Outdoorsy Things.
Longs Peak
Hiking Longs Peak in Estes Park, Colorado, is a thrilling adventure for experienced hikers and somewhat of a rite of passage for Colorado residents. The 15-mile round trip via The Keyhole Route is challenging, with steep ascents, narrow ledges, and exposed rock faces.
Hiking the Harvard-Columbia Traverse (It’s Actually Not That Bad)
The Harvard-Columbia traverse is one of those hikes that people groan about on hiking forums and where SAR rescues are plenty. I was certainly a little spooked by the reviews on it, so I knew that if I ever attempted it I would have a partner with me.
The Breckenridge Troll
Isak Hearthstone lives in the woods of Breckenridge by the Illinois Gulch Trailhead. This towering wooden troll has become one of Breckenridge's most beloved attractions, drawing people from all over the world to experience its charm. It's a perfect family-friendly activity that offers a bit of magic and wonder in the great outdoors.
Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes + A Failed Mount Sneffels Attempt
Located near Ridgway, Colorado, Blue Lakes Trail is a popular day-hike as well as backpacking spot, and is part of the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area of the Uncompahgre National Forest. We made the hike up to Lower Blue Lakes where we set up camp before going to try to tackle Mount Sneffels.
#Blessed: Mount of the Holy Cross
We started hiking around 3:15AM. The trail goes up for approximately 1.5 miles, where Notch Mountain will be on your left. While we couldn’t see it in the dark, we knew that it was there since you’ll then start to descend. The descent is 1,000 feet (!!) and leads to the East Cross Creek and adjacent campground.
Two Is a Crowd, Three Is a Party: Huron Peak Sunrise With Mountain Goats
Saturday, June 29: My friend Lacie and I headed to the trailhead for Huron Peak in the wee hours of the morning, only to be greeted with rain and chilly weather. Fast forward to July 2, where I headed off to the trailhead after work- I had to get this hike done!
Second Creek Trail to Twin Cones
Nestled amongst the sharp switchbacks of Berthoud Pass is Second Creek Trail, a popular summer hiking spot and winter ski touring area. The trail is right off of Highway 40, with parking on the same side of the trail head as well as across the road.
Hiking and Glissading Mt. Sherman
Mt. Sherman is ranked No. 43 on the lists of Colorado 14’ers, situated in the Mosquito Range at an elevation of 14,043. I had a friend visiting for the weekend and she was most excited to tackle a 14’er. Mt. Sherman is on the easier side, and a good option for those visiting Colorado looking for a challenge that won’t totally do them in.
FAQ: How to Hike Havasu Falls
Looking to hike Havasu Falls but not sure what the deal is or where to start? Read on for some tips to help you get a permit, and for during your stay in the canyon!
Welcome to Supai
Interested in hiking to Havasu Falls but not sure what to expect? Read on to learn about what hiking to Havasu Falls is like.
The Beautiful San Juans: Ice Lake Basin
The San Juans may be the most beautiful mountain range in Colorado. They span Southwestern Colorado and Northwestern New Mexico, and the main towns were once mining hubs. One of the most popular hikes in the area is to Ice Lake and Island Lake, in the Ice Lake Basin.
The Pilgrimage to Mt. Bierstadt
Just over an hour west of Denver, Mt. Bierstadt is another 14’er that is jam packed because of its proximity to the front range and ease.
Peak Bagging 14'ers: Grays & Torreys
Our hike up Grey’s and Torreys was completely in the dark until about 30 minutes from the summit, and it was a quite chilly morning! We had prepared for some cold but we would have welcomed another layer and warmer gloves. There was a cloud inversion, combined with a light sunrise, which made for a beautiful view. We didn’t last up top long though because of the howling wind- and trying to shelter by a wall of rocks did us no good.
Camp Dinners Are Better In A VW Bus
Boreas Pass is a road in Breckenridge that leads down to Como, and is frequented by people car camping, cycling, or hiking (there’s some nice trails off of the road). We found a great pullout and set up shop for the evening, with a dinner of chicken and shrimp skewers. We played some board games, drank some wine, and the view wasn’t too shabby either!
My Backyard 14'er: Quandary Peak
Located just under 30 minutes from Breckenridge, Quandary Peak is one of Colorado’s most climbed 14’er because of its reputation of being on the easier side. Parking for this hike used to congest the road leading in and it led to unsafe road conditions, so to reduce that there is a parking lot reservation system or you can take a shuttle from the Breckenridge Gondola Lot. Read more here on how to access Quandary Peak.
Let the 14'er Journey Begin: Hiking Mount Yale
Even though it’s still nighttime, it’s warm out in Buena Vista. We make the twenty minute drive to the trailhead, and at 5:15am there is still a number of spots left in the parking lot. I’d had this pre-conceived notion that 14’ers were going to ruin me, but I was pleasantly surprised (by Mt. Yale, at least). It’s the 20th highest 14’er at 14,200’ elevation. Growing up hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, this 14’er was no harder than some of the trails out there.
The Best Wildflower Hike 2 Hours From Denver: Acorn Creek Loop
Looking for a moderate hike with wildflowers and under 2 hours from Denver? The secret is out, thanks to social media. Acorn Creek Loop in Silverthorne, Colorado has become a popular wildflower hike after going viral on TikTok. Located off a dirt road in the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness, this loop is just under 5 miles and is a moderate difficulty. It’s no 14’er, but there is a constant incline no matter which direction you do the loop in.
Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon
Following the Colorado River, Route 128 will eventually have a right hand turn on to BLM 98. Its down this road that you’ll reach Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon, a 9 mile round trip, BLM 98 is stuh-nning, A red dirt road going off into the horizon, flanked by greenery, and backdropped by mountains. It’s a good option for an easy hike in Moab, as it is pretty flat. The difficulty, comes from the distance and heat.
Making the Most Out Of A Half Day In Moab
Even with just half a day, you can have a great time in America’s National Parks. Read on to see how to spend a morning at Arches National Park in Utah with stops at Delicate Arch, the Windows, and Devil’s Garden. You’ll see why this park is called Arches, and you’ll be in awe of the reddish brown clay forming monstrous structures around you.
Mud Season In Banff: Lake Louise and the Lake Agnes Trail
Banff National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in North America. It has many shining jewels, one of them being Lake Louise. There are multiple trails that start from Lake Louise, one of them being the Lake Agnes Trail to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Read on for more information about this beautiful and easy trail in Banff National Park.