Most of Colorado’s 1800s boomtowns lived fast and died young. Leadville is an exception, evolving from being one of the wildest Wild West outposts to the heart of Colorado’s high-altitude outdoor adventures.

Colorado’s two highest mountains, the 14,440-foot Mount Elbert and 14,429-foot Mount Massive, dominate the horizon west of Leadville. For good measure, the state’s third-highest mountain,�� Mount Harvard at 14,423-foot, is about an hour’s drive from town. The trio represents the three highest peaks in the whole of the Rocky Mountains. Aside from its situation amidst such resources, the town of Leadville since 1983 and 1994 has hosted major hundred-mile running and mountain-biking races, respectively. What keeps Leadville relevant and thriving today is outdoor recreation.

Leadville materialized in 1860 with the discovery of placer gold (gold extracted from eroded rock), and the mining boom was on. Gold and zinc deposits eventually took a back seat to Leadville’s dominant metal: silver. There are rumors of misdirection behind the misleading name, but the “lead” in Leadville wasn’t entirely disingenuous. Lead ore was indeed mined in the area, but it was the silver-bearing lead-ore blend called cerussite that gave the town its official title.

“Leadville” was bestowed by Horace Tabor, a developer known variously as the Bonanza King and the Silver King, in 1878 after trying out names such as California Gulch, Boughton, Slabtown, and my favorite, Cloud City.

1893 – The Year the Silver Barons Went Bust

In 1880 Leadville reached a peak population of 14,820, recorded in the city’s first official census. An explosion of wealth brought along with it a desire for refined culture in a rough place. Horace Tabor fast-tracked the Tabor Opera House in 1879. Opening in the same year was the elegant Interlaken Hotel, on the shores of Twin Lakes, a gorgeous but ultimately doomed retreat for well-off visitors.

The luxury starkly contrasted with the abysmal conditions in the perilously unsafe mines. An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 miners died from 1860 to 1899 in cave-ins, explosions, and equipment accidents. A lack of safety standards (and reports on mine accidents) makes it difficult to pinpoint the number of fatalities.

The Panic of 1893 and President Grover Cleveland’s initiative to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, however, jointly tanked Leadville’s fortunes. The Sherman Silver Act had required the government to purchase a monthly allotment of 4.5 million ounces (roughly 280,000 pounds) of silver. Its revocation was the beginning of the end for Leadville’s mining prosperity—but not for the city itself.

Visiting America’s Highest City

Leadville is America’s highest incorporated city. At 10,152 feet, it is a mere 408 feet away from being twice as high as Denver (5,280 feet). The city’s history is rich and well worth exploring. Strategic visitors can benefit from a day or two in (and below) town while acclimating to the thin air. Moving up gradually is a solid plan for both local Coloradans and out-of-state guests who aspire to hike the high peaks.

Mountain hiking in the Leadville region is world-class. Seven peaks over 14,000 feet lie within an hour’s drive of Leadville, and all of them can be hiked on established trails without use of ropes or technical climbing equipment. The two highest Colorado peaks, Elbert and Massive, have trailheads less than a half mile apart.

Dozens of excellent 13,000-foot peaks explore the nearby backcountry. Ski Cooper, 11 miles from Leadville, may be moderate in terrain but captures a family-friendly, authentic aesthetic lacking in Colorado’s mega-resort ski towns. The repurposed backcountry cabins of are open to visitors year-round (though winter reservations can be challenging to secure.)

And because people are crazy, Leadville hosts two 100-mile races: the for bikers and the .

Colorado’s Highest Summits

I’ve hiked Mount Elbert 12 times at the time of writing and might have added to that count by the time you’re reading this. Mount Elbert and neighboring Mount Massive have established hiking trails requiring good fitness and altitude acclimation. Still, with proper acclimatization and preparation, they are attainable by “everyman” hikers who want to stand on the highest ground in Colorado.

I could about the excellent hiking around Leadville. The 14,197-foot Mount Sherman is a great first 14er, and one route starts from Iowa Gulch on the Leadville side of the mountain. The Mosquito Pass Area has some of my favorite 13ers, including Treasurevault Mountain, Mosquito Peak, and London Mountain. These peaks don’t see the crowds the 14ers do but offer all the same great views and rolling, rounded ridge lines. French Mountain and Oklahoma Mountain are two more remote 13ers I also count among my favorites, offering wilderness solitude with the historical flashes of mining ruins. Oklahoma Mountain was the site of a plane crash in 1954, and some of the wreckage can still be seen on the mountain.

Seeing Leadville Through New Eyes

For over 20 years, my visits to Leadville were almost exclusively to climb and hike in the high mountains. On a recent trip, I decided to shift my focus and dive into the city’s brief but ample history. Rather than sleeping in one of my battered tents, I took a more civilized approach and rented an Airbnb right in town. Leadville’s compact layout makes most interesting sites a short walk or bike ride away.

The original inhabitants of the region were the Indigenous Ute and Arapaho tribes. Both have oral histories of the area going back hundreds of years. This history is told in detail at the in Montrose, Colorado, about a three-hour drive away.��

Most of Leadville’s historical displays focus on the mining era from 1860 onward. I started at the . Exhibits showcase an unflinching look at the dangerous art of extracting minerals from the earth. My next stop was to a place highlighting the human toll of immigration to a cold and remote place: the�� in Evergreen Cemetery, completed in 2023, honors over 1,300 Irish men, women, and children who sought something better in America and are buried in unmarked graves. As the eloquently states, “The Irish occupied the bottom rung of Leadville’s social ladder, worked the mines and smelters, loved, struggled, dreamed, and died young.”

Evergreen Cemetery is set in the peaceful shade of stately ponderosa pines, a mosaic of pine needles and native grasses underfoot. The tasteful memorial features a short labyrinth walkway that ends at the sculpture of a miner holding a pick-axe and a harp, one of Ireland’s national symbols.

Leadville’s mining community was represented by two major groups, including Jewish as well as Irish immigrants. Jewish pioneers’ history here has been preserved at , built in 1884 for a community that then numbered some 400 and contributed to business and municipal life.

The top echelons of Leadville society were those on the winning side of the mining equation. One was August R. Meyer, a mining engineer who built the ornate nine-bedroom atop a small hill above the city proper. You need to make a reservation to tour the grounds in winter (by phone, 719-486-0487; $10 for adults, free for ages 18 and under), while in summer the place is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 A.M to 4 P.M., with walk-in tours. It’s worth a look inside to see what top-of-line comfort looked like in 1878.

Into Leadville’s Wilderness

Surrounding Leadville in an 11.6-mile circle is the paved , accessible to runners, cyclists, and dogs, and wheelchair friendly. In winter, the trail is a popular cross-country ski destination. The pathway weaves through mining ruins on the south side of town, with informational signs at relevant sites. One is the dusty mine where the Guggenheim family made their fortune, prior to founding the sophisticated Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

I wished I had allotted more time to explore the whole trail, but I had a year-old border collie that was itching to explore some of Leadville’s aquatic sights: its brilliant alpine lakes.

is the perfect place for a peaceful lunch break. In the summer, the lake is a popular destination for boating, camping, and fishing. Come autumn, when I visited, it’s a much quieter scene. On this day, it was a detour en route to a hike to the restored site of the .

