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: 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

Hike We Like: Monument Canyon Trail and Wedding Canyon

Colorado National Monument’s signature hike explores the heart of the West Slope’s gorgeous sandstone scenery.

By Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Carboy Winery

Littleton’s chic new négociant winery showcases a signature collection of “craft wine” on tap.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Boulder’s Shadow Canyon Trail

This challenging trail up South Boulder Peak offers top-of-the-world views and a glimpse of the forest’s post-wildfire recovery.

By Terri Cook

Only in Colorado: Tom’s Baby

After mysteriously disappearing for decades, Colorado’s largest chunk of gold was rediscovered—but it was several pounds lighter.

By Terri Cook

What It’s Like to Ski Aspen’s World Cup Downhill Course

Experience the thrill of Aspen Mountain's demanding “America’s Downhill” course from the racers’ perspectives.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Hildebrand Ranch’s Two Brands Trail

This mellow loop takes spring hikers through a historic ranching property.

By Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Winter Park Winery

Owned by a devoted Grateful Dead fan, Grand County’s only winery is a great place to relax, soak up some local color, and "share the wine."

By Terri Cook

6 Places to Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski Near Denver

Ditch the crowded lifts to explore these trails.

By Terri Cook

Colorado by Nature: Skiing the Colorado Mineral Belt

Thanks to a geologic quirk of fate, as well as plentiful powder, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Telluride have all struck it rich twice during their long, boom-and-bust histories.

By Lon Abbott, Terri Cook

Yes, You Can Dog Sled In Colorado

You can "mush" in real life by taking a ride behind a pack howling hounds.

By Terri Cook

6 Runs to Tackle at Snowmass Mountain

The largest of Aspen Skiing Company’s four mountains, Snowmass is ideal for adventurers seeking intermediate terrain.

By Terri Cook

Ski Run We Like: Vail’s Riva Ridge

In this series exploring Colorado ski resorts' classic trails, we look at Vail’s Riva Ridge, the mountain's longest run, which tests your mettle with four miles of bumps and steep drops.

By Terri Cook

Colorado by Nature: Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Colorful badlands on Colorado’s Great Plains record an unprecedented heat wave that swept the globe 55 million years ago.

By Lon Abbott, Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Silver Vines Winery

This boutique winery in Olde Town Arvada has a variety of excellent red, white, and dessert wines perfect for pairing with winter meals.

By Terri Cook

Ski Run We Like: Aspen Mountain’s Face of Bell

This classic glade run has rounded bumps and evenly spaced evergreens, plus some solid powder, if you know where to look.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: White Rocks Trail

This scenic, creekside trail is a great wintertime option for when you crave mountain views, but don’t want to tackle steep, icy trails.

By Terri Cook

Only in Colorado: Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum

America’s only museum devoted to mountaineering is located in downtown Golden, and includes more than 5,000 pieces of gear, pictures, and cultural artifacts.

By Terri Cook

Behind the Vines: Ten Bears Winery

This low-key winery north of Fort Collins offers a diverse choice of delicious wines with distinctly local flavors.

By Terri Cook

Check It Out: The Four Seasons Farmers & Artisans Market

The metro area’s only year-round farmers' market showcases a bounty of local produce, milk, meat, and treats, as well as colorful artwork.

By Terri Cook

Colorado by Nature: West Bijou Site

America’s newest National Natural Landmark reveals tantalizing clues about the day the dinosaurs died.

By Lon Abbott, Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Reservoir Ridge North Loop Trail

Tucked into the foothills just north of Fort Collins, this beautiful hike offers a welcomed sense of solitude.

By Terri Cook

Hike We Like: Bald Mountain’s Pines to Peaks Loop

The short trail up this little-known peak in a Boulder County is perfect for anyone who enjoys walking through the forest and gazing at great views of both the plains and the Continental Divide.

By Terri Cook