10 Great Outdoor Date Ideas in Alabama

These are the kind of articles that keep me up at night. Whittling down a list of Colorado’s best day hikes to a mere twenty is a daunting task. There are literally hundreds of hikes that would fit the bill, and none of them would be wrong. If that comes off like a big, fat, humblebrag, well it is. The wealth of quality hiking adventures in Colorado is nearly limitless. Some hikes offer instant glory right from the parking lot (such as Brainard Lake in the Indian Peaks) while others take liberty with the definition of “day” hike, (such as the 16+ miles to Storm King Peak in the Grenadier Range, possible to knock out in a single day by strong hikers). What makes a hike great is in the eye of beholder, but this collection of adventures is a worthy compilation that showcases the best natural settings in Colorado: towering mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, jagged rock faces, expansive views, and good wildlife sighting potential. A personal preference for longer days out (between 4 - 8 hours) is reflected in many of these adventures. With that in mind, these hikes offer a variety of wilderness environments across the state and range from simple on-trail walks to difficult—yet non-technical—scrambling (assuming the seasonal conditions are free of ice and snow). Please feel free to add some of your own favorites not listed here in the comments! 1. Longs Peak - Keyhole Route Difficulty: Hard The Keyhole Route before transitioning to the class 3 scrambling on Longs Peak. Note the shelter at the base of the notch Katie Dills Let’s get the obvious out of the way. At 14,255 feet, Longs Peak is the 13th highest mountain in the state and one of the most visited peaks with a notoriously elusive summit. The National Park Service estimates about 15,000 people attempt to get to the top of Longs each year, with only 50% of them actually reaching the highest point. The 15-mile roundtrip, 5,000+ feet of elevation gain, thrilling exposure, and unpredictable weather add up to create a mountain whose mood can welcome or thwart even the most experienced hikers. Passing through the Keyhole itself is like shifting worlds into a mountainous kingdom hidden from sight during the 5.5 mile approach through forests and boulder fields. The trail is well-marked and can be crowded on summer weekends, but Longs nevertheless delivers on the promise of incredible views and worthy terrain. 2. Mount Bierstadt Difficulty: Moderate Mount Bierstadt’s welcoming slopes as seen from Guanella Pass. Patricia Henschen A common mistake many aspiring Colorado hikers make is to target Longs Peak before they have the fitness or experience to stack the odds of a successful summit in their favor. Here’s where Mount Bierstadt comes into play. The popular 14,060’ peak off of Guanella Pass near Georgetown is an accommodating 6-mile round trip along a well-maintained trail. It’s a great starter mountain for those hoping to hike all of Colorado’s 58 14,000’ summits (the eponymous 14ers). More experienced hikers can test their mettle on Sawtooth Ridge, a 1-mile stretch of Class 3 rock that connects the summit of Bierstadt with the shoulder of 13,842’ Mount Spaulding and eventually 14,264’ Mount Evans. The typical descent back to Guanella Pass involves bushwhacking through moose-infested swampland, where 7-foot tall willows create a natural garden maze. 3. The Base of Lizard Head Peak via Lizard Head Pass Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Lizard Head is the throat of an extinct volcano. Jim Good Lizard Head Peak is one of the toughest 13,000’ mountains in Colorado to summit, thanks to the chossy, loose, 400’ vertical tower that requires 5.8-graded climbing on poor rock to reach its highest point. Thankfully, this hike follows a good trail 3.5 miles one-way to the base of the tower—no climbing required. The adventure begins atop the paved Lizard Head Pass, about 15 minutes from the town of Telluride. Though it’s a 7-mile out-and-back, the trail starts off nearly flat as it wanders through alternating alpine meadows and pockets of pine forest. As views open up, the grandeur of the San Juan Mountains unveils itself, including the impressive profiles of the Wilson Massif. Standing at the base of the crumbling tower (an extinct volcanic pipe) makes the fact that it was originally climbed in 1920 even more impressive. 