7 Insider Tips for Hiking Colorado in Fall: Avoid the Crowds and Savor the Season

After almost 30 years of living in Colorado, I’ve learned a thing or two about fall hiking here. Our fall season is short, and it can get crowded fast. But don’t worry! I’m sharing 7 tips to help you experience the stunning peak foliage in Colorado without getting caught in the traffic. Together, we’ll dive into how to make the most of Colorado in fall, with insider advice on how to find the best fall trails and enjoy the season without the crowds.

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Melodie Monberg
The Best Breweries Breckenridge Colorado: Where to Grab a Great Beer

After long hikes and winter adventures, Melody and her husband love unwinding with Breckenridge Brewery beers and other delicious Colorado brews from their favorite local spots. Their love for Colorado native beers began in 2000 on their first mountain trip, and they keep coming back to these same breweries. Each of their top picks among the breweries in Breckenridge and beyond offers unique ales made with local ingredients, making every visit special. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a post-hike pint and soaking up the atmosphere at these memorable spots!

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Melodie Monberg
Pack Smart: Essentials for Backpacking Trip

Ready to hit the trails in Colorado’s jaw-dropping backcountry? Finding the right essentials for backpacking trip in Colorado, whether you're going solo or with a group, just got easier! Download our FREE Ultimate Backpack Checklist and get ahead of the game. From our personal mishaps (because we’ve all been there) to the tricks that keep us moving, you’ll find 10 pro tips straight from locals who’ve trekked it all! Whether it’s your first adventure or your twentieth, we’ve got everything you need to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado to the fullest. Let’s make packing a breeze—your backpack checklist is just a click away!

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Melodie Monberg
Winter Hikes in Leadville CO That Will Take Your Breath Away

Leadville, Colorado, is the perfect destination for a winter adventure, offering over 60 groomed trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. When looking for the best winter hikes in Colorado for snowshoes, Leadville’s unique charm and local vibe make it a must-visit. And for something extra special, don't miss the chance to book an overnight yurt adventure—an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the area. Seasoned pro or just starting out, Leadville winter activities provide an epic outdoor escape.

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Melodie Monberg
Hit the Trails! The Best Hiking Spots in Colorado Springs North Cheyenne Canyon

North Cheyenne Canyon is a local gem, packed with incredible trails that make it one of the best hiking places in Colorado Springs. From pine-scented paths to aspen-lined routes, this area is a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors. And if you’re up for a one-of-a-kind Colorado Springs waterfall hike, we’ve got a hidden gem to share—one with history, breathtaking views, and a route that feels like stepping back in time.

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Dressing for the Trail: Hiker Clothes for Any Colorado Adventure

Are you wondering what to wear for hikes in Colorado? We’ve got you covered! As seasoned Colorado hikers, we’re sharing our go-to hiker clothes for every season. Colorado’s weather may be unpredictable, but your gear doesn’t have to be. Use our checklist to find the best clothes for hiking year-round, plus get expert tips on tackling every season—whether it’s layering up for winter or staying cool on summer trails!

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Melodie Monberg
9 Tips for Cheap Colorado Skiing

Gear up for wallet-friendly mountain magic in Colorado! Dive into the wisdom of a seasoned local who's called Colorado home for over 25 years and unlock the secrets of where to enjoy cheap Colorado skiing at some of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. We've got the inside scoop with these 9 tips for budget skiing so you can glide down the slopes, not your savings. Ski cheap Colorado style and have a blast!

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Melodie Monberg
Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Families

As local residents, we can attest that things to do in Colorado Springs, CO, are a blast for families, with our list of over 55 activities—many of them totally free! While you can’t miss iconic spots like hiking Pikes Peak and exploring the eclectic Art Walk, we’ve got a few local secrets on our list too. Snap selfies galore, enjoy brewery tours for the parents, and maybe even visit a real castle or step in the shoes of an Air Force cadet. This sunny city has endless things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, offering family activities year-round for an affordable, fun-filled getaway. From visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to discovering fun things to do with kids in Colorado Springs—like hiking to a preacher’s pulpit —the hardest part is narrowing down your must-dos for Colorado Springs family fun!

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Top 9 Colorado Springs Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Downtown

Since we’re locals, we are often asked where to head to for the best Colorado Springs hikes.

There are so many fantastic hiking trails and outdoor recreation spots, it can be hard to figure out the best place to start. While Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak (the only Colorado Springs fourteener), and nearby Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs immediately come to mind as some of the best hikes in Colorado Springs, these hikes deserve attention all on their own.

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Adventure Book Bonanza: 2026 Must-Read Journeys

Wondering what makes the best adventure book of 2024? Whether it’s uncovering the tallest trees in the USA or embarking on a heartfelt journey through South America, these books recommended for 2025 will take you on a ride you won’t forget. Ready to explore tales that blend nature, politics, and perseverance? You won’t want to miss these!

