4 Must-Visit Rocky Mountain Lakes Near Denver

We all have different variations of how we define “camping.” Here are five common ways to camp, and the best type of place to use each method in Central Texas. The below are rated in terms of difficulty and experience. If you are new to camping, start with glamping and then proceed up the numeric ladder. Or start where you feel comfortable, it's up to you! 1. Glamping Glamping in a teepee m01229 Don't want the ruggedness of really getting back to nature? Try glamping! Glamping means glamorous camping. Choose a  teepee , cabin,  yurt ,  railcar , or a permanent A-frame tent where (maybe) breakfast is served and the restrooms are nicer than the ones at home. Check out  Glamping Hub Texas for more options. There is a larger price tag associated with glamping because amenities such as food are often included. 2. Car Camping With car camping, you get the benefits of having a portable storage unit (your car) while still being outside. For your sleeping environment, you can either purchase a low-cost tent or sleep in your car or RV. You can always sleep in your tent and run back to your car once it starts getting too cold/hot/stormy/balmy/mosquitoey or when other campers start getting too loud. Most state and national parks have plenty of designated sites for car camping. Sites will vary by cost and whether or not they include potable water, electricity, and a restroom or latrine. Great places to car camp in central Texas include Pedernales, Garner, Inks Lake State Parks, plus Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples State Natural Area. But reserve early since parks book up quickly, sometimes up to six months out. 3. Outfitters Leaving the car camping world catapults you into the backpacking world. This enables you be mobile and explore more wilderness areas where less people are camping. Backpacking shows you nature scenes that you thought only possible in calendars and magazines. Outfitters typically provide gear, cook the food, and plan the route of your trip. This is a phenomenal, low cost way to test if you truly enjoy backpacking. Locals to Central Texas can try Backwoods Austin. 4. Backpacking with a tent, hammock, or tarp Tent camping at Big Bend Patrick Denker You have now crossed the threshold for "this is a serious hobby" and "yes, I would spend my vacation doing this."  Welcome ! Now that you are backpacking, you should consider weight as your top priority. Your 6-pound tent for car camping wasn't a big deal when you had a car to store it in. But when you have to carry that tent for 50 miles over the course 5 days (or longer!), then you start carefully analyzing each item that goes in your pack and and considering ways to shed needless weight. Since sleep systems are often some of the bulkier items, researching and investing in higher-end shelters is important. You can easily find tents, hammocks, and tarps that weight less than 2 pounds packed. You may also forego the tent altogether and just use the rain fly and footprint ("fast fly" system). Keep in mind though that there are tradeoffs for ultralightweight ("UL"). A UL shelter may not keep you dry in the rain and it might not block the wind from all angles in a bad windstorm. It's about finding the system that works best for you. 5. Cowboy Camping Texas heaven Gino Grasshopper, you are now what the sages call " hardcore ". Cowboy camping means sleeping under the stars without a shelter. Some long-distance hikers, such as those trekking the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, try to save weight by not carrying a tent. Cowboy camping works well when the weather is nice. Try cowboy camping in the spring when it is not too hot or cold and check the rain forecast. If you cowboy camp on a new moon and a clear night, you will get a perfect view of breathtaking stars without the light from the moon obstructing your view. When it's raining, you will probably get wet, unless you have a backup shelter or can find shelter under a tree or lean-to (see #4 Hammocks and Shelters).  I recommend cowboy camping if you are a backpacker with several long hikes under your belt. However you choose to camp in Central Texas, just do it. We have such prime open land, big skies, and beautiful waterways, and they're all worth experiencing. Your soul will thank you. Written by Christine Hersh for RootsRated.

