10 Must-Have Gifts for Campers in 2024

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the camping enthusiast in your life? Look no further! We've put together a list of 10 must-have gifts we as avid campers love. For those looking to amp up their exploring game to those who are just starting their outdoor adventures, these gifts are sure to make your loved one’s camping experiences top-notch. We include practical and fun gifts that will make camping trips more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or just a special occasion,become the ultimate gift-giver with our hand-picked selection of campsite gifts.

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campingTanya Raedeke
Westcliffe Colorado Adventures in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Discover fantastic hikes in Westcliffe, Colorado. This quiet gem of a town is gently settled between the Wet Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, just on the other side of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. All kinds of backcountry adventures await, with loads of hiking trails leading you to alpine lakes and fabulous views by day, plus star studded dark skies by night.

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Colorado Wildflowers: Best Hikes to See These Blooms

Mid-July to early August is prime time for CO wildflowers, and we’ve got the inside scoop on the best trails in around Colorado to see these beauts. Each region offers its own floral flair, and I’m excited to share my favorite Colorado wildflower hikes with you. It’s a fun and colorful way to soak up the outdoors, with each trail revealing a new burst of beauty.

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Melodie Monberg
Hiking Pikes Peak, The Highest Mountain In Colorado Springs

Hiking Pikes Peak, the highest mountain in Colorado Springs, calls for a dash of planning and a hefty dose of fun. Dive into our guide, where we unravel the details of all three main routes, ensuring you're prepped for the journey. Eager for a local's touch? We've thrown in a wild and challenging route, a tale to brag about for decades! And for those seeking ultimate thrills, take on the bike descent down Pikes Peak. The plethora of Pikes Peak trails guarantees adventures galore, crowned with mountain-high donuts for the sweet victory! As a bonus, we spill the local secrets to conquer this majestic mountain.

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Outrageously Gorgeous Boulder Hiking Trails

Boulder is where eclectic meets electric, especially on the hiking trails in Boulder. Picture winding through hidden gems only locals know, with the iconic Flatirons towering like nature’s skyscrapers. Whether you’re chasing breathtaking mountain views or just strolling along more chill Boulder hiking trails, this mountain town has a trail for every kind of hiker—from easy-going to hardcore. Trust us, Boulder’s got all the trail magic you didn’t know you needed!

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Melodie Monberg
Best Ziplines in Colorado Springs

What better way to experience this city's stunning panoramic vistas than through these exhilarating Seven Falls ziplines? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking adventure or a nature lover looking for unique ways to see the views, here are the best Colorado Springs ziplines. Soar above treetops, glide across canyons with your crew, and leave with an unforgettable experience under Pikes Peak.

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Top Notch Durango Colorado Restaurants and Breweries

Hiked the Colorado Trail, rafted the Animas River, or tackled some epic biking trails? Ready to cool off? Check out the best breweries in Durango where you can sip craft beers that pair perfectly with your outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to dive into Durango Colorado restaurants for a delicious post-adventure feast. Click through to find your next favorite brew and tasty bite!

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Melodie Monberg
Visit the Colorado Springs CO Breweries

Dive into the craft beer adventure with our ultimate guide to the best breweries in Colorado Springs! We’ve mapped out the coolest spots by neighborhood, from places with live tunes to the best breweries in Colorado Springs that serve up delicious food, cozy outdoor spots, and a warm welcome for your furry friends. Discover the vibrant world of Colorado Springs CO breweries, where you can sip on hundreds of local brews all within a short drive from anywhere in town. Cheers to an unforgettable beer journey!

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Kenosha Pass Hikes We Love

Hiking trails near Kenosha Pass offer widespread vistas, wildflowers, wildlife sightings, creek crossings, forests, aspen groves, waterfalls, lakes and a chance to hop on the famous Colorado Trail. Kenosha Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado and tops out at an elevation 10,000 feet. The pass is located on US Hwy 285, just southwest of Denver, Colorado and northeast of the town of Fairplay, Colorado. Other small towns nearby Kenosha Pass include Jefferson, Bailey, Conifer, and Grant, all serving as gateways to many fantastic Colorado hiking trails. This area is well-known for its colorful groves of aspen making it a popular place for hikes and drives, especially on the weekends in late September through early October.

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Top Guanella Pass Hikes

Guanella Pass is found in the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness between the towns of Georgetown, Colorado at the north end and the town of Grant at the south end, at the US Hwy 285 junction. This scenic and historic byway totals 23 miles and follows an old wagon route connecting those two mining towns. We share our favorite hikes on Guanella Pass, plus great local spots for food and drinks after your hike.

