Posts by Tanya Raedeke
Unmissable Hikes in Colorado: Top 17 Trails to Explore

Looking for adventure and breathtaking views? Colorado has some of the best hikes in the US. Check out our list of must-do hiking trails for 2025! We've logged loads of miles all over the Rocky Mountains. From stunning day hikes to 14ers and even a couple of short and sweet backpacking trips, we unpack our favorite Colorado hikes to date. Grab your trekking poles, backpacks and water bottles and let's go!

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Tanya Raedeke
Hikes Near Denver with Stunning Views in 2025

If you're a nature enthusiast and love to explore the great outdoors, then you're in for a treat! Denver, known for its stunning scenery and natural beauty, offers an abundance of hiking trails that cater to adventurers of all levels. From leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, there's something for everyone. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Fear not, as we've rounded up the top 10 breathtaking hikes near Denver that offer stunning views. Get ready to be immersed in nature as you trek through picturesque landscapes, encounter wildlife, and witness jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains. So, grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and let's hit the trails!

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DenverTanya Raedeke
Add These hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness to Your 2025 List

Welcome 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.

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How to Go Winter Camping in Colorado

As 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.

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campingTanya Raedeke
The Spectacular Beauty of Colorado's Lake Hikes

Welcome 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.

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Cross Country Skiing For Beginners in Colorado

Cross 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.

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Your Ultimate Colorado Family Vacation Awaits in the Rocky Mountains

Take 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. 

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9 Charming Towns for Christmas in Colorado

Christmas 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.

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mountain townsTanya Raedeke
Ski Towns in Colorado That Deliver the Pow!

Looking 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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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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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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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 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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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
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
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
Hiking in Aspen for Matchless Views

While known for posh winter skiing, Aspen also doles out big-time summer fun for everyone in the iconic Colorado Rockies. Summer road trips via the breathtaking Independence Pass leads you down into Aspen - Snowmass for hiking, biking, paddling, nearby whitewater rafting, and lush forest camping or superb vacation homes. Uncover the best Colorado hiking in Aspen: the Maroon Bells and so much more.

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