Most of my hiking adventures in Leadville are in the high peaks, so it was a nice change of pace to explore a new trail—one that leads to a haunted hotel from the 1800s. At least I assume it’s haunted.

The trail to the resort site is along a mostly flat shelf that borders the southern shore of Twin Lakes, 22 miles from town. About five miles roundtrip, with a total elevation gain of about 335 feet, the outing would be great for a family. You can even mountain bike the trail if you’re in a hurry to see the hotel.

While the main hotel is closed, the long-ago millionaire owner James V. Dexter’s private cabin, built in 1895, is open to the public. Dexter bought the resort in 1883 and supported it as a luxury draw for 13 years, until Twin Lakes were dammed, a mere year after the cabin’s construction. The shoreline became shallow and stagnant, and fears of malaria and other diseases were the death knell of the once-popular resort. It was abandoned in the early 1900s.

I could easily see the appeal of such a stunning location, especially in early October when shimmering waves of hyper-yellow aspen leaves contrast with the inky waters of Twin Lakes, set in a valley below Colorado’s tallest mountains. The buildings are surprisingly well-preserved. The place looks as if it could open for business next spring.

Leadville Past and Present

I didn’t forget about our pal Horace Tabor. When Tabor was (briefly) at the top of the world, he built the , which is still in operation with guided and private tours and events. Tabor, a businessperson and industry titan who came here from Vermont, went from rags to riches and then back to rags, dying of appendicitis in 1899 in Denver, where he worked as postmaster. His wife and widow, Baby Doe Tabor, was equally famous, having lured Horace Tabor away from his first wife with her reportedly unmatched beauty. Baby Doe’s story ended 35 years later, when she froze to death, alone and destitute, in a cabin near the Matchless Mine, in her early 80s.

The list of famous people who visited Leadville reads like a who’s who from the 1800s. Mark Twain, Doc Holliday, the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown (who survived the Titanic disaster of 1912), Buffalo Bill, Bat Masterson (a Wild West lawman), Ulysses S. Grant, and Susan B. Anthony all set foot in the city. Leadville still fondly remembers its visit from Oscar Wilde in 1882. In a lecture at the Tabor Opera House, Wilde remarked upon a sign he allegedly saw in the Leadville saloon, “Don’t shoot the piano player; he is doing his best.”

For a small place, Leadville has a good selection of dining options. I like to pair a visit to my favorite pizza place, (featuring a dog-friendly yard), with a stop next door at the kitschy , a humble museum showcasing the furnishings of homes from the 1880s-1930s. The Golden Burro Cafe and Lounge and the Silver Dollar Saloon are solid American dining options in historic, old-timey settings—the food is good, and don’t worry, both establishments are family-friendly.

Leadville, Where the Ghosts Are Young

Historians place April 26, 1860, the day Abe Lee discovered placer gold a mile from town in the surrounding California Gulch, as the day that started the Colorado gold rush and gave rise to the human drama that would unfold, tangled in ambition, greed, luck, and misfortune. Leadville’s 2020 census showed a population of 2,633, far smaller than the boomtown days when the town was second in size only to Denver.

Leadville today may have fewer people, but the spirit of the place is far from diminished. Pivoting to outdoor recreation has created a new kind of boom that balances the region’s natural beauty with the authentic grittiness that put Leadville on the map.

The city has settled into a good place, trading its pick axes for hiking poles. Leadville’s sharp edges have been smoothed down like the towering mountains surrounding it. Summer days in the high mountains cede to relaxing evenings on the casual confines of Main Street. Take your dogs for stand-up paddleboarding on Turquoise Lake or a run on the Mineral Belt Trail. As I discovered on my most recent visit, Leadville always has more to uncover.

About the Author

James Dziezynski is the author of six Colorado mountain hiking guidebooks and the SEO Director at ���ϳԹ���. The Leadville area is one of his favorite hiking destinations in Colorado—and may very well be his top-ranked dog-hiking playground. James has also written about “The 10 Best Summit Hikes in Colorado” and, near his home, “The Best Hikes in Boulder, Colorado,” as well as another gritty and gorgeous place: “This Colorado Town Is Off the Beaten Path and Full of ���ϳԹ���.”

Looking for more great travel intel?��

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I first heard of Ouray’s legendary Ice Park in 1998, as a student with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), traveling through Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains.

“They make ice routes that are like a hundred feet tall, all winter,” said my companion. “You just bring your gear, walk in, and climb.”

He had to be exaggerating. Giant pipes built with the sole intention of making frozen waterfalls? It sounded awesome but far-fetched. Maybe some leaky pipes making a few lumpy piles of ice. A hundred feet? Impossible!

A year later, when I moved to Colorado, Ouray was one of the first places I had to see. I found the town surrounded on three sides by steep mountain walls, an oasis of flat ground in a broad canyon of cliffs and crags. The streets are arranged in a neat, compact grid similar to that in many of Colorado’s late 19th-century boomtowns.

Buildings reflect the practical architecture of mining-town designs. Restaurants and lodges are often narrow, woody, weathered places that retain their utilitarian DNA. Local traffic is dominated by battle-scarred pickup trucks and scrappy second-hand sedans, with the occasional jacked-up Jeep in the mix. The contrast between stunning natural beauty and gritty development gives balance to the place, a kind of alpine Yin-Yang.

I arrived in December 1999, driving my 1980 Toyota Celica, a bald-tired, rear-wheel-drive tank of a car. My clunker didn’t seem out of place in Ouray, which was a sign I just might like the place.

I recall noticing the moody afternoon sunlight, alpenglow diluted by shadows, diffusing mountainous greens and gold into subtle pinks, yellows, and baby blues. Ouray is a small place (population 898 as of the 2020 Census), lacking the daredevil architecture of hyper-modern homes moored on rocky cliffs that is a hallmark of other haughtier mountain towns. The entire place was a five-minute drive-through. On the far south end was the mythical .

That first day, I got a sneak peek into the frozen canyon and my first look at the operation. And it was glorious, surpassing the vision I had conjured up. The ice walls really were 100 feet tall. The following day was my first time climbing in the park.

Belayers protect their climbing partners while standing on the floor of Box Cañon, where a defiant creek occasionally cracks through the frozen ground underfoot. Here was a place of translucent blue ice, shimmering silver snow, and deep winter shadows, all created by adventurous people for adventurous people. I was hooked for life.

Dozens of visits later, I still look forward to my annual January migration to kick my crampons in at the ice park. But it wasn’t just the access to ice that won me over.

Ouray has a charm that is different than other Colorado mountain towns. It’s a place that knows its audience, from offroaders to freedom-of-the-hills mountaineers. Locals are friendly but not cloyingly so. The town attracts an adventurous set of visitors—and many world-class athletes—but doesn’t brim with bravado. Jeepers, backcountry skiers, hikers, and climbers all claim Ouray as a special place for their respective passions, and they are all correct. Ouray welcomes ’em all.

Ouray, Spectacular in Any Season

How can you not love a town with a massive hot spring anchored smack dab in the middle?

