Beginner’s Guides

  • Beginner’s Travel Guide: Week-Long Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

    Beginner’s Travel Guide: Week-Long Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

    After a summer of buying a house, moving my horse cross-country, and general craziness that kept us close to home, Billy and I took an entire week to really kick off summer and see the West we had yet to venture into. We hit almost all four corners of Colorado, got a taste of things we Read more

  • Campground Guide: Blue Mountain in the Pike National Forest

    Campground Guide: Blue Mountain in the Pike National Forest

    Despite the fact that our air mattress pump broke and we slept on the ground, Blue Mountain near Lake George is near and dear to my heart because it’s where I came up with the idea to start Outdoor Beginner. Plus, you can find a campsite easily on a summer weekend, even if you randomly… Read more

  • Beginner’s Trail Guide: Fountain Valley Loop at Roxborough State Park

    Beginner’s Trail Guide: Fountain Valley Loop at Roxborough State Park

    When 2016 rolled around, I realized not only had I been neglecting this blog, but I also hadn’t gone for a hike since summer. Let me remind you – I live in Denver. Mere hours from some of the most spectacular outdoorsy-ness this country has to offer. And there I was, on my couch. Hours Read more

  • What to expect for your first ski lesson

    What to expect for your first ski lesson

    I’d never put on a pair of skis before I moved to Denver at age 23, so learning to ski was both exciting and mildly terrifying. Skiing seemed really cool, but I was learning as an adult that was acutely aware of my own mortality, the cost of hospital bills, and obligations to work. I Read more

  • Beginner’s guide to running safely in the dark

    Beginner’s guide to running safely in the dark

    If you work a nine to five, chances are you’re running in the dark November through February thanks to the end of Daylights Savings Time. That means cars, scooters, skater bros, and other mindlessly motoring around people have a much harder time seeing you. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for reflective gear to Read more

  • Beginner’s Trail Guide: Elk Falls Hike in Staunton State Park

    Beginner’s Trail Guide: Elk Falls Hike in Staunton State Park

    The Elk Falls Overlook is one of the more iconic views of Staunton State Park (after Lion’s Head at least), and the trek out to see it is perfect for a beginner looking to push into longer distance hikes. It’s a challenge, but not out of reach for a beginner as the trail isn’t too Read more