4 Truly Terrifying Blue Ridge Adventures to Have This Halloween

If you're looking for a hike less then two hours from the urban sprawl of Denver that's unfathomably gorgeous, yet incredibly easy to access, you've come to the right place. Each of these treks comes fully-loaded with manageable trails, flawless views of snowcapped peaks, and of course, mountain lake waters so tremendously blue they bring to mind Gatorade's most unnatural Blue#1 food dyes. Additionally, there's something to be said for hikes that end at the edge of a mountain lake. There's a level of satisfaction that comes with reaching such a well-defined terminus, and all too often—in Colorado, at least—there exists all the ingredients necessary for a sensory feast—the gentle lapping of waves, the awe-inspiring backdrop of 13,000-foot peaks, and the bone-chilling promise of a polar plunge in frigid waters. Here are four Rocky Mountain lakes to add to your Colorado bucket list: 1. Blue Lake Nestled between three peaks at 11,355 feet, Blue Lake is a 5.1-mile round-trip trail full of alpine views, rugged boulders, wildflower clusters, and marshy ponds. This is one of the most popular Indian Peaks Wilderness destinations located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area just 13-miles north of Nederland. There's a reason everyone is trying to visit Blue Lake—the sapphire waters next to an exposed Rocky Mountain backdrop are ceaselessly enticing to every visitor. Bring your dog, lunch, camera, and extra layers for this adventure-filled hike. The winds can pick up at the top of Blue Lake, so a windbreaker is always a good call too. If you're feeling up for a challenge, Blue Lake has a cliff-jumping spot at the far end of the lake near the waterfall. Come early to beat the crowds and bring $10 for the park entrance fee. And stay on the lookout for moose and elk in the late summer/early fall seasons. 2. Emerald and Dream Lake This is an easy hike jam-packed with stellar views of Rocky Mountain National Park. At every turn, there seems to be another lake, pond, waterfall, or cliff-face that is bound to make jaws drop. For this reason, the hike can be very crowded, but the masses pan out once you reach Emerald Lake. Both Emerald and Dream Lake have clear blue-green waters to swim in, gnarled pines to sit against, and bountiful fields of wildflowers to “ooh” and “ahh” at. Along the hike, there are several rock features worth scrambling up for views of Hallett and Longs Peak . Most hikers consider Emerald Lake the final destination, while others continue onward into the backcountry. RMNP charges $20 per car at the park entrance (this pass lasts one week). Once you've entered the park, head to Bear Lake Trailhead parking area and follow the Emerald Lake Trail to the left. 3. St. Mary's Glacier and Lake When it comes to driving convenience from Denver (only 40 miles west in Idaho Springs) and easy trail accessibility, St. Mary's is the perfect option. Not only is it well-suited for families, four-legged friends, or hikers in a time crunch, the hike also includes a diverse array of sites and activities. Want to cliff jump? Hike to the top of a glacier? Ski down the glacier-packed snow? Or fish? St. Mary's has all of this, and more! The trail is only 1.5-miles round-trip, but there's also the option of hiking to the top of the mountain to view the lake from above. Depending on the time of year you visit, the river running beneath the glacier is a great place to fill up your water bottle and crawl underneath the glacier's icy exterior. St. Mary's encompasses scenic views in every direction as well as assorted hangout spots amongst the large boulders and sandy shoreline. There is a large parking lot next to the trailhead for $5. 4. Lost Lake Hallelujah! You can actually swim in this water! Well, technically you can, and should, swim in all of these lakes. But at only 9,786 feet in elevation, Lost Lake will have the warmest water compared to the other lakes previously listed. If you visit on a hot day, air drying on a rock slab is a reasonable option. This is another rewarding lake hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness just west of Nederland. The 3.2-mile round-trip trail is a pleasant uphill trek to the shores of Lost Lake. There are also plenty of campsites right next to the water. With mountain views, turbulent rivers, and aspen groves galore, Lost Lake is another quintessential Colorado hike that anyone can enjoy. Plus, parking is free along the dirt road in designated areas.