Unlike many other mountain towns that thrive on tourism, Ouray hasn’t handed the reins to luxury developers. The town’s scrappy mining roots remain evident and authentic. Many of the homes and businesses in Ouray are well over a hundred years old. Most are modernized within reason, though still sporting old-growth wooden walls and early 19th-century flourishes along rooflines. The narrow layout of the roads hints at horses and wagons rather than SUV use.

Ouray is 7,800 feet above sea level at the base of the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado. Gold and silver mining put the place on the map in 1876. A railroad kept the pulse of Ouray beating into the 1930s. The town has evolved since then into one of the best basecamps for outdoor adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

Ouray was my base of operations for southwest Colorado in the summer of 2005 when I was writing my first mountain-hiking guidebook. I would scramble up many of the neighboring San Juan peaks, then return to campgrounds in the area. Mount Sneffels, a 14,154-foot summit in the wildflower-rich Yankee Boy Basin, was among the peaks I hiked—and it remains one of my ten favorite mountain hikes in Colorado.

The San Juan Mountains are greener than many of Colorado’s other ranges. Wildflowers creep higher above treeline, grass decorates areas that would otherwise be rocky and barren, and creeks aplenty flow through it all. Mount Sneffels not only gives an incredible bird’s-eye view of these valleys, but it’s a super fun scramble.

I’ve since gone on to hike more difficult summits in the area, including Potosi Peak (13,792 feet) and Teakettle Mountain (13,797 feet). The roads into Yankee Boy Basin (County Road 361 splitting to County Road 26, then Yankee Boy Basin Road) were massively improved in 2019 from dicey 4×4 trails to normal-clearance dirt roads to the lower Mount Sneffels Trailhead. This change means you can enter the lower basin with a normal passenger vehicle. Four-wheel drive vehicles with good clearance can climb a little higher into the basin. The higher you get, the more backcountry camping you find.

In the valley, is absolute bliss on sore post-hike muscles, worth the 30-minute drive down from camp. It’s open year-round and has five different pools, including a lap pool, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 106 degrees. And it doesn’t reek of sulfur, so you won’t come out smelling like rotten eggs.

I like to camp in the backcountry in the autumn but have a soft spot for the affordable, pet-friendly cabins at the on the north side of town. These cabins are also perfect for quaint winter lodging when visiting the ice park. The is another favorite; it is more centrally located and also pet-friendly and within walking distance of the ice park.

I have many fond memories of having my dogs—past and present—in Ouray. Fellin Park is a nice, open plot for pups and conveniently located right next to Ouray Hot Springs Pool. You can get in a good local walk on the Perimeter Trail, a well-maintained hiking loop that circles 5.4 miles around Ouray. The trail has a few steep climbs and rolls through forests with excellent town views. I’ve had many a good snowshoe in the winter with my dogs in the Amphitheater Campground area, mainly on the closed access roads.

is one of the coolest outdoor shops in Colorado. They have local expertise in hiking, climbing, skiing, the , and rental equipment for the ice park. And if you’re up for going big in the mountains with a guide—or just want an expert to show you the ropes for ice climbing— are excellent. offers a different kind of outing with their offroading vehicles, from Jeeps to e-bikes. The old mining roads make excellent 4×4 tours, from Imogene Pass to the notorious .

Back to the Ouray Ice Park

I’ve spent many fine days with friends in the ice park, including during the , usually held in mid-January. The ice park opened in 1994. The legendary alpinist Jeff Lowe ran the first Ice Fest here in 1996, drawing a modest crowd of a few hundred people. Nearly 30 years later, the festival brings in thousands each year, and the park is still free and open from mid-December until the end of March, give or take a week, thanks to Mother Nature’s whims.

Even if you’re going for a one-time visit, it’s worth chipping in and becoming an for the season (costs start at $75). Membership gets you early access to the park and helps fund the volunteer-driven costs of maintaining the place.

There may be no finer winter itinerary than spending a long weekend (or better yet, some mid-week days) with friends and dogs in Ouray. Wake up, walk the pups, then get in a few hours at the ice park. Sneak out for lunch, then grab a second climbing session or a snowshoe until the early winter sunset. Grab a bite at one of the local restaurants, then go for a deep soak in the hot springs. Repeat for a few days, then head home.

While you’re around, it’s worth a quick detour to , a waterfall tucked into a tight, narrow gorge that is worth the modest $7 ($5 for kids) per person entry fee to check out. It’s open year-round and is especially scenic on a cold winter day. Use great caution on the icy 500-foot walkway to get there.

���ϳԹ���s In and Beyond Ouray

If you like mining history, the region is littered with it. The are worth a visit to learn more about the mining roots and general history of the area.

Rolling south out of Ouray on Highway 550 is an adventure in itself. The Million Dollar Highway is a paved stretch of road with some gutsy exposure high above the valley, though don’t let modified fish-eye lens pictures intimidate you. You will absolutely want snow tires and AWD/4WD in the winter on this road. It eventually connects to another, even more remote Colorado mountain town, Silverton.

About 35 minutes out of Ouray, the roadway accesses South Mineral Campground and one of Colorado’s most famous alpine lakes, the fluorescent-blue Ice Lake. Ice Lake Basin is the gateway to two of my favorite mountain scrambles, the 13,786-foot Golden Horn and 13,907-foot Vermillion Peak.

Farther up 550 is Engineer Pass, with the two Engineer Mountains, Engineer Mountain A (13,225 feet) and Engineer Mountain B (12,980 feet). Despite the taller elevation, Engineer Mountain A is the easier hike, with a moderate trail and Class 1 to 2 scrambles to the summit. The smaller Engineer Mountain B has burly Class 4 climbing and cuts a much more impressive profile from Highway 550.

With all the mountain goodness, it’s easy to forget that��Ridgway Reservoir is only about 20 minutes north of Ouray. It’s a great summer destination for boaters, paddleboarders, and mountain folk starved for a recreational lake.

The Switzerland of America

Ouray has been nicknamed�� “the Switzerland of America,” though I’ve never actually been to Switzerland to verify that claim. I imagine Switzerland has far fewer jacked-up Jeeps and dudes playing banjos near the public bathrooms, but feel free to prove me wrong.

What Ouray does have is gorgeous mountain scenery, an abundance of backcountry adventure, and at least a few St. Bernard dogs. I’ll always find my way back there.

About James Dziezynski

James Dziezynski is the SEO director at ���ϳԹ��� and the author of six Colorado mountain-hiking guidebooks, including 2023’s . A resident of Boulder, he has been visiting Ouray since the 1990s. He has a PR of 3 minutes and 18 seconds in the 106-degree Overlook pool at the Ouray Hot Springs.

The post This Colorado Town Is Off the Beaten Path and Full of ���ϳԹ��� appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Wildlife biologist and wilderness guide Brad Josephs shared an epic battle between two male grizzly bears with ���ϳԹ��� in 2023. This year, he captured an equally intense skirmish between grizzlies while guiding at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

For this round, a much smaller mother bear fiercely defends her two cubs from an aggressive male brute. In this spellbinding video, the female stands up to the male and fends him off. In the melee, her two cubs dramatically topple off opposite sides of the slope. The footage is breathtaking. At one point, the male is inches from snatching up one of the cubs, only to be rebuffed by the determined female.

