Idaho Springs, Colorado

For the extra-adventurous (my friends call me crazy for this), I recommend experiencing Rocky Mountain National Park in the off-season, when nobody else is there. Dead winter.Of course, you'll want to be uber prepared if you choose to take on this adventure, as the mountains are very unforgiving,...

My husband and I heard about this hike while we were at a marriage retreat in nearby Dillon. This is the perfect casual day hike for a couple, small groups, or families with children. While we were there in May, just before the aspens were fully leafed out, it was easy to see that this location w...

This sign is on the mountainous decline just before you reach town. There's a small parking lot that fills up quick in peak season, but most people only spend a few minutes here on their way in to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It is easy enough to have people take your picture, jus...

This day hike begins as a steady climb through aspen trees for the first mile. The trail then flattens out a bit, and you reach Booth Falls at mile two. This is a beautiful 60 ft waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the falls. This is also a popul...

Kite Lake is a beautiful little lake that is surrounded plenty of fourteeners. Just outside of Alma, Colorado, Kite lake can be accessed from Buckskin Street. Buckskin is a simple left turn after the only bar in Alma, or a right turn before the only bar in Alma... Do note, this road is not drivab...

NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would ...

NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...

Tombstone ridge can be accessed via the ute trail from two directions. The lower trail starts at upper beaver meadows and is ~4.3 miles with 3250 feet of elevation gain. It can also be accessed at the Ute trail crossing along trail ridge road, which leaves you a 1.1 mile hike with just under 300 ...

To get to Pumphouse Falls take Interstate 70 toward East Vail, Colorado, get off at exit 176 S. Frontage Road headed east. At the traffic circle take the third exit and continue on South Frontage Rd. for 2.5 miles, turn right into the small parking lot next to the Nordic ski track. Follow the sig...

Starting at 11,319 feet of elevation, you can choose which direction to head into the backcountry. Park at the pull-off area at the bend in the road. From here, you can head into the woods to the right (there are usually tracks from other skiers to follow) or follow Trail Rd. to reach some peaks ...

This will be an amazing experience for anyone that books this cabin, guaranteed. It's the perfect size with a kitchen, living room, bunk beds, and back porch. In addition to the main house there is a tree house that has a couch and a bed in it as well; so the property can host a decent sized grou...

Beginning in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Deer Ridge Junction (where US 34 & US 36 meet), park your car in one of the 20 spots on either side of the road. Start at the trailhead booth and head north, keeping to the right-side trail at the first intersection about a tenth of a mile fr...

Start by entering Rocky Mountain National Park through Estes Park, Colorado. After acquiring a map start your ascent on Trail Ridge Rd (the road is closed in winter). The Road will take you up in elevation into the mountains so a good car is strongly recommended. As you wind up the switch backs,...

Looking for a place to hone your crack climbing technique?  Turkey Rocks is the place with some old school ethics and stiff grades. Turkey can be accessed from the town of Westcreek north of Woodland Park.  From here, head west on Abbey Road and then south on West Creek Ave.  About a mile down t...

Lumpy Ridge is mostly a traditional climbing area with most climbs being two or more pitches after a mile to 3+ miles of mostly flat walking.  From climbers left to right the larger areas consist of Sundance Buttress, The Bookend, The Bookmark, The Book, and Twin Owls.  There are smaller formatio...

Begin by parking at the Lumpy Ridge trailhead, which is a couple miles outside of Estes Park on McGregor Avenue. At the trailhead, there are numerous signs indicating hiking trails, climbing routes, and other information about the area. After parking start hiking on the trail to the right of the ...