted a dance party for me in her front yard at the corner of 5th and Whiterock. So many Red Ladies showed up

HCCA

Take Action!

Become a Voice for the Valley
Public lands need public advocates. When you join HCCA, you're adding your voice to a local movement rooted in care, science, and action.