Buena Vista, Colorado

After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and ...

This lake chain is in a spectacular, undeveloped bowl of jagged and rugged mountain goodness located in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area. This hidden gem is easily accessible and, to my amazement, it is relatively unheard of even among many locals. More wonderful perks included in this backpacking ...

The Sawmill Trail to Fairy Forest is a loop hike near Breckenridge. Fairy Forest is CLOSED as of 2020 while work is done on the 4 0'Clock trail (source). This short shaded hike is perfect for families with children looking to experience nature without having to venture too far out of Breckenridg...

The Government Trail is beautiful and relaxing during spring and summer, but my favorite time to hike it is during fall because it goes through countless numbers of Aspen groves, which have turned a majestic yellow. After a moderate ascent for the first couple of miles, the trail become flat and ...

While Florrisant is known mostly for its history and collection of fossils, it is also one of the darkest places in the Colorado Springs area.  While the park closes daily at dusk, it has Night Sky Programs monthly which allows visitors to view the stars with the help of the Colorado Springs Astr...

To start it off, head out from Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Once you get to the park, you will either have to pay the charge at the booth or if you get there after 5pm, you can self pay at the cash box, which is $10. You'll also want to get an overnight parking pass set up which doesn't cost extra...

Escape the bustle of town and head out of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Follow the signs to Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. There is a $10 entrance fee (unless you are a national parks pass cardholder) plus an additional fee to camp. Continue down the road to Silver Bell Campground. With a t...

Kebler Pass, or Gunnison County Road (GCR) 12, is an excellent place to see fall colors in Colorado. You won't get nearly as much congestion as on Independence Pass in Aspen, but you get just as many yellow and amber leaves. The road is dirt but passable by any vehicle–although because it's at ov...

Fall time in Colorado is incredibly scenic, and if you drive up to Crested Butte, you may find herds of sheep being led down the mountains. Drive along Kebbler Pass in September and October, and look for these huge herds of sheep. Though it can be difficult to track them down, they make for amazi...

Lost Creek Wilderness may be my favorite part of Colorado.  It contains varied terrain and geography, and is less crowded than most places.  This loop will take you through everything the wilderness area has to offer.  You will get sweeping panoramas of mountain ranges to the south, as well has m...

The trail starts off with a small river crossing. You can find an easier place to cross nearby, or just march right through, if you have waterproof shoes or sandals.The beginning of the trail is the hardest. You will have a steep incline for about a quarter mile, following switchbacks up to the l...

The beautiful and iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is home to some of the most amazing scenery and adventures to be had in all of Colorado. It is world-famous for the Maroon Bells, two challenging 14ers just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The third 14er, Pyramid Peak is also considered a clas...

Maybe you've seen the photos a million times before - it's for good reason. Maroon Bells is just stunning. Watching the first rays of sunlight scratch the very top of Maroon Bells and slowly crawl their way down the massive slabs of granite is simply a must for the checklist. Taking in the sunris...

The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely you were there with 800+ of your closest friends.If ...

Starting at 9600 feet, just outside the small town of Gothic is the trail head for Judd Falls. The parking lot is on the side of the road and getting to this area is completely possible with a passenger car. The trailhead includes bathrooms and is particularly uncrowded on weekdays and in the lat...

Joyful Journey hot springs offers the full hotel and spa treatment, but in a valley where most people live off the grid, we chose the more rugged experience.The yurts gather together like penguins huddling not far from the springs. The wooden slates offer welcome relief from the frigid valley wea...