Momma Bear Fights Invading Male

In a , Josephs explains that the fate of the mom and cubs remains unknown but that the male was seen again wandering in an open field. While a somewhat rare occurrence, males will occasionally hunt cubs for the simple reason that they present an easy meal—in theory. Momma bears don’t take kindly to their cubs being threatened. This video shows just how courageous a female grizzly bear can be when protecting her young.

Brad generously shared images of the belligerent male and the female bear family with ���ϳԹ���.

The female and her cubs were on high alert before the male intruder made his move.

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Mount Elbert’s status as the highest peak in Colorado is disguised by its modest yet massive profile. The mountain’s once-jagged contours have been smoothed out by ancient glaciers, a characteristic shared by many of its neighboring Sawatch Range summits. Millennia of erosion has transformed Mount Elbert into a gentle giant, offering several non-technical hikes to the top. The standard route most hikers use is the Mount Elbert Trail, located just outside of the town of Leadville, Colorado.

I’ve hiked to Mount Elbert’s summit ten times. I’ve been up in every season, with and without dogs, and with hiking companions of various fitness levels. It’s one of my favorite 14ers in Colorado and I’m certain I’ll be back again. Based on my experience, the key to enjoying Mount Elbert is knowing what to expect and how to prepare for this venerable king of the Rockies.

Mount Elbert via the Mount Elbert Trail

The aptly named Mount Elbert Trail is the best-maintained route to the summit. This non-technical path is a Class 1 walk-up with a smattering of easy Class 2 terrain near the top. By Colorado standards, this is a moderately difficult route whose primary concern is the high altitude. The burly 4,500 feet of elevation gain is no joke, but thankfully, the trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Mount Elbert Trail Stats

Distance: 9.3 miles out-and-back
Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours
Starting Elevation: 10,066 feet at Mount Elbert Trailhead
Total Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Best Time to Hike: June through September

Getting There: Mount Elbert Trailhead

Google Maps GPS Coordinates:

Mount Elbert is about a 30-minute drive from Leadville. From town, go 3.5 miles south on US Highway 24. Turn right (south) onto CO Highway 300. Go 0.7 miles and turn left onto CO Highway 11, also called Halfmoon Road. Follow this for 1.8 miles, then turn right to continue on CO 11/Halfmoon Road. Here, pavement turns into a well-maintained dirt track, passable by all vehicles (except in snowy conditions, of course). Go 6.8 miles until you hit the Mount Elbert Trailhead on your left. Directly across from the trailhead is the , a first-come, first-served campground with 17 sites and a restroom. ($22 per night)

About 500 feet past the campground, there is free primitive camping, mainly on the left side of the road. Note that the road becomes more rugged past the campground, and you should use a 4×4 vehicle if you explore this area.

What to Expect on the Hike

The Mount Elbert Trail starts in a pine forest and gets right down to business. Its ascent begins quickly, so don’t go too hard out of the gate. At 0.9 miles, the Mount Elbert Trail splits at a signed junction from the common path it temporarily shares with the Colorado Trail.

From here, it’s a big push to the top. At about 12,000 feet, the trail breaks through treeline into alpine tundra where the real work begins. Morning clouds often settle in the valleys below, amplifying the sensation of high elevation. There are no significant sections of exposure as the trail follows the rounded terrain of the Northeast Ridge.

At 3.1 miles, don’t be fooled by a false summit at the top of a rocky portion of the trail. Above this point, the trail eventually gains the broad summit shoulder and tops out at roughly 4.7 miles. Once you’ve soaked in the views from the tallest mountain in Colorado, return the way you came.

Navigation is relatively easy, barring any significant fog, storms, or clouds.

Tips and Advice for Maximizing Your Mount Elbert Hike

Two major concerns when hiking Mount Elbert are altitude sickness and lightning storms. The good news? You can mitigate both with a bit of Rocky Mountain wisdom.

• Altitude sickness can affect even well-acclimated Colorado locals at these high elevations. Out-of-town hikers should take extra care when dealing with altitude. If possible, aim to build a progression of elevation gain the couple of days before you tackle Mount Elbert. This can make a huge difference in succeeding on the 14er—and feeling good when you do it. To do this, sleep at 7,000 – 8,500 feet two nights before, then 9,000 – 10,000 feet the night before your hike, to help your body adjust to the thin air. Note that both the Elbert Creek Campground and lodging in the town of Leadville sit at 10,000 feet. Even if you toss and turn a bit, spending the night at this elevation will increase red blood cells and help with the lower oxygen levels at 14,000 feet.
• Storms are normal in spring, summer, and early autumn. Most roll in about 1 – 2 P.M. daily during these times. My advice is to start early, around or before 5 A.M. Make it your goal to be off the summit no later than 11 A.M. Check the local forecast. If thunderstorms are forecast earlier than noon, consider hiking another day. Lightning storms above treeline are dangerous, as there’s nowhere to seek shelter.

Other Things to Know Before You Hike Mount Elbert

• Food and hydration will keep you powered up and cramp-free. Eating a big, carbohydrate-rich dinner the night before is a good strategy (especially if you, like me, don’t have much of a pre-dawn appetite for a hearty breakfast). Bring three liters of water for the day and sip regularly—dehydration can sneak up on you at high altitudes. Remember to keep drinking and snacking on the way down as well. Gels and energy blocks can help if your stomach is not up for richer, denser foods.
• Sunblock, UPF long-sleeved shirts, and polarized sunglasses will prevent intense solar rays from roasting your skin and punishing your eyes.
• Bring layers adequate for cold, windy conditions. This should include a warm mid-layer, like a puffy jacket, as well as a waterproof rain shell, a winter hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter. Even if it’s hot at lower elevations, the temperatures and wind at 14,000+ feet can make summer days feel like winter.
• Light hikers or boots and hiking poles will help reduce wear and tear on your knees and legs. Because there is no technical terrain on the Mount Elbert Trail, light hikers usually work just fine as long as the mountain is free of snow. (The snowpack typically melts by the 4th of July.)
• A daypack with enough room to carry your layers and snacks is a no-brainer.
• A navigation app like will keep you on track and record your adventure. Even though there’s really only one major, well-marked turn, people do miss it in the morning darkness and wander along the Colorado Trail, blissfully unaware that they are going the wrong way.
• A headlamp, first-aid kit, and map (either digital or, better, physical paper) round out my ideal gear list.
• Dogs are allowed on the mountain. Make sure that you have plenty of water and food for your pup, though. Experienced hiking dogs will have a lot of fun on Mount Elbert, but keep them on leash due to the presence of other hikers and wildlife, like marmots and pikas.

Final Thoughts

Mount Elbert will be more enjoyable if you have solid fitness, altitude acclimation, and the right gear. The elevation gain is gradual but will still fizzle out your legs if you haven’t already logged uphill miles before your adventure. Training on mountains with 2,500 – 3,000 feet of elevation gain and distances of 6 – 10 miles will prime your body for an excellent day on Elbert.

