8 Fantastic Chicago Adventures to Replace Black Friday Shopping

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.

Most Americans experience the Sunflower State by driving across on I-70. But head a few minutes off the interstate and you’ll see what the state really has to offer—iconic prairies, adventure-filled state parks, historic sites, and chalky badlands. The next time you're driving through, check out these detour-worthy highlights. 1. Clinton State Park If you love spending time exploring nature, look no further than Clinton State Park. Just a couple miles outside of Lawrence, the park has anything and everything you might want to do. You’ll find an 11-hole disc golf course, 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, including a five-mile cross-country ski trail, flatwater paddling and swimming at Clinton Lake and two ponds for fishing. There are nearly 400 campsites if you decide you need a couple days (or weeks) to see it all. 2. Kaw River Trail Here’s a fun fact: Kansas is the only state to have two designated water trails, one of which is along the Kansas River (known as the ‘Kaw’ to locals). We suggest you launch into the river west of Topeka, in Wamego or Junction City, to paddle through the Sunflower State’s iconic prairieland for more than 100 miles. Bring a lunch and take a leisurely paddle out to one of the picnic-worthy sandbars. There are even a handful of riverside campsites if you want a multi-day paddle—just make sure you secure your boat and set up far away from the water line! 3. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve There’s only a small percentage of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem left in the United States. Doug Stremel/Kansas Tourism Explore some of the planet’s remaining tallgrass prairie and watch for grazing bison on the 40 miles of trails at the almost 11,000-acre Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. When the bulk of America’s tallgrass prairie disappeared—carved up in the name of progress by plow-wielding pioneers in the 19th century—a small section of it was preserved here. Plan your visit in the fall, when the grass will be over your head. 4. Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park Zipline tours at Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park is a must-do experience. Kansas Tourism Before continuing west to Milford State Park, head about 10 miles north of I-70 to the town of Manhattan, home of Kansas State University. For adventure-lovers, it’s also home to the Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park, with seven zip-lines and hiking trails. Zip through the trees and learn a little something about the Flint Hills from your guide at the same time. The park is open year round and safety is a top priority. All you have to worry about is enjoying the view! 5. Milford State Park Spend some time boating on the Kansas’s largest lake at Milford State Park. Kansas Tourism Just outside Junction City, Milford State Park clings to the shores of Kansas’s largest lake—the 15,709-acre Milford Reservoir. For land lovers, the park’s nearly eight-mile Eagle Ridge Trail rambles through airy, wildflower-tinged prairie landscape. But the park is really known for fishing—walleye, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, and catfish can all be caught here. A huge wildlife area is on the west side and you can usually spot a bald eagle or two over there in the winter. 6. Rock City and Mushroom Rock State Park It’s easy to see where the name for Mushroom Rock State Park came from. Lane Pearman Just north of I-70 and south of Minneapolis (Kansas), lies the appropriately named Rock City, where more than 200 Dakota Sandstone boulders dot the landscape. The spherical rocks are the result of millions of years of erosion, dating back to the Cretaceous period when the area was covered by an inland sea. Today, you are free to run around and climb these unique boulders. There are a few established boulder problems, but it’s mostly a create-your-own-line kind of place. About an hour south of Rock City is another of Kansas’ geological oddities—Mushroom Rock State Park. The tiny park was once a landmark for pioneers and used as a meeting place by Native Americans. The mushroom-shaped formations are easy to spot and are fun to photograph. 7. Kanopolis State Park Nestled in the Smoky Hills on the shores of the 3,500-acre Kanopolis Reservoir, the state’s oldest park is also one of Kansas’s most stunning locations. South of I-70 and west of Salina, the 12,500-acre Kanopolis State Park features more than 30 miles of rugged trails for hikers and mountain bikers. You’ll trek over rolling hills, through open prairie and woodlands filled with wildlife, past sandstone bluffs, and into Horsethief Canyon. Head over to the northwest section of the park’s wildlife area to see the Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and used as a school house and living area. 8. Wilson State Park There's something for everyone at Wilson State Park. Kansas Tourism Savor some of the best mountain biking singletrack in Kansas at Wilson