4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison Difficulty: Moderate to Hard The imposing rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Matthew Macpherson Black Canyon of the Gunnison, an oft-overlooked national park, flips the script by bringing you down rather than up. Oh, and the “trails” are more like suggested scrambles rather than fully developed hiking paths. The easiest of these is the Class 3 Gunnison Route, a vague idea of a trail that has an 80-foot section with a handheld chain for support. It drops down 1,800’ in one mile, so what it lacks in total distance it makes up for in thrilling scrambling. Rivers flow deep along the canyon floor, a shadowy place where the towering walls feel like the entrance to the netherworld. Wandering the canyon base is so marvelously unique for Colorado, it deserves a visit for adventurous hikers who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty on the way down. 5. Bison Peak Difficulty: Easy but Long A hiker in the midst of the incredible rock towers on Bison Peak. James Dziezynski At 12,431 feet, Bison Peak is a collection of spectacular rock towers built up from a flower-festooned alpine meadow. The Class 1 hiking trail is 11 miles out-and-back starting near the Tarryall Reservoir in the Tarryall Mountains. The gradual hike up to treeline tends to go quickly, and it can get hot and dry in the summer—bring extra water! Cresting treeline opens up views of the wobbly, blocky, stone towers, some of which are over 150’ tall and seemingly transported from the Moab desert. Thankfully, the summit is a half-mile hike off the main trail across grassy meadows with a few easy hills or rock scrambles to the top. Once a bit of a secret, this unique peak has gained popularity in recent years, but is nonetheless rarely ever crowded. 6. Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park Difficulty: Easy Great Sand Dunes National Park. NPS/Patrick Myers While most of the hikes in this list ascend mountains, it would be folly to ignore the fun, open-ended hiking at Great Sand Dunes National Park (especially from October-May, when the park is much cooler than in the summer). Star Dune is the largest of them all, standing at about 700 feet. In the early spring when the rivers run through the fine sand basin, the landscape transforms into a living, breathing desert in a compact package. Above the dunes stand the Sangre de Cristo Peaks, many towering over 13,000’. Wandering among the dunes can be as long or as short as you like it to be—consider it your own personal sandbox. 7. Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park Difficulty: Moderate The Lion Lakes are a chain of small pools in a pristine basin. Mount Alice looms in the background. James Dziezynski The Lion Lakes are a chain of high alpine pools in the cirque between 13,310’ Mount Alice and 13,579’ Chiefs Head Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Accessed by the less-crowded Wild Basin Trailhead, this 12 mile out-and-back is mostly on the shared Thunder Lake Trail (itself a fine destination) before eventually splitting off and fading into one of Colorado’s most exquisite backcountry basins. Though the trail eventually fades out, navigation is relatively easy: follow the lakes and connecting streams and waterfalls up to the next tier. Wildflowers abound and the pristine meadows have all the elegant natural charm of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best settings—minus the crowds. Don’t let the high mileage fool you, most of the trail is smooth, flat, and easy to cruise. 8. Pyramid Peak Difficulty: Hard Pyramid Peak’s famous Green Gully. James Dziezynski Pyramid Peak (14,018’) near Aspen is the most difficult day hike on this list—even more so than Longs Peak. While most hikers tackle the Class 3 (or Class 4, in some opinions) without any technical gear, it’s not unheard of to bring along a rope and harnesses. With good route finding, however, the standard route will stay at a tricky but solid Class 3. Most hikers start in the blackness of early morning (3 am is a reasonable start time), chugging up a steep headwall to an exciting scramble to the top (roughly a mile). Mountain goats are regular spectators, and the rock is solid for Elk Range terrain, especially in contrast to the neighboring Maroon Bells. Views from the flat summit look out over the aforementioned Maroon Bells and several other impressive Elk Range Peaks. The round trip is about 8.2 miles, but even strong hikers should give this one 8-10 hours. And bring a helmet! 