For out-of-towners and beginners, consider tackling a progression of hikes over four or five days to prepare for Mount Elbert. I suggest starting with 8,460-foot Bear Peak in Boulder, then take a rest day. On day three, hike 13,229-foot Mount Audubon (near Boulder) or 13,433-foot Grizzly Peak D off of Loveland Pass. Then, take another rest day, sleeping at over 8,000 feet. End with your Mount Elbert climb on day five, after you’ve built up stamina for both altitude and steep ascents.

In my experience, Mount Elbert is actually on the easier side compared to other Colorado 14ers. The collection of 58 peaks that make up the recognized 14ers has a wide range of difficulties, and Elbert’s non-technical, well-documented route makes it a challenging but accessible adventure for 14er newbies. Plus, in years when Colorado’s snowstorms arrive later in the winter and spring, it’s possible to enjoy a snow-free hike as late as mid-October, which is a special treat because lightning storms are less prevalent, and the crisp, cool air can keep hot hikers like myself more comfortable.

All told, Mount Elbert is a stunning adventure that is most fun when you use a winning strategy to hike to the summit. Start early, acclimate, eat and drink regularly before and during your hike, and watch the weather. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy your brief tenure as the highest person in Colorado before you make the descent.

About the Author

James Dziezynski is the author of and the SEO Director at ���ϳԹ���. He’s been to the summit of Mount Elbert 10 times, including a coincidental trip to the top in 2001 on the same day the Stanley Cup (yes, THE Stanley Cup) was brought up, too.����

The post Mount Elbert, Colorado: How to Hike the Tallest Peak in the Rocky Mountains appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Trying to narrow down a list of the best summit hikes in Colorado makes my palms sweat. It’s almost harder than hiking the peaks themselves. I’ve been exploring Colorado’s mountains for over 25 years now and have written , and I still have difficulty picking out my favorites. There are just that many good mountains.

My favorite summits are those that embody a certain superlative aspect found on great mountains. That might be the thrill of topping out on an obscure, off-trail peak or simply finding a dog-friendly trail to a gorgeous summit that is shared with my canine pals.

This collection I’ve created focuses on ten mountains that represent a spectrum of adventure styles. While none of these standard routes demand technical gear like ropes and harnesses, the scrambling on some of the advanced Class 3 options can be exposed and dangerous. All of them are beautiful.

1. UN 13,001

Summit Elevation: 13,001 feet
Difficulty: Medium
Class: Easy Class 3
Distance: 7 miles out-and-back
Location: Sawatch Range off Independence Pass near Aspen
Best Feature: Beautiful approach hike that passes several lakes, followed by an off-trail ridge scramble

UN 13,001, also called “Point 13,001,” is the bland moniker of a summit that lacks an official USGS or local name. Thus, it defaults to the formula “unnamed + peak elevation.”

It’s currently the lowest recognized 13,000-foot peak in Colorado, though hyper-accurate LiDar measurements may slightly change its known elevation. Regardless, it’s a fantastic mountain adventure that includes a ridge scramble complete with a bit of hidden route finding that doesn’t become apparent until you’re on the ridge proper.

Access is easy. The trail begins at the Linkins Lake Trailhead off paved Independence Pass, roughly a mile west of the pass summit. Follow the Lost Man Loop Trail past the shimmering waters of Independence Lake, over Lost Man Pass, and down to the shore of the larger Lost Man Lake.

From here, go off-trail and gain the southeast ridge. This ridge scramble looks imposing at first, but safe passages on the right (east) side of the ridge offer secret detours that keep exposure down and the scrambling light. From the summit, you can return via the ridge or pound your knees down the steep, non-technical slopes to the north side of Lost Man Lake and the Lost Man Loop Trail.

2. Mount Flora

Summit Elevation: 13,129 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Class: Class 1
Distance: 6.1 miles out-and-back
Location: Front Range off Berthoud Pass near Winter Park
Best Feature: Dog-friendly trail that offers incredible views, potential wildflower blooms, and extra-credit peaks nearby.

Mount Flora is a peak I revisit yearly, thanks to its easy trailhead access off the top of Berthoud Pass. It’s also a relatively easy summit, good for hiking groups of mixed fitness, with spectacular views. This is still Colorado, and you’re still hiking uphill, but you’re doing so on a well-maintained trail that is never lung-shatteringly steep.

The path up begins at the defunct Berthoud Pass Ski Area. This section of the trail is directly below 12,392-foot Colorado Mines Peak, where a collection of still-functional communication buildings sit on the summit like a futuristic castle; it’s only a few hundred feet off the Mount Flora Trail and is worth a quick detour.

Mount Flora itself sits beyond a false summit on its southwest shoulder. The walk-up is pleasant and steady and can be colorful when spring flowers are in bloom. Because you are walking along the Continental Divide, views range from the eastern cities and plains to the rugged Gore Range summits to the west. For those looking for a bigger day, a pair of 12,000-foot peaks—Cone Mountain and Breckenridge Peak—are east of Flora’s ridge, though both Class 2 options do not have established trails.

3. Storm King Peak

Summit Elevation: 13,753 feet
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Class: Class 3
Distance: 15 miles out-and-back
Location: Grenadier Range Near Ouray
Best Feature: Epic, Lord of the Rings-style backcountry adventure in one of Colorado’s most remote regions. The peak itself features challenging but satisfying Class 3 scrambling.

For the adventurous, this is as good as it gets. There are several peaks named “Storm King” in Colorado, and this one is the monarch of them all. It is located deep in the Grenadier Range, a remote pocket of mountains best known for the aesthetically pleasing ramps on Vestal and Arrow Peaks. Storm King has its own mountainous charm, however, and offers an extended non-technical scramble on excellent rock to its lofty summit.

Most people do this hike as an overnight, starting at the Beartown Trailhead, which requires a 4×4 vehicle to reach. Hike in along the Vallecito Trail, going off-trail toward good camping in the meadows below Storm King and its sister peak, Mount Silex. On summit day, you’ll need savvy navigation to find a gully on the south side of the mountain, where the Class 3 rock is consistent. The broad summit is one of the most exhilarating and hard-earned in Colorado.

This route is for expert navigators with strong physical fitness and is not dog-friendly. It’s by far the most difficult route in this article, and it may very well be my personal favorite.

4. Peak 1

Summit Elevation: 12,795 feet
Difficulty: Medium
Class: Class 2
Distance: 7 miles out-and-back
Location: Tenmile Range near Frisco��
Best Feature: Steep, on-trail adventure that pops you above Dillon Reservoir. An excellent autumn adventure with the option to continue along the Tenmile Range Traverse.

Peak 1 is the first in a series of numbered peaks in the Tenmile Range. Along the way to this summit, you’ll pass the (barely there) ruins of a ghost town, two named sub-summits (Mount Royal and Mount Victoria), and encounter a bit of mild scrambling near the top. This hike starts right in the town of Frisco, so it’s easy to access. When you are done, it’s a short trip to a celebratory meal at one of the many restaurants in town.

The trail itself alternates between steep, east-coast style (few switchbacks) and open ridgeline. Emerging from treeline offers great views of the reservoir and the I-70 corridor. Near the top, you’ll briefly wander onto the rugged west side of the mountain, where morning shadows offer a contrast from the sunny east side of the ridge.

