True Colorado Hiking in Buena Vista and Salida 2026

Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado in Chaffee County offer hikes for all levels and seasons, plus so much summer and winter outdoor adventure, you could stay here year long and never get bored. Easy going waterfall hikes to bagging fourteeners, now this is Colorado! The adrenaline rush inducing Arkansas River against the backdrop of the Collegiate Peaks provides a huge playground for all kinds of recreational activities.

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Maroon Bells and All the Ways To See These Beauts in 2026

The Maroon Bells of Colorado may as well be the state’s poster child for enticing people to her breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. Hiking to Maroon Bells, or through them if you're an avid hiker, is at the top of many Colorado bucket lists. Head to the Aspen - Snowmass area for hikes to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, Buckskin Pass, or the challenging Four Pass Loop, and learn other cool things to do after you hop off the hiking trail. Learn the best time to hike to Maroon Bells, plus super helpful pro tips and reminders for the hikes.

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Million Dollar Highway and Hiking in Ouray

This gorgeous town in Colorado is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and features world-class hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, there's a trail here that will suit your skill level and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to discover the beauty of Ouray!

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Kenosha Pass Hikes We Love for 2026

Hiking trails near Kenosha Pass offer widespread vistas, wildflowers, wildlife sightings, creek crossings, forests, aspen groves, waterfalls, lakes and a chance to hop on the famous Colorado Trail. Kenosha Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado and tops out at an elevation 10,000 feet. The pass is located on US Hwy 285, just southwest of Denver, Colorado and northeast of the town of Fairplay, Colorado. Other small towns nearby Kenosha Pass include Jefferson, Bailey, Conifer, and Grant, all serving as gateways to many fantastic Colorado hiking trails. This area is well-known for its colorful groves of aspen making it a popular place for hikes and drives, especially on the weekends in late September through early October.

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mountain townsTanya Raedeke
Backpacking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop in 2026 - A Must Do Adventure

Searching for the ultimate Colorado outdoor adventure? The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado is home to the breathtaking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop, an incredible backpacking trail that will surely take your breath away. This 3 or 4-day trek takes you up and over four stunning mountain passes, giving you unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys below. Be amazed by wildflowers everywhere, surrounded by alpine lakes and Snowmass Lake, making this a truly unique Colorado experience unlike any other. Plan, organize, and prepare to hike Maroon Bells trails now – it’s worth every step!

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Melodie Monberg
2026 Guide to See Colorado's Best Aspens Fall Colors

Tag along as we uncover the best Colorado destinations to see aspens fall colors during its most radiant season. After 28 years here, we've got the inside scoop on 28 hikes and 6 scenic drives for enjoying the vivid hues of Colorado fall foliage. Don't miss the chance to capture family moments amid the golden aspen leaves and vibrant fall leaves in Colorado. Let's make memories on this lively autumn canvas on great hikes in Colorado.

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Melodie Monberg
Best Hikes In Salt Lake City, Utah

The best hikes in Salt Lake City are just 20 minutes from downtown, offering year-round joy! With my kid at the University, I've loved exploring these trails and embracing Utah's quirky liquor laws for a post-hike brew. Hiking Salt Lake City area means well-marked trails, lush forests, and scenic views—all with the bonus of low altitude! Check out my 5 favorite hikes, top bars (ID required!), and fun gear shops like the Patagonia Outlet.

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Melodie Monberg
Southern Colorado Road Trip 2026

This 2024 southwest Colorado road trip takes you to the best spots for hiking in the San Juan Mountains and beyond. Head up to adrenaline filled mountain passes, explore three national parks, many natural hot springs, mining ghost towns, waterfalls, and jagged Alp-like mountains. Spend a week paddling, hiking, biking, climbing, off-roading, canyoning, rafting, fishing, and more fun attractions in southwestern Colorado.

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How to Hike Crested Butte to Aspen Through Iconic Maroon Bells

Aspen and Crested Butte are gateways to some of the best Colorado hikes. More specifically the trails for hiking the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness dole out jaw-dropping views and wildflowers everywhere you turn. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about hiking between Aspen and Crested Butte. No small endeavor, many love to hike the West Maroon Pass one way, then follow up the next day by hiking by via the East Maroon Pass. Like a lot of outdoor adventure, this two day hike takes lots of planning ahead of time, but it’s worth all your effort. Here’s how to check off some of the best Colorado hikes.

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Aspen, Crested ButteTanya Raedeke
Paddleboarding in Colorado 2026 - The Best Lakes in the Rocky Mountains

Are you looking for some great Rocky Mountain paddle boarding adventures in Colorado? You are in the right spot! Though the sport of stand up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, it has quickly become the hottest paddle sport to do on rivers and lakes all over Colorado. Get ready to have an amazing time on the water by learning about the best places to paddle board in Colorado.

