Best of Colorado

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Colorado

I’ve been lucky enough to visit 32 countries on six continents, but Colorado is my home.

The soaring mountains around feel like gentle giants enveloping me in a hug. The sun is always snuggly warm. And I never have to run on pavement.

I absolutely love living here! And I I hope my posts help you not only enjoy yourself, but also keep you safe when you’re in our beautiful mountains.

PLEASE DON’T be a boneheaded tourist and destroy what nature works hard to create. We all respect these mountain rules, and for your safety request you follow them, too. Thanks!

PLEASE DO

Respect everything you see. We have elk, deer, bears, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, marmots, etc. None of these animals want to pose for a selfie with you. And sharing your Cheetos with them might be a good way for you to score a very expensive trip on Flight for Life.

Do not chase wildlife. This includes you (let that selfie go), your dog, and children. We all have drones and phones. Someone will see you and your 10 minutes of fame will be a “what NOT to do.”

Do not pick flowers. That means you, and your children. I get it. I have kids. They want to pick a bouquet for their favorite mama. But please tell them no, and distract them. Play Find The ABC’s In Nature game instead. It’s so sad to seeing discarded flowers, slowly dying, on the trails. We have a very short growing season, and trees, plants, and flowers have to work super hard to bloom. Let them be.

Stay on trail. Erosion is a big thing here. Don’t make it worse.

MORE TIPS FOR YOU

• Wear sunscreen. In Denver, the sun is a mile closer to you. In the mountains, it’s even closer. This makes a huge difference, and your delicate skin will burn faster.

• Stay hydrated. It’s desert dry here. You may not know you’re sweating because it will evaporate, and you will dehydrate faster. And evaporation rates are even higher at higher altitudes. Avoid those extra wrinkles and drink lots of water. And if you’re hiking, plan to drink 2-4 cups of water per hour, depending on altitude, intensity, and temperature. Nalgene are lightweight, or if you will be near streams, you can use a filtration system.

• Bring extra layers. It can be blistering hot in the sun on a July day, but then below freezing up in the mountains on that same day. Always bring a warm, water-resistant layer. It has saved lives. And bonus points if your layer has a hood and long sleeves to cover your hands. The wind can be bone-chilling C-O-L-D, even in July.

• KNOW YOUR LIMITS. If you don’t live or usually exercise at altitude, assume whatever you’re planning may take you 50-100% longer. Running or hiking 8 miles at 100 feet of altitude is completely different than 8 miles at 9000 feet of altitude. Again, avoid that expensive Flight for Life or Alpine Rescue, and don’t overdo. Also, many hikes above 9000 feet may still be covered in snow or have impassable snowdrifts even into late July. Check your route before you go.

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