Terri Cook, 5280 Contributor

Terri Cook is an award-winning travel and science writer, whose work is featured in a diverse group of publications, including Scientific American, NOVA Next, Science News, EARTH, Boulder Magazine, Tea Time, and American Road. After traveling around the world, Cook chose to settle in Boulder, where she lives with her husband, two children, and a crazy cat named Nazgul. More of her work can be found at down2earthscience.com.

Author Article Archive

Hike We Like: Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Head to this Golden-area hike to wander among aspen groves and open meadows with broad views of the Continental Divide.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: South Valley Park’s Grazing Elk Trail

Enjoy spectacular red rock spires and striking views while strolling through one of JeffCo’s most beautiful open space parcels.

By Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Carlson Vineyards

One of Colorado’s oldest and best-known wineries captures the freshest of our state’s fruity flavors—and quirky humor—in its easy-drinking wines.

By Terri Cook

Colorado By Nature: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Discover petrified redwood trees, a cuckoo bird, and other ancient fossils at one of the Centennial State’s least known—but most amazing—natural wonders.

By Lon Abbott, Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Chief Mountain

This easy-to-access summit near Mount Evans features unforgettable Front Range views.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Sound of Silence Trail

This colorful gem in Dinosaur National Monument loops through vibrant badlands en route to a little slickrock scrambling—and sweeping views.

By Terri Cook

Only in Colorado: The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

This local nonprofit is dedicated to building and maintaining sustainable hiking routes up each of our state's fourteeners—and educating hikers about how to protect our state's fragile ecosystems.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: San Luis Peak’s South Ridge

Escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Colorado's most remote and least-climbed fourteeners.

By Logan Abbott, Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Legacy Vineyards

This easygoing winery in historic downtown Littleton serves vino made from its own Colorado-grown grapes, as well as other Centennial State wines.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: The Colorado Trail to Harvard Lakes

This great intro to the Colorado Trail winds along the slopes of Mount Columbia to a pair of pretty lakes renown for their trout fishing.

By Terri Cook

Here’s Your Yearly Reminder: Leave No Trace

Whether you’re enjoying your backyard or the backcountry, follow this simple philosophy and do your part to preserve Colorado's unmatched beauty.

By Terri Cook

Colorado By Nature: Bristlecone Pines

Stroll through a grove of ancient trees whose twisted trunks have stood on Mt. Evans’ windswept slopes since the fall of the Roman Empire.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Mount Elbert’s East Ridge

Savor the satisfaction of standing atop Colorado’s highest peak.

By Logan Abbott, Terri Cook

6 Picturesque Picnic Spots

Celebrate summer with an al fresco meal at one of these idyllic dining spots. Plus, our favorite eats to round out your summit menu.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Pikes Peak’s Northwest Slopes

Bag another fourteener by summiting America's Mountain (the hard way).

By Logan Abbott, Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Bigsby’s Folly

Life is an adventure at this new craft winery, which brings the best of California and other grape-growing regions to an unpretentious, Roaring Twenties-themed tasting room in the heart of RiNo.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Twin Lakes Trail

This lakeside stroll near Leadville has unbeatable views of Colorado’s two highest peaks and the quaking aspen groves adorning their slopes.

By Terri Cook

Only in Colorado: Coney Island Hot Dog Stand

Bailey’s famous frankfurter harkens back to the days of vintage family fun.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: O’Fallon Park’s West Ridge Loop

This pleasant stroll through the forested foothills is a true walk in the park.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Mount Herman Trail

This steep hike near Monument is rewarded with views stretching all the way from Castle Rock to the snow-capped summit of Pikes Peak.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Lion’s Lair Trail

This forested back-door route up Mount Sanitas is just the shade-filled, out-and-back excursion we need on warmer days.

By Terri Cook

Colorado by Nature: Dinosaur National Monument’s Echo Park

The remote and beautiful spot where the Green and Yampa rivers meet was once the focal point of one of our state’s fiercest conservation battles.

By Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Talon Winery

Owned by an accomplished falconer, this Western Slope winery just south of I-70 features a variety of flavorful white wines.

By Terri Cook

Only in Colorado: The Air Force Academy’s Cadet Chapel

One of Colorado’s most popular attractions is the Air Force Academy’s Cadet Chapel, whose soaring spires are the focal point of the gleaming Colorado Springs campus.

By Terri Cook