State Park, outside Sylvan Grove. The Switchgrass Bike Trail has been designated as an Epictrail by the International Mountain Biking Association, consisting of 20+ miles of uninterrupted singletrack, snaking through a stunning backdrop. Aside from mountain biking, the state park also offers paddling access to the 9,000-acre Wilson Reservoir. Wilson Lake has beautiful, crystal blue waters that are unlike any other in whole state, thanks to the high salt content from the Saline River, which feeds into the lake. 9. Castle Rock Kansas is full of interesting formations like Castle Rock. Harland Schuster/Kansas Tourism Rising above western badlands, the freestanding spire known named Castle Rock is more than just a geological anomaly. This towering pillar of limestone and shale is also rich with historic lore. Named by a survey team in 1865, Castle Rock served as landmark along the Smoky Hills Trail. The route was famously used by the Butterfield Overland Dispatch in the middle of the 19th century to ferry mail, freight and passenger across the state to Colorado. It was also notoriously vulnerable, frequently attacked by Arapaho and Cheyenne defending their historic hunting grounds from encroaching pioneers, and ultimately made obsolete by the arrival of the railroad. Note: Castle Rock is on private land, so be respectful of the property when you visit. 10. Monument Rocks Monument Rocks is also known as the Chalk Pyramids. Kansas Tourism Monument Rocks is one of Kansas’ most iconic natural wonders, and a must-see if you are driving through the state. Carved by the Smoky Hill River more than 80 million years ago, the cluster of pale rock outcroppings, some rising to 70 feet, are referred to as the "chalk pyramids." It was the first National Historic Landmark designated by the National Park Service, and is also a hub for wildlife. American Kestrels nest in the crevices in the looming chalk formations, and pronghorns, coyotes and western rattlesnakes roam the shortgrass prairie fringing the outcroppings. Note: Monument Rocks is on private land, so please be respectful when you visit. 11. Mount Sunflower Take a detour to Mount Sunflower, the highest point in the entire state. Andrea LaRayne Etzel/Kansas Tourism In the far reaches of western Kansas, almost in Colorado, is Mount Sunflower. With an elevation of 4,039 feet, it’s the highest point in the entire Sunflower State. The destination is more hill than mountain, and more a homage to Kansas than a hike. Mount Sunflower is actually located on the Harold Family Ranch, homesteaded over century ago by Edward and Elizabeth Harold in 1905, but is open to the public and all visitors are welcome. The pinnacle is appropriately adorned with a sunflower sculpture—crafted from metal railway scraps. It includes a standing invitation from the Harolds to swing by the ranch house and regale the family with the story of your "trials and tribulations to the lofty summit". There’s really no wrong way to explore the outdoor adventures that Kansas has to offer, so the next time you are cruising along I-70, pick one of these spots to stretch, explore, or even spend the night. And who knows? Maybe you’ll end up extending your road trip by a week or two to make sure you see them all! Written by Malee Baker Oot for RootsRated in partnership with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

There’s no need to wait until warm weather to snooze under the stars. Winter camping in Colorado is a magical experience. The summer crowds are gone, a gentle quiet washes over the woods, and you don’t need to venture far to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you’re keen to give winter camping a try, follow these tips to make the most of a snowy night out. 1. Start easy. A cozy camp set up not far from the Hessie Trailhead. James Dziezynski If you’re new to winter camping, ease yourself into the experience by picking a spot that’s not too far from your car. U.S. Forest Service land west of Boulder has some pretty choice spots. For the inside scoop, check out our recommendations for five places to try winter camping near Boulder . You might also get giddy checking out the range of options at Colorado's state parks. Thirty of them offer winter camping, ranging from cushy campsites to blissful backcountry spots. A developed campground (with a convenient bathroom) can make your first winter overnight less daunting. State Forest, Golden Gate Canyon, and Ridgway state parks even offer cabins and yurts for newbies who want some sort of roof over their heads. 