Jay Bouchard, Digital Assistant Editor

Jay writes and edits stories for 5280.com and assists the digital team with social media and online strategy. He studied English and political science at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Before coming to 5280, Jay was an editorial fellow at Outside magazine in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he covered a myriad of topics including South American kayaking, marathon training, and the climbing season on Mt. Everest. Born and raised in New Hampshire with roots in the west, he is an avid skier, a neurotic Chicago Cubs fan, and a connoisseur of gas station hotdogs.

Author Article Archive

Uber’s Electric-Bike Rentals Just Landed in Denver

JUMP, the Uber-operated, pedal-assisted bike rental service, launches Friday with 250 dockless e-bikes in the Mile High City.

By Jay Bouchard

Electric Scooters (Nearly 2,000 This Time!) Are Coming Back to Denver

Denver officials forced electric scooter companies to cease operations in the city two months ago. Now, the scooters are back and operating under new rules. Here's what you need to know.

By Jay Bouchard

Colorado Leads Eight States in Historic Outdoor Recreation Alliance

The Confluence Accords, signed and ratified Wednesday in Denver, create a partnership between eight states surrounding shared values and practices within the multi-billion dollar outdoor industry.

By Jay Bouchard

Must-Ride MTB Trail: Canyon and Benjamin Loops in Betasso Preserve

This Boulder County preserve offers a quick (but first-rate) ride on the Canyon and Benjamin Loop Trails, with stunning views and a few leg-burning hills to boot.

By Jay Bouchard

Mayor Hancock Unveils Ambitious Climate Goals for Denver

On Tuesday, the mayor pledged that Denver would transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, as part of the city's 80x50 Climate Action Plan.

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s Best Patio Happy Hours

Five places to imbibe outside and on the cheap in the Mile High City this summer.

By Jay Bouchard, Shane Monaghan

Colorado’s 2018 Primary Results Offered Little Surprise

The governor's race landed between two obvious choices, Diana DeGette rolled to victory, and a tight race emerged in the Democratic primary for Attorney General.

By Jay Bouchard

Colorado Artists’ Work to Be Displayed at Korea’s DMZ Museum

A week after President Trump met with North Korea's leader, University of Colorado Boulder professor George Rivera is bringing 117 pieces of local art to the DMZ Museum, just three miles south of the demilitarized zone.

By Jay Bouchard

The Colorado Sun Rises on the Local Media Landscape

The digital-only news publication will be comprised primarily of former Denver Post staffers who resigned after the last round of layoffs. We spoke with editor Larry Ryckman to get the details.

By Jay Bouchard

The Couple from the SCOTUS Cake Case Is Going All In This PrideFest

Denver PrideFest, which is expected to bring at least 350,000 people to the city this weekend, could have extra flare in the wake of last week's Masterpiece Cakeshop Supreme Court ruling.

By Jay Bouchard

Diana DeGette Doesn’t Plan On Leaving Congress

Though DeGette faces a strong primary opponent this year, the veteran lawmaker expects her experience to carry her to reelection—and then some.

By Jay Bouchard

Why Have Electric Scooters Infiltrated Denver—And Are They Here to Stay?

Two companies dropped hundreds of dockless, electric scooters in Denver recently. But city officials are not impressed, and if the companies don't comply with regulations, the scooters may be gone for good.

By Jay Bouchard

Electric Longboards Are Having a Moment in Denver

Knights Of The Air (KOTA) longboards struck a balance between a smooth ride and a high-quality motor. And their new boards are so popular it's been tough to keep them in stock.

By Jay Bouchard

In Praise of the Gas Station Hot Dog

For one 5280 editor, all it takes is a low-grade beef frank to feel the comfort of home.

By Jay Bouchard

Luis Benitez Talks Public Lands, Outdoor Retailer, and His Office’s Purpose

Ahead of Colorado's Public Lands Day on May 19, we chatted with the hype man for the state's outdoor industry.

By Jay Bouchard

How Colorado Residents Made History in the Himalayas

Longtime Telluride resident and mountaineer Ben Clark and his team headed to Bhutan to set a record on one of the world's most daunting treks in 2016. A film which chronicles the treacherous experience, "The Snowman Trek," premiers in theaters on Thursday, May 17.

By Jay Bouchard

What Another Dry Winter Means for Colorado and the West

With dangerously low snowpack levels across the state, Colorado is facing a severe water shortage. We take a look at what that means for rivers, wildfires, and the future of water use in the West.

By Jay Bouchard

Saira Rao Is Taking Diana DeGette and the Democrats to Task

The first-time candidate wants more than Diana DeGette’s long-held Congressional seat. She wants her party back from the clutches of corporate money and establishment Democrats.

By Jay Bouchard

What You Missed: Governor Race Narrows After Republican and Democratic Assemblies

Walker Stapleton and Cary Kennedy won big at their party's respective assemblies this weekend, bringing more clarity to the question of who will be Colorado's next governor.

By Jay Bouchard

DIA Kitchen Workers Accuse United Airlines of Intimidation, Unfair Work Conditions

Pacific Islanders working in United's catering kitchen are trying to unionize in response to low wages and poor working conditions, an act of self-advocacy they say the airline is trying to discourage.

By Jay Bouchard

Catch the Train to Your Next Backcountry Adventure

Thanks to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, backcountry skiers and riders can more easily access Chicago Basin in late April and early May.

By Jay Bouchard

Colorado Students and Activists to March Against Gun Violence

In tandem with hundreds of demonstrations across the world, Denver will host a March For Our Lives rally of its own this Saturday.

By Jay Bouchard

Crested Butte Joins the Epic Pass

Crested Butte, following in Telluride's footsteps, is joining the Epic Pass as Vail Resorts looks to outdo its ski industry competitors.

By Jay Bouchard

Will Psychedelic Mushrooms Be on Denver’s Ballot in November?

A Denver group hopes to get an initiative on the 2018 ballot to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms.

By Jay Bouchard

Lebsock’s Last Stand: Democratic Rep. Expelled From Legislature

The Colorado House of Representatives voted on Friday afternoon to expel Democratic Representative Steve Lebsock, who was facing 11 allegations of sexual harassment.

By Jay Bouchard

Mayor Hancock Accused of Sexual Harassment by Police Detective

Mayor Michael Hancock admitted he sent "inappropriate" text messages after a police officer who had worked his security detail in 2012 accused him of sexual harassment.

By Jay Bouchard

Steve Lebsock Faces Expulsion From Colorado Legislature

After 11 allegations of sexual misconduct against Steve Lebsock were deemed credible by an outside investigator, the Thornton representative faces expulsion from the Colorado legislature.

By Jay Bouchard

Denver Approves First Social Cannabis Consumption License

The Coffee Joint, a Lincoln Park-based cafe, will likely be the nation's first business where it is legal to consume cannabis products.

By Jay Bouchard

Uber Launches New Carpool Service in Denver

The popular ride-sharing service is introducing Uber Express Pool this week in Denver, hoping to lower rates and expedite carpool trips.

By Jay Bouchard

Mikaela Shiffrin Places Fourth in Slalom, Misses Podium in Surprising Upset

After winning gold in the giant slalom race on Wednesday, Mikaela Shiffrin fell short in the slalom—her signature event and a race she was widely expected to win.

By Jay Bouchard