The Blog
Trail guides, gear reviews, and everything you need for your next Colorado adventure.
Dispersed Camping in Colorado: Free Sites, Rules, and Where to Go (2026)
Dispersed camping in Colorado is free on national forest land. The real rules, the 14-day limit, how to find legal sites, and 8 areas worth the drive.
San Juan Mountains, Colorado: A Hiker's Guide to the State's Wildest Range (2026)
Colorado's San Juan Mountains hold 14 summits over 14,000 feet and the state's biggest wilderness. Where to hike, which town to base in, and when to go.
Mount Sopris, Colorado: Hiking the Twin Summits Above Carbondale (2026)
Mount Sopris rises 6,000 feet over Carbondale to twin 12,965-foot summits. Trail stats, the Thomas Lakes route, permits, and why it hikes harder than a 14er.
Hot Springs in Durango, CO: Where to Soak Near Town
Hot springs in Durango, CO: one big resort in town, a free roadside marvel, and 6 more soaks within an easy drive. Prices, hours, and how to find each one.
Mitchell Lake Trail, Colorado: Guide to Blue Lake and the Indian Peaks (2026)
The Mitchell Lake Trail near Ward runs through Indian Peaks Wilderness to Blue Lake under Mount Toll. Distances, parking reservations, moose, and season tips.
Orvis Hot Springs, Ridgway: A Complete Visitor Guide
Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway is a clothing-optional, lithium mineral springs with ten soaking pools. Temperatures, 2026 prices, hours, and soaking etiquette.
Seven Bridges Trail, Colorado Springs: A Complete Hiking Guide
Hike the Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon: about 4 miles round trip, seven creek crossings, parking tips, difficulty, and what to pack.
Lake Ann Trailhead: A Ghost-Town Path to a High Colorado Lake
Lake Ann Trailhead starts at the Winfield ghost town and climbs to an 11,805-foot alpine lake under the Three Apostles. Here's the road, route, and 14er option.
Kite Lake Trailhead: Four 14ers From One Colorado Parking Lot
Kite Lake Trailhead near Alma sits at 12,000 feet and starts the DeCaLiBron loop, four 14ers in one day. Here's the road, fees, waiver, and full route.
The Crags Trail: Pikes Peak's Quiet West Side (and Back Route to the Summit)
The Crags Trail near Divide is Pikes Peak's quiet west side: an easy 4.5-mile hike to granite spires, or the 14-mile back route to the 14,115-ft summit.
Chicago Basin: How to Backpack Colorado's Train-Access Trip to Three 14ers
Chicago Basin is Colorado's iconic train-access backpacking trip: three 14ers, a 6-mile hike from Needleton, and bold mountain goats. Here's how to plan it.
Cathedral Lake Trail: Aspen's Steep, No-Permit Climb to a High Alpine Lake
The Cathedral Lake Trail near Aspen climbs 2,066 feet to an 11,866-foot alpine lake. Here's the route, the drive, Electric Pass, and what to pack for it.