Boulder is blessed with a bounty of incredible adventures right in its backyard. Whether exploring the majestic Flatirons, touring the canyons or wandering the foothills, there’s a new side of the city waiting to be discovered around every corner. From the bat cave to Boulder creek, here’s a solid hit list of our favorite must do adventures. 1. Hike the Guardians of the Flatirons Descending South Boulder Peak en route to Bear Peak. James DziezynskiThe three summits that tower above the Flatirons—Green Mountain 8,150 ft., Bear Peak 8,461 ft., and South Boulder Peak 8,549 ft.—can be connected in a variety of ways for an epic day adventure. Expect a good 5,000+ feet of total elevation gain if done as a point to point (about 6.7 miles by the most direct route starting at Gregory Canyon and ending at the South Mesa Trailhead). If you want to make a full loop, the Mesa Trail skirts the base of the trio. Plot your favorite route by using the City of Boulder’s Mountain Parks interactive map . 2. Road Bike Left Hand Canyon to Ward A spring ride up Left Hand Canyon. OK, so Lance Armstrong’s reputation may be slightly tarnished, but nonetheless, one of his favorite training rides when he lived in Boulder is still one of Colorado’s classic canyon climbs . From the Green Briar Inn on Hwy. 36, it’s 16 miles and over 4,000 vertical feet to the odd little town of Ward. To avoid Hwy. 36 altogether, start your ride at Lee Hill Drive and connect into Left Hand Canyon for a few bonus hills. Despite the intimidating stats, most of the climb is gradual on a paved road with a wide shoulder—just watch out for the steep push during the last mile to Ward! 3. Go to the Bat Gates of Mallory Cave At the gates of Mallory Cave. Audra OgilvyMallory Cave is a roosting spot for Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, a likable fellow who does his part to gobble as many mosquitoes as his tiny belly can hold. Boulder gated off Mallory Cave to protect this important bat habitat. Rather than just install a bland barrier, the city opted to put up a decorative iron gate that is worth seeing. Mallory Cave is a fun hike with a nifty scramble up to the gate itself. Batman shirt optional but preferred. 4. Climb the Third Flatiron Midway up the Third Flatiron. Clare RedaThe sustained 5.4 climbing on the third Flatiron offers 1,300 vertical feet of trad climbing goodness. Usually done in eight pitches, this classic route is a great introduction to multi-pitch climbing as well as a fun place for experienced climbers to get a solid climbing workout on one of the most amazing features in Boulder. There are plenty of other variations as well for those looking to ascend via routes other than the standard East Face. If you're looking for a local Boulder guide to help you up, try Vetta Mountain Guides . 5. Mountain Bike Heil and Hall Ranch in a Day The rock garden at Hall Ranch. Robert TadlockStarting at the Left Hand Canyon entrance to Heil Ranch , mountain bikers can link Heil’s fun, intermediate trails via the Picture Rock Trail all the way into the town of Lyons, where a 1-mile bit of paved road leads to Hall Ranch . Hall’s notorious rock garden along the Bitterbrush Trail offers some of the best technical riding in the Front Range—the speedy lollipop loop that follows is pure biking bliss. The most straightforward route out and back starting from Heil Ranch will take strong bikers 4-5 hours and cover over 35 miles. On hot summer days, many riders opt to refill their hydration systems by carrying a water filter and restocking at the St. Vrain River along the way. 6. Mountain Bike the Betasso - Sugarloaf Challenge Betasso Preserve... the easy part of the challenge! James DziezynskiRiders who want to combine trail and road (29ers, I’m looking at you) should give this burly tour a go. Park at Betasso Preserve and start your day with a tour of Canyon and Benjamin Loops. That’s the warm up. Head back down to Boulder Canyon (either by the road or via the Connector Trail) and head towards Magnolia Road. Get ready for 4 miles of sustained, paved climbing that averages a 9.1% grade and has switchbacks that are over 20% steep! At the top of the hill, there are still 8 miles of rolling dirt road to reach Peak to Peak Highway (Hwy. 72). After climbing more than 2,400 vertical feet, turn north on Peak to Peak to the town of Lyons (a great place to stop for lunch). Resume your tour by continuing on Peak to Peak until it connects with Sugar Loaf Road. More climbing awaits along dirt roads that eventually turn to pavement in the community of Sugar Loaf. A blazing, paved downhill will bring you back to the Betasso Preserve Road and completes the loop 38 miles later. Total climbing is over 4,000 feet. 7. Run from Marshall Mesa to Doudy Draw The trail from Doudy Draw to Flatirons Vista. James DziezynskiIn 2014, Boulder completed the Highway 93 Underpass that connects the Marshall Mesa network of trails with Community Ditch. The upshot was that two great trail systems became one—without a Frogger-style life-or-death street crossing across Highway 93 to connect the two. Runners can go for a quick jog or run their own personal marathon without seeing the same terrain twice. Oh yeah, and the views aren’t too shabby either. 