Beginner’s Guides

Beginner’s Trail Guide: Gem Lake in Estes Park

This four-mile out and back trail was the first hike I ever did after moving to Colorado. The elevation in Estes Park is no joke, so if you’re new to town like I was, plan on taking lots of water and lots of breaks. It was slightly demoralizing that a very small fluffy white dog Read more
Beginner’s Trail Guide: Snowshoeing in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

After several weekends of hibernating with Netflix on my couch, I decided to be a real Coloradan and embrace winter. After learning the basics from REI, I decided it was time to get out there and try it. Snowshoeing isn’t rocket science, but the two major blunders I made were picking a super hilly trail Read more
How to deal with your running injury

I’ve been dealing with tendonitis for four months, but admittedly haven’t been a very good patient for most of that time. Since January, I have buckled down, put on a boot, and took a break from any and all potentially cardiovascular exercise. This means no hiking, no running, no horseback riding, NOTHING. Staying positive hasn’t Read more
Fitting in when you’re a beginner in Colorado

An article in 5280 (magazine in Denver) caught my eye last week. Unfit: Being Overweight in America’s Slimmest State chronicled Rebecca Palcso’s struggle with being very unathletic in the sporty paradise that is Colorado. She moved to Colorado in an effort to motivate herself into being fit, which you may assume went like this: I moved Read more
Beginner’s Trail Guide: Rattlesnake Gulch in Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park was is less than an hour from Denver and offers stunning canyon views, an overlook at the Continental Divide, and well-maintained trails that are beginner-friendly. Rattlesnake Gulch is challenging because it’s all uphill on the way out, but as long as you take plenty of breaks along the way, you’ll be Read more
Gear Guide: The best reservoir to carry your water on the trail

Your first and most obvious option for hydration is a water bottle, but a reservoir lets you go hands-free and bring a lot more water with you, which is important if you’re going to be out on the trail for several hours. You do have to have a backpack to take advantage of the wonderful Read more