It’s a great out-and-back hike, but if you’re feeling burly, continue the Class 3 ridge over to Tenmile Peak (which could be called “Peak 2”), Peak 3, and Peak 4. Beyond Peak 4, the ridge mellows out and becomes simple hillwalking. A nice point-to-point with two vehicles is to traverse near Peak 6 and descend via the Colorado Trail to the parking lot at the Copper Ski Area.

5. Cooper Peak

Summit Elevation: 12,264 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Class: Easy Class 3
Distance: 19 miles out-and-back
Location: Indian Peaks near Grandby
Best Feature: Overnight camping at one of Colorado’s most beautiful backcountry lakes, followed by an off-trail scramble to a remote but accommodating summit.

Part of Cooper Peak’s appeal is the hike on-trail to Gourd Lake, whose name belies the sheer beauty of this white-cliffed backcountry basin in the Indian Peaks. Cooper’s massive shoulder rises beyond the lake and, past that, its hidden summit.

From Gourd Lake, it’s an off-trail trek to the saddle between Cooper and Marten Peaks. The ridge that connects the two offers great scrambling with low exposure. The landscape from Cooper’s massive south shoulder contrasts the boulder-strewn ridge. A high alpine meadow merges into a modest slope that leads to Cooper’s true summit block—one of the deepest points in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Navigation beyond Gourd Lake looks straightforward on maps but is actually a bit tricky in practice. This is a good route for experienced navigators who want to step up into more challenging terrain while still being within range of known, established camping and hiking areas.

6. London Mountain

Summit Elevation: 13,199 feet
Difficulty: Medium
Class: Class 2+
Distance: 5 miles out-and-back
Location: Mosquito Range Near Alma
Best Feature: Fun, short scramble amongst mine ruins and views of Colorado’s highest peaks.

was one of the most profitable mining operations in Colorado, churning out silver and gold until operations ceased in 1939. It has faded into obscurity, as few hikers visit its craggy summit these days. The area near London Mountain is home to Mosquito Pass, a popular 4×4 road that connects Alma to Leadville. But the peak itself should not be overlooked.

London’s northwest ridge is a fun, quick scramble that doubles as a tour through a defacto mining museum. There are no established trails on the mountain, but the way to the top simply follows the ridge. Faint social trails pop up and disappear along the way. Summit views west look out on Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Colorado’s two tallest mountains.

It’s a good half-day hike, with the option to connect Kuss Peak, Treasurevault Mountain, and Mosquito Peak in an all-day ridge walking tour.

7. Bison Peak (also called Bison Mountain)

Summit Elevation: 12,435 feet
Difficulty: Easy But Long
Class: Class 1
Distance: 12 miles out-and-back
Location: Lost Creek Wilderness near Jefferson
Best Feature: Wild, Moab-like rock formations create a rock garden in a vast, open alpine meadow.

Bison Peak’s towering rock formations seem like they were copied and pasted from Utah’s deserts. These unique sculptures are the crown jewels of a hike that seems rather ordinary for the first five miles. Though it’s gained a bit of popularity in recent years, Bison Peak is still a relatively quiet place.

The hike up until the rock garden starts in the forested foothills of the Tarryall Mountains along the Ute Creek Trail. It’s not until breaking treeline that the spectacular theater of rock, grass, and flowers comes into view. Bison’s true summit is easy to reach, thankfully—it’s not perched atop one of the stacked formations that decorate the land leading up to the top.

Save your hike here until September or even October. Spring hikes have water, but along with it, packs of murderous mosquitos. Midsummer can get very hot, and by then, many of the water sources will have dried up.

8. Crestone Peak

Summit Elevation: 14,299 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Class: Class 3
Distance: 13 miles out-and-back
Location: Sangre de Cristo Range near Westcliffe
Best Feature: Great scrambling on good rock

Ah, here’s the 14er you’ve been waiting for! There are plenty of great 14ers in Colorado, but Crestone Peak is one of the best. Crestone’s south face features the “Red Gully,” a sustained Class 3 scramble that claws its way up to one of Colorado’s most scenic summits. Views of neighboring Crestone Needle and down to Sand Dunes National Park offer dramatic counterpoints to Crestone Peak’s accommodating summit area.

It’s a bit of work just to get started on Crestone Peak. Many people opt to camp at South Colony Lakes, though more ambitious campers aiming for a bit of privacy may lug their backpacks up and over Broken Hand Pass (and eventually back) down to Cottonwood Lake.

From Cottonwood Lake, the Red Gully is a straight shot to the top. It’s advised to climb this one in late summer when the gully has melted out, and the rock is relatively dry. When conditions are good, the prolonged scrambling up the gully is a blast, though some climbers feel the steepness lends itself to a sense of exposure. But the difficulty should never surpass Class 3.

It’s logical to add in an ascent of the Class 4 route on Crestone Needle; skilled climbers can traverse the two, some using a rope for the final 90-foot pitch that connects the two on Crestone Needle.

9. North Arapaho Peak

Summit Elevation: 13,513 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Class: Class 3
Distance: 9.6 miles out-and-back
Location: Indian Peaks near Nederland
Best Feature: An airy, solid traverse that first ascends South Arapaho Peak. Views of one of Colorado’s remaining glaciers.

North Arapaho is a prominent peak along the mountainous western horizon when views from the Boulder/Longmont region. It’s home to the Arapaho Glacier, one of Colorado’s last remaining year-round glaciers. It borders land protected by the Boulder watershed, so the standard route first ascends South Arapaho Peak, 13,343’, which is technically a shoulder of North Arapaho Peak.

Following a walk-up South Arapaho, the airy, exposed traverse begins! There is a tricky Class 3 or possibly Class 4 one-move climb up a slanted boulder that will be easy for anyone over about 5’7” but a little trickier for those shorter. Beyond that, the semi-narrow ridge drops into a ledge system that involves a few short, steep descents (no shame in going on your butt) before a delightful scramble up to the surprisingly open, flat summit. As of 2023, a large cairn denotes the summit of North Arapaho Peak. Along the ridge are 2,000-foot views down onto the glacier.

The traverse is less than a mile but requires good route finding and a few confident moves, though the main line stays at Class 3. North Arapaho Peak is also the highest mountain in the Indian Peaks.

10. Mount Sneffels

Summit Elevation: 14,155 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Class: Class 2+ / Easy Class 3
Distance: 6 miles out-and-back
Location: San Juan Mountains near Ouray
Best Feature: This is a solid hike that transforms into scrambling along either of the mountain’s two standard routes: a gully scramble or a ridge scramble.

Mount Sneffels is brilliant to view from a distance, but the terrain on the hike up might be even better. This 14er is located in the colorful San Juan Mountains, a region known for its glowing sky-blue lakes, rich flora, red-capped mushrooms, and vanilla-scented pine trees.

The standard route up Sneffels follows a road up to a dense talus field that eventually finds a weakness in the mountain: a deep gully that nearly tops out on the summit. A gutsy little scramble atop the gully reveals the short walk to the summit, where the views of the neighboring San Juan Mountains look straight out of a fantasy novel.

Sneffels highlights the beauty of southwest Colorado, and the peaks in the area display vibrance and color not seen in northern ranges.