Still trying to figure out your New Year’s Resolution? Here’s a suggestion: up your backpacking game in 2018. Make this the year that you take your backpacking skills to the next level to travel more safely and comfortably. In our list of skills below, we begin with the basics—fitting and packing your pack. While those sound like simple tasks, a surprising number of people hit the trail with ill-fitting, unbalanced packs that lead to soreness and misery. Then, we move on to other things that will benefit backpackers—map and compass skills, knots, first aid, and building a fire. If you’re super motivated, you could possibly take on all of these goals in the coming months. But, even if you tackle just one, you might be surprised at how gratified you’ll feel from learning something new. Learn to Fit & Pack Your Backpack A high-quality backpack can ease the burden of a heavy load on the trail, but it won’t do you much good if it’s not fitted and packed properly. If a salesperson didn’t fit your pack when you purchased it, consult the manufacturers’ website or online videos for fitting instructions, and be aware that fitting techniques can vary by brand. You can also find helpful videos produced by specialty retailers. It’s important to make sure that the pack fits your torso length, and that you properly position the shoulder straps, load lifter straps, sternum straps and hip belt. To ensure that your pack rides comfortably, you also need to pack it correctly so that the weight of your gear is distributed well. Try to make sure that the heaviest things, like your food bag, like close to your back and, if possible, centered on your back. Then, place lightweight items away from your back. You can also pack gear strategically, based on when you’ll need to access things. For example, put things you won’t need while hiking (like your sleeping bag) in the bottom of your pack. Then, put the things you’ll need frequently or immediately (like your map and toilet kit) in the lid or an external pocket. Learn to Use a Map & Compass Make a resolution this New Year to learn the basics of map and compass navigation. rawpixel.com As smart phones and other devices make navigating easier, fewer people are learning to use a good ole map and compass. And that’s fine if you’re just doing a day hike on well-marked trails, where you’re not likely to get lost. But if you go into the backcountry, you could be in a tough spot if your phone or GPS loses battery power or gets damaged. So, make a resolution this New Year to learn the basics of map and compass navigation. With a little online research you’ll find plenty of instructional books and videos. If you’re in the mood for a road trip, you could also drive up to Nashville to take map and compass course at REI. Once you’ve learned the basics, practice using a map and compass in a local recreation area before you leave for a big backcountry trip. Keep in mind that you might be using these skills when you’re tired and frustrated (being lost can be nerve-wracking), so it helps to have this stuff dialed in. Learn to Tie Useful Knots If you want to become the hero of your backpacking group, be the one who knows how to tie knots. On the trail, you can use knots to do a variety of things, from securing your tent to hanging a clothesline. Plus, knots will come in handy for other adventures, whether you’re tying into a harness to climb, or you’re securing a kayak to the shore. In your everyday life, knots can also prove useful. At some point, you might need to lash furniture to a vehicle when moving, and you’ll ride with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t just jerry-rig your stuff to keep it out of the road. Begin by learning a few knots that will come in handy frequently, such as the bowline, which you can use attach a line to a fixed object. On the trail, you might use a bowline to attach guyline cords to a tent, or tie a line to a tree to rig a tarp. The advantage of a bowline is that it won’t loosen under tension. But, you can loosen the knot easily when it’s time to untie it. It’s also good to learn the taut-line hitch, because it allows you to create a clothesline, or an adjustable guyline for a tent. Learn to Build a Fire Even if it’s not an emergency, a campfire will make a cold night on the trail cozier. Paul Gandy In an emergency situation in the backcountry, a fire can provide life-saving heat, a means to purify water, and a way to signal rescuers. Plus, survival experts say that a fire provides a sense of comfort and calm that will help you endure a tough situation. Even if it’s not an emergency, a campfire will make a cold night on the trail cozier. If you’re building a fire for the fun of it, ensure that fires are allowed in the area and that the fire danger is low. And, take time to learn the proper way to manage and extinguish a fire. If you’ve never mastered the art of building a fire, you’ll find plenty of tutorials online. There’s a certain method to successfully building a fire, and you don’t want o be fumbling around if you’re lost, cold and tired. Also, consider packing a fire starter kit, which will usually include tinder and tools to create a spark. The kit will serve as a backup if your lighter or matches don’t work, and you can get tinder that lights when wet—very helpful in the rainy South. Learn Basic First-Aid If you or a hiking partner is injured or gets ill during a backpacking trip, you could be miles or days away from professional care. If you do enough backpacking, you’ll someday deal with blisters, stings and maybe even burns. Plus, you or someone you encounter could get dehydration or hypothermia, or suffer some kind of wound, or an ankle or knee injury. If you purchased a first-aid kit from a gear store, there’s a chance it will include a small first-aid book, and you should take the time to read it. Plus, there are plenty of great wilderness medicine books on the market. But this year, go a step further and take a first-aid course to be even more prepared. If you visit the American Red Cross website, you can find first-aid courses offered in your area. While some Red Cross courses are not outdoor-specific, they’ll provide helpful fundamentals. Also, The University of Alabama in Birmingham offers a Wilderness First Responder course. Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of AL.

