Hiking

The First Diaries

The First Diaries: That Time I Hiked My First Thirteener

Introducing The First Diaries, a weekly column in which one Coloradan documents her misadventures, trials, and triumphs in the outdoors as she tries a new activity or adventure each week. With humor, practical advice, and some serious real talk, our goal is to make the outdoor space a little less […]

Coyote Valley Trail - Rocky Mountain National Park - Christine Warner Hawks - Flickr — Coyote Valley Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake, Colorado. Photo Credit: Christine Warner Hawks (flickr)

5 Awesome Day Hikes Near Grand Lake, Colorado

BY Travis Poulin

September 8, 2018

Maroon Bells - Aspen Colorado - IIP Photo Archive - Flickr — The Maroon Bells are some of Colorado's most iconic mountainscapes. Photo Credit: IIP Photo Archive (Flickr)

5 Awesome Day Hikes Near Aspen, Colorado

BY Travis Poulin

September 6, 2018

Breckenridge in the Autumn — Autumn in Breckenridge, Colorado. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock)

5 Day Hikes Near Breckenridge

BY Daniel Shosky

August 23, 2018

Roxborough Rocks Colorado Parks and Wildlife OutThere Colorado — Sawtooth rock outcroppings set against a blue sky with plenty of fluffy white clouds. Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

6 Day Hikes Near Denver

BY Daniel Shosky

August 22, 2018

The beautiful Royal Gorge Bridge near Canon City in Colorado — Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in the Royal Gorge Region near Cañon City, Colorado. Photo Credit: narawon (iStock).

Hit the Trails of the Royal Gorge Region for the Ultimate Family Adventure

BY Sophie Goodman

August 10, 2018

Difference between trail class ratings — Photo Credit: Katie Botwin.

The Difference Between Class Ratings on Hiking Trails

BY Spencer McKee

Photo Credit: Bigfuzzyjesus (wikimedia commons).

Iconic Hahns Peak Lookout Tower near Steamboat vandalized

BY Spencer McKee

This chart shows the breakdown of immediate causes of mountaineering accidents in North America using data published by the American Alpine Club and organized by "polar" on 14ers.com.

What Causes North American Mountaineering Accidents?

BY Spencer McKee

Mountains near Cody Wyoming - Danielrao - iStock — Sunset over the mountains near Cody, Wyoming. Photo Credit: Danielrao (iStock)

Getaway Guide: Spend the Weekend Exploring Yellowstone National Park

BY Sophie Goodman

Devil's Playgound Pikes Peak markbyzewski — The trail that cuts through the Devil's Playground. Photo Credit: markbyzewski (Flickr).

The Hike to the Devil’s Playground

BY Seth Boster

Pikes Peaks Hot Air Balloon - courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs - OutThere Colorado — A hot air balloon floats through Colorado Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs.

7 Pikes Peak Region Adventures to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

BY Sophie Goodman

View of Mount Princeton - Mtn Spirit Photo - courtesy of Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce — Mount Princeton at sunset, one of the 14,000-foot Collegiate Peaks above Buena Vista. Photo Credit: Mtn Spirit Photo, courtesy of Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce.

Getaway Guide: Spend 4th of July in One of Colorado’s Most Beautiful Mountain Towns

BY Sophie Goodman

Red Canyon - Royal Gorge Region - courtesy of Royal Gorge Region — A father and son enjoy the view over Red Canyon in the Royal Gorge Region. Photo courtesy of Royal Gorge Region.

Explore Colorado’s Newest Trails in the Royal Gorge Region

BY Sophie Goodman

Woman attacked in Palmer Park Colorado Mark Byzewski — Rock formations found in Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: markbyzewski (Flickr).

Woman hospitalized after reportedly being attacked at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs

BY Spencer McKee

Pancake Rocks. Photo Credit: Seth Boster.

Pancake Rocks a Perfect Hike for Summer

BY Seth Boster

The Royal Arch sits at 6,920 feet in the forest above Chautauqua Park. Photo Credit: Seth Boster

A Rewarding Hike to Colorado’s Royal Arch

BY Seth Boster

Chimney Rock National Monument - OutThere Colorado. — Chimney Rock National Monument.

Chimney Rock an Epic Monument Hiding in Plain Sight

BY Seth Boster

Zapata Falls — Kevin Hawley explores Zapata Falls during an icy time of the year. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado

Zapata Falls Hike Delivers a Stunning Waterfall Experience

BY Spencer McKee

Browns Canyon National Monument - Bureau of Land Management - Wikimedia Commons — Browns Canyon National Monument. Photo credit: Bureau of Land Management (Wikimedia Commons)

Browns Canyon National Monument: 6 Things to Know Before You Go

BY Melanie Locke

Rocky Mountain National Park - Andrew E. Russell - Flickr - OutThere Colorado — Rocky Mountain National Park at sunrise. Photo Credit: Andrew E. Russell (Flickr).

