Bring it inside: keeping the trail magic alive
This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase via a link on this page, we make a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support of this small women-led business.
Hiking in Colorado: Tips for Keeping Nature with You, Even When You're Not on the Trail
Do you wish you could bottle up the outdoors and bring it inside with you?
Every time I hike, I imagine capturing the scent of pine trees and the crisp mountain air in a small glass jar—something I could wear around my neck and carry with me wherever I go. It's my way of taking a little piece of nature with me, turning the indoors outdoors.
After all, why not let a bit of the trail follow you home?
My love for hiking started later in life, almost by accident. I grew up in Africa, but not in the vast savannas or rugged wilderness you'd imagine. Instead, I lived in bustling cities where camping wasn't really an option.
It wasn’t until I was 16 that I had my first real camping experience on the Serengeti in Kenya—talk about diving in at the deep end!
Camping under the stars in Africa with Cape Buffalo roaming outside our tent was my first taste of true outdoor freedom.
It gave me room to breathe and appreciate beauty for what it is.
Years later, moving to Colorado solidified my desire to bring it inside—to capture the essence of the trail and create a nature-inspired home decor that keeps the outdoors close.
As I've explored different ways to recreate that sense of the outdoors at home, I've gathered a few tips I'd love to share with you.
Indoors Outdoors Decisions
Whether you want to conquer Colorado’s best trails, bag a bunch of 14ers, or pitch a tent in a Colorado campground, create that indoors outdoors feeling in your everyday life.
Backpacking Four Pass Loop, one of Colorado’s most iconic hikes
It takes some intentionality and creativity, but with these tips, you can keep the spirit of the trail alive, even when you're indoors.
Dude Dad’s Colorado transplant school bit is hilarious and spot-on, perfectly capturing what a typical Coloradan looks like.
When I first moved here, I realized it's easy to relax and enjoy Colorado’s outdoor scene—no need to fit a certain mold. No matter where you live, you can always be part of nature in your own way.
There's no wrong way to begin exploring the outdoors. You don't have to climb mountains to embrace nature—in fact, you can bring a lot of that nature-inspired home decor into your home.
Here’s how to make your indoors outdoors style match.
Find Your Outdoor Inspiration
Capture Moments on the Trail
Take photos or journal about your hiking experiences.
This way, you can relive those moments and stay connected to nature even when you're back at home.
COHH TIP! When I was an international trip leader for Compassion International, we'd have countless photo opportunities all day long.
Each night, I'd go through my camera roll, mark my favorites with a big heart, and delete the rest.
Culling your camera roll gives you a chance to appreciate the best moments without feeling overwhelmed by too many unnecessary shots.
Use Natural Scents
Every year I head to my favorite candle store and buy 6 large balsam fir candles. These are lit year round, giving me forest vibes that immediately transport me exactly to favorite Colorado trails.
Lavender oil in the diffuser reminds me of the bundles of fresh lavender I’d keep in my dorm room as a high schooler in Kenya.
Smell and emotion are stored as one memory. Dawn Goldworm
Scents from the outdoors, like pine or lavender, often used in essential oils, candles, or incense help bring the feeling of the trail into your home.
Think about your favorite scents while hiking. Add those to your home for year-round fragrance.
Create a Nature-Inspired Home Decor
Lilacs from our outdoor trees delight me!
Decorate with Natural Elements
While you should never remove pieces of nature from parks or trails—it's essential to respect Leave No Trace principles—you can still bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home using natural elements.
I love adding a touch of the wilderness to my space with simple things like fallen pine cones in a bowl on the table or branches I find in my yard to craft a unique wreath for the living room.
In the spring, nothing makes me happier than filling a vase with fresh lilacs from my garden. Their scent takes me back to my favorite trails, even when I'm far from them. Each season offers something special to add to your home. In winter, pine cones create a cozy feeling, while summer might bring a burst of color from wildflowers.
These aren't souvenirs from hikes; they're personal touches that remind me of the joy nature brings.
It's amazing how a few natural elements can turn a room into a sanctuary, reminding us of the peaceful moments we've experienced on the trail.
Simple decorations can transform any space into a little slice of the outdoors, keeping the connection to nature alive every day.
Herbs in my kitchen window.
Be “that Plant Person”
Did you know that keeping indoor plants can naturally purify your air?
I used to be a novice with houseplants, but I've since embraced my role as the plant lady. Now, I have a lush collection of greenery throughout my home, and it adds so much life to every room. *Youtube is a great teacher for learning how to keep plants alive!
