Gear up for wallet-friendly mountain magic in Colorado! Dive into the wisdom of a seasoned local who's called Colorado home for over 25 years and unlock the secrets of where to enjoy cheap Colorado skiing. We've got the inside scoop with these 9 tips for budget skiing in Colorado so you can glide down the slopes, not your savings. Say goodbye to the strain on your wallet and say hello to affordable alpine adventures!
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 MoreThese gifts for outdoors enthusiasts are perfect for hikers and adventurers who crave fresh air and new trails. From practical tools to fun gear, each item has been personally tried and loved by us, making them ideal for enhancing any adventure. Whether you’re shopping for gifts for the outdoorsy in your life or looking for great gifts $50 and under, there’s something here to inspire more time outside.
Read MoreWe’re partnering with the National Forest Foundation to give back to the forests we love. For every dollar donated, one tree is planted to restore and protect Colorado’s trails and landscapes. Your support helps keep our forests vibrant for future generations. Join us in this mission—every tree you plant makes a difference in preserving the outdoor beauty we all enjoy.
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 MoreColorado Springs’ coffee scene is as diverse as its landscapes, with coffee shops in Colorado Springs sprinkled throughout the city, from cozy COS coffee spots downtown to hidden gems near favorite trails. Locals have a strong “loyal t” to their favorite brews, creating a welcoming vibe wherever you go. These are spots we keep coming back to—whether it’s for the friendly faces, that favorite latte, or a special Ethiopian buna ceremony that adds an unforgettable touch to our coffee community.
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 MoreAfter long hikes and winter adventures, Melody and her husband love unwinding with Breckenridge beers and other delicious Colorado beer from their favorite local spots. They first discovered their love for Colorado native beers in 2000 on their first mountain trip, and they keep coming back to these same breweries. Each of their top picks among the breweries in Breckenridge and beyond offers unique ales made with local ingredients, making every visit special. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a post-hike pint and soaking up the atmosphere at these memorable spots!
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 MoreHitting the trail with budget-friendly gear is a win! When I started hiking, the prices shocked me, but now I ask for gear as gifts. Every time I use it, I think of the person who gave it to me. These twenty five dollar gifts are our top picks because they’re practical, fun, and perfect for any outdoor lover. Whether you need good gifts for hikers or a last-minute holiday idea, these under-$25 options will bring smiles—and maybe some trail envy too!
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 2023-2024 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!
Read MoreAre 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.
Read MoreDiscover 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.
Read MoreMid-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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