6 Awesome Ways to Explore Rocky Mountain National Park this Summer

BY Sammy Blair

Black Canyon of the Gunnison - OutThere Colorado.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 6 Things to Know Before You Go

BY April Laliberte

Miguel Vieira - Cheyenne Mountain - Cheyenne Mountain State Park - flickr — Cheyenne Mountain in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Photo credit: Miguel Vieira (flickr)

6 Colorado State Parks to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

BY April Laliberte

TRAILSOURCE.COM - flickr - Fireweed - 401 Trail - Crested Butte - Colorado — Fireweed On The 401 Trail, Crested Butte, Colorado. Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr)

7 of the Best Wildflower Hikes in Crested Butte, Colorado

BY Daniel Shosky

Preventing Altitude sickness in Colorado Spring Mountain Hike - Rocky Mountain National Park - SeanXu - iStock — A group of hikers walking cross a tree trunk bridge over Tyndall Creek on Emerald Lake Trail at base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: SeanXu (iStock)

How to Fuel Your Body for All Your Outdoor Adventures

BY Katie Botwin

Yolanda Mason in Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. Photo Credit: Nadav Soroker.

The State of Diversity on Colorado’s Trails

BY Seth Boster

Andrew Hamilton first to climb Colorado's 14ers in the Winter — Little Bear on the left; Ellingwood Point to the right. Photo Courtesy of Andrew Hamilton via Gazette.

How One Man Became the First to Climb All of Colorado’s Fourteeners in One Winter

BY Seth Boster

Snowshoeing with Dog 3 - Meg Atteberry - OutThere Colorado — To avoid post holing, train your dog to walk behind you on consolidated snow. Photo Credit: Meg Atteberry.

What Gear Do You REALLY Need for Hiking with Your Dog?

BY Meg Atteberry

Culebra Peak - Dave Herrera - OutThere Colorado — Culebra Peak, CO. Photo Credit: Dave Herrera.

Colorado’s Private 14,047 Foot Mountain

BY Spencer McKee

February 5, 2018

Climbing - Garden of the Gods - Courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs - OutThere Colorado — Climbing at Garden of the Gods. Photo courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs.

14 Best Ways to Crush Calories in Colorado

BY Spencer McKee

December 31, 2017

St Mary's Glacier - Stabil Gear - OutThere Colorado-39 — Ascending St. Mary's Glacier with Stabil icers Hike Macro spikes for grip and the Stabil Stride poles for balance. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin (OutThere Colorado)

A Peaceful Retreat to St. Mary’s Glacier

BY Sophie Goodman

December 8, 2017

North Clear Creek Falls. Photo Credit: Scott Ingram - OutThere Colorado. — North Clear Creek Falls. Photo Credit: Scott Ingram.

Getaway Guide: Spend a Weekend in Lake City, Colorado

BY Joshua Winkler

October 16, 2017

Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett; The Gazette.

Manitou Incline Repairs Near Completion as Conditions Make the Job Difficult

BY Seth Boster

October 16, 2017

Hiker Missing on Missouri Mountain Credits Bear Grylls for Survival

BY Spencer McKee

October 11, 2017

Quandary Peak- Meg Atteberry - OutThere Colorado — The West Ridge of Quandary as seen from the summit of Fletcher Mountain. Photo Credit: Meg Atteberry.

5 Adrenaline-Inducing Scrambling Routes in Summit County

BY Meg Atteberry

September 28, 2017

Airplane Crash Site

B-17 Wreckage a Haunting Hike in Colorado’s High Country

BY Lance Benzel

September 22, 2017

Crested Butte — Crested Butte, Colorado

Getaway Guide: Spend a Weekend in Crested Butte, Colorado

BY Stewart M. Green

September 19, 2017

Capitol Peak - Knife's Edge - Mountain Climbing — Knife's Edge on Capitol Peak. Photo Credit: Katie Botwin, courtesy of Katie Botwin.

New Trail Represents New Age of 14er Climbing

BY Seth Boster

September 6, 2017

Hikers at Pawnee Buttes - Kimon Berlin - Flickr - OutThere Colorado — Pawnee Buttes are located in Weld County, Colorado. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin (Flickr).

