Top of the Town 2012

Bent Gate’s windows are dark on Saturdays. Which works out well for the staffers, who get to head outdoors to play on their day off—and that’s why they’re always at the ready with info on the best hiking spots, accounts of challenging climbing pitches, and reviews on all the equipment they tried out last Saturday. The shop overflows with gear for almost every nonwheeled outdoor adventure you can think of, and the store runs continuous deals for its customers, like trading in your old stuff for 20 percent off new tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor necessities. Best part: Bent Gate distributes the used gear to teens heading out on wilderness expeditions. 1313 Washington Ave., Golden, 303-271-9382, bentgate.com