2:35 pm, Dec 11, 2012
Early-season ski conditions have been lackluster thus far, striking fear in the hearts of powderhounds that this season will be on par with last year’s dismal snowfall totals. But the past week or so has given us a glimmer of hope, with nearly two feet falling in Vail and Beaver Creek, a foot-and-a-half in Breckenridge, and a foot at Keystone,...
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12:05 pm, Dec 11, 2012
Donny Roth's life revolves around winter. When the professional skier (pictured, right) isn't searching for the best backcountry spots around the world, he's guiding fellow powder-hounds down breathtaking runs in Chile. It's all part of what Roth calls "sharing the human-powered ski experience." It's an adventurous day job, but Roth is also aware...
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5:00 pm, Dec 6, 2012
Sunset over Daniels Park in Douglas.
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1:50 pm, Dec 6, 2012
In our December issue, I got the scoop on the origins of some of Vail's 193 trail names. It seemed like an appropriate time to look back: The mountain is celebrating 50 years this season. What started as a modest ski spot with one gondola, two chairlifts, and just eight runs has since transformed into a vast and prestigious resort with far-...
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9:14 am, Dec 4, 2012
Why we love it: It's the Red Rocks of the southern suburbs. These magnificent sandstone formations are part of the Lyons and Fountain systems, which run all the way from Morrison to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. When to go: Early morning. That's when some of the more elusive animals (bobcats, bears, and mountain lions) head back to...
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9:18 am, Nov 20, 2012
Why we love it: It's Red Rocks. Need we say more?When to go: There's not much shade, so it's not a good choice for mid-day hiking. Try late afternoon, when the sun makes shadows on the mountains and the deer come out. ***This hike isn't a backcountry experience—you can see Highway 26, houses, and power lines—but it's very pretty nonetheless,...
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2:29 pm, Nov 14, 2012
Ever been on a trail or mountain or deep in the woods somewhere when something goes terribly, drastically wrong? You twist your ankle and can’t continue; a storm rolls in and makes the trail impassable; or your equipment fails at a critical time? I remember when it happened to a friend of a friend a few years back: He’d set out on a solo...
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2:45 pm, Nov 13, 2012
A funny thing happens at the bottom of a powder slope: You’ll do almost anything to get back to the top for a repeat. In the backcountry, powder-hounds like me push through fatigue to feel another adrenaline rush. At the resort, we blow off bosses and even friends when they stand between us and an untracked stash. But on Buffalo Pass, where...
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1:06 pm, Nov 13, 2012
Why we love it: Yes, Cave of the Winds might be a little touristy for the extreme adventurers out there. But guess what? On an overcast weekend in November, when it’s too cold to hike and too bare to ski, this stop-off just outside Manitou Springs is a pretty solid way to spend an afternoon, especially with the family. What kid doesn’t love to...
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5:57 pm, Nov 8, 2012
Sunset over Sand Creek Park in Denver.
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9:22 am, Nov 6, 2012
Why we love it: Let us count the ways: Bighorn sheep. Mountain lions. Bears. Birds. Fish. And, most importantly, the Platte River, which supports this level of biodiversity and makes for a gorgeous hike.When to go: The park is open all year. ***When I first visited Waterton Canyon, I thought: "How good can this be?" The parking lot is off a...
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10:20 am, Oct 30, 2012
Why we love it: It's a mix of views, forest, and technical sections. Plus, Apex Park is right next to Heritage Square. After the hike, you can cajole your family and friends into posing for one of those hilarious, old-timey Western photos. When to go: The park is open year round, and it's always busy since it intersects with a well-used...
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2:36 pm, Oct 25, 2012
Paul Beach collects leaves outside Coors Field.
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3:01 pm, Oct 23, 2012
Why we love it: Colorado has an incredible trail system, but unless you're up for taking on a fourteener, not many of them offer views that span 100 miles—in every direction. When to go: The location of this trail—west of Castle Rock and down ten miles of bumpy, gravel road—weeds out the masses. You'll find the most solitude on weekdays. But...
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12:45 pm, Oct 19, 2012
Why we love it: The seclusion. This is the longest trail in the park, it's not kid-friendly, and you can't bring dogs, so traffic is minimal. When to go: Morning or early afternoon. Allow two to two-and-a-half hours round trip. ***Castlewood Canyon State Park is a family-friendly spot: Several of the trails are short, paved...
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