9. Boulder’s Guardians of the Flatirons Difficulty: Moderate A walk above the Flatirons is a great way to have a true mountain adventure right from the city of Boulder. Michael W Murphy The trio of peaks that stand over Boulder’s iconic Flatirons make for an excellent day hike, which can be done as a loop or a point to point (approximately 12 or 10 miles respectively). Hikers can start at several different trailheads, all within the civilized confines of the city of Boulder. A popular route starts at Gregory Canyon Trailhead near Chautauqua and begins by ascending 3.2 miles to 8,150’ Green Mountain. Next, drop down to the Green-Bear Trail to the West Ridge of Bear Peak and ascend to the 8,460’ summit, where exposed, iron-rich rock offers the best 360 degree views along the traverse. On a clear day, one can see from Denver to Longs Peak to Pikes Peak. The highest and least-visited of the mountains is 8,549’ South Boulder Peak, whose boulder-adorned summit has great views to the west but is obstructed by trees to the east. Return via the Mesa Trail at the foot of the mountains back to Gregory Canyon or make it a point-to-point by leaving a second vehicle at the South Mesa Trailhead. Editor's Note: Parts of the Mesa Trail/Bear Canyon will be closed for trail work on weekdays May-September 2017. The trails will be open on weekends. 10. San Luis Peak Difficulty: Moderate San Luis is one of the best walk-up 14ers, especially in early summer when many small streams run and wildflowers are in full bloom. James Dziezynski 14,014’ San Luis Peak is a nice, long day hike (13.5 miles from the Stewart Creek Trailhead) through one of Colorado’s most vibrant basins. The gradually ascending trail is mellow, Class 1 terrain that starts in a piney forest, passes ponds and pools, and eventually opens up to large meadows with trickling streams, dense beds of colorful flowers, and wide-open views. It’s rarely crowded, despite being one of the 14ers, and the rocky trail at the top is welcoming and easy to follow. Views are understandably incredible, partially due to the relatively remote location of this San Juan mountain Very little manmade evidence is seen from the summit. It’s not technical, it’s not burly, but it sure is lovely. 11. Lost Man Lake Difficulty: Moderate Lost Man Lake with UN 13,001—Colorado’s lowest official 13er—in the background. Fredlyfish4 The trailhead for Lost Man Pass / Lost Man Lake is one mile west of the summit of Independence Pass. It’s easy to find, but note that the road is usually only open from late May to early October when snows close it down. This hike is roughly 7 miles out-and-back (depending on how much wandering you do around the lake itself) and follows the Lost Man Loop Trail through a rocky, rugged, basin. The chunky glacial rock debris is offset by serene lakes on the south side of Lost Man Pass, most notably Independence Lake. Keep hiking up Lost Man Pass up to 12,850’, where the dark, inky waters of Lost Man Lake reveal themselves on the north side. It’s a great place to have a mountain picnic or a chilly dip. Peak baggers have a lot of options in the area, including 13,301’ Geissler Mountain’s rolling ridges and 13,711’ Twining Peak. 12. Mount Elbert Difficulty: Moderate Summit views from Mount Elbert. Michael W Murphy Colorado’s highest peak (and the highest in the entire Rocky Mountain Chain) stands at 14,433’ but luckily it’s a friendly hike via its standard route, the Mount Elbert Trail. This 9 mile out-and-back follows a solid trail from forest to treeline, where hikers get acquainted with the thin air and the possible heartbreak of a pair of false summits. Fear not, the actual summit is not far past the second false summit, and the wide, flat apex has a collection of wide shelters. There is very little exposure along the way, though the views of the town of Leadville and the Sawatch Range are mighty impressive. Worth noting: Colorado’s second highest peak, 14,420’ Mount Massive is just across the street from the Mount Elbert Trailhead. The duo make a nice two-pack punch for an ambitious weekend. 13. Mica Basin Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Mica Lake and the Mica Lake Basin as seen from “Middle Agnes” with one of the two Little Agnes Peaks in the distance. James Dziezynski The roughly 3.8 mile hike (7.6 mile round trip) to Mica Lake starts from the Slavonia Trailhead near Steamboat Springs and is a wonderful introduction to the Park Range. The Zirkel Wilderness is one of the lushest mountain regions in Colorado thanks to its northern location and relatively low elevation. The same storms that keep the rivers flowing provide the ski area’s legendary winter powder. As a result, the area is rich with flowers, flora, and colorful grasses and willows. Mica Lake is a small, greenish blue pool that is a favorite with canines. Nearby summits can be hiked or scrambled up including Little Agnes Peak, a second Little Agnes Peak, Big Agnes Peak, and a scenic point between them not officially named but locally known as “Middle Agnes Peak”. Mica Basin is one of the best autumn day hikes thanks to the variety of colorful foliage. 