Christmas is right around the corner and if you haven’t bought a tree yet I would like to offer up a cheaper and much more eco-friendly alternative. Now, this isn’t to detract from any other major religious holiday but if you celebrate Christmas and you don’t have a tree yet then this article is for you.   What if I told you that you could help mitigate the risk of forest fires here in Colorado and get a Christmas tree for anywhere from $5 – $20? Now, you will have to head out into the National forest of Colorado and cut it yourself, but you can pick just about any tree you find.... Read More

With the season of giving well upon us and that major holiday only weeks away, I thought it would be a good idea to create an outdoor holiday gift guide for that adventurer on your list. It can be hard to shop for your outdoor inclined someone on your list, especially if you are more the indoor type.  Hopefully, the following guide can help you navigate the process. We will cover everything from small inexpensive stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. GSI Outdoors Soft Sided Wine Carafe – 750ml This thing holds an entire bottle of wine and is practically indestructible.  I have owned one... Read More

Hotel Luna Mystica Down in New Mexico at the foot of Wheeler peak and right next to the Taos Mesa Brewery Mothership stands a little-known hotel…if you want to call it that.  Hotel Luna Mystica is what they call it and it is an amazing place dotted with restored vintage trailers, campsites, and even trailer hookups if you bring your own. Trailer park? Not quite. At the risk of this place being overrun, let me tell you a little bit about it. The Best Winter Glamping Escape Close to Colorado Hotel Luna Mystica is an experience, to say the least, they have several restored vintage trailers... Read More

Just 3 miles south of the Entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park is an amazing waterfall that is not that well known and often only lightly trafficked. It is called Zapata Falls and while most tourists head there during the summer to escape the high temperatures at the great sand dunes, the real beauty is seeing this waterfall completely frozen.   There is no doubt that most visitors to the Great Sand Dunes see the sign for Zapata Falls on their way into the park, but the rocky entrance road and their (probable) itinerary of getting to the sand dunes likely wards off most visitors. Add... Read More

For some couples, it can be frustrating to go out into a wintery landscape and work together as a team.  I for one say it’s important to get outside as a couple, and learning how to ski or snowboard or even teaching your significant other how can really help build a relationship. Now granted you need to be patient, and learning how to do either can be a slightly steep learning curve but once you are both proficient it can become a great bonding experience. Here are some of the reasons why.  1. Alone time Even if you live with your significant other it is often hard to actually find time to... Read More

Today marked the first snow of the season in Denver and Boulder, and as winter approaches, so does the need to get your ski trip(s) planned and lift and plane tickets booked! After coming off a rough 2017-2018 winter, you may be wondering where to shoot for this season. While it’s hard to go wrong with any of Colorado’s ski terrain, a whole trip can be “boom or bust” based on snow conditions. Luckily, NOAA and ENSO are here to help you make the most educated decision as possible. All indications so far are good news for powder chasers looking to explore Colorado’s terrain this season!... Read More

Well fall is definitely underway here in Colorado.  In fact it seems to have hit with a vengeance this year like it was mad summer even tried to show up.  But honestly this is a great time to camp. The mornings and nights get chilly sure but there’s not much better than waking up to a hot breakfast outside and I particularly like cooking with my cast iron dutch oven.  In fact I would say there is nothing better than breakfast period…and I am willing to argue that with you if need be. Regardless the following is a recipe I learned in scouts for a breakfast cooked in a cast iron dutch... Read More

October is upon us and change is in the air. It is officially fall in Colorful Colorado and once the aspens start to transform, we have a short window to get up to the mountains to experience the beauty of the season and see layers of aspens covered in shades of green, gold, orange and red. Here’s our list of Four Unforgettable Fall Foliage road trips you can make to check out the golden views and some of our favorite Colorado mountain towns, whether you only have time for a quick day trip, or you are lucky enough to enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway. The best times for viewing the changing leaves... Read More

Hiking 14ers in Colorado has become popular to say the least.  Often while hiking to a summit I see a family with kids in tow, donning t-shirts, shorts, water bottles, and maybe a few rain jackets spread amongst them.  That is great and really during the summer, without storms in the forecast, that’s about all you need. Many of the 14ers are so heavily trafficked that new easy to access trails have been built and even if you did run into problems the likelihood that someone would be by to help within a matter of minutes is pretty high.  These summer sumits are great but some of us want... Read More

This summer I had the opportunity to rent a 1989 FJ62 Toyota Land Cruiser from @blueoxoverland here in Denver.  Not just any Land Cruiser either as it was outfitted with everything I needed to make camp just about anywhere I wanted.  We are talking about everything from roof top tent to a cooler to 4×4 lockers on the wheels. Blue Ox Overland specializes in these rigs and has a fleet of 4 in varying colors and years but they are all FJ62s, one of the most iconic series of Land Cruisers Toyota ever made. Of all the outdoor experiences I had this year in Colorado this was by far the coolest... Read More