8. Climb the Saddle Rock Ladder up Green Mountain The new ladder en route to Green Mountain's summit. City of BoulderThe Saddle Rock Trail was one of the hardest hit during the floods of 2013. There’s still extensive damage along the trail that nature is slowly healing and that in itself is worth a look. The City of Boulder added a long ladder on the upper trail to compensate for the washed out terrain. But it’s not just the novelty of the ladder, it’s also the chance to see a trail completely redesigned courtesy of the floods. Saddle Rock merges with the EM Greenman Trail that eventually tops out on Green Mountain for a 6 mile round trip with over 2,000 feet of vertical elevation gain. 9. Run the Bolder Boulder—In Costume Pick and theme and run with it! Mikaela WiremanWhat do Jesus, a human banana, dozens of vikings, and the Statue of Liberty have in common? They’ve all run the Bolder Boulder ! The city’s famous 10k event is well known for its costumed runners, not to mention the variety of fun distractions along the sidelines, from waterslides to Elvis impersonators. Why not put on your best disguise and give it a go? If a teletubby can do it, so can you! 10. Visit Royal Arch—Because You Can Royal Arch in all its glory UCFFoolBoulder’s humble Royal Arch must have felt very lonely in 2014. The steep trail to the natural sandstone bridge was closed for nearly a year following the 2013 floods and didn’t reopen until late summer in 2014. The city has worked hard to restore the trail and 2015 will be its first full year back in business (barring another flood, of course). Royal Arch’s round trip mileage is only 3.2 miles but offers a stiff climb over 1,200'. 11. Hike Sanitas on a Rainy or Snowy Day There aren't many crowds during a blizzard! James DziezynskiThe next time rain or snow comes to town (a somewhat rare event), why not gear up and head for Mount Sanitas ? The 6,843 ft. summit is especially glorious during a snowstorm and can feel like a much more remote peak when socked in by the elements. Fair weather hikes are fine but to really catch a new vibe off Boulder’s most climbed mountain, inclement weather paints a new portrait (avoid lightning storms of course). 12. Stand in the Flagstaff Star Go stand in the star! Avery StonichWhen December comes around, a hike up to Boulder’s venerable electric star on Flagstaff Road is a fun way to welcome in a new winter. There’s a good trail up Gregory Canyon if you prefer a hike (as opposed to just parking next to the thing and ambling up). Our feature story on the star offers a bit of history and directions. A photo in the star with your sweetie—or your dog—will be a keeper. 13. Explore Boulder’s Hidden Trails Can you find Boulder's hidden "micro Flatirons" in South Boulder? James DziezynskiEven locals have a hard time finding all of Boulder’s best trails. We compiled an earlier list of  Boulder’s 4 Hidden Trails , but there are many more waiting to be found. One of the most overlooked is the Anemone Trail, an open secret that shares the Centennial Trailhead with the much more popular Mount Sanitas. Looking for a real challenge? See if you can find Harmon Cave! 14. Have a Picnic on Davidson Mesa Davidson Mesa looking west. James DziezynskiDavidson Mesa is located on the border of Boulder in nearby Louisville. Besides having a nice fenced in dog park, the mesa itself has perhaps the very best views of the city of Boulder. Photographers enjoy the potential for stunning sunset and nighttime photos from the mesa, but it’s a pretty nice place for a picnic (or a trail run). Bring Fido and a good lunch, and marvel at the towering Flatirons and if you’re lucky, Longs Peak to the north on clear days. 15. Run the Boulder Creek Path from 28th Street to Four Mile Canyon Boulder Creek's venerable path. James DziezynskiOur final must-do is to jog the Boulder Creek Path four miles from Scott Carpenter Park to the trail’s current terminus up Boulder Canyon at Four Mile Canyon Road. As it follows the creek, this paved and gravel trail goes through the heart of Boulder from city to wilderness. And the great news is that the trail is being expanded to continue all the way up to Betasso’s Connector Trail in 2017. So you can say you ran it when it was only four miles, earning you some kind of old school Boulderite bragging rights. Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