14. Argentine Pass Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Argentine Pass as seen from Mount Wilcox. If you look closely, there is a Jeep cruising up in the middle section of the road. Grays Peak (l), Torreys Peak (middle) and Mount Edwards (r) stand tall beyond the saddle. James Dziezynski Argentine Pass connects two basins, one accessed from Guanella Pass near Georgetown and a second accessed from the tiny mountain town of Montezuma near Keystone Resort. Both access points require a little 4x4 action to reach (stock SUVs should do fine either way). The eastern approach from Guanella has a parking area at the mining ghost town of Waldorf, where a battered building that once housed the post office still stands. From here, a walk up to the 13,207’ pass is roughly 2 miles one-way up a 4x4 road (dedicated 4x4 vehicles can drive to the top of the pass). From the the Montezuma side, hikers take a 2.5 mile trail up from the less-developed Horseshoe Basin to the pass. From the top of the pass, peak baggers can carry on to grab 13,738’ Argentine Peak to the South or 13,850’ Mount Edwards to the north. An ambitious point-to-point with two cars offers a chance to grab the nearby 14ers, Grays and Torreys Peaks, with a descent to the popular Stevens Gulch Trailhead. 15. Peak 6 via the Colorado Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate The Colorado Trail below Peak 6 with Crystal Peak and Pacific Peak on the horizon. James Dziezynski The Tenmile Range is home to the Breckenridge Ski Area, but this lesser-known hike begins from the overflow parking area of Copper Mountain at the Colorado Trail trailhead. This beautiful section of the Colorado Trail ascends through a shady forest before emerging from treeline in roughly 3 miles to vast, open, mountain meadows and stellar views of Copper Mountain to the west and the town of Breckenridge to the east. It is easy to get off trail and walk along the gently rounded hills to gain the ridge between Peaks 6 and 5 and take in the views—the Gore Range to the far west is notable. This is a great trail for a more casual day with friends and dogs, as it never gets too steep and the rewards are well worth the 7 mile round trip. Ambitious hikers can traverse along the ridge north or south if they want more summits or if they want to explore the Breck Ski hills in the offseason. Strong hikers who want a unique point-to-point can traverse past Peak 10 to Crystal Peak and descend all the way to Mayflower Gulch parking area—an adventure that snags 6 named mountains! 16. The Devil’s Causeway Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult The Devil's Causeway is a section of rock only a few feet wide elevated 1,500 feet from the ground. Robin Carroccia If the Spinner of All Lies has affixed his name to a geological feature, you know it’s going to be interesting. The Devil’s Causeway sits in the Flattop Wilderness, an isolated patch of mountains that are accessed from the town of Yampa between I-70 and Steamboat Springs. The hike itself is a nice, 6 mile round trip starting from the East Fork Trail. The namesake feature is a non-technical but heady 50-foot stretch of rock that narrows to 3 feet wide and has drops of 60-80 feet off either side. Depending on your reaction to exposure, this is either a neat walk along a solid spine of rock or a belly-crawling, sphincter-clenching ordeal—or maybe somewhere in between. Even if you opt out of the traverse, a visit to the Flattops is worth the time, as it’s one of Colorado’s less-known mountain areas, and the rock walls and tabled-off summits are quite spectacular. 17. Ice Lakes Basin Difficulty: Moderate One of the upper feeder lakes and old cabin above Ice Lakes Basin, seen from Golden Horn. James Dziezynski Silverton is known for spectacular mountain scenery, and Ice Lakes Basin out of South Mineral Campground offers a snapshot of what makes the San Juan range in southwest Colorado so special. This 7-mile round trip follows a steep but steady trail through the forest to a series of shimmering, blue alpine lakes, including Island Lake. Creeks cascade through the green valleys and roll over rounded rock walls, painting them a mixture of green, black, and grey. The imposing “sinking ship” profile of 13,780’ Golden Horn dominates the skyline—from the perspective of the lakes, it’s hard to believe this cracked and crumbling peak is only a Class 2 scramble! Nearby Pilot Knob, 13,738’, is a shattered comb of rock that is rarely climbed (and usually just by mountaineers knocking off Colorado’s 200 highest mountains; Pilot Knob is the 131st highest). There are also smatterings of mine and cabin ruins at the upper lakes, a testament to the area’s mining history. 