While the reservoir will remain open throughout construction, there will be some changes and areas that are temporarily closed. The attached graphic outlines the anticipated schedule and impacts. Denver Water strives to provide Boulder and Denver residents with the latest information on how recreational activities will be impacted during the planned expansion of Gross Reservoir this season and beyond.      Read More

Europe has a brilliant mix of vibrant destinations, with mesmerizing views, rich culture and world-class coastlines that make it a great choice for summer vacations. There are so many wonderful destinations to choose from in Europe to suit your interests, from the adventurous types to sun seekers; those wanting the soak up the culture and history, and people looking for energetic nightlife. These are six of the best places for a summer break if you’re planning a getaway to Europe.   Santorini Santorini is one of the most breath-taking locations in the world. Once a volcanic island, it’s... Read More

Hiking is a popular activity around the world. It’s a great way to get exercise while enjoying spectacular views, natural scenery, and observing wildlife. The incredibly beautiful country of New Zealand offers a huge selection of outstanding hiking trails. Before starting out on any hike, always ensure you are prepared. Hiking boots are essential, along with several layers of appropriate clothing and a hat. Take plenty of drinking water, emergency food supplies and a medical kit. Don’t forget that your skin can lose a lot of vital moisture during long hikes, so always bring a good moisturiser... Read More

While I love pulling up in a vehicle to a campsite and unloading right there, there’s something extra rewarding and enjoyable about backcountry camping where you have to park at a trailhead and hike your gear in. If you’ve never gone backpacking or camping in the backcountry, it can seem daunting, so we’ve made a handy guide for getting started! Pack Light While you may think you want that cozy blanket or two hardcover books to read now, once you’ve been carrying them for a few hours you’ll regret it. No matter how far you’re hiking, packing light is very important. Your pack should... Read More

You know what I love? Camping. You know what I don’t love as much? Paying as much as I would for a hotel room for a night! Luckily, there are plenty of free campsites in and around the front range, and we’ve compiled some for you to get you started!   West Magnolia Ridge 602-610 County Highway 132-W Nederland, Colorado GPS: 39.946961, -105.517587 Elevation: 8711′ If you can brave rough camping accessed by a currently washed-out road, you’re in for a treat. This site is near Nederland and many hiking trails with sweeping views of the forests and mountains. Pets are allowed, and... Read More

Discover the 10 Best Hikes in Boulder Outstanding hiking trails await you in the city of Boulder, Colorado.  Featuring incredible scenery, Boulder’s tracks provide unforgettable challenges for novices and experts alike.   Before starting out on any hike, always make sure you are prepared for the elements. Well-fitting, broken-in hiking boots are essential – along with several layers of appropriate clothing and a hat. Make sure you take enough drinking water, snacks, emergency food supplies and a medical kit. Don’t forget that your skin can lose a lot of vital moisture during long hikes,... Read More

That summer feel is in the air, and many of us are itching to get outside after a long, cold winter. Lucky for us, there are so many wonderful events being hosted in the Boulder area! Here are 6 events you can’t miss this summer: 1. Boulder Plein Art Festival From June 3-June 10, join artists and enthusiasts in paint-outs as they paint beautiful landscapes, cityscapes, and teach workshops. This event is open to the public and you may participate for $35 an event. This fee covers water, sunscreen, and on-site food, but these events are BYOP (bring your own paints). Or attend one of the workshops... Read More

Looking to relax? Get out in nature? Get some delicious fresh-caught fish for your table? If you’re fairly new to fishing or usually drive a long way to get your fix, I’ve got some good news: you can find great fishing spots right here in Boulder County! 1. Wonderland Lake Size: 34 Acres Depth: 13ft at max depth Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Carp, Bullhead Location: Trailhead off of Broadway and Sumac Boats and Wading prohibited 2. Viele Lake Size: 6 acres Depth: 15 feet at max depth Species: Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Carp, Pumpkinseed Sunfish,... Read More

Spring is in the air, and with all the snowmelt beginning to rush down from the mountains, it is peak waterfall season. As the weather gets warmer, the time is now to hit the trails and see some beautiful natural wonders. Lucky for you, there are plenty within an hour or two of Boulder that will make the trip totally worth it. 1. Eldorado Falls For a lovely hike close to home, head to Walker Ranch and the Ethel Harrod Trailhead. Take a nice moderate 1.25-mile hike down about 500 feet through pine forests until you hear the rushing water of the South Boulder Creek hitting the rocks. These cascades... Read More

When you look out over the mountain peaks that make Colorado one of the most beautiful places to live in the country, you may see certain summits that tower over the others, snowcapped even late into the summer. Many of these are known as 14ers, and their height reaches over 14,000 feet above sea level. There are 58 of these massive peaks in Colorado, the most of any state in the country, and conquering them is a rite of passage for any outdoor enthusiast. But don’t think you can just hop on a trail and summit a 14er—these monsters take more preparation than you might think. Here’s a handy... Read More