Tips and Advice on Hiking Colorado’s High Peaks

While you should consult guidebooks and other resources for more details on hiking at high altitude, a few tips will help point you in the right direction.

• Always be aware of the weather and start early—4 a.m. or 5 a.m. is a standard summer start time. Aim to be off summits by 11 a.m. Thunderstorms are regular, predictable events and should be avoided, especially when above treeline.
• Drink plenty of water and electrolytes.
• Apply sunscreen and cover up as much skin as possible. High-altitude UV is harsh!
• Use an app like and download your maps and routes for offline use before you go. This is especially important for the off-trail adventures listed here. Bringing a quad map and knowing how to use a compass are equally important.
• Poles are your friends! If you value your knees, bring along collapsible poles that you can tuck away during scrambling sections.
• Altitude sickness is a major concern, especially for those coming from lower elevations. Take time to acclimate, and if you start to have a headache and feel dizzy, nauseous, and irritable, turn around and descend ASAP.

About the Author

James Dziezynski is the author of three editions of , a collection of over 55 routes and 100+ summits throughout the state. He’s also the author of three additional mountain hiking guidebooks. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, and is the SEO Director at ���ϳԹ���.

The post The 10 Best Summit Hikes in Colorado appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Author’s note: This mini-guide uses . This advanced technology is the most accurate means of measuring elevation. The newness of LiDar-reported heights may differ slightly from existing maps.��

Boulder, Colorado, is a hiker’s paradise. The city sits on the geographic hinge where the Great Plains give way to the Rocky Mountains. Some hiking trails start from town and wander to the tops of 8,000+ foot summits. Less aggressive trails explore rolling meadows and ancient mesas on the city’s east side. Wildlife thrives in shaded, vanilla-scented forests and open grasslands, and clear mountain streams rush down dramatic canyons, flowing into pastoral farmland. Boulder’s varied landscapes and four-season access make it one of the best places in America for hiking adventures.

Jump to: Best Day Hikes in Boulder | Best Big All-Day Hikes | Best Dog Park N’ Hikes in Boulder | Gear, Weather, and Tips for Boulder Hiking

Best Day Hikes in Boulder

Whether you are into peak bagging or bird watching, Boulder’s varied terrain has hikes for a wide range of interests.

Marshall Mesa – Greenbelt Plateau

Best “Welcome to Boulder” Hike

► This is my favorite loop at Marshall Mesa. It wanders uphill, slowly reaching the high point along the Greenbelt Plateau. Briefly retrace your steps back to the main loop and finish at the parking lot.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 490 feet
Notes: $5 daily / $25 annual fee for non-Boulder residents. Dogs must be leashed or have tags.
Right click and “save link as” or long press on mobile to download GPX file: Marshall Mesa GPX file

• Easy parking and terrain
• Incredible views of the Flatirons rock formations
• Great network of trails for wandering

No other hike in Boulder captures the magic and majesty of this ancient landscape than Marshall Mesa. Views of Boulder’s iconic Flatiron rock formations are the stars of the show. These towering iron monoliths denote the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountains in dramatic fashion. Far on the northwest horizon, 14,000-foot Longs Peak stands guard over the high apexes of Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder Valley shimmers below when viewed from the high meadows atop Greenbelt Plateau.

Community Ditch is a man-made canal carved into the mesa that usually runs until mid-summer before it dries up. It’s reborn each spring and is a great place for your dog to cool off when it’s running. Nearby, Marshall Lake is hidden on the eastern side of the mesa. Though it’s inaccessible to hikers, seeing it from a distance reminds one of a desert oasis. Views to the east go all the way to the Denver metropolis area. Enormous windmills to the south add a touch of “modern marvel” to your adventure.

Hikers can cruise easy trails in less than four miles and take in what makes Boulder so special. Hiking at sunrise or sunset—especially in winter—creates a dreamy atmosphere perfect for photographers chasing Golden Hour snapshots. Marshall Mesa is rich with emotionally moving landscapes, from prehistoric geography to dazzling city lights.

Green Mountain via Gregory Canyon

Best In-Town Summit Hike

► It’s hard to pick my favorite mountain hike, but since I’ve hiked Green Mountain over 100 times, I think that data speaks for itself. It can be hiked year-round, but be sure to bring microspikes during winter’s snowy and icy conditions.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 5.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 2,360 feet
Notes: $5 daily / $25 annual fee for non-Boulder residents. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags.
Download:��Green Mountain via Gregory Canyon GPX file

• Legit summit hike right in town
• See the power of Boulder’s 2013 floods
• Fun last push to the iconic summit block

8,144-foot Green Mountain is a true mountain hike. It gains 2,360’ of elevation in 2.7 miles, making it a great 3-5 hour outing. The route featured here starts at Gregory Canyon and follows a small creek before scrambling onto the shoulder of Green Mountain. Destruction from the 2013 Boulder floods will be evident in the exaggerated gash cut along the banks of the tiny stream below.

At 1.2 miles, the Gregory Canyon Trail ends at the Green Mountain Lodge, a stone building still used for events. Take the Ranger Trail and begin a steady-then-steep ascent 0.9 miles to the junction with the Green Mountain West Ridge Trail/E.M. Greenman Trail. Follow the punchy E.M. Greenman Trail 0.2 miles up steep stone steps to the iconic summit block. An easy scramble offers 360-degree views with particularly impressive vistas of the Indian Peaks to the west. The metal sighting disk on the top sort of lines up with peaks along the horizon and does accurately name the sequence of summits.

You will absolutely get a workout on this hike. Though you only spend a blip of time truly above treeline, there are excellent views throughout this adventure. The forests of Green Mountain are home to a host of wildlife, including a few of Boulder’s generally shy black bears (give them space if you see them).

Note: Parking at Gregory Canyon can get very crowded, especially on summer weekends. A nice alternative for busy weekends is to park at the Chapman Drive Trailhead up Boulder Canyon and hike 2.3 miles up the Chapman Drive Trail. This road was converted to a hiking path and deposits you at the Green Mountain Lodge after crossing Flagstaff Road, making for a 9+ mile out-and-back round-trip.

Sawhill Ponds

Best Hike for Peaceful Strolls & Bird Watching

► Sawhill Ponds is the perfect place to slow down, chill out, and take in a hidden side of Boulder. It’s a great place for a conversation with a friend, to take the dogs, or just gaze into the micro-environments in the ponds themselves.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 2+��miles of interconnected trails
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Dogs: Must be leashed west of the main parking lot.
Download: Sawhill Ponds GPX file��

• Mellow, flat terrain with good handicap access
• Excellent birding
• Change of pace from Boulder’s busy in-town trails

The smattering of pools that make up Sawhill Ponds was once part of a gravel mine. Today, (CPW) owns the property. It sits quietly on the flat outskirts of east Boulder. Yes, the area is a refuge for birds and other wildlife, but it’s also a nice retreat from the busy, type-A, go-fast-style of many of Boulder’s other trails. While there are occasional runners, the vibe of Sawhill Ponds is to slow down.

I fell in love with this area as my dogs aged out of big mountain hikes. Our walks at Sawhill were a splendor of smells and sounds, perfect for senior pups who still have a lot of curiosity. Birders, photographers, and casual walkers appreciate the serene, quiet atmosphere, made more tranquil in the stillness of winter.

