First-Timer’s Guides

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.

By 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).

By Victoria Carodine

The Insider’s Guide to Fort Collins

From destination-worthy dining to superb outdoor adventures to sexy nights out on the town, consider this your locals-approved plan for a perfect visit to Denver’s favorite northern neighbor.

By Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan

What to Know Before Taking an Epic Dude Ranch Vacation

Before you pack your flannels and blue jeans, read up on everything you need to know about roughing it on Colorado's remarkable ranches.

By Katie Hearsum

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. 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.

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

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.

By Katie Hearsum

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

Why Santa Fe Should Be Your Winter Road-Trip Destination

Discover the off-season allure of our artistic southwestern neighbor.

By Shauna Farnell

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

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