The state of Colorado, home to a vast amount of the southern Rocky Mountain range, is an outdoor adventure paradise. The Outdoor Corps is based out of Colorado’s largest and capital city, Denver, and features articles about the state’s best outdoor activities, lodging, dining, and much more. So, if you want to backpack, ski, rock climb, raft, or engage in any other number of adventures, Colorado has it all.
Visitors to Colorado have access to some of the best national parks in the U.S.: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Beyond parks, Colorado’s 50+ 14er mountains (i.e., mountains over 14,000 ft.), make it unique in comparison to other states. Indeed, a popular activity, particularly during the summer, is to summit 14er mountains. Of course, there are also many other amazing hikes around the state if you’re looking for something less strenuous.
In addition to premier hiking, Colorado’s world-class ski resorts (e.g,. Aspen, Vail, etc.) make it an amazing winter destination. Many states have one or two great ski resorts, but Colorado has an incredible amount of resorts close together. In fact, many are concentrated not far from the Denver-metro area, making for an easy commute.
Readers of The Outdoor Corps will find recommendations on some of the best things to do around Colorado. Whether you’re searching for itinerary tips or a great adventure, we have the content to help plan your Colorado outing.
Mount Yale is the 21st tallest mountain in Colorado at 14,200ft. Located near Buena Vista in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, most hikers ascend via the Class 2 Southwest Slopes route. Beginning at the Denny Creek Trailhead, this route is non-technical, but requires a steep 4,300ft. climb and 9.2 miles roundtrip.
Mount Audubon (13,223ft.) is a 13er mountain located in Colorado's Front Range and within the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Ward, CO. The standard route to Mount Audubon's summit is via its Class 2 North Slope. At 8.0 miles roundtrip with about 2,700ft. of elevation gain, this hike is fairly strenuous, but is a great introduction into 13er hiking.
Colorado certainly has no shortage of amazing backcountry ski areas. If you're interested in exploring all that the Colorado backcountry has to offer this winter, our guide showcases some of the top touring zones to consider for your next adventure. Enjoy the exploration!
Challenger Point and Kit Carson are two Colorado 14er mountains in the Sangre de Cristo Range and are typically summited in the same outing. This hike review covers the popular 14.5 mile Easy Class 3 route of Challenger Point's north slope and the west ridge of Kit Carson.
Mount Sniktau (13,240ft.) is a 13er mountain located in Colorado's Arapaho National Forest near Loveland Pass. The standard route to Mount Sniktau's summit is via its Class 1 Southwest Ridge. At 3.7 miles roundtrip with about 1,250ft. of elevation gain, this hike is challenging but relatively easy in comparison to other Colorado 13er and 14er hikes.
Walker Ranch is located in Boulder County, just outside of Boulder, Colorado. With an impressive ecosystem spanning 2,888 acres, Walker Ranch is a favorite destination among locals, particularly hikers, mountain bikers, and anglers fishing for Rainbow Trout in South Boulder Creek.
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