Saguache, Colorado

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...

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 r...

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 wi...

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Willow Lake offers a stunning destination to a rigorous hike. The hike is approximately 9 miles out and back with 2800 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well marked and maintained. However, the hike rarely levels off. Be prepared for a steady incline...

There are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...

The Monarch Crest Trail has been rated as an IMBA Epic ride and is for sure an epic ride especially ending the ride with the Rainbow Trail. The Monarch Crest Trail is best ridden as a shuttle and begins at the very top of Monarch Pass just outside of Salida or Poncha Springs, Colorado on highway ...

Start at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...

Head out on the breathtaking Venable-Comanche Loop Trail, a challenging high-altitude adventure in Colorado's majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. This spectacular 12-mile loop offers hikers an unforgettable journey through diverse alpine ecosystems, featuring cascading waterfalls, pristine moun...

Waterdog Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Salida, Colorado.

There are so many options for floating down the Arkansas River in Salida, CO, but a simple, fun, and easily accessible option is tubing.  The easiest and most central way to tube the river is to begin your float at the first whitewater feature at the beginning of the walking path (right behind H...

Start out on the Shavano and Tabeguache Trailhead off of FR 252 outside of Poncha Springs, at about 9,700 feet, and begin your trek into the forest. In the first half of a mile there are a few trail marker signs that should be read carefully to insure the right path is followed, but these signs ...

Where to camp: San Luis State Park is located 15 miles west of Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis State Park features views of San Luis Lake, the Great Sand Dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground provides water and hot showers, which we enjoyed after a day of hiking the d...

This scenic route to Browns Creek Falls is a standout mountain-day-hike in the Colorado Rockies—moderate in length, strong on payoff, and rich in variety. Starting from a forested trailhead, you’ll climb through pine and aspen forest, follow Browns Creek, and eventually arrive at a dramatic, ye...

Abandoned in 1919, Roosevelt Mine is a lost treasure of Gunnison County, Colorado. Exactly three miles outside the tiny town of Ohio City is the unmarked trailhead on the side of a road pull off for Roosevelt the mine. The trail is otherwise well established and easy to follow. The trail is a lit...

The Mount Antero via Wagon and Little Browns Creek Trail offers an epic alternative route to summit one of Colorado's magnificent 14ers (14,269 feet). This challenging trail provides a true wilderness experience away from the crowds, taking you through lush woodlands, aspen groves, and dramatic...

The Great Sand Dunes are one the most unique landscapes in Colorado. These massive dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure t...