Air purifying aside, plants can knock out stress simply by their presence in your home. Cheap therapy if you ask me!
Winter doesn't feel quite so bleak when my outdoor potted plants continue to thrive indoors.
In the kitchen window, I have two large pots of herbs whose fragrance fills the space and gives me fresh seasonings for cooking.
It's wonderful to reach over and pick basil or thyme while I'm preparing dinner.
Indoor plants are not only visually pleasing; they also create a calming atmosphere. Having them around makes any space feel more alive and connected to the natural world.
Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just getting started, a bit of greenery can transform your home into a peaceful oasis.
Incorporate Nature into Your Daily Routine
Nature Sounds and White Noise
While I have a love/hate relationship with big box stores, I do find they carry some great outdoor products for decent prices.
The sound machine I bought years ago for my babies continues to work great for nighttime forest sounds.
Spotify has hundreds of nature soundtracks that bring singing birds and rushing waterfalls into the home.
I often put on nature spa sounds in the evening while prepping dinner, giving the entire home a relaxing vibe.
Outdoor-Inspired Workouts
Trail-side yoga with tree trunk stretches, SUP poses on the lake, or even weight workouts with meditative pauses—these are my favorite ways to blend fitness with nature.
Adding nature sounds to your yoga flow or finding calm between sets can transform any workout.
Whether outdoors or bringing nature indoors, these ideas keep your fitness routine fresh and inspired.
Stay Active with Outdoor Activities
Weekly Hikes and Outdoor Walks
I try to get outside every day, whether it's a quick walk or a hike on Colorado trails—it’s my way to clear my head. And I make sure to hike at least once a week, especially with daylight savings, to soak up some sun before it gets dark.
Not only does getting outdoors lift your mood, but it also helps with sleep and keeps you feeling connected to nature.
If you’re able to make time for the outdoors regularly, it can do wonders for your stress levels and overall well-being.
Join Outdoor Clubs and Events
Post-COVID, meeting new people can be tricky, but Facebook groups, local hiking or running meetups, and stores like REI with bulletin boards can help. Running stores often host fun nights, too.
I was part of Colorado Running Company’s weekly run for years, and it was a great way to meet like-minded folks.
Joining outdoor clubs or events is a fun way to stay active and connect with others who love nature.
Nature Art - Bring it inside
Nature-Inspired Art Projects
Pressing flowers and framing them is a favorite, or sometimes we create a motif with photos from our hikes.
One of the best things we've done is turn a collection of nature pics from our walks into a Chatbook—it’s a great way to relive those moments. For around $20/month, you can create a 60+ page book of that month’s favorite pictures.
Whether it’s painting landscapes, making leaf rubbings, or crafting with natural materials, these simple, creative projects are a perfect way to bring a little bit of nature into your home.
Nature-Themed Literature and Media
Books and Magazines
For outdoor inspiration, books and magazines are a great resource. 5280 covers Denver, Colorado Life explores the entire state, and Outside and Backpacker are full of hiking tips and adventure stories.
Plus, you can access many of these for free through library apps like Libby or Hoopla. It’s an easy way to stay connected to nature and get excited for your next hike.
Check out our Trails & Tales section for book reviews and visit Goodreads for our personal recommendations—we’re always sharing our favorites!
Podcasts
Don’t miss our Top 5 Outdoor Podcasts We Love—from near-death survival stories to thru-hiking interviews, these podcasts will put a pep in your step no matter where you’re walking.
Listening to outdoor-focused podcasts is a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world, even when you're not on the trail.
Volunteer for Conservation Efforts
Conservation and Cleanup Projects
We’re excited about partnering up with the National Forest Foundation, where $1 plants 1 tree through the National Forest Foundation.
You can also volunteer for local cleanup events, often listed on city websites or at outdoor gear stores. Melody is looking forward to spending a weekend working on the Colorado Trail. Whether it’s planting trees or cleaning up trails, it’s a great way to give back and stay connected to nature.
No matter where you live, you can bring it inside—that glorious, tangible feeling of nature that surrounds us. Whether in a city apartment or out in the country, take a moment to say thank you to this big, beautiful world and find ways to bring the outdoors inside.
Embrace a nature-inspired home decor style and cultivate an indoors outdoors lifestyle that keeps the magic of nature alive all year.
“Sometimes I wish I could photosynthesize so that just by being, just by shimmering at the meadow's edge or floating lazily on a pond, I could be doing the work of the world while standing silent in the sun.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass