First-Timer’s Guides to Destinations Across the West

First-Timer’s Guide: Lyons, Colorado

One of Colorado’s best kept adventure town secrets is just a short drive from Denver.

By Tyra Sutak

First-Timer’s Guide: Reno, Nevada

Now that DIA offers direct flights to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, we've discovered there's more to the western Nevada locale than its proximity to Lake Tahoe.

By Katie Hearsum

First-Timer’s Guide: Fruita, Colorado

Don't overlook this high-desert town on the Colorado River, which has world-class mountain biking trails and a funky downtown.

By Katie Klingsporn

First-Timer’s Guide: Silverton, Colorado

This mountain town is rich in history, big on adventure, and appealingly rough around the edges.

By Katie Klingsporn

First-Timer’s Guide: Ouray

The “Switzerland of America” boasts incredible box canyon views, a cozy wintertime feel, and a seemingly endless list of outdoor activities.

By Tyra Sutak

First-Timer’s Guide: Beaver Creek

Keep traveling west on I-70—past Frisco, past Vail—and you'll be rewarded with spacious terrain and upscale offerings, no matter the season.

By Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Los Alamos, New Mexico

This bizarro New Mexico town offers its visitors a macabre bit of American history, family-friendly skiing, and top-notch breakfast burritos.

By Heather Mundt

First-Timer’s Guide: Nederland

This tiny town tucked into the Rocky Mountains is not to be overlooked.

By Haley Gray

Why the Ten-Hour Drive to Northern Arizona is Totally Worth It

Fall is a perfect time to explore this stunningly beautiful part of the Grand Canyon State.

By Haley Gray

First-Timer’s Guide: White Sands National Monument and Alamogordo, New Mexico

Explore the natural anomaly of White Sands National Monument, which offers a striking mix of white sands and clear blue skies, as well as the quirky neighboring town of Alamogordo.

By Haley Gray

First-Timer’s Guide: Jackson, Wyoming

This remote town is an adventurer's paradise.

By Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Manitou Springs

This tiny town at the base of Pikes Peak has fun for the whole family.

By Kassondra Cloos

First-Timer’s Guide: Winter Park

A quick jaunt over Berthoud Pass leads to this fun-loving, outdoor paradise in Grand County—and offers a merciful early exit from I-70 traffic.

By Katie Hearsum

First-Timer’s Guide: Loveland

Trade a visit to Fort Collins for a tour of this up-and-coming northern Colorado town.

By Mary Clare Fischer

First-Timer’s Guide: Salt Lake City, Utah

This mountainside city has more to offer than proximity to the slopes. (Hint: Come hungry.)

By Haley Gray

First-Timer’s Guide: Zion National Park

One of Utah's five national parks, this Southwestern gem is brimming with adventure.

By Jerilyn Forsythe

First-Timer’s Guide: Morrison

The best way to spend a Saturday this fall? Exploring this charming, pint-sized town.

By Jerilyn Forsythe

First-Timer’s Guide: Albuquerque, New Mexico

For stunning high desert, craft breweries, and world-class art, drive south.

By Haley Gray

First-Timer’s Guide: Gunnison

If you blast through this funky ranching town on your way to Crested Butte, you're missing out.

By Kasey Cordell

First-Timer’s Guide: Black Hawk & Central City

These former gold rush towns are known for their casinos, but there are other stops to explore.

By Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Evergreen

Come to this mountain enclave for the outdoor recreation, but stay for the friendly community vibe.

By Erin Skarda

First-Timer’s Guide: Buena Vista

This quaint town offers the best of Colorado—outdoor adventures, tasty restaurants, boozy sips—all with beautiful views.

By Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Durango

Though this southwestern Colorado town is heavy on Old West charm, its restaurants, craft beer scene, and outdoor recreation options bring it firmly into the 21st century.

By Jessica LaRusso

First-Timer’s Guide: Rockies Spring Training

A week in Arizona might be the best escape Colorado baseball fans have in March.

By Lindsey B. Koehler

First-Timer’s Guide: Fort Collins

Located just over an hour from Denver, this mid-size college town offers an ideal mix of outdoor recreation, casual dining and drinking, and activities for day and night.

By Callie Sumlin

First-Timer’s Guide: Vail

Ditch your car and don your winter wear. Lionshead-Vail Village is a skier's—and pedestrian's—paradise.

By Jerilyn Forsythe

First-Timer’s Guide: Carbondale

It's no wonder why Men's Journal recently proclaimed Carbondale one of "The 10 Best Places to Live Now." Plan your weekend escape with this guide.

By Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Moab, Utah

We unearth the small-town charms in this high-desert destination.

By Sarah Boyum

First-Timer’s Guide: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Just six hours from the Mile High City, this international art destination feels a world away. A few ideas to inspire your next three-day-weekend romantic getaway.

By Jessica LaRusso

First-Timer’s Guide: Paonia

With the state’s largest concentration of organic and sustainable growers, petite Paonia is a hotbed of fresh farm-to-table food—and wine. Here, a few suggestions for making the most of your visit to this scenic and friendly Western Slope town.

By Terri Cook

First-Timer’s Guides to Destinations Across the West

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