When asking people about winter hiking one of the first concerns they bring up is…being cold. Because being cold sucks and winter is kind of known for its cold weather. No matter where you live your version of “winter” comes with cooler temperatures than your version of “summer”. However, being cold is something you can [somewhat] easily mitigate with the proper layers…used in the proper order and at the proper times.
This is not your average gift guide – it is not a “top ten” or “must have” list of items that your friends and family may or may not want. This gift guide does not simply recommend specific items, instead it outlines broader categories then suggests a few items the adventurer on your gift list may need.
Regardless of how you define “backyard” there are a multitude of ways you can find adventure in you very own backyard. This is the true beauty of adventure — it is what you make of it and as the saying goes “it’s the journey, not the destination”. So let’s jump right into how you can create adventures in your very own backyard!
Bundle up and get outside, even when the trails are snow covered and the wind is nipping at your nose. However, take a hot second to make sure you’re prepared for the winter weather. We’re working on the assumption that you know how to dress for the cold weather and remember to strap on some sort of traction for the icy trails. But what about the ten essentials?! Have you taken the time to winterize your stash of trail must-haves? If not, keep on reading, we’ll get you a few tips and tricks to have your pack ready for wintry adventures.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fall hiking? Fall colors? Chilly mornings? Rainy days? It really does vary by where you’re hiking. However, there is one thing that nearly every fall hike has in common…variable weather! No matter where you are you can expect to encounter changing weather in the fall.
If you’re like us, no matter how fun and exciting your adventure plans, sometimes the snacks you pack is anything but fun and exciting. Often, we plan an adventure at the last minute, grab a couple of the same pre-packaged bars that we always keep in the kitchen, and eventually ingest a mostly tasteless cube of calories for strictly functional reasons, to prevent bonking. Let’s fix that!
We tend to seek out the lesser known areas for our own adventures. This year we opted to spend our fall road trip weekend in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, located on the western slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The Flat Tops Wilderness is a bit further north than the better known parts of the western slopes…but it is gorgeous, even when there’s a smokey haze.
Most of us know what 3 miles feel like on our local bike path or what it means to gain the elevation of a flight of stairs in our house. But sometimes when reading a trail description, the metrics don’t mean much until we’re hours into a hike, struggling perpetually upward, wondering how these 3 miles could feel so different than those bike path miles.
Crispy morning air. Sweaters + scarves + beanies. Pumpkin spice…everything. It sure does feel like fall here in the Rocky Mountains, which means the colors will be POPPIN’ very soon! Are you ready to explore the trails blanketed in aspen leaves?
Let us get you started with a list of the best trails to find fall colors…
Whether you’re ready or not, FALL IS HERE. The peaks of the Colorado Rocky Mountains are popping with the bright yellow of fall, the air is crispy in the morning and the wildlife is busy preparing for winter. This is the perfect time of year to head into the mountains — the crowds are manageable, you are likely to see wildlife and the mountains are on fire with color.