What’s better than a vacation on a tropical island, walking barefoot down a soft sandy beach, listening to the soft lapping of waves and seagulls, or spying breaching dolphins and curious seals in the surf? Ditching the beach crowds for your own private wilderness, and forgoing the ritzy resort hotel with its fuzzy bathrobes and redundant oceanside pools for a tent and a bed on the world’s best natural mattress—the sand. Camping on the beach doesn’t work like camping in the woods. Rather than a hole carved out among the trees, an entire swath of land appears, at least at first glance, to be ready for pitching a tent. And even in areas that are well known or designated as beach camping destinations, there are often no specifically marked spots for individual tents. Then just camp anywhere? Not quite. Just like when you’re pitching your tent in the forest and you look up to find dangerous tree branches or other debris, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind on the beach, as well. Know the Tides Deciding where to set up your camp is one of the most crucial aspects of beach backpacking. Brian Behrens Get intimately familiar with the tides in the specific area where you’ll be camping. They’re different depending on where you go, so use an app like “Tide Charts Near Me” to pinpoint your exact location. Know when high and low tides are, and how high they’ll be. It can be tempting to camp close to the water, or even at what you think is a safe distance. Depending on your location, the size of the beach, and the time of the year, the water can move a long way between high and low tides. Look out for things like debris and seaweed to get an idea of how high the water will come at high tide and camp well away from that point. Also be cognisant of any peninsulas or sand bars to make sure that, even if you’re above the waterline, you don’t end up unexpectedly marooned on an island. Make a Plan for Drinking Water On the hunt for freshwater. Brian Behrens Water, water everywhere? Just make sure there’s a little bit for you to drink, too. It’s not unlikely that, as much water as you’ll have nearby, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything potable. Know ahead of time where you might be able to find streams or other bodies of fresh water (keep in mind, they could be dry or weak at certain times), or be prepared to carry it all in—enough for drinking, cooking, and staying clean. Keep the Sand at Bay If you can keep the sand at bay, you're gonna have a better time. Brian Behrens Sand has a natural ability to infiltrate everything—our clothes, boots, tent, sleeping bag, and more. Keeping it in check can go a long way toward maintaining your sanity and enjoying your trip. Before you head out, make sure everything that you want to stay sand-free is sealed up. Plastic zip-top bags are an easy way to make sure the sand stays out of places you don’t want it, like in food, electronics, or clothes. Take your shoes off and brush the sand off your feet, pants, and hands before going near your tent to get inside. Bring a towel that you can designate as the sandy towel to wipe things off, like your feet before you crawl into your sleeping bag. Elevate your cooking materials off the sand as much as possible and be extra careful when walking around them that you don’t inadvertently kick anything into your cooking food. Plan for Hot and Cold Serenity found along the Olympic Coast's Shi Shi Beach. Brian Behrens Beach camping isn’t something you necessarily need hot weather for, but it certainly helps. Don’t neglect to bring the things you might normally bring to the beach: Sunscreen, sunglasses, light layers, and so on. However, even for trips where you’ll be spending your days in a bathing suit, be prepared for cold once the sun goes down. A windy, wet climate can mean chilly nights, so pack a jacket, warm hat, and warm sleeping bag (with the constant threat of moisture, a synthetic bag or one with hydrophobic down isn’t a bad idea). A Few of our Favorites Definitely do a little research before heading out to spend a night on your local beach. Setting up a tent is illegal in a lot of places, but there are a few sandy highlights worthy of anyone’s backpacking life list. Shi Shi Beach (Olympic National Park, WA) A satellite chunk of Olympic National Park abuts the Pacific on the western shore of the state—and it might be one of the park’s best parts. Shi Shi (pronounced ‘shy-shy’) is far from a secret—you’ll have plenty of company, as it's popular with day hikers—but its ease of access, incredibly picturesque beach camping, and readily available fresh water make it an ideal first-timers getaway. Kalaulau Trail (Kauai, HI) This is about as tropical as it gets. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail links Ke’e Beach and Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast and takes you along steep sea cliffs, flanked by waterfalls and rainforest, and down to pristine sandy beaches. The best part? The sunset from your campsite on the shore will rival anything you’ve seen. State Line Campsite (Assateague Island National Seashore, MD) Keep an eye out for wild horses along these barrier island beaches and spend all day in the water or lounging on the long shoreline. Just be careful: there’s very little shade to be found on Assateague, so come prepared with shelter and sunscreen! Written by Ryan Wichelns for RootsRated.

