‘Hayden Hidden Treasures Captures the Narrative and Spirit of the Yampa Valley
Emily Dolza Gabriel has always been fascinated with unique and vintage items.
That fascination resulted in her opening Hayden Hidden Treasures in 2022. It has since evolved into more than the realization of a life dream – it has also become a key location for the preservation of history from the Yampa Valley and beyond.
John Camponeschi for Steamboat Locals
“I always wanted to have my own shop in a small town,” explained Gabriel.
Gabriel and her husband share a love for collecting “all things unique and vintage.” It was one of the things that brought them together as they started a “crazy collection” of vintage, unique items.
After living in Steamboat for fifteen years, they landed in Hayden due to its “cool vibe” and the fact that the history of the community was still obvious and tangible.
“Four years ago, we got the opportunity to buy the building that is now Hayden Hidden Treasures,” said Gabriel. “Once we bought it, it was game on!”
Gabriel’s dream came to life as she shared her love for antique gifts with her customers. It also led to her building relationships based on the history of the items that she carried.
“It all just came together. It is incredible,” said Gabriel. “The town of Hayden made it happen.”
John Camponeschi for Steamboat Locals
The rear half of the building serves as a quaint residence for Gabriel and her husband. Stepping between the retail and residential spaces is proof that their love for antiques is a passion and way of life.
“I have to search high and low to get what I carry in the shop,” she said. “That has actually been working out great.”
Since opening, she has noticed a growing diversity of patrons. From real estate agents to out-of-state hunters, almost everyone who comes through Gabriel’s doors finds something to marvel at or to take home.
“Treasure hunters are a certain breed,” said Gabriel. “I think they look up places to go in the Yampa Valley to find unique things that really speak to them.”
The region has served as the perfect location for finding “treasures.” Gabriel dedicates a lot of time to sleuthing out items while also building relationships which might lead to further discoveries. She has become so well known for collecting that people often leave boxes of items outside of her door white also becoming a place where people go to share the history of the area. Thus, Gabriel has developed an in-depth knowledge about Hayden and the surrounding communities.
“I’ve been doing this for so long that I got into a system of people that call me to give me first dibs on things I might be interested in,” she said.
She noted that the area is unique for treasure hunting due to the fact that there is a strong western heritage in the area. She sees immense value in keeping these local artifacts in the Yampa Valley, as they might otherwise be sold to collectors from outside the region.
“The families who have been here for a long time, especially in Hayden, take a lot of pride in their history,” noted Gabriel. “It’s genuine despite the turnover in the area, especially in Steamboat.”
Items that attract her eye “have character” while also being unique and artistic. Some of them are not in great shape and thus she dedicates a lot of effort to restoration. Gabriel’s inventory at Hayden Hidden Treasures is also meant as a compliment to her own original artwork, which includes hand-thrown pottery.
Her passion and positive outlook for Hayden Hidden Treasures continues to grow. Still, she has to continually acknowledge that Hayden is a small community and despite being located on a major highway, foot traffic in the location can be slow.
“It’s been tricky,” she explained. “I’ve continued to really understand and face the reality that my online sales are going to be the biggest part of my income. I’m still learning.”
She went on to note that the holiday shopping season is vital to her success, as well as the success of other small businesses in Hayden and the surrounding areas.
In December, Steamboat Locals’ writer John Camponeschi will debut a four-part series spotlighting local, handmade, or sustainable gift options—offering creative ideas to impress your friends and family while supporting the community.
Read Part One: Seam of Life
Read Part Three: Harvest Skis
This series of stories is proudly presented to you by Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group as a continuation of their commitment to “Keep Steamboat Special” by supporting people and organizations that promote a positive and ever-improving Steamboat lifestyle! You can also support their efforts simply by making a request on the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music. For every song request made in the month of December, The Steamboat Group will donate $2 to a local non-profit organization, up to $500 total!