18. Sharkstooth Trail Difficulty: Moderate Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. jmangum2 The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Starting from the Sharkstooth Trailhead, a hike up to 12,000’ Sharkstooth Pass and back (4 miles round trip) may satisfy your mountain cravings. From the start you’ll see the remarkable alternating red and white stripes of 13,232’ Hesperus Mountain, one of the four sacred Navajo mountains. Approaching Sharkstooth Pass, the namesake 12,462’ Sharkstooth Peak juts out from an ocean of talus rock, but the trail remains easy to follow with good footing. Those looking for a bigger day can traverse the basin on the east side of the pass 2.7 miles to the next pass, where the Colorado/Highline Trail continues to the north above Cumberland Basin. 19. Rattlesnake Arches - McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area Difficulty: Moderate The incredible, airy arches at McInnis are one of the most photogenic areas of Colorado. John Strother The Colorado Plateau in Mesa County is home to McInnis Canyons, an area many Coloradans have no idea exists. This spectacular desert playground has the second highest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world—only nearby Arches National Park has more. There is a lot of open terrain to explore, but a tour on the Rattlesnake Arches Trail (starting from Black Ridge Road) is the best way to take it all in. The arches here resemble prehistoric fossils, pockmarked and elegantly curved. A full out-and-back is about 7 miles, though most hikers detour and explore the many formations along the trails. Crowds are low and the landscape is incredible, so take your time as you walk among these natural wonders. 20. James Peak Difficulty: Moderate James Peak’s approach above St. Marys Glacier. James Dziezynski Finally, we come to the tastefully named James Peak. This 13,301’ summit is a nice walk-up that is 8 miles round trip as an out-and-back. The appeal of the mountain isn’t just its proximity to the Denver/Boulder metro area—its standard route also ascends one of Colorado’s last remaining glaciers, the St. Marys Glacier. The glacier (which has been downgraded as a “semi-permanent snowfield”) is safe for foot travel, as it lacks deep crevasses. A tiny ski area once operated year-round on the glacier from 1930-1986, and the remains of the ski lift can be seen on the way up to the trailhead parking. Above the glacier, the approach to James crosses a long, flat section before ascending up a Class 2 trail along the rounded slopes. Views from the top look out into the Winter Park ski area to the west, the Indian Peaks to the north, and the Front Range to the south.

Hot springs usually fall into one of two categories: unmaintained, dug out pools overcrowded with local enthusiasts, or developed resorts, complete with showers, restaurants, and concrete. The former can be a gamble—hot springs are a natural petri dish for a variety of diseases (such as E. coli). But the latter can too often feel like a theme park or the spa at a local gym. Finding a hot spring with a natural feel that isn’t also risking your health can be a challenge. Here in Western Washington we are lucky enough to have Goldmyer Hot Springs, a tiny, steaming oasis in the middle of the Cascades’ temperate rainforests. On the way to the hot springs. Laura Lancaster Goldmyer was a popular tourist destination in the early part of the 20th century, but was abandoned in the 1960s after extensive flooding. After decades of neglect and overuse, the former owners donated the land to the Northwest Wilderness Programs, who restored and today manage the springs, employing rotating caretakers to process visitors and maintain the pools (including bi-weekly cleanings). From the caretaker’s cabin, visitors climb up through a canopy of ancient old growth—douglas firs, western hemlocks, and pacific silver firs—toward the sound of a roaring waterfall. Getting closer. Laura Lancaster Rounding the corner of a steep precipice brings the springs into view where there's an opening of a cave, framed with moss and ferns, with steaming water spilling out into two lower pools. Nearby is the cabana, a rustic, open-air structure, perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat or changing out of sweaty hiking clothes. The pool furthest from the cave is the coolest—about 104 degrees with the temperatures rising to a steaming 111 degrees Fahrenheit inside the cave. Those who make it to the back of the cave are well-rewarded: a