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

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

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