When you hear people talk about Eldora here in Boulder County nearly everyone’s mind goes to the same place: Eldora Ski Resort. But have you ever been to the Historic town of Eldora just below the popular ski resort? Admittedly, there isn’t a whole lot to be found here as many of the town buildings are shuttered with a few newer cabins and homes scattered around the valley, but if you are up for a snowshoe adventure this is the spot for you. A one-time gold mining camp, Eldora is neatly tucked back into Roosevelt National Forest. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic... Read More

Even if you’ve been around Boulder County just a little while, you probably have noticed a lot of places and businesses called Left Hand: Left Hand Brewery (a favorite of the writer’s), Left Hand Creek, Left Hand Canyon, etc. These places and the town, school, and mountain called Niwot are named in honor of the Arapahoe Native American, Chief Niwot; Niwot when translated means “left hand.” Chief Niwot and his people wintered in Boulder Valley and he welcomed those coming to Colorado for the Gold Rush, and he played a key role in attempting to keep the peace between the white settlers and... 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

Flagstaff is one of the those hikes that the locals know and is popular with tourists, so if you haven’t checked out Flagstaff, you must put it on the list as one of the trails to do before summer ends! Like many of Boulder’s hiking trails, Flagstaff offers a variety of options for hikers; unlike some of the other nearby trails, the summit can also be reached by road which I have heard is a popular date night spot for its incredible views of the city, the Continental Divide, Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Also, if you have the time, be sure to check out Flagstaff... Read More

You can find the Green Mountain West Trail up the winding roads of the Boulder County Open Space. This 2.7 mile out-and-back trail gains 627 feet and offers stunning mountain vistas and a vantage point of Boulder below. If the weather is good, get there early or late to find parking on the gravel side of the road. Our ratings: Crowd: 3.5/5. This is a moderately popular trail. Depending on the weather and time of day, you’ll be sharing this trail with a decent group of people. The hike itself typically isn’t very busy, but once you reach the summit you’ll be jockeying for space with most of... Read More

Whether you are from out-of-town planning a trip to beautiful Boulder County, you have family and friends coming into town, or you are a native, protecting yourself from altitude sickness is a must! Here are five tips to avoid getting sick while enjoying Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. Get Acclimated. If you live at a lower altitude, it is best to avoid strenuous activity the first day or two after you arrive. Your body needs time to get used to the oxygen deficiency that comes with the higher altitude. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Because of Colorado’s arid climate, you are more likely to get... Read More

  It’s time to head out and explore the surrounding parks and trails around Boulder. One of Boulder’s best parks sits a few miles south of the town itself, and boasts beautiful scenery and rich history.   Eldorado Canyon beacons as a mecca for local rock climbers. The state park is renown for its beautiful sandstone walls, pocked with thousands of rock climbing routes. Any serious climbers in Boulder should not pass up a chance to experience the world class routes in Eldorado Canyon.   However, for the more causal adventurer, Eldorado Canyon offers miles of winding trails, easily... Read More

As spring nears and the snow melts (we can hope!), it will soon be time to trade skis for spokes and take to the mountain biking trails. Not sure which trails are worth the trek? Never fear—we’ve compiled five of the best bike trails in the area to get you started. 1. Sunset Trail East, Erie CO For those looking for a gentle start, this 1-mile beginner loop in Erie has high ratings, views of the plains, and nice easy switchbacks for a pleasant afternoon ride. This singletrack trail offers connections to Sunset West, County Road 5, and other trails and roads for those who want to keep on going. 2.... 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

It’s time to start getting back out on the trails. What better to venture into Boulder’s beautiful open spaces than with a furry friend. Boulder Open Spaces and Mountain Parks offers a sprawling 145 miles of trails to the avid hiker, and up to 90% of those trails are open to dogs. This includes the Chautauqua Meadow, Mt. Sanitas, NCAR trails, Bear Canyon, the Table Mesa Trails and much, much, more.   But, before heading into the great outdoors with your pooch, don’t forget to bring a leash and some doggie bags. While the Open Spaces and Mountain Parks welcome dogs, it is your responsibility... 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

Spring is in the air, and with warmer weather comes one of my favorite times of year: Farmer’s Market season! If you’ve never shopped at a farmer’s market before, you may not be as excited as I am. Luckily for you, I’m here to tell you why you should be! Get Seasonal The food you buy at farmer’s markets is fresh and local, so the selection changes based on what is ready to harvest. This is a great excuse to try new recipes and eat like our ancestors did. Variation is good for your body and keeps cooking exciting! Support Your Community Farmer’s markets specifically... Read More

I love the outdoors. The purity and sanctity of nature is something many of us take for granted, and nothing is more disappointing than seeing trash on the bank of a mountain stream or finding plastic in the underbrush of a backcountry trail. Our planet is in danger, and it’s up to us to do our part and make a difference in protecting it so future generations can enjoy the beauty of untouched nature the way we have been able to. But how to even begin? The internet is flush with examples of people who live a zero-waste lifestyle, who started recycling companies at age 7, who invented tools to... Read More

Those in the Boulder County area are truly spoiled not only with the many hiking trails and walking paths throughout the foothills and beautiful green fields east of Boulder, but also with the amount of outdoor activities and sports that are available to us, and for some just 20 minutes from our homes. If you are visiting Boulder for the first time or are a local who wants to try something new, here are a couple of fun outdoor activities to try this summer that might even be near your favorite hiking path. Climbing and Bouldering. With so many great climbing sites including Eldorado Canyon, a mecca... 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

Tents are the king of camping gear. When planning a camping trip, they are the first things on your shopping list. While there are many tents in the market, finding the perfect one for your needs can be a challenge. Even when you have been buying tents for a while, settling for just one is never easy. Here are a few helpful tips to get one.  1. Budget As with every other purchase, your budget determines what you’ll get. How much are you willing to spend? Answering this question will help narrow down your options. Luckily, the market is teeming with options. There are average, budget-friendly,... Read More

One of the most popular hiking trails in Boulder is Mount Sanitas, and like many hiking areas, Mount Sanitas gives hikers options for creating the perfect hike. It also, like many other local hiking trails is only a few minutes out of town, but gives one the illusion that he/she is out in the wilderness far away from city life. Because of the trail’s popularity, one will most likely encounter other hikers, making Sanitas a great option for those new to solo hiking. Here are some options when hiking Sanitas: The Loop – This is the most difficult of the options for it involves a steep ascent... 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

There are few things as inspiring as a bluebird winter day here in Colorado, perfect for getting out and exploring, and that is exactly what I found when I arrived at Caribou Ranch Open Space earlier this week. Rich with history, this area is home to the former route of the Denver, Boulder and Western Railroad that ran from 1904 to 1919 and a place that miners once flocked to for work. You might even spot the DeLonde Barn on your way around the Bluebird Loop trail, which was once home to a recording studio that attracted many of the musical greats including Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Chicago. Caribou... Read More