Are you planning to explore some of the best Colorado hiking trails? Knowing your hiking necessities and what to take for hiking keeps everyone smiling. From maps and snacks to water, a first-aid kit, and seasoned hiking intel, our list of hiking essentials ensures a well-prepared and stress-free hiking daypack. What to wear hiking in Colorado is just as important as what to bring—we can have up to four seasons in one day! Download our free hiking pack checklist and get hiking!
Read MoreSearching for the ultimate Colorado outdoor adventure? The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado is home to the breathtaking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop, an incredible backpacking trail that will surely take your breath away. This 3 or 4-day trek takes you up and over four stunning mountain passes, giving you unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys below. Be amazed by wildflowers everywhere, surrounded by alpine lakes and Snowmass Lake, making this a truly unique Colorado experience unlike any other. Plan, organize, and prepare to hike Maroon Bells trails now – it’s worth every step!
Read MoreStep into a winter wonderland exploring ice castles in Colorado. Breckenridge features incredible handcrafted ice sculptures, while Cripple Creek and the new Eagle locations showcase stunning castle ice creations. Melody's family has made it an annual tradition, immersing themselves in the mesmerizing beauty. From icy tunnels to snowy archways, each visit unfolds a new chapter of frozen magic. As for secret castles in Colorado? We found one we bet you’ve never been to!
Read MoreColorado Springs is a top destination for nature enthusiasts, offering parks and trails that cater to adventurers of all kinds. If you’re after the most rewarding easy hikes Colorado Springs has to offer, you’ll love these 6 short hikes that blend convenience with breathtaking views. These easy hiking trails in Colorado Springs make it simple to connect with the outdoors, whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these easy hikes in Colorado Springs offer the perfect way to experience the beauty of the area.
Read MoreHiking the Manitou Incline is an extreme outdoor workout just south of Colorado Springs. Each year, it attracts thousands of climbers, including Olympians, ultrarunners, the athletic tourist, and hiker. Challenge yourself on the most popular incline hike in Manitou Springs. Insider tip: locals love the nearby Red Mountain Trail as the perfect secret training hike to get your legs ready for the Incline. Either way, use our local tips and tricks to check the ultimate stair-climber hike off your list for 2025!
Read MoreWelcome to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, a nature lover's paradise in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Here is your next outdoorsy getaway in 2025, where jagged mountain peaks pierce the skies and alpine lakes shimmer in the sunlight. While we’ve just begun to uncover Indian Peaks hiking trails, we’re here to share six fantastic hiking trails, from easy to challenging. Lace up your hiking boots and trek along scenic trails that wind through dense forests, traverse high mountain passes, and offer awe-inspiring vistas. With over 76,000 acres of untouched natural splendor, this particular wilderness invites adventurers to explore its terrain. Whether you're an avid hiker, a newbie backpacker, or simply seeking lakeside serenity, we’re here to share some pretty cool hikes in Indian Peaks.
Read MoreAs the crisp winter air sets in, the allure of winter tent camping beckons to adventurers seeking a unique outdoor experience. While the biting cold and frosty conditions may seem daunting, with the right gear and know-how, you can conquer the cold and create unforgettable memories in the snow-draped wilderness. In this guide, we'll delve into the essential gear and clever hacks that will elevate your winter camping escapades to a whole new level of comfort and enjoyment. Whether you're a seasoned winter camper or a newbie braving the chill for the first time, this article is packed with practical insights and recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter camping experience.
Read MoreGet ready to strap on your snowshoes and hit the trails with Colorado snowshoeing! It’s the perfect winter workout to stay fit while taking in the beauty of nature. I, Melody, find time to snowshoe near me during the winter months, exploring the stunning snow-covered landscapes just a short drive from home. And the best part? All 11 of our snowshoe spotlights are less than an hour from Colorado Springs! Don’t worry if you’ve never snowshoed before—if you can walk, you can snowshoe! Plus, you can easily grab REI snowshoe rentals to get started. It’s a great way to spend time with friends or enjoy a peaceful solo trek.
Read MoreJust an hour from Denver, Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods offers a stunning escape into nature’s artistry. Towering sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak create a scene that feels almost otherworldly. Whether you’re meandering through the center gardens at Garden of the Gods, marveling at their iconic beauty, or tackling the 11-mile perimeter for a bold Garden of the Gods hike, this park caters to quiet wanderers and thrill-seekers alike. With our insider tips, you’ll be set to enjoy a truly magical day in this beloved Colorado destination.