simple bench at the end far of the cave is perfect for enjoying the sauna-like atmosphere. A third pool, fed by an ice cold stream, quickly cools down any overheated bathers, leaving behind skin that is tingling and refreshed. Five miles from the nearest forest service road, Goldmyer is close enough to civilization for easy access by dedicated weekend warriors, but logistically complicated enough to dissuade Instagram addicts. (Although, speaking frankly, it’s probably best to leave your camera at home for this one: Goldmyer is clothing optional, and most days find a mix of bathers in swimsuits and in the nude.) Plan your Trip Today Goldmyer in all its modest yet welcoming glory. hundertmorgen_ Visitors are limited to 20 per day to ensure that Goldmyer remains pristine for years to come. This limit is strictly enforced, so you'll need to make a reservation in advance to ensure that you aren’t turned away at the gates. While many visitors will choose to hike out after an afternoon of soaking, overnight camping is also available for an additional $5. Note that campfires are not permitted on the Goldmyer premises. Getting There You're in the right place. Laura Lancaster _NOTE: Conditions change frequently along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie. Check the Goldmyer website for the most up-to-date travel info. _ There are multiple access points for Goldmyer Hot Springs, so choose the right one for your experience and fitness level. 1. A long, difficult drive followed by a short, easy hike. Drive east from Seattle on I-90 and take exit 34, just past North Bend. Turn left onto 468th Street and drive north for a half mile. Turn right onto the Middle Fork Road and travel 9 miles (the paved road will turn to gravel and then dirt) to the Middle Fork campgrounds. Just after the campground, look for a dirt road heading uphill to the right. Follow this road another five miles until you reach the Dingford Creek Trailhead. This last road is minimally maintained, and a number of washouts over the years have made it impassable to all but high clearance, four wheel drive vehicles. Do not attempt this road if your car has low clearance. From the Dingford Creek Trailhead, hike the old road 4.5 miles to a marked intersection. Take the right fork, following the signs to Goldmyer Hot Springs, cross over the river, and hike up a short hill to the caretaker's cabin to check in. 2. A short, easy drive followed by a long, difficult hike. Drive I-90 east from Seattle and take exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass. Drive under the overpass and continue on for about a mile until you reach the parking lot for the Snow Lake Trailhead near the Alpental ski resort. Hike the Snow Lake Trail 3.2 miles to the intersection on the far side of the lake. Take the Rock Creek Trail, heading downhill and to the right. The trail here, while well maintained, is significantly more rugged than the popular Snow Lake Trail, crisscrossing talus fields before switchbacking 4 miles down to the intersection with the Middle Fork Trail. Turn right and follow the Middle Fork Trail 2.5 miles until you reach Burnboot creek. Carefully cross the three downed logs that serve as a foot bridge. On the other side of the creek are signs directing you toward the caretaker’s cabin. 3. A short, easy drive and hike followed by some serious bushwhacking. This one is only for hikers experienced in route finding. After exiting I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass, follow signs for the PCT (between Alpental and The Summit) that lead to the trailhead for the PCT out of Snoqualmie Pass. Follow the trail for 2.5 miles until you reach a fork. Take the Commonwealth Basin Trail to the left to its end at Red Pass. This is where things get a little interesting. The trail below is where the Pacific Crest Trail ran before it was rerouted over the Kendall Katwalk. From Red Pass, pass by the “trail not maintained beyond this point sign” and hike 3.5 miles down a steep slope into lush old growth. The trail will eventually run alongside Burnboot Creek, leading you to the log crossing to Goldmyer along the Middle Fork Trail. The tiny, yet wonderful Goldmyer Hot Springs. Laura Lancaster All in all a visit to Goldmyer Hot Springs isn't some epic backcountry excursion. But if you're looking for a relaxing soak in nature without the crowds and with the chance to camp overnight, this is a super special place tucked into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Oh, and you're right next to a gorgeous, roaring waterfall the entire time. It really doesn't get any better than this. Written by Laura Lancaster for RootsRated.