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Hiking Around Durango, Colorado

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual stroller, hiking around Durango, Colorado will leave you breathless—in the best way possible. From rugged peaks in the San Juans to family-friendly trails and tubing on the Animas River, Durango offers a wide range of outdoor activities. After a day of adventure, unwind in the hot springs in Durango, savor local cuisine, and enjoy a pint at a craft brewery. Durango awaits—let’s explore!

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Melodie Monberg
Laughs, Life Lessons, and a St. Bernard: My Unexpected Encounter on the Colorado Trail

On a recent trail hike in Colorado, I had an unforgettable encounter with two 81-year-old twin hikers and their St. Bernard. What started as a simple hello turned into a captivating conversation that left me with three invaluable lessons. These seasoned adventurers shared their wisdom and inspired me to embrace the trail with renewed vigor and perspective. Discover the surprising insights I gained from this unexpected meeting on the Colorado Trail.

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Melodie Monberg
Let’s Go Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

Consistently ranked as a top 10 national park, hiking Rocky Mountain National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list. Head there in the fall for rutting season among elk. It’s intense. Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park show off majestic mountain range views, waterfalls, and wildlife for every hiker. Pick a side, Estes Park or Grand Lake and tackle one of 13 best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Check out bonus hikes to stunning waterfalls in and around the park.

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Melodie Monberg
Hiking in Colorado National Parks 2024

Explore diverse Colorado hiking trails in these four stunning national parks: Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Sled down gigantic sand dunes, climb ladders to Ancient Puebloan dwellings, trek to invigorating waterfalls or mountain peaks, and find colorful views of pink-laced towering granite walls in a historic gorge. We've done them all. Let's go!

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Best Hikes In Salt Lake City, Utah

The best hikes in Salt Lake City are just 20 minutes from downtown, offering year-round joy! With my kid at the University, I've loved exploring these trails and embracing Utah's quirky liquor laws for a post-hike brew. Hiking Salt Lake City area means well-marked trails, lush forests, and scenic views—all with the bonus of low altitude! Check out my 5 favorite hikes, top bars (ID required!), and fun gear shops like the Patagonia Outlet.

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Melodie Monberg
Mesa Verde National Park Hiking

Step into a world of wonder at Mesa Verde National Park! Uncover ancient cliff dwellings and explore the scenic Mesa Verde National Park hiking trails, perfect for all adventurers. Whether you're exploring ancient cliff dwellings or tackling epic Mesa Verde National Park hiking trails, there's endless excitement for history buffs, nature lovers, and families. Plus, after a day of adventure, unwind at the Durango Hot Springs, just a short drive away!

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Tanya Raedeke
Black Canyon of the Gunnison

What's Colorado's most underrated gem? It's the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the cliffs are steep, the views are epic, and the stargazing is out of this world. If you're craving a weekend that combines adventure with serenity, Black Canyon National Park has you covered. From heart-pumping hikes along the canyon's edge to cozy campgrounds under the clearest night sky, Black Canyon of the Gunnison Park is your ticket to escape the ordinary. It's like stepping into a whole new world—one that you won't want to leave.

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Melodie Monberg
Tackling Majestic 13ers: Five Top Hikes We Love in 2024

With towering peaks, breathtaking vistas, and a sense of accomplishment like no other, conquering majestic 13ers in Colorado is a thrilling adventure. These lesser-known mountains are just a notch below the famous 14ers, but don't let them fool you – they offer their own unique challenges and rewards. Lace up your hiking boots and strap on your daypack! Push your boundaries and test your endurance on some of the best 13ers in Colorado.

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Tanya Raedeke
Where to Buy Affordable Used Hiking Gear for Beginners

If you are new to hiking and don't want to buy all the beginner hiker gear needed, we have the solution for you! Purchasing used hiking gear not only helps your budget but also has an environmental pro. Make sure you download The Hiking Gear for Beginners Checklist and visit one of Colorado Springs' best used camping gear stores! P.S. Our hometown, Colorado Springs offers an abundance of great resale and upcycled stores to explore.

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Rent an RV in Colorado and Explore More in 2025

Visit Colorado when you want, how you want, and where you want. Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter — RV rentals in Colorado are a fabulous way to soak in all the natural hot springs, hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, paddling, skiing, and more with the ones you love the most. Don’t want to be tied down to one location or one vacation rental home for the whole week? We say book an RV Rental for you and the gang — or just you and your boo!

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campingTanya Raedeke