Katie LyonsExplorer

Settled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Crested Butte is a mecca for winter sports. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a local favorite for downhill skiing, but if lift lines (or lifts in general) aren't really your thing, head to Snodgrass Mountain for miles of untouched snow.Snodgrass lies approximately three miles Northwest of CBMR and offers easy roadside parking. The main trail is used...

Horsetooth Mountain Park is an outdoor trail haven just minutes from downtown Ft. Collins. The 2711 acre area has 29 miles of trails of varying length and difficulty for all levels of adventurers to explore. Horsetooth Falls is one of the shortest (yet stunning) trails in the area. This hike is ideal because it is short enough for families with young children, and dogs are allowed. The trail st...

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado's four national parks. Though not as well known as Rocky Mountain or Mesa Verde, Black Canyon has no lack of views, hiking opportunities, and other must-experience natural features. The Canyon's expanse is far too large to explore in a day, but the Oak Flat loop offers hikers the chance to see some of the most panoramic overlooks of the canyon an...

At a literally breathtaking 11,250 feet, Paradise Divide offers seclusion and scenery that can't be beat. Just fifteen miles outside of the world renowned ski resort Crested Butte, this area boasts wildflowers, wildlife, stunning peaks, and opportunities to watch amazing sunrises and sunsets paint the sky.The drive up to Paradise includes multiple other recreation areas available for public use...

Rifle Falls State Park is situated just 14 miles north east of major Colorado highway I-70. The park offers a wide variety of activities including hiking, fishing, biking, photography, camping, and spelunking (for the especially adventurous).There are several trails at Rifle Falls, the most popular being the Coyote Trail. This trail allows visitors to view the three waterfalls after which the p...

This beautiful, isolated hike also makes for a flexible route – very few places in Goblin Valley are off limits, allowing you to customize the adventure as much as you please. The hike begins on a rapidly descending trail, heading into the heart of Goblin Valley State Park. After a quarter mile of steep descents, the trail levels and winds through the mysterious hoodoo formations. Any signs o...

Upheaval Dome is a geologic structure whose origins have remained hotly debated for years. Some scientists say it is the site of a meteorite impact while others theorize it is nothing more than a naturally occurring salt dome. No matter what the true answer is, there is no question that this short scenic hike leads to one of the most iconic and beautiful places in all of Canyonlands. The trail...

20 miles outside the south central Colorado mountain town of Almont lies Taylor Park Reservoir. The location is secluded and not penetrated by light pollution, making it a perfect place to photograph winter stars.When you arrive to your desired location by the edge of the reservoir you can begin by taking pictures of the collegiate peaks. These 14ers (mountains above 14,000 feet) are part of th...

About 15 miles away from the ski resort town of Crested Butte lies the West Maroon Pass trailhead. This trailhead sees thousands of visitors every year as they make their trek over West Maroon Pass down into Aspen. While West Maroon Pass is beautiful, the heavy summer traffic can detract from the untouched beauty of the Colorado Rockies. However, this issue can be easily resolved by heading one...

Just 3 miles outside the small south central town of Gunnison, Colorado lies Hartman Rocks recreation area. This 8000 acre open space includes 40 miles of single track trails as well as 33 miles of road. Camping at Hartman Rocks is the perfect way spend a relaxing night, or get an early start to hiking or biking in the area.Dispersed campsites are all over Hartman Rocks, and the only thing you ...

Summer is a magical time of year in the Rocky Mountains. One great way to experience this stunning beauty is through hiking Raccoon Trail to Panorama Point at Golden Gate State Park. Raccoon Trail is 3.3 mile moderately difficult hike which can be completed in under an hour, although it will likely take longer if you stop at Panorama Point to admire the views.The trail starts at the state park ...

Moab has become an increasingly popular adventure destination over the last few years. Its proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks make it a popular spot for beginning day hikers as well as seasoned canyoneers, bikers, and climbers. It comes as no surprise that it can be a hassle to find camping in such a visited place, but Hunters Canyon provides quiet campsites and breathtaking bea...

The Gothic mountain trailhead starts at 9600' about 10 miles outside Crested Butte, Colorado. A four wheel or all wheel drive vehicle is recommended to make it to the trail head. Take trail 403 which will eventually turn into Gothic Mountain trail around mile 2.5. The single track trail winds through forest for about half a mile, and then opens up to a beautiful mountain vista with views of Whe...

Starting at 9600 feet, just outside the small town of Gothic is the trail head for Judd Falls. The parking lot is on the side of the road and getting to this area is completely possible with a passenger car. The trailhead includes bathrooms and is particularly uncrowded on weekdays and in the later months of the year. To start the hike, follow the four wheel drive road for almost a mile and you...

Just outside of the small community of Lake City, Colorado is Engineer Pass, a dirt road that has amazing views and opportunities to hike, take pictures, and maybe even explore an abandoned mining town. Four wheel drive or all wheel drive is preferable, but the road can definitely be driven by a passenger vehicle if conditions are good. This road is a fairly unknown local gem and you can count ...

Along with Maroon Lake and Crystal Mill, Dallas Divide is one of Colorado's iconic photography locations. It's proximity to the rugged San Juan mountains makes it an ideal location to capture some of Colorado's most incredible scenery in one picture frame. Start your adventure by grabbing your tripod and camera and driving to Dallas Divide. There is a large, hard to miss pull off about 6 miles...

Natural Bridges National Monument is one of Utah's many geologic wonders. While this monument is primarily known for its bridges, it also has an impressive collection of cliff dwellings known as Horse Collar Ruin. The dwellings have passed the test of time after being abandoned by native people more than 700 years ago. Exploring this area gives you a brief glimpse as to what life was like in th...

The Dillon Pinnacles are a geologic phenomenon of southern Colorado. Volcanic eruptions formed the breccia rock into towering spires above the Sapinero Basin of Blue Mesa Reservoir. This packed dirt trail starts at about 7500 feet and climbs to a max elevation of 7800 feet. The four mile out-and-back path is a good choice for families looking for a day hike.Photo opportunities are everywhere al...

Located near the southern border of the state, Goosenecks State Park is a small slice of Grand Canyon views in Utah. The park overlooks the meanders of the San Juan River, and canyons that have eroded over the millennia. This park is great for anyone hoping to learn about geology, get far away from civilization, or take in the natural desert beauty of Utah.This park has primitive, first come, f...

Starting at 5350' in elevation, the hike to Hickman natural bridge is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families with small children. The hike is just under two miles round trip and doesn't include any steep or exposed sections. You'll begin your hike next to the Fremont River, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. The path is well defined and cairns make it easy to fo...

Abandoned in 1919, Roosevelt Mine is a lost treasure of Gunnison County, Colorado. Exactly three miles outside the tiny town of Ohio City is the unmarked trailhead on the side of a road pull off for Roosevelt the mine. The trail is otherwise well established and easy to follow. The trail is a little more than a half mile long and boasts amazing views of both the surrounding mountains and Quartz...