Pawnee Buttes Rise Dramatically from Colorado’s Eastern Plains

BY R. Scott Rappold

September 3, 2017

Summit County - Colorado - skibreck - OutThere Colorado — Summit County, Colorado. Photo Credit: skibreck.

Fall Activities in Summit County

BY Sammy Blair

September 1, 2017

Rifle Mountain Park. Photo Credit: Stewart M Green - OutThere Colorado. — Rifle Mountain Park. Photo Credit: Stewart M Green

Stranded Hikers Rescued from Colorado Plateau

BY Spencer McKee

August 29, 2017

Snowmass_ElkCamp_HW2016-9241.3_NoExp — Hiking near Elk Camp at Snowmass Ski Area. Photo Credit, courtesy of: Snowmass Tourism.

5 Beautiful Fall Hikes in Snowmass, Colorado

BY Sophie Goodman

August 22, 2017

Gore Lake- start hiking - Katie Botwin — Hiking the Gore Lake Trail. Photo Credit, courtesy of: Katie Botwin.

Reflections: 12 Reasons Trail Crew Should Be Your Next Colorado Summer Job

BY Emily Morris

August 18, 2017

Del Norte - Trail Running - OutThere Colorado-85 — Summit of a trail run in Del Norte, Colorado. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado.

Girls that Shred: 6 Women’s Outdoor Activity Clinics in Colorado

BY Emma Murray

August 16, 2017

Buena Vista - Into The Wild Overland - OutThere Colorado-46 — Clear Creek Reservoir, Colorado.

Getaway Guide: Spend a Weekend in Buena Vista, Colorado

BY Spencer McKee

August 15, 2017

Grand Lake - SUP - Grand County - OutThere Colorado-12 — Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Grand Lake in Grand Lake Colorado. Presented by Rocky Mountain SUP

6 Must-Do Colorado Family Adventures Before Summer Ends

BY Sophie Goodman

August 11, 2017

Windom Peak - Sunlight Needle - Sunlight Peaks - Weminuche Wilderness. Photo Credit: John Fielder - OutThere Colorado. — Windom Peak - Sunlight Needle - Sunlight Peaks - Weminuche Wilderness. Photo Credit: John Fielder

Explore the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado’s Wildest Territory

BY R. Scott Rappold

Maroon Bells Print signed high filter pass Irwin Badeaux — Photo Credit: Irwin Badeau.

6 Most Dangerous Colorado Mountains

BY Charles Stoddard

Mount Princeton Hot Springs OutThere Colorado — Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. Photo Courtesy of Mount Princeton Hot Springs.

Hike and Soak at these 6 Stunning Colorado Destinations

BY R. Scott Rappold

How to Summit a Mountain

Six Colorado 13ers to Hike This Summer

BY R. Scott Rappold

Windom - Sunlight Needle - Sunlight Peaks - Weminuche Wilderness - John Fielder - OutThere Colorado — Windom, Sunlight, and Needle Peaks. Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado. Photo Credit: John Fielder.

How to Get Into Hiking Colorado Fourteeners

BY R. Scott Rappold

Find Birds of Prey and Extreme Climbers at Colorado’s Cathedral Spires

BY Emily Morris

Kroenke Lake - R. Scott Rappold - OutThere Colorado — Kroenke Lake near Buena Vista. Photo Credit: R. Scott Rappold.

How to Get Into Backpacking in Colorado

BY R. Scott Rappold

Island Lake - San Juan National Forest - OutThere Colorado — Island Lake, one of the lakes you'll encounter on the Ice Lakes Basin Trail.

Colorado’s Coldest Lake

BY Charles Stoddard

Family Hiking - imgorthand - iStock - OutThere Colorado — Kid's hiking and exploring in the backcountry. Photo Credit: imgorthand (iStock).

Ask an Adventure Parent: Hiking, Camping, and of course, Snacks

BY Scott Gauvin

Flatirons - OutThere Colorado — Summertime in Boulder.

How the Boulder Flatirons Were Formed

BY Stewart M. Green

Hiker on a trail

How to Pack for a Day Hike

BY OutThere Colorado Staff

How to Summit a Mountain

How to Summit a Mountain

BY Dave Philipps

Green River cuts through Dinosaur National Monument. Photo Credit: John Fielder.

210,000 Acres of Canyons at Dinosaur National Monument

BY R. Scott Rappold

Crestone Needle Reflection - Alex Burke - OutThere Colorado — Crestone Needle, CO. Photo Credit: Alex Burke.

The 7 Most Daring Hikes in Colorado

BY Charles Stoddard