2. Plan for safety. Proper preparation is key when heading into the winter wilds. Agree on a plan with your partner, check the weather forecast, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. To ensure you get home safely, dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Study your route carefully, bring a map and compass, and note landmarks along the way. Don’t count on following your footsteps; a surprise storm could erase them without a trace. Also carry some way to communicate with the outside world. A DeLorme InReach satellite communicator is a great choice and can help you navigate. Last but not least, if your route crosses avalanche terrain, take a course in snow safety and carry avalanche gear. 3. Gear up. Winter shrinks the margin of error, so go ahead and geek out on gear. Suck up the extra weight and pack a four-season tent to protect against whatever old man winter throws your way. For cooking, liquid fuel stoves trump canister stoves in the cold. Carry extra fuel. And keep in mind that cold saps power from batteries, so bring extras and store them in a warm spot, like in your sleeping bag. Lithium batteries cope with the cold better than alkaline ones. If carrying extra cold-weather gear weighs down your pack, considering hauling all of your stuff in a sled instead. 4. Dress the part. Layering is key to being able to control your temperature and avoid catching a chill. Start with a wool or synthetic base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin. On top of that, you’ll need a mid-weight layer, a down sweater, and a waterproof layer at the very least. Bring more clothing than you think you might need. A warm hat and gloves are essential, of course. Always pack extra socks and gloves in case your first pair gets wet. Overheating is also a concern since sweat robs your body of warmth. While you’re walking (or skiing or snowshoeing) to your site, whittle down your layers so you don’t overheat. Unzip or strip down the minute you start feeling hot. As soon as you get to your campsite, put on warm clothes to trap all the body heat you generated en route. 5. Protect your feet. Wet boots can freeze. Dry, toasty feet are happy feet. For best results, wear two layers of socks in warm, waterproof boots. Make sure those extra socks don’t make your boots too tight. For extra credit, use vapor barrier socks next to your skin. (Plastic bags can achieve the same effect in a pinch.) Strap on gaiters to keep out snow. Bonus tip: Pull out your boot liners and snooze with them in your sleeping bag overnight. Or, if you have a roomy sleeping bag, put your boots in the stuff sack for your sleeping bag or tent and keep them at the foot of your bag. 6. Prepare your tent space. A good level surface will ensure a good night's sleep. hikingqueen Pick a campsite that’s sheltered from the wind. If you’re camping on snow, pack it down into a flat platform (erring on the large side) before pitching your tent. Stake down your shelter securely to prevent having to go out in the cold to fix it if wind whips up in the middle of the night. Winter snow stakes are a great option, especially when buried in a deadman (horizontal) position in the snow. 7. Stay toasty in your sleep. Staying warm is critical to getting a good night’s rest. Use a sleeping bag that’s rated for temperatures lower than forecast. Add a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. Underneath your bag, use two sleeping pads, including at least one foam pad. (Go with one that has a high R rating for maximum insulation.) To pre-warm your nest, fill a water bottle with hot water and stuff it into your bag. Just be sure the lid is screwed on tight. Wearing a hat and a soft, non-restrictive neck gaiter keep a lot of heat from escaping from your head. 8. Fuel up. Pack a shovel when winter camping to dig snow pits and style your campsite. Eric Larsen Your body burns extra calories in the cold, so bring plenty of food. Cook in a protected area away from the wind, like a snow trench or your tent’s vestibule. Fill a thermos with hot soup or tea to sip while you cook. When it comes to water, don’t let the saying “pure as driven snow” mislead you. Boil or treat melted snow before you drink it. Hydrate frequently since colder temperatures keep thirst at bay even when you’re body needs fluids. Store water bottles upside down to keep the threads from freezing. If you’re feeling festive, craft an ice bar out of the snow, with slotted holes to store spirits. 9. Pee in a bottle. Yep, that’s right. To save yourself from a chilly bathroom run in the middle of the night, pee in a bottle in your tent. Ladies, you can do this, too, with a little practice. A nifty device called a Shewee lets you relieve yourself without even getting undressed. Boys and girls, whatever you do, mark your pee bottle clearly so you don’t swig from it by accident (some people buy yellow bottles for this purpose). That could put a damper on your winter camping enthusiasm. 10. Keep a warm, fuzzy attitude. A positive mindset will help you go with the flow and keep cold thoughts from creeping into your head. Take it from Eric Larsen, a polar explorer who has skied to the North Pole three times and knows a thing or two about staying warm: “When you think you’re going to be cold, you’re going to be cold. Understanding that you can be warm no matter what the conditions are is a huge thing.” If you get cold, put on more clothes and do something to stoke your inner furnace, like jumping jacks, chopping wood, or taking a brisk walk through the woods. Most importantly, embrace the spirit of adventure and have fun. Written by Avery Stonich 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.