There is a string of mountains in Colorado I hold near and dear to my heart, where green high-alpine valleys dotted with wildflowers like confetti meet dizzying rock spires, and steep, grassy hillsides tumble into the shimmering waters of untouched lakes. The effort to reach this pristine wilderness is not for the faint of heart: Getting there often involves steep elevation gains, poorly maintained trails, or sometimes, no trail at all. It took me four years to find these spots, and I could spend a lifetime discovering every valley, ridgeline, and high alpine creek among them. This glorious sense of discovering something new is at the heart of exploring the wilderness, but it’s getting harder and harder to do these days. People are getting outdoors in record numbers, which is generally a positive, but one downside is the increasing difficulty of finding that "secret" spot that no one knows about. But it’s these very places that keep the adventure alive. Here, a few tricks to finding your secret wilderness spot. Start Training You’ll need to get in good fighting shape to conquer the necessary terrain in finding most secluded spots. Meg Atteberry Generally speaking, the more secret the spot, the more shape you’ll need to be in to find it. So before starting your quest to discover your wilderness hideaway, you’ll want to be prepared for longer distances and tougher terrain. As unromantic as it sounds, finding a great hideaway is a numbers game in many ways. If you’re able to hike longer, tougher trails, you’ll open up more terrain. Furthermore, you can outhike the crowds that plague many of the easier routes. Starting a training regimen can often feel tougher than the hike itself. Whatever method you choose (running, the gym, swimming), be sure to include plenty of hiking in the mix. Load up a heavy pack and hit the trail or treadmill. If you are confined to a treadmill, be sure to put the incline as high as possible to simulate those tough hills in the wilderness. Integrate this technique into your weekly training routine, and you’ll start seeing results in four to six weeks. Explore Often You aren’t going to find your wilderness Shangri-La from the confines of the couch. The more you explore a wilderness areas, the more apt you are to find that perfect camping nook or undiscovered mountain vista. A good place to start is an area that has a lot of hiking trails, such as a National Forest. Try creating your own custom route by connecting various trails. Investigate the road less traveled by hiking lesser-trafficked trails. This doesn’t always pay off, as some trails simply suck. However, you may discover a gateway to an idyllic perch or a secret fishing spot. Scouting trails not only helps you get a lay of the land, but it lets you keep tabs on a particular area. For example, my favorite wilderness area is well-known for its brutal elevation gains and downed trees. But those obstacles also work in my favor a bit by deterring less determined hikers. It also means I can count on a bit of suffering to explore new trails. Hone a Keen Eye for Clues You aren’t going to find pristine wilderness on a local Facebook group—these idyllic nooks and crannies are everyone’s private stock and they aren’t about to shout it over the internet. So you’ll have to do your own homework, starting with a good old-fashioned pen and paper. While you are out and about, keep tabs on backcountry campsites you find. Jot down important notes such as mileage, difficulty, and a description of each site. If you travel with a digital GPS, you can mark your position on a map. Keep your eyes peeled in unlikely places, such as Jeep roads and remote destinations. Sometimes a great camping spot is right near the road, but you have to walk in for a bit. Instead of passing an area by, get out of your vehicle and sniff around. With a little practice, you’ll learn how to spot a potential site by using your instinct. Don’t be afraid of using a topo map. Topo maps give valuable insight into terrain and navigation. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to spend plenty of time examining terrain using tools such as CalTopo and Google Earth. The Best Spot May Be Around the Next Bend A little bit of persistence can make a big difference in finding your secret spot. Meg Atteberry I’ve found beautifully secluded peaks right in plain sight. Sometimes, all you need to do to find them is be willing to keep going. For example, after you set up camp, do a little exploring around your campsite. You may be sharing that gorgeous high-alpine lake, but you just might be the only one climbing that steep ridge for the better view. With a little extra effort, you discover stunning landscapes that everyone else is missing, right under their nose. Get Off the Trail Sometimes, the best spots aren’t near a trail at all. With a little compass know-how and navigation expertise, you can explore virtually any point on the map. Use your navigation skills to plan a cross-country or off-trail route to discover truly unspoiled terrain. This technique requires a healthy bit of backcountry know-how and plenty of safety preparation. Always leave your planned route, with a GPX file if possible, with someone you trust. Be sure to let them know where you are going, what you are doing, when you plan on being back, and what to do if something goes wrong. You can also try starting with an area you are extremely familiar with. Plan your route in an easy-to-navigate area, such as a place with a predominant land marker so you can orient yourself quickly. Wherever You Go, Leave No Trace Wherever you find your secret spot, be sure to treat it with respect and follow LNT principles. Meg Atteberry Remember, always follow Leave No Trace principles when traveling over backcountry terrain. Don’t disrupt the environment and be sure to camp on durable surfaces, such as dirt patches, rock, sand, and gravel. Avoid stomping or camping on vegetation. If you are in an area with lichen or other bio soils, be sure to not tramp or camp on them. Lastly, if you are in a larger group, fan out over delicate terrain in order to avoid tamping down a trail. With a some effort and a sense of adventure you can uncover your perfect wilderness hideaway. Get out and start exploring—you never know what you’ll discover, and where. Written by Meg Atteberry for RootsRated.