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First-Timer’s Guides

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).

By 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.

By Lindsey B. Koehler

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.

By Daliah Singer

First-Timer’s Guide: Leadville

Located at the base of Colorado’s two tallest fourteeners, America’s highest incorporated city is home to a colorful downtown packed with history and outdoor adventure.

By Kirsten Dobroth

How to Enjoy Aspen on a Budget

There's more to Aspen than caviar crepes and bluetooth gondolas. Here's how the 99 percent can enjoy the world-renowned ski town.

By Katie Hearsum

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.

By Victoria Carodine

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

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

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: 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: 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
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