11:26 am, Jul 10, 2012
Why we love it: Because there’s nothing better to beat this summer’s oppressive heat than getting out of the city and onto the water with a lazy float—no skills required—down the scenic Colorado River. When to go: June through August, although river flow varies widely depending on the year’s snow runoff. Call the Bureau of Land Management Grand...
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9:00 am, Jul 10, 2012
Steamboat is already known as Ski Town USA, but now the mountain town is striving to earn a new moniker: “Bike Town USA.” I confess, I hate this phrase. It’s too tired and derivative for what, actually, is a killer bike scene. Steamboat has countless miles of scenic, low-traffic byways for road biking. Our extensive singletrack network leads right...
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1:01 pm, Jul 6, 2012
Growing up in North Carolina, my summers were spent by the sea. Almost every weekend, we loaded up the car with beach chairs and headed east. Days were spent searching for shells, building sand castles, chasing fiddler crabs, and body surfing until the sun set in a fiery blaze over the Atlantic.Moving west was a big adjustment in the recreation...
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1:55 pm, Jun 29, 2012
Playing in the mountains comes with an adverse side effect: traffic. Miles of it. And while warming up your vocal chords to the latest Carly Rae Jepsen hit seems productive, your muscles could probably use the warm-up even more because nothing's worse than stepping out in Aspen with stiff legs. Prevent pre-hike and -bike rigidity with these in-car...
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10:37 am, Jun 26, 2012
Why we love it: You get to feel like a kid again—and it's a great place to bring visiting family who have children in tow.When to go: The Summer Fun Park is open daily (9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) through September 3, and then Friday through Sunday until September 16. ***While relaxing at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge after a moderate...
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12:44 pm, Jun 19, 2012
Why we love it: Front Rangers love 'em some fourteeners, but sometimes it's nice not to worry about bagging another peak. The long upslope to the Chicago Lakes lets us stretch our legs without needing to stake a claim. When to go: Anytime you are ready to take a dip in an icy cold, high altitude lake. ***I'm from the Windy City and these...
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9:30 am, Jun 13, 2012
Beaver Creek is known for luxe skiing, exclusivity (it's a gated resort) and dog prohibition. Canines weren't allowed at village events, and greeters at the gates actually sniffed out stowaways and prevented them from getting carted across the "border.” “People used to talk about hiding their dogs under blankets in the car on the way in,”...
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10:02 am, Jun 12, 2012
Why we love it: It’s a perfect hike for out-of-town visitors who won’t be joining you on your 14er quest this summer, but still want to get out of town and into the woods. When to go: Any time you want a break from the crowds at Chautauqua or Mt. Sanitas in Boulder. Quick tip: After your hike, treat yourselves to an ice cream cone or cold...
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12:55 pm, Jun 5, 2012
Why we love it: It is one of the most accessible parts of the Colorado Trail (with views of South Park to boot). When to go: The path gets crowded with horses and bikers during the day, so hit the trailhead in late afternoon when the ponies are tired and the two-wheelers are in search of a brewery. ***For most people, a pit-...
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2:00 pm, May 29, 2012
Why we love it: We're leery of a hike that starts in town, mainly because we're convinced the majority of the scenery will be of someone's backyard. Not so on Bear Creek Trail, where you'll quickly ditch buildings for aspen groves, wildflowers, and, of course, a waterfall. When to go: By our estimation, this trail is recommended to visitors...
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9:04 am, May 22, 2012
Why we love it: For most Coloradans, this is a lazy one-mile stroll. Sometimes, that's exactly what we are in the mood for. When to go: As anyone who has driven up U.S. 36 on a summer or fall weekend can tell you, Estes Park and RMNP get a tad bit crowded. Head up in the spring to avoid the swarm of tourists. ***Saturday's cloudy skies...
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11:51 am, May 15, 2012
Why we love it: It is smack dab in the middle of Denver, but doesn't have the heavy traffic of the Cherry Creek Trail. When to go: Because much of the trail is shaded, you can venture out all day. We like to hop on the path in Aurora (corner of East Exposition Avenue and South Havana Street) so we can stop for brunch at nearby Pho...
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9:20 am, May 8, 2012
Why we love it: We are always looking for a good reason to drive up to Lyons for an afternoon beer on the patio at Oskar Blues brewery. This hike, just 13 miles past the tiny hamlet, is our go-to excuse. When to go: Around 10 a.m., so you can hit up the brewery on the way back to Denver. Even if I hiked every weekend...
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9:00 am, Apr 17, 2012
Why we love it: This is choose-your-own-adventure hiking. Have the kids along? Pick the Lodgepole Loop Trail for a shady walk with minimal climbing. Want more of a challenge? Head to the top of the Old Ski Run Trail. (In the 1940s, skiers raced down the southern slope.) When to go: In the early morning, before the picnickers arrive....
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3:44 pm, Apr 10, 2012
Why we love it: Eldorado Canyon is more well-known for its more than 500 rock climbing routes, but if you prefer keeping your feet on terra firma, the hiking is pristine and the views are expansive. When to go: Mid-afternoon when the sun shines right through the canyon. If you want to get away for a few hours in the mountains, but want...
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