In the heart of the picturesque Peak to Peak region lies the charming town of Nederland, home to a unique character who embodies the essence of mountain living. Geno Kennedy, a local author and a beloved figure in the community, has become somewhat of a living legend because of his adventurous spirit, commitment to making a difference, and his multiple books.

Born the youngest of five in the projects of Poughkeepsie, New York, Geno’s journey to becoming a mountain man extraordinaire was a story of transformation. Seeking a better life, he set out for California but found himself drawn to the breathtaking beauty of Colorado. On August 24, 1973, he arrived in Manitou, marking the beginning of his lifelong love affair with the mountains.

In his early years, Geno faced his share of challenges, engaging in petty theft at the tender age of nine. Yet, he knew there was more to life than a path of wrongdoing. While on his way to California, a serendipitous encounter with a “Help Wanted” sign at an Exxon gas station in Colorado and an affordable apartment for $125 a month changed his course. Geno took this as a sign and decided to put down roots.

In Vail, he met his future wife, Jackie, and together they embarked on a journey that led them to Granby, where they started a family. Geno and Jackie have three children - Nicki, Eric, and Dan - and now enjoy the pleasures of being grandparents to four grandchildren.

Geno’s work history is as diverse as his adventures. From carpentry in Boulder to pouring concrete at the Moffat Tunnel in extreme conditions, he’s truly a jack-of-all-trades. His love for travel led him to Costa Rica, where he ventured with nothing more than a backpack and his books. In a true testament to his charisma, Geno managed to trade his books for beers and shots at local bars, leaving a lasting mark with his bumper stickers.

Yet, Geno’s heart truly belongs to the mountains. When asked about his favorite aspect of living there, he exclaims, “Freedom. I can be me.” His passion for the mountains isn’t limited to their natural beauty; he’s dedicated to making the community even better.

In 2005, Geno organized a fundraiser in Nederland called ADTA, short for “A Different Train of Thought.” Local musicians rallied to support the cause, and over three years, Geno managed to raise an impressive $8,000 for art supplies. His ability to rally people around a cause, coupled with his creativity and humor, has made him a true “save the world” kind of guy.

Geno is no stranger to the written word either. He used to write for The Mountain-Ear under the column “Geno’s Words of Wit,” often trading subscriptions for his writing. His knack for bringing people together also extended to his involvement in bringing the Motet to the Stage Stop in 2005, along with his late friend Michigan Mike.

Today, Geno spends time at his off-grid cabin on six acres of land, complete with a 1,000-gallon septic system and an outhouse perched atop it, offering breathtaking views. His unapologetic love for living life a bit differently and being a tad rough around the edges is unmistakable.

Semi-retired and with his land and car fully paid for, Geno reflects on his past accomplishments and future endeavors. He mentions having two more books in him and a desire to travel further. His next book is set to be about the Stage Stop, a place where things got more than a little wild during his time there in the 1980s. Fart Darts, an unconventional game that involved quarters and beer glasses, and the elusive “fur-bearing trout” - all humorous anecdotes from a bygone era.

Geno’s love for the mountains shines through not only in his writing but also in his spontaneous adventures. He believes that the Peak to Peak region is a unique melting pot, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to form a new family and a close-knit community.

It’s no wonder that even Colorado’s own Jared Polis, before becoming governor, hailed Geno’s book as the best example of mountain living he had ever read. Geno Kennedy, the mountain man, local author, and community builder, continues to inspire and captivate the hearts of all who cross his path. You can find his books at various locations throughout the Peak to Peak region and beyond, a testament to his enduring legacy.