First-Timer’s Guide

First-Timer’s Guide: Winter in Cheyenne, Wyoming

The frontier spirit and a sense of adventure live on in Wyoming’s capital. Here, a guide for making the most out of a winter visit to this legendary city.

Terri Cook

Why You Should Consider a Winter Vacation to Grand Lake

This quaint town is oft-forgotten once Trail Ridge Road closes for the winter—and that’s exactly why it’s worth a visit.

Katie Hearsum

Why North Lake Tahoe is Worth a Ski Trip

Flights are quick and relatively inexpensive, the food is Bay Area-approved, and there’s a ton of snow. What’s not to love?

Shauna Farnell

First-Timer’s Guide: Pagosa Springs

Nestled at the bottom of Wolf Creek Pass in the 3-million-acre oasis of the San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Springs is the place to go if you want to soak in an outdoor lover’s paradise—and hot springs.

Kirsten Dobroth

6 Ways to Explore the Black Hills This Winter

There’s still plenty to do when all the Mount Rushmore tourists have fled elsewhere.

Irene Middleman Thomas

First-Timer’s Guide to Winter in Salida

Salida’s summer crowds thin when the snow starts flying. Come winter, you’ll find moderate temperatures and folks who are still skiing, riding, and soaking up the town’s burgeoning arts and restaurant scene.

Lisa Blake

First-Timer’s Guide: Minturn, Colorado

Celebrating its 115th anniversary this year, the charming town of Minturn is just begging to be explored. Nestled in the Vail Valley, it’s time to make this gem a destination.

Katie Coakley

First-Timer’s Guide: Boise, Idaho

Mountain casual meets craft beer haven in Idaho’s state capital.

Tyra Sutak

First-Timer’s Guide: Black Hills National Forest

This hidden gem to our north is full of lush mountains, nearby desert canyons, and one of the world’s longest caves.

Amy Thomson

First-Timer’s Guide: Lake City

Planning some last-minute summer travel? Don’t overlook this small mountain community, which boasts every kind of outdoor adventure you could desire (plus so much more).

Victoria Carodine

A First-Timer’s Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Twenty years ago, Congress declared 14 miles of Colorado’s deepest canyon worthy of national park status. If you’ve stood along the edge of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s namesake chasm, you understand why—yet the Black is still the state’s least-visited national park. We suggest you go before that changes.

Lindsey B. King

First-Timer’s Guide: Dillon

You’ve likely considered Dillon a pass-through on the way to mountain towns with more name recognition. But it’s time to give this small Summit County enclave its due.

Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Casper, Wyoming

More than a pitstop en route to Jackson Hole or Yellowstone, this central Wyoming town is full of charm, suds, and adventure.

Katie Hearsum

5 Winter Weekend Getaways That Won’t Break the Bank

Ready for a road trip? Here are five Front Range destinations that offer adventure and relaxation with a lower price tag and lighter crowds.

Shauna Farnell

A First-Timer’s Guide to the National Western Stock Show

Giddy up and go to the 113th annual event, taking place in Denver January 12-27.

Paul Albani-Burgio

First-Timer’s Guide: Georgetown

We know you’re in a hurry to get to the mountains come Saturday morning. But instead of zooming past, take exit 228 for Georgetown, a quaint and historic mountain town with a lot to offer.

Victoria Carodine

First-Timer’s Guide: Louisville

Head to the playful and charming town of Louisville for the simple pleasure of a walkable downtown with plenty of shops, restaurants and, of course, easy access to the Rockies.

Victoria Carodine

First-Timer’s Guide: Creede

This remote town might seem like just a blip on the map, but Creede is at the epicenter of some of Colorado’s most spectacular outdoor recreation and scenery.

Katie Hearsum