Neighboring Boulder might steal a lot of the spotlight as a trail running mecca, but The Mile-High City is one of the top running towns in the country, too. Denver boasts 300 days of sunshine, friendly neighborhoods, breathtaking views to the west, and easy access to paved and dirt trails literally out the back door. It's also renowned for its gorgeous urban parks and trail systems that spider out from downtown following the rivers, creeks, and canals that helped build this great city. These trails provide an excellent option to pounding pavement, without leaving the city (with the exception of one). Sure, you may have to cross some roads to get there, and some of these groovy jaunts give you the option to pound the bike path as well, but rest assured you’ve got plenty of dirt to dig without having to go far. Washington Park Washington Park is a supremely popular spot for a trail run. Jeffrey Beall Yes, trail running is legitimate at Denver’s Wash Park, and some even say “jogging” in Denver was born here in the early 1970s. A flat, 2.6-mile dirt trail (adjacent to a paved trail) encircles 155 acres of fields and gently wooded spaces with two ponds, tennis courts, basketball courts and a fitness course. It’s extremely dog friendly (as long as they are leashed) and you’ll see many outdoor group fitness classes training in the mornings and evening, as well as a major volleyball contingent. Just don’t expect to get a lot of alone time here, as it’s a splendidly social running scene. Wash Park is at the intersection of Downing and Louisiana on the northwest corner, where you’ll find plenty of street parking. Cherry Creek, Clear Creek, and South Platte River Trails Confluence Park is awesome for trail running. Ken Lund All of these urban gems are widely known for both road running and bicycling, but they bear mentioning as three of the best trail runs near downtown Denver as well. Accessible from almost anywhere in the city, Cherry Creek Trail runs from downtown at Confluence Park (the confluence with the South Platte River) for 40 miles all the way out to Cherry Creek Reservoir. Any ultra runners out there can then do a lap around trails in lovely Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park, a major trail running destination on its own, before heading back into town. Beginning at Confluence Park, you can run the Platte River Trail either north or south: Both directions feature a dirt track adjacent to the bike path. You can also run all the way to Chatfield Reservoir south of the city for beautiful open spaces and views. Note that the Platte River Trail becomes the Mary Carter Greenway past West Dartmouth Avenue, where you’ll have even more peaceful views. Turn around at Chatfield State Park, and you'll have 30 miles to run (should you want to go that far) north to where the South Platte River meets Clear Creek. Clear Creek Trail, which is also a bike path with plenty of quality dirt track, leads all the way to Golden. Be sure and catch the left hand turn past the Sand Creek Trail turnoff just after the bridge. All three of these offer trails runners a sense of nature as well as adventure in the heart of Denver. They're not exactly hidden gems, but at times you’ll find more solitude than you'd expect, along with wildlife and the sound of waters rushing alongside. The High Line Canal The High Line was completed in 1883 and is designated a National Landmark Trail, a true in-town treasure. The High Line Canal stretches 66 miles through Denver, allowing any variety of distances. To get there, make your way to Mamie D. Eisenhower Park, roughly in the middle of this historic pathway that runs from Cherry Creek to Chatfield Reservoir. Head south through Magna Park, Three Pond Park, and Dahila Hollow Park and continue to the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve. Or, head north and wind through the University Hills and Cherry Creek neighborhoods. (Burs on the trail can get stuck in your dog’s paws and fur and in your shoelaces, so look out for this common occurrence at any disturbed/regrowth area like a canal trail.) Alderfer/Three Sisters A short drive from Denver, the town of Evergreen has plenty of trails to choose from. Rob Lee A short drive up I-70 (about 30 miles) brings you to the old-school mountain town of Evergreen and the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. This once-working ranch now offers 15 miles of trails for trail running, hiking, biking and a bouldering area. The winding collection of trails can be a bit confusing. A good place to begin is at the East Trailhead, where you can choose from six intertwining trails, from a moderate 3-mile run or a more aggressive 15-mile trek. Like most foothills runs, expect wildflowers, wildlife, and sunshine. When you’re done dusting up the trail, head back into historic downtown Evergreen to visit the famed Little Bear, a dusty biker bar with decades of bras strung from the ceiling. Mathews/Winters Park You get perfect views of Red Rocks from Mathews/Winters trails. David Keyzer Always a classic and within easy distance of downtown, Mathews/Winters Park, nestled alongside Red Rocks Park and amphitheater, is a must do for locals and out-of-towners alike. Just off I-70, it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver. Take the first right into the well-marked parking lot, where you can stretch and ensure your water is full and sunscreen is on, because once you cross the stream, it’s a pretty exposed run. The path quickly connects with Red Rocks Trail; run it to the end and return back along the Morrison Slide Trail to check off 6.5 miles. Beware of rattlesnakes and signs indicating usage for bikes and horses. Right down the street from this trail-running mecca is the Apex Trail, accessed from the Heritage Square parking lot off Highway 93 just north of I-70.   Written by Aaron Bible for RootsRated.

