The Blog
Trail guides, gear reviews, and everything you need for your next Colorado adventure.
Quandary Peak Parking: Reservations, the Shuttle, and How to Avoid a Ticket
Quandary Peak parking needs a reservation from June 13 to September 13, 2026. Here's the cost, how to book at hikequandary.com, and the free Breck shuttle.
How Tall Is Pikes Peak? Its Height, Plus Every Way to the Summit
Pikes Peak stands 14,115 feet tall near Colorado Springs. Here's exactly how tall it is, plus the three ways to reach the summit: drive, ride, or hike.
Mount Shavano: A Complete Guide to the Angel of Shavano 14er
Mount Shavano is a class 2 Sawatch 14er near Salida, famous for its Angel snow figure. Full guide to the route, trailhead, and the Tabeguache combo.
The DeCaLiBron Loop: Four 14er Summits in One Hike from Kite Lake
The DeCaLiBron loop bags Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross from Kite Lake in 7.25 miles. Route, direction, gear, timing, and the Bross access rules for 2026.
What to Pack for a Day Hike in Colorado: The 10 Essentials Checklist
What to pack for a day hike in Colorado: the 10 essentials, how much water to bring, and the storm and altitude gear first-timers forget. Full checklist inside.
Backpacking Checklist for Colorado: What to Pack
A backpacking checklist for Colorado backcountry trips: the Big Three, the Ten Essentials, water treatment, storm layers, and exactly what to leave home.
Mount Princeton: A Complete Guide to Hiking the Collegiate 14er
Hike Mount Princeton, Colorado's 14,197-foot Collegiate 14er near Buena Vista. The East Slopes route, the confusing road access, gear, and timing.
La Plata Peak: A Complete Guide to Colorado's Fifth-Highest 14er
La Plata Peak is Colorado's fifth-highest 14er. Full Northwest Ridge route guide with trailhead directions, gear, timing, and what to expect on the climb.
Sandbeach Lake Trail: A Quiet Wild Basin Hike Under Mount Meeker (2026)
The Sandbeach Lake Trail climbs through the quiet Wild Basin corner of Rocky Mountain National Park to a rare sandy alpine shoreline under Mount Meeker. Distance, parking, permits, and camping.
St. Vrain Mountain Trail: A Quiet 12er Hike Above Allenspark (2026)
St. Vrain Mountain Trail near Allenspark: about 9 miles round trip to a 12,162-foot summit with big views of Longs Peak, Wild Basin, and the Indian Peaks.
Piney Lake, Vail: The Drive, the Ranch, and the Upper Piney Falls Trail (2026)
Piney Lake near Vail, Colorado: the Red Sandstone Road drive, canoe rentals at the ranch, and the easy 6-mile hike to Upper Piney Falls under the Gore Range.
Gear for Hiking in the Rain: What to Pack for Colorado Storms
The gear for hiking in the rain that keeps you dry in Colorado's monsoon storms: a 9-item kit from jacket to pack liner, plus what to skip.