Read MoreReady for a troll hunt? Meet Rita, the newest of the Colorado trolls. This is the second gigantic all-wood and branch troll sculpture in Colorado; the first being Isak, who lives in Breckenridge. Near Victor, Colorado, take a picturesque drive along an aspen-lined highway and stop in to see Rita the Rock Planter along a gorgeous 2-mile hike. Who knew troll hunting, Colorado trolls style, could be so fun?!
Read MoreWelcome to the breathtaking beauty of Colorado's lake hikes, where nature doles out epic reflections in so many spectacular ways. Home to a chunk of the glorious Rocky Mountains, Colorado boasts an abundance of stunning lakes that offer awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable outdoor adventures. From sparkling alpine lakes above 10,000 feet to tranquil reservoirs at lower elevations, Colorado's diverse landscapes dish up something for everyone. Traipse through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky trails, to crystal-clear waters mirror snow-capped peaks creating stunning backdrops. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, we’ve got hikes below for everyone. Lace up your hiking boots and let’s hit the trail for a cool lake hike.
Read MoreFind the best ski resorts in Colorado for beginners with 21 insider tips from Melody to make it the best skiing in Colorado. We’ll show you how to get to these ski hills in Colorado, which passes to buy, where to start as a beginner, and the top spots to eat—a true local’s guide for a perfect day on the slopes!
Read MoreKick off your road trip from Colorado Springs or Denver, weaving through the Colorado Western Slope to Utah’s stunning national parks. With our guide, you’ll find the best trails, must-try brews, cozy spots to stay, and top adventures in Colorado National Monument, Arches, Bryce, and Zion. Whether it’s hiking hidden gems or e-biking red rock canyons, this trip plan makes mapping your Western Slopes and Utah National Parks 5 escape a breeze.
Read MoreCross country skiing in Colorado for beginners is not as hard as one may think. This active winter sport offers great exercise with majestic views. Learn the difference between class skiing and skate skiing and which one is easier to learn first. Discover some of the best places to head to learn how to cross country ski in Colorado with a dozen great nordic centers all over the Rocky Mountains.
Read MoreTake your best family vacation yet with an unforgettable adventure in one of these 13 Colorado destinations, where breathtaking landscapes and high-adrenaline activities await at every turn. From exploring epic mountains to exciting outdoor experiences, Colorado offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation this summer. Dive into the beauty of the Rockies as you hike stunning Colorado trails, spot wildlife in their natural habitats, go fishing, or just relax in a hammock and drink in the stunning panoramic views. Get your thrills with white-water rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, canyoneering, or rock climbing, and create lasting memories with your crew.
Read MoreRocky Mountain National Park is a true winter wonderland, offering some of the best snowshoeing Colorado has to offer. Whether you're looking to snowshoe in Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time or are a seasoned pro, its powdery trails and breathtaking alpine views make it the ultimate destination for an unforgettable winter hike. We share our 9 favorite hikes, letting you experience snowshoeing in RMNP. You'll also find recommendations on cozy spots to grab a locally-brewed beer and delicious meal after hitting the trails.
Read MoreEvery fall, my husband, Matt, and I look forward to our favorite Breckenridge fall hikes in Colorado. One hidden gem we discovered years ago is perfect for enjoying Breckenridge aspen leaf peeping without the crowds! I’ll share each trail, how to get there, and the best part—where to grab a cozy coffee or a refreshing beer afterward. These trails truly capture the magic of Breckenridge fall and the beauty of autumn Colorado is known for!
Read MoreWe’ve got 3 big tips for planning the best spring break 2025 Colorado trip! Along with dozens of local-only activities and Colorado spring break ideas, we share favorite hidden gems, expert advice, and the best places to stay. Whether it’s family fun or solo exploring, you'll find everything you need for an unforgettable Colorado in spring break. *This guide is perfect for visitors, guests, or anyone planning a Colorado Springs trip any time of year!
Read MoreChristmas in Colorado is a blast, not just because it’s a winter wonderland with main streets all aglow, but because of all the fabulous outdoor winter activities and adventures that await you during your holiday break! We’re here to dish out the best places to go in Colorado for Christmas, complete with Santa sightings, twinkling lights, sledding hills, sleigh rides, ice skating, snowmobiling tours, where to go skiing, and hop on dog sled tours. And naturally, we’re sharing our favorite spots for winter hikes, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and dipping into sublime geothermic hot springs.
Read MoreLooking for the best Colorado ski resorts for your gang of skiers and snow boarders? Here are our 10 favorite ski towns for 2024-2025 and where to hit the slopes on the best ski mountains in Colorado this winter. Plus, we'll show you where to find main street in town for food and drink, plus great spots for other winter activities like snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill tubing, and snowy hikes. Let's go!
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