Standing at 14,265 feet, Quandary Peak is Colorado’s 13th highest mountain and the highest summit in the Tenmile Range. Many hikers choose Quandary Peak as their inaugural 14er thanks to the accommodating east ridge. This broad, natural ramp provides a gradual hiking route that is 3.3 miles to the summit (6.7 miles round trip). The modest terrain coupled with easy trailhead access make this one of the most crowded summer mountain destinations in Colorado. Come winter, there’s a very good chance the only ones on the peak will be you and the local mountain goats. Quandary Peak reverts to a place of pristine beauty, a state rarely experienced in the busy summer months. As far as the 14ers go, it is the easiest and safest winter summit - which isn’t to say it’s going to be easy or entirely safe. But the minimized risk, good winter access and the fact it is hiked enough on a regular basis to establish a winter trail makes it a good peak to aim for as your first winter 14er. Training For Quandary Winter mountain hiking requires more vigilance than summer outings. All the same warm weather best practices apply: adequate hydration, altitude acclimatization, weather awareness, physical fitness, knowledge of the route, and proper clothing. Winter tacks on increased severity in weather conditions, avalanche potential, reflected sunlight exposure from snow, and the challenge of keeping your hydration methods from freezing. To put it bluntly, it’s going to be more work -- but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. The reward of a blazing blue horizon atop the highest snow-capped mountain in the area is worth the extra effort. Chances are that most people will have already hiked some of Colorado’s mountains in the warm weather months -- this is a great start. The physical effort for a winter hike of Quandary is going to be slightly more taxing than a summer ascent but the real work comes in preparation for winter conditions. To get a taste for winter conditions, especially those above treeline, several ski areas offer uphill access outside of normal operating hours. The best of these near the Front Range is Arapahoe Basin, which offers uphill access most days, barring severe avalanche conditions. Not only do you get a feel for your layers and exertion levels, there’s a “bonus” of getting an alpine start (A-basin opens to uphill traffic at 5:45 a.m. and access is allowed again after the slopes close, around 4:30 p.m.). Off resort, hiking the ridgelines to the east from the summit of Loveland Pass climb up over 13,000 ft. and mostly avoids avalanche terrain. Which leads us to the other big difference in winter versus summer: avalanche potential. Proper avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and the knowledge to use them are vital for winter safety. While Quandary Peak’s east ridge has low avalanche potential, it’s important to realize that this does not mean “no avalanche potential”. Take a class before on avalanche safety before you. Friends of Berthoud Pass has excellent intro classes for free and highly recommended classes beyond. The Colorado Avalanche Forecast is essential information before heading out -- and it changes daily, so check in regularly. And for a final recommendation, it’s great to get in your first winter 14er with more experienced hikers. 14ers.com forums are a great place to meet up with others interested in winter ascents. Additionally, the Quandary Peak information page has excellent trip reports, current conditions and details on the east ridge route. Your goal: the summit of 14,265 ft. Quandary Peak. Wendy Cranford The Day of the Hike Get an early start - sunrise or earlier is best, given how briefly winter sunlight can shine. Be sure to check the weather and avalanche forecasts before you head out. Experienced backcountry skiers can make great time by skinning up and skiing down, though be aware that Quandary is often wind-scoured above treeline, making a continuous ski descent difficult. The critical thing to be aware of is that mistakes in winter conditions are amplified. A forgotten water bottle, poor layering or improper eye protection can all speed the onset of debilitating conditions such as hypothermia, dehydration and snow blindness. Here’s a quick rundown of the typical gear used for a winter ascent on Quandary: Warm, wicking (non-cotton) layers Windproof, waterproof jacket and pants Warm boots Extra gloves, extra hat, balaclava, ski goggles, neck gaiter Hand and foot warmers Avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel) Insulated water bottles (smaller 16 oz water bottles can be stored in jacket pockets) Maps / GPS (note that cold weather causes GPS units to wear out quickly) Headlamp with extra batteries (lithium batteries are suggested for cold weather conditions) Ski poles Adequate food and snacks First Aid kit Snowshoes Best Time to Go Typically, December - February are cold, dry months in Colorado. It’s often chilly and clear. During periods of snow stabilization (low winds, no storms) these months can be a great time to hike Quandary, though the sun goes down earlier in the day (usually around 4:30 p.m.). Start early and make sure your headlamps can handle a few hours of lighting the way. February - March (the official end of winter) offer more sunlight and warmer temps than early winter, but often have more snow and elevated avalanche danger. Look for a series of stable days. Don’t be surprised if the sun gets warm enough to hike in a t-shirt but be prepared for the temps to drop like a rock come nightfall (or even cloud cover). A typical winter hike of Quandary Peak takes between 5 - 7 hours for a fit climber. The round trip mileage is 6.7 miles - though the descents can be made quicker by plunge stepping snowy slopes or skiing down. Avoid hiking or skiing Quandary Peak when avalanche conditions are high any time of year (which can be autumn, winter or spring). Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated.