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paddlingTanya Raedeke
Crested Butte Hikes with Stunning Views: 14 Trails to Explore in 2026

Hiking in Crested Butte among the best dressed Colorado wildflowers out there can only be rivaled by sleeping under a star-studded night sky. Camping in Crested Butte —on the outskirts of this gorgeous mountain town — puts you that much closer to endless outdoor recreation. With so many stunning summer things to do in Crested Butte like hiking, mountain biking, SUP paddling, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, wildflower viewing, and hopping downtown, you can see why we love outdoor adventures here.

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Crested ButteTanya Raedeke
Cross Country Skiing For Beginners in Colorado

Cross country skiing in Colorado for beginners is not as hard as one may think. This active winter sport offers great exercise with majestic views. Learn the difference between class skiing and skate skiing and which one is easier to learn first. Discover some of the best places to head to learn how to cross country ski in Colorado with a dozen great nordic centers all over the Rocky Mountains.

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23 Best Hot Springs in Colorado Calling for a Dip In 2026

Hot Springs in Colorado are natural mineral-rich pools of water that have been heated naturally over time. Take a dip in these hot springs located throughout this Rocky Mountain state, each known for their healing properties. Some hot springs are primitive, requiring a short day hike or overnight backpacking trip. There are also many developed hot springs in Colorado that you’ll love a good long soak in after your trek. These hot springs resorts offer amazing sleeping accommodations. Here we share our favorite hot springs all around Colorado. Let’s get going!

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hot springsTanya Raedeke
15 Scenic Campgrounds in Colorado We Absolutely Love for 2026

Camping in Colorado and her majestic Rocky Mountains where nature's best amenities are trickling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and shaded campsites surrounded by Aspens and pine tree forests. Here's our very favorite campgrounds in Colorado for tents, camper vans and smaller RVs. Simple yet stunning, these 15 campgrounds are gateways to hiking on Colorado trails, biking, paddling, fishing and more.

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campingTanya Raedeke
Unmissable Hikes in Colorado: Top 17 Trails to Explore

Looking for adventure and breathtaking views? Colorado has some of the best hikes in the US. Check out our list of must-do hiking trails for 2025! We've logged loads of miles all over the Rocky Mountains. From stunning day hikes to 14ers and even a couple of short and sweet backpacking trips, we unpack our favorite Colorado hikes to date. Grab your trekking poles, backpacks and water bottles and let's go!

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Tanya Raedeke
Ski Towns in Colorado That Deliver the Pow!

Looking for the best Colorado ski resorts for your gang of skiers and snow boarders? Here are our 10 favorite ski towns for 2024-2025 and where to hit the slopes on the best ski mountains in Colorado this winter. Plus, we'll show you where to find main street in town for food and drink, plus great spots for other winter activities like snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill tubing, and snowy hikes. Let's go!

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9 Charming Towns for Christmas in Colorado

Christmas in Colorado is a blast, not just because it’s a winter wonderland with main streets all aglow, but because of all the fabulous outdoor winter activities and adventures that await you during your holiday break! We’re here to dish out the best places to go in Colorado for Christmas, complete with Santa sightings, twinkling lights, sledding hills, sleigh rides, ice skating, snowmobiling tours, where to go skiing, and hop on dog sled tours. And naturally, we’re sharing our favorite spots for winter hikes, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and dipping into sublime geothermic hot springs.

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mountain townsTanya Raedeke
A Magical Colorado Springs Christmas Vacation

Plan the best Colorado Springs Christmas now! Colorado Springs at Christmas is filled with free light shows, snowy trails, and unique winter events. We’re sharing our favorite things to do in our hometown, giving you things to do do near me on Christmas day and throughout December. Favorite restaurants, things to do and memory making experiences are sprinkled throughout. We want you to have the best Colorado Springs Christmas!

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Melodie Monberg
Hikes Near Denver with Stunning Views in 2026

If you're a nature enthusiast and love to explore the great outdoors, then you're in for a treat! Denver, known for its stunning scenery and natural beauty, offers an abundance of hiking trails that cater to adventurers of all levels. From leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, there's something for everyone. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Fear not, as we've rounded up the top 10 breathtaking hikes near Denver that offer stunning views. Get ready to be immersed in nature as you trek through picturesque landscapes, encounter wildlife, and witness jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains. So, grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and let's hit the trails!

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DenverTanya Raedeke
Boreas Pass Colorado: 3 Best hikes + Complete Driving Guide (22 Miles, 2-3 Hours)

Boreas Pass offers Colorado's best fall colors with 3 trails: Baker's Tank (5.5 mi), Big Baldy Loop (4.4 mi), and Black Powder Pass (3.4 mi). The 22-mile drive reaches 11,481 feet with peak colors mid-September to early October. After 28 years exploring Colorado, this remains our family's top choice. Visit weekdays for empty trails - weekend traffic jams at altitude aren't fun!

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Melodie Monberg