Backpacking season may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean it’s over yet. While we’ve now lost summer’s long days and t-shirt temperatures, fall camping trips have benefits of their own: scenery speckled with red and gold trees, fewer crowds, and more permit availability. But with winter just around the corner, you’ll want to get on one of these trails soon (and don’t forget to bring that extra layer and rain cover for your pack). Here, five of the best late-season backpacking trips in Washington —because there's still time to get in one last hurrah before you have to wait for next season. 1. The Enchantments The Enchantments offer some of the best scenery in Washington. Nate B With sparkling blue-green alpine lakes, granite peaks, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, the Enchantments are filled to the brim with some of the most inspiring scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Which is exactly what makes winning a permit via the lottery system to visit during the high season so competitive. But there is a way around the whole permit hassle: Visit between mid-October and mid-June, and you won’t need one. Going to the Enchantments in autumn also means the forests will be all the more spectacular thanks to the larch trees, which are conifers with a deciduous-esque twist. Around mid-October the larch pine needles turn from green to gold, before they are blown off by winter’s storms. 2. Iron Peak Loop The view of Mount Stuart from Iron Peak is impressive. brewbooks Even when fall's showers drench Seattle, it is sometimes possible to find drier ground just on the other side of the Cascades. The 14.5-mile Iron Peak Loop , near Salmon La Sac, is a great option for a weekend backpacking trip when other hikes closer to the city seem too drippy. The trail ascends to a rocky ridge, from which you’ll be able to take in mountain views as you scramble along, including ones of Mount Stuart. Or, if you’re looking for something shorter in the same area, try the 9-mile hike to Lake Ingalls , one of the most popular treks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 3. Navajo Pass Also on the other side of the Cascades by way of Snoqualmie Pass, Navajo Pass is another good option if you’re looking for clearer skies. The 11-mile hike will take you alongside the bubbling Safford Creek, up a series of steep switchbacks, and through forests flavored with red and yellow fall foliage. And then comes the views from the top of the pass, of Mount Stuart and the surrounding Stuart Range. The best place to camp is the large meadow about five miles from the trailhead, from which you can scramble up other peaks in the area if you want an additional challenge the next day. 4. Blanca Lake Blanca Lake's turquoise waters draw quite the crowd in the summer. For a more peaceful experience, try visiting in fall. Amy Salowitz Blanca Lake ’s turquoise-blue water is no less than stunning. In summer, its beauty attracts some of the biggest crowds found on any trail in the area, so if you prefer a little more solitude while on the trail, try visiting in fall instead. The 7.5-mile hike is easily done as a day trip from Seattle, but the area is so pretty that it also makes for nice weekend retreat. There are camping sites all around Virgin Lake, which is about 0.6 miles from Blanca Lake. Just keep in mind that the trail’s high point is 4,600 feet, so you’ll want to get out here before the winter’s snow hits. 5. White Pass to Chinook Pass Soak up fantastic views throughout this 28-mile excursion. Robert Ashworth These two mountain passes are two of the prettiest in the state, and the 28 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail that connect them are among the best of the whole route. Hike from White Pass to Chinook Pass in the autumn and the fiery maples and cottonwoods you’ll encounter along the way will add to the visual splendor. While 28 miles is quite a lot to pack into one weekend, the trail is relatively flat and well marked, and there are plenty of places to camp along the way. Plus, you’ll be treated to glorious alpine vistas, including views of Goat Rocks, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier, which is sure to keep the stoke running high. The National Forest Foundation promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans’ outdoor experiences. The NFF’s programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities, and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. Written by Samantha Larson for RootsRated.