Cook County’s Forest Preserves have traditionally provided the only real green space in the immediate Chicago area. For hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners—not to mention picnickers, frisbee-throwers, and sunbathers—the forest preserves offer a wooded escape from the urban landscape of the city. But there was one thing all the diverse preserves had in common—you had to leave at sunset. But that’s no longer the case—at least in five preserves that will permit overnight camping this summer. It’s a big change for the Cook County Forest Preserve, which has spent the last several years creating and implementing a master plan to build new campgrounds and improve existing ones that in the past had only been available to established groups like the Boy Scouts. The forest preserve will be rolling out each of the campgrounds this summer, with three already open and taking reservations. 1. Camp Shabbona Woods Located at 15810 S. Torrence Avenue in South Holland, Camp Shabbona Woods was the first facility to open for campers in May. It’s a new facility created on the site of a former picnic grove that was removed. The campground now offers eight tent cabins and 12 tent sites in addition to a toilet facility on the grounds. The campground is closely connected to the nearby Sand Ridge Nature Center and Green Lake Aquatic Center. 2. Camp Sullivan This Oak Forest facility , located at 14630 Oak Park Ave., has taken a site once used by the scouts and improved it to create a larger campground open to the general public. An existing bunkhouse was removed and replaced with 12 tent cabins and 40 tent sites. Toilet and shower facilities were also added. Located in the 612-acre Tinley Creek Woods, Camp Sullivan offers access to more than 13 miles of trails. The historic red barn is being renovated to include a climbing wall and meeting space for outdoor activities and programs. 3. Camp Reinberg Having opened over the 4 th of July weekend, Camp Reinberg , in Palatine, is another facility that has been improved and updated with more modern amenities. It now includes several two-bedroom cabins (with air conditioning) that can accommodate up to 10 people. They each have a private bathroom and shower. Other cabins that sleep eight are available without the private bathrooms, but campers can share the modern facilities at the campground. There are also spots for small RVs and tent camping, in addition to a large dining hall with two community kitchens for large events. The campsite offers access to the trails at Deer Grove Forest Preserve , which offers some of the area’s only singletrack for trail running and mountain biking. The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is nearby the new Bullfrog Lake campgrounds. David Wilson 4. Camp Bullfrog Lake Expected to open by late July, Camp Bullfrog Lake is a new campsite located in the Willow Springs Forest Preserve , with access to the Palos Trail System . The facility will include eight tent cabins and 12 tent sites as well as a shower/toilet facility. It’s located near Maple Lake, which offers boat rentals, and the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center. Of course, for mountain bikers, this could mean a new way to take advantage of by far the best trail system for off-road riding. 5. Camp Dan Beard This spot in Northbrook has hosted the Boy Scouts for more than 50 years, but it will be open to the public later this summer. The site will include tent camping as well as renovated cabins. Proximity to the River Nature Trail Center and the Des Plaines River will make this an excellent spot for campers looking to do some paddling on their trip. “We want to offer a camping experience inclusive of all skill sets and comfort levels,” said Arnold Randall, general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “Our camping program appeals to experienced campers and beginners. Our goal is for camping to be a gateway to forge lifelong connections with nature.” This means that several of the sites will offer gear rental, making it easier for outdoor newbies to get started camping. Fees for each facility will vary, but expect tent camping to cost as little as $20 a night for Cook County residents, while the 36-bed bunkhouse goes for $200 for a Saturday night in season. Nonresidents will pay $10 more per night. All five of the facilities will be open from April through October, with Bullfrog Lake, Reinberg and Sullivan offering camping year-round. All of the facilities will feature 24-hour staffing and regular patrols be the Forest Preserve Police Department. Reservations are available online [here](fpdcc.com/camping) as well as by phone at 855-YES-CAMP. For those who looking for a quick camping getaway, these destinations will be tough to beat. Just one caveat—the three facilities that have already opened have found demand to be very high, with most available spots selling out quickly. So if you want to take advantage of the first summer of Cook County Forest Preserve Camping, make your reservations soon. Written by Jeff Banowetz for RootsRated.