Treat backcountry wounds, cuts and scrapes in three, easy steps
In the wilderness, even small cuts can be nasty. These three steps can help you treat any backcountry wound.
Anti-gearhead gear review: the neck gaiter
A neck gaiter allows you to turn any outfit into a pseudo turtleneck — ugly but warm. These fleece tubes are a near-perfect design for snowy adventures.
Build an ultralight first aid kit
Building an ultralight first aid kit will give you the supplies and confidence to tackle an array of potential problems during most outdoor missions.
How outdoor adventure helps to avoid boredom while traveling
Incorporating human-powered exploration into a trip not only provides a sense of purpose, it also changes your perspective.
Cañon City poised to become outdoor mecca
Cañon City is a small town with a big reputation. Outsiders know it as Prison Valley. It’s home to 11 state and federal lock-ups, including the notorious SuperMax – ADX. In recent years, however, Cañon City has turned to outdoor recreation as a way to remake its image and its economy. In the shadows of…
First-time bikepacking: Monumental Loop
A bikepacking trip along the Monumental Loop in New Mexico reveals the challenges and joy of traveling by bike.
Affordable places in Colorado with high quality of life
Using several quality of life variables and GIS, I seek to find counties in Colorado that have high quality of life and lower cost of living.
Denver’s best urban parks bike ride
The bike circuit mapped below provides the best way to tour 10 of Denver’s best urban outdoor spaces. Brings friends, wear a costume, and stop for a beer at your favorite destinations.
Battling temptation at REI — spend less on outdoor gear
What can Buddhist philosophy teach us about buying a headlamp?
Backyard Bikepacking: Ride from Colorado Springs to Cañon City and Back
Basics Mileage: ~ 150 miles Elevation gain: 10,500 ft Start/Finish: North Cheyenne Cañon, Colorado Springs, CO Difficulty: Moderate Season: Late Spring – Early Fall Overview This Colorado canyon adventure is a tremendous first bikepacking route or early-season ride. The ride starts and ends at North Cheyenne Cañon, near downtown Colorado Springs. Ample opportunities for water…
Financial advice from Walden Pond
Thoreau’s financial advice offers a path towards freedom and satisfaction.
Ideas for Weeknight Camping in Colorado Springs
Weeknight camping is a novel way to break from routine and might serve as a rejuvenating escape. From car camping to bikepacking and backpacking, Colorado Springs has a number of backcountry gems close enough for an after-work adventure. Weeknight camping takes a certain level of preparation and planning. Although camping can cut into time for…
How glade cutting can improve backcountry skiing in Colorado
Changing how we manage forests can open new terrain for backcountry skiing. Colorado skiiers can learn from glade cutting organizations on the East Coast.
Best locations for new ski areas in Colorado
Using GIS (Geographic Information System) it’s possible to identify areas that match characteristics needed for a ski area. Below I’ve identified some potential locations for new ski areas on public land in Colorado. The state is unlikely to support new ski areas anytime soon. But, this map can help powder seekers and backcountry skiers find…
Stupid cheap thorn protection for bikepacking
Thorn protection is essential for bikepackers and bike commuters. Changing a flat tire might be fun the first few times you do it, but constant flats will slow you down, threaten your trip, and drive you mad. Fortunately, you don’t have to have a tubeless set-up to get stellar protection against thorns. While tubeless has…
36 hours in Cañon City
Your ultimate travel guide to Cañon City. Cañon City is often overlooked, but rarely disappoints. Adventurous travelers will enjoy the town’s no-frills attitude and abundant outdoor opportunities.
Alternatives to Colorado 14ers – Try these beginner ‘scrambles’
If you’re looking to add some spice to an alpine ascent, you may enjoy ‘scrambling.’ A scramble is a Class 3 or 4 route that mixes hiking with climbing. Here are some suggestions for how to get started scrambling.
Trash to treasure: Five pieces of extremely-affordable backpacking gear
Thru-Hikers know that some of the best backpacking gear is also the cheapest. These five household items are incredibly useful and easy to find.
Hike from Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs on the Intemann Trail
Looking for a longer trail to explore in Colorado Springs? The Intemann Trail is open to hikers, bikers and runners. The Intemann Trail connects Colorado Springs with Manitou Springs, offering a canvas for all kinds of human-powered adventures at the base of Pikes Peak.
Rain gear for the Colorado Trail
Planning to hike the Colorado Trail? Make sure you’re prepared for Colorado’s monsoon season. Learn more about timing rain on the Colorado Trail and what rain gear to bring to stay happy and dry for the long haul.
The Manitou Incline’s past, present and future
As hiking heats up across Colorado, the Manitou Incline offers lessons for reclaiming trails and managing crowds.
Best small ski areas in Colorado
Colorado offers world-class skiing. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay Vail prices to enjoy it. Colorado’s small ski areas offer excellent snow and terrain. Small ski areas are often cheaper, less crowded and more laid back. Find out where to go on your next ski trip.
Can telemark skiing make Colorado’s backcountry safer?
If you’re excited about finding safe backcountry skiing in Colorado, you might like Telemark skiing. Telemarking adds zest to nearly any slope and makes low-angle terrain fun again.
Best Colorado trail and running races for summer 2021
Colorado has an excellent lineup of trail and running races for summer 2021. Sign up for a race to motivate yourself to train hard now and party later. Check out our favorite 10k, marathon and ultra events.
Ring the Peak Trail: Advocates work to complete a loop around Pikes Peak
The Ring the Peak Trail offers lessons for managing Colorado’s rapid recreation growth.
Books are worth the weight when backpacking
Books are the best companion when backpacking. They help to escape hard days on the trail and are a valuable trail currency. See our tips for what to read and how to do it.
Craigslist is the best source for used outdoor gear
If you’re hunting for used outdoor gear, Craigslist is still your No. 1 source.
Outdoor gift ideas: budget gear they’ll use
Looking for outdoor gift ideas for the nature lovers in your life? These items are inexpensive and highly useful.
A COVID summer: The minivan experiment
Living the dream, picking up sticks and sleeping in my parents’ minivan
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