Embargo Trail, Benino Trail, Groundhog and Cathedral Creek Trail Loop

Located in the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado, this beautiful piece of BLM land is a place loved by locals and most Colorado climbers.  Upon arriving at the Penitente Canyon parking area, which is free of charge, head towards the map at the entrance on of the canyon. From here hang a right and you'll be on your way to some beautiful sport routes bolted up the volcanic tuft. The canyo...

The Area: The maze of large round boulders in Penitente Canyon was once a refuge for a radical Christian sect. Now it is home to some radical mountain biking trails! Think Moab features, Fruita flow, and no crowds. Read below to find out the best trails to ride in this area, and combine riding with a night of camping right by the trailhead for a fun, easy, and awesome weekend adventure.  To get...

Holiday weekends can be frustrating for solitude seekers. The extra day to play always seems to be challenged by the expected crowds of competition for your sought after spots.  Fortunately for those of us who prefer quieter pastures, Colorado's 3.5+ million acres of wilderness still hold plenty of hidden gems. One such hidden gem is (yet another) Crater Lake, tucked away in the South San Juan ...

This 100 ft. waterfall is close to Colorado 149 on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. To access the falls turn onto FR 510 from the northern entrance and head south for .5 miles. Turn left into the North Clear Creek Falls Observation Site, from there it's a short walk to the falls.Being out in the open this waterfall is best shot in shadow or under an overcast sky. Spring will have the heaviest...

Treasure Falls is reached via short .4 mile walk from the parking lot on highway 160 about 15 miles outside Pagosa Springs (which is home to the worlds deepest hot springs). There is a paved path and dirt trail that both end up at the falls and if you are inclined, make into a loop. There is a bridge that crosses the creek just below the falls or you can continue up a couple hundred feet to the...

Platoro is the blending of the Spanish words "plata" (silver) and "oro" (gold), and this secluded mountain reservoir strikes it rich when it comes to outdoor recreation. In 1870, gold and silver was discovered in area, which lead to a small boom in 1913 and the settling of the small town which still stands today. The prospectors and mule trains may have left long ago, but today the area attract...