First-Timer’s Guides to Destinations Across the West

First Timer’s Guide: Silverthorne

If you’ve been treating Silverthorne as a mere outlet-mall shopping destination or a quick rest-stop on the way to Vail or Breckenridge, it’s time to take another look.

By Angela Ufheil

A Visitor’s Guide to Dinosaur National Monument

Visit the real Jurassic Park at this homage to dinosaurs—including more than 1,500 150-million-year-old fossils—near the border of Utah and Colorado.

By Bess Vanrenen

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.

By 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.

By Katie Hearsum

A First-Timer’s Guide to Enjoying Summer in Crested Butte

A perennial favorite of powder hounds, this charming town in Gunnison County is also a bucket-list destination during the warmer months.

By Tyra Sutak

First Timer’s Guide: South Lake Tahoe, California

It's always a good time to visit this snow- and sun-kissed city in the Sierra Nevadas.

By Tyra Sutak

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

Day Trip: Georgetown

Discover historic Georgetown’s wealth of old-school charm this holiday season.

By Mary Clare Fischer

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 Guides to Destinations Across the West

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