Connor Bruson

The Basics: The Challenge Hill, or as I like to call it, the Mini-Incline, is a shrunken version of its big brother to the south in Manitou. However, don't let its relatively small 200 stair count fool you - this hill is a serious workout! Located in Philip S. Miller Park, just one minute off I-25 in Castle Rock, the Challenge Hill is merely a small part of this brand-new city park and sports c...

The Basics: The little town of Green Mountain Falls often gets overlooked as motorists speed up Highway 24 to Woodland Park and beyond. However, big hiking opportunities abound here. The town probably has as many miles of hiking trails as it has miles of paved roads! Being on the base of Pikes Peak and at the bottom of the Ute Pass valley, all the hikes start in town and pretty much go straight...

The Basics: Mt. Muscoco (8020 ft.) is one of the easier summits in the Colorado Springs Front Range area, and you are quickly rewarded with 360 degree views after climbing 1.8 miles and 1,400 feet. The path is well-defined and maintained after it was reconstructed in 2015. Pack water and a light snack, bring the kids, and don't forget a camera for the top.  The Hike: The trail begins at the po...

The Basics: It might be easy to overlook Palmer Park if you're planning an adventure outing in Colorado Springs, but definitely don't discount this inner-city oasis! It took me many years to memorize Palmer Park's confusing trail system (the trail maps don't help), but whether this will be your first or fiftieth run here, I think that the Yucca Flats area is the best place to start for many re...

The Basics: If you've never been to Green Mountain Falls, you're missing out! This tiny mountain hamlet, just off Hwy 24 before Woodland Park, hosts a vibrant collection of local shops and eateries around its community lake. It is also home to many lesser-known hiking trails, including the H.B. Wallace Reserve. Nearly all of the trails in this area climb up the steep canyon walls that line Ute ...

The Basics: Garden of the Gods is a free, public park on the Western edge of Colorado Springs. Open year round, the excellent paved roads with wide bike lanes provide road bikers with multiple loop options from 3 to 10+ miles. From casual bike riders to seasoned pros, you choose your distance and difficulty!The Ride: Starting from the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center entrance (East side of par...

The Basics: Pueblo Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water on the Front Range, which isn't saying much, but in my opinion this is the best recreation area around Pueblo! Thanks to Southern Colorado Trail Builders, there are dozens of miles of well-maintained trails throughout 3 main arms of land that jut into the reservoir on its South side. This 13 mile ride is entirely on the middle p...

The Basics: Picture this: Winter on Colorado's Front Range. It snowed yesterday. You're stir crazy because today it's 60 degrees and sunny outside, but the trails are a muddy mess! Cue Oil Well Flats. Located just an hour outside of Colorado Springs, this trail network rarely sees precipitation, making it the perfect destination throughout Fall, Winter, and Spring. NOTE: If this area is muddy, ...

NOTE: The Hot Springs are on private property and are no longer accessible to the public.  The Basics: Hot springs abound in the Taos area. From the all-inclusive (and expensive) Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort to free, primitive hot springs like this one or neighboring Black Rock Hot Springs just to the north, there is no lack of hot water if you're looking for a nice soak. Like most n...

No visit to Katoomba and the Blue Mountains would be complete without viewing the Three Sisters. There is a main viewing area at Echo Point, which offers amazing views of the rock formation and the surrounding valley, with the Blue Mountain's signature hazy blue tint. However, this area can get packed with tourists all lining up to snap a picture at the best vantage point.  After you've gotten ...

Africa is cheap, right? I mean, 1 U.S. dollar is worth ~2200 Tanzanian Shillings. Well, unfortunately for most travelers, safaris and other touristy attractions in Tanzania are priced with the wealthy Western tourist in mind. Because of this, you would be lucky to pay $300 per person for a day safari at neighboring Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.  During my trip to Tanzania to fil...

The Basics: Just a few kilometers outside the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson provides stunning vistas in a mere 4.4 km return walk alongside a river, through dense foliage, and by expansive fields. Your adventure begins at a large carpark, complete with restrooms and a full-service cafe. This is a popular tourist destination, and travel bus companies like Stray and Kiwi Experience often sto...

The Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains is so packed with epic sights that it's difficult to see them all! Scenic World allows you to see many of these sights, such as Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and walking on the forest floor in just a few hours. You also get the added experience of riding 3 unique modes of transportation. Tickets range from $37-43 for an all-access pass. Here is a sam...

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...

The Basics: Australia's pristine beaches and coastlines are probably its main tourism attraction, and one of the most famous beaches is Bondi Beach in Sydney. It is only 45 minutes by train from Sydney Intl. Airport, or 2-3 train stops from Downtown Sydney. From Central Station, take the T4 line to Bondi Junction. Take bus 333, 380, or 381 down to Bondi Beach.  However, with so many great beach...

Looking for an easy trail run, close to town, with killer views? Snodgrass Mountain Trail is one of your best bets, with flowy singletrack through aspen groves and views of Mt. Gothic and Mt. Crested Butte. While there are endless beautiful trails to hike and run in the Crested Butte area, this one is especially suited for running. Rather than most hikes in the mountains that go all the way up ...

The Basics: 8,304 foot Devisadero Peak, which literally translates to "lookout," does not actually provide a great view from its treed summit. However, this lollipop loop hike has many vantage points over the Taos Valley as it snakes up and around this foothill mountain.  To get to the trailhead: From the center stoplight near Taos Plaza, take Kit Carson St (US 64) East out of town. If you're...

The Basics: Mt. Herman is the most prominent peak overlooking Monument, CO and is easily spotted from I-25. The area between Monument and the mountain hosts a large network of meandering trails that are great for trail running and mountain biking. Our hike today starts at the uppermost parking lot, although you could begin at the lower lot if you want more distance.  The Hike: To get to this u...