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Melodie Monberg
Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado: The Ultimate Winter Escape

Imagine a place where snow-dusted trails lead to jaw-dropping vistas, where every meal feels like it was crafted by a chef with a secret superpower, and where steamy pools of healing mineral water soothe every winter chill. Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado is that place—a winter paradise that ticks every box. Whether you’re hiking the scenic trails of Red Hill for epic views with your besties, soaking in the hot springs in winter for some much-needed romance, or splashing around with the kids in the family-friendly pools, this mountain town offers something magical for everyone. Winter weekends don’t get better than this.

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Melodie Monberg
What To Take For Hiking? Just Your Sense of Adventure (and These Essentials)!

Are you planning to explore some of the best Colorado hiking trails? Knowing your hiking necessities and what to take for hiking keeps everyone smiling. From maps and snacks to water, a first-aid kit, and seasoned hiking intel, our list of hiking essentials ensures a well-prepared and stress-free hiking daypack. What to wear hiking in Colorado is just as important as what to bring—we can have up to four seasons in one day! Download our free hiking pack checklist and get hiking!

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Visiting the Garden of the Gods in Colorado

Just an hour from Denver, Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods offers a stunning escape into nature’s artistry. Towering sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak create a scene that feels almost otherworldly. Whether you’re meandering through the center gardens at Garden of the Gods, marveling at their iconic beauty, or tackling the 11-mile perimeter for a bold Garden of the Gods hike, this park caters to quiet wanderers and thrill-seekers alike. With our insider tips, you’ll be set to enjoy a truly magical day in this beloved Colorado destination.

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Western Slope Wonders: Road Trip from Colorado’s Rockies to Utah’s National Parks

Kick off your road trip from Colorado Springs or Denver, weaving through the Colorado Western Slope to Utah’s stunning national parks. With our guide, you’ll find the best trails, must-try brews, cozy spots to stay, and top adventures in Colorado National Monument, Arches, Bryce, and Zion. Whether it’s hiking hidden gems or e-biking red rock canyons, this trip plan makes mapping your Western Slopes and Utah National Parks 5 escape a breeze.

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Melodie Monberg
Your Ultimate Colorado Family Vacation Awaits in the Rocky Mountains

Take your best family vacation yet with an unforgettable adventure in one of these 13 Colorado destinations, where breathtaking landscapes and high-adrenaline activities await at every turn. From exploring epic mountains to exciting outdoor experiences, Colorado offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation this summer. Dive into the beauty of the Rockies as you hike stunning Colorado trails, spot wildlife in their natural habitats, go fishing, or just relax in a hammock and drink in the stunning panoramic views. Get your thrills with white-water rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, canyoneering, or rock climbing, and create lasting memories with your crew. 

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Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Trails

Rocky Mountain National Park is a true winter wonderland, offering some of the best snowshoeing Colorado has to offer. Whether you're looking to snowshoe in Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time or are a seasoned pro, its powdery trails and breathtaking alpine views make it the ultimate destination for an unforgettable winter hike. We share our 9 favorite hikes, letting you experience snowshoeing in RMNP. You'll also find recommendations on cozy spots to grab a locally-brewed beer and delicious meal after hitting the trails.

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Melodie Monberg
Colorado Wildflowers: Best Hikes to See These Blooms

Mid-July to early August is prime time for CO wildflowers, and we’ve got the inside scoop on the best trails in around Colorado to see these beauts. Each region offers its own floral flair, and I’m excited to share my favorite Colorado wildflower hikes with you. It’s a fun and colorful way to soak up the outdoors, with each trail revealing a new burst of beauty.

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Melodie Monberg
Outrageously Gorgeous Boulder Hiking Trails

Boulder is where eclectic meets electric, especially on the hiking trails in Boulder. Picture winding through hidden gems only locals know, with the iconic Flatirons towering like nature’s skyscrapers. Whether you’re chasing breathtaking mountain views or just strolling along more chill Boulder hiking trails, this mountain town has a trail for every kind of hiker—from easy-going to hardcore. Trust us, Boulder’s got all the trail magic you didn’t know you needed!

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Melodie Monberg
Best Ziplines in Colorado Springs

What better way to experience this city's stunning panoramic vistas than through these exhilarating Seven Falls ziplines? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking adventure or a nature lover looking for unique ways to see the views, here are the best Colorado Springs ziplines. Soar above treetops, glide across canyons with your crew, and leave with an unforgettable experience under Pikes Peak.

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Top Notch Durango Colorado Restaurants and Breweries

Hiked the Colorado Trail, rafted the Animas River, or tackled some epic biking trails? Ready to cool off? Check out the best breweries in Durango where you can sip craft beers that pair perfectly with your outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to dive into Durango Colorado restaurants for a delicious post-adventure feast. Click through to find your next favorite brew and tasty bite!

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Melodie Monberg