The holiday magic sparkles when snow blankets festive Colorado. From sparkling tree lightings and European-style markets to quirky parades and ice-carved wonderlands, Colorado’s mountain towns know how to celebrate in style. Here are some of my favorite places to get swept away in festive fun this season. Holiday Cheer in Vail Every December, Vail turns into … Continue reading
Category Archives: Explore Colorado
This is all about the great outdoors. As an expert on travel and adventure in the Centennial State, I share my experiences in “Explore Colorado.” Since I lived in San Antonio and Houston for a total of 11 years, and travel back frequently, I share my adventures in the Lone Star State in “Explore Texas.” The “Explore the Outdoors” section features a plethora of adventures from La Bufadora near Ensenada, Mexico to walking the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, South Carolina. In “Explore the Parks,” I shares my many adventures in national parks from the desert of Joshua Tree National Park to the snow covered peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hiking Angler Mountain Trail Through Golden Aspens in Silverthorne, Colorado
About five minutes north of downtown Silverthorne, Angler Mountain Trail is one of Summit County’s best fall hikes. It’s a moderate trek with a steep start, but the reward is worth every step as you soak in panoramic mountain views and golden aspen groves that glow in late September. Trail Details Distance: 2.5 miles one … Continue reading
Vail in Fall: Best Activities, Festivals, and Hidden Gems
When the summer crowds fade and before the ski season rush begins, Vail transforms into a mountain paradise painted in gold. Fall is the perfect time for Colorado crispness, and Vail offers a little something for everyone. You’ll find crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings pair perfectly with golden aspen leaves. Add in fewer … Continue reading
A Quick Climb to Mesa Views & Meadow Blooms: Hiking North Table Mountain
Looking for a quick dose of nature just outside of Denver? North Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado, offers a mellow loop hike with mesa-top views and a touch of wildflower magic. But, there’s a heck of climb to kick off the hike. My friends Greg and Mindy joined me on a glorious Saturday morning hitting … Continue reading
Mount Galbraith: A Go-To Training Hike in Golden, Colorado
Mount Galbraith in Golden, Colorado is a scenic 4.1-mile loop hike with quick elevation gain—ideal for training for Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, or Colorado 14ers. Continue reading
A Perfect Day in Glenwood Springs: Hike, Hot Springs, and Historic Charm
For hiking and hot springs enthusiasts Glenwood Springs is a premier destination steeped in rich history and natural beauty. For centuries, the Ute people revered the area’s mineral waters, calling them “Yampah” or “big medicine,” and using the hot springs for healing and ceremonial purposes. In the late 1800s, settlers established the Glenwood Hot Springs … Continue reading
Hiking Caribou Ranch in Winter: History, Solitude on Snowy Trails, and a Sweet Finish
This is a hike with a little bit of everything – forest, meadows, history, and a lovely creek. Caribou Ranch Open Space is about an hour drive from Denver. Near Nederland, the 2,151-acre open space sits between 8,300 and 10,000 feet. On a glorious morning, my friend Mindy and I decided to hike the Blue … Continue reading
Winter Hiking in Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Exploring the Mule Deer Trail to Frazer Meadow
Golden Gate Canyon State Park between Golden and Nederland is a top spot for fall colors in Colorado’s foothills and very popular in summer, but in winter it transforms into a serene winter wonderland. If you love solitude, snowy trails winding through pines and aspens, and a hike with a dose of history, hiking the … Continue reading

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