Sawhill Ponds connects with the Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat. The trails that span the two make for fine wandering, even if it’s only about three miles of terrain. It’s a beautiful place to catch a sunset or revisit throughout the year to experience seasonal palettes of the flora.

Bear Peak via Fern Canyon

Best Summit Views

► I love everything about this hike. It starts out on the amazing grounds of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), where parking is free, plentiful, and paved. Descending into the forests of the foothills is a quiet transformation that is fully realized in the rich flora of Fern Canyon. The last push to the summit is a great workout. The summit block is the “chef’s kiss” ending to an already excellent hike.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 5.6 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 2,755 feet
Notes: No parking fees. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags in designated areas.
Download: Bear Peak via Fern Canyon GPX file��

• Shady, steep access trail
• Best 360-degree summit views in Boulder
• Exciting little summit scramble

This route starts at the parking lot of NCAR, a futuristic-vibe building that overlooks the city of Boulder from its location atop a modest mesa. Begin your hike by passing through a short 0.1-mile collection of informative plaques, then follow the NCAR Trail downhill to its junction with the Mesa Trail. Take the Mesa Trail south as it descends to Bear Creek.

At roughly 1.4 miles into your hike, turn right (west) into the Fern Canyon Trail. This shady, steep trail grinds up rocky terrain, occasionally using stone steps to ascent short, punchy sections. Eventually, the trail hits a series of switchbacks before arriving at a short-lived saddle between Bear Peak and a rock feature known as Nebel Horn. After a brief pause, the trail resumes its vertical prerogative. The last quarter-mile scrambles along rocky plates and finally breaks above treeline, culminating in a surprisingly thrilling short scramble to Bear Peak’s summit. The open 360-degree views from the top may be the very best in all of Boulder. Note the iron-heavy rock of the summit block can get very slick when wet.

Peak baggers almost can’t resist the 20-minute hike from Bear Peak to 8,550’ South Boulder Peak. It’s a 0.3-mile walk one-way (0.6 miles out-and-back from Bear’s summit area) and worth the trek, though the views are better from the slightly lower Bear Peak. Return via Fern Canyon to the Mesa Trail and back to the NCAR Trailhead.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Best Easy Hike With Ridiculously Good Views

► Despite being only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Boulder, Sugarloaf is more of a locals’ mountain than a tourist attraction. It’s a great destination for photographers or those who want to simply sit and take in the thought-provoking difference between the civilized plains to the east and the wild mountains to the west.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 411 feet
Notes: Parking is free. Sugarloaf Mountain Road is a 1-mile dirt road that turns off the paved Sugarloaf Road at its highest point. It’s steep but passable by passenger cars and is maintained throughout the year.
Download: Sugarloaf GPX file

• High-elevation summit with a low-mileage hike
• Excellent vantage point between the foothills and the Rocky Mountains
• The perfect peak for a mountain picnic

Sugarloaf Mountain is the namesake peak of the Sugarloaf community, a rural pocket of incorporated Boulder County. Despite being a short and relatively easy walk-up, Sugarloaf’s summit is 8,924 feet—taller than the high peaks that stand over Boulder’s Flatiron rock formations.

Sugarloaf sits as a midway point between the plains to the east and the first true surge of the 10,000-foot plus peaks of the Rocky Mountains spanning the western horizon. It’s a quick hike and a perfect escape when you’re short on time or just want stunning views for less effort. Sunrises and sunsets are equally spectacular from atop Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a good family hike for hearty kids. The rocky summit area has the shells of elder trees that perished in fires. The trail is never severely exposed or steep, but it can take your breath away if you haven’t acclimated to high altitude.

It’s a simple, straightforward mountain, and well worth the visit. It’s interesting to see the trio of 8,000-foot peaks above Boulder from the west. The glowing metropolis of Denver shines to the east, a distant contrast from the rugged, hilly terrain underfoot.

Mount Sanitas Loop via the Goat Path Trail

Best Classic Boulder Hike With City Views

► When I lived in North Boulder, it wasn’t unusual to do this route five days a week and over 100 times a year. It was a great place to hike or run with my border collie, though it didn’t really seem to tire him out much. If you’re going in the winter, bring microspikes, as the trail still sees a lot of traffic, and the snow gets pressed into ice fairly quickly.����

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 3.9-mile lollipop loop
Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet
Notes: Parking is free at this particular trailhead off Linden Avenue. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags in designated areas.
Download: Mount Sanitas GPX file

• Great workout right in town
• Spanning eastern views to Denver and beyond
• Good for people watching

Mount Sanitas is one of Boulder’s most popular mountain hikes. It’s right in town and is a heck of a workout—1,650 vertical feet—in a a 1-1.5 hour outing. It can be busy, especially on weekends, but the crowds tend to disperse along the trails. Trail runners and folks walking their dogs are often in the mix with hikers.

This route starts at the northern end of the trail system along the Goat Path Trail, a quieter alternative to the busier, pay parking lots to the south. Parking at the Goat Path Trailhead is free. A prelude walk up the Goat Path ends with a steep but short connection to the Sanitas Valley Trail, then loops up to the 6,835-foot summit. Note that this high point is technically the shoulder of an unnamed parent peak known informally as “Northwest Sanitas”, which is on private property.

Ramble south down the well-maintained rock staircases and occasional flats as you return to the Sanitas Valley Trail to close the loop. Views of Boulder and, eventually, Denver to the east are showcased throughout the hike. Sunsets here can be particularly enchanting. Finish the hike by taking the Goat Path downhill and back to the parking area.

Walker Ranch Loop

Best Winter Hike

► I love mountain biking Walker as much as I do hiking it. Walking the trail lets you see more details than you would zipping by on a bike—and there is a lot to see. The river areas are particularly pretty, with large pines framing the fast-moving water. If you’re short on time, you can always go counterclockwise at the start and get down to the river (1 mile), enjoy the lush canyon, and then trudge right back up.

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 7.7 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,914 feet
Notes: Parking is free. Dogs must be on leash. Please be extra careful with your dogs around the swift water of South Boulder Creek; the current moves fast enough to sweep even big breeds away in a flash.
Download: Walker Ranch Loop GPX file

• The midpoint of the loop descends to a gorgeous riverside area
• A great shoulder-season loop
• Scenic drive to the trailhead

Walker Ranch is a good hike year-round, but it’s a multi-use trail that does allow mountain bikes—so keep an eye out for people on two wheelers. (Admittedly, it’s a very fun place to mountain bike thanks to the burly climbs, occasional technical sections, and screaming-fast downhills.) Walker Ranch is thus one of my favorite winter hikes since there will only be a smattering of cold-weather bikers—often none at all. Shoulder season conditions of cold or snow also keep bikers away.

The Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead is the standard starting point. Getting there involves a drive (or pedal, if you’re feeling feisty) up Flagstaff Road, a steep, paved, switchbacking mountain road that grinds up to the trailhead. Once there, the loop can be hiked in either direction—I prefer clockwise, but you can’t go wrong either way.

Going clockwise, you’ll begin your hike with a short descent and quick ascent to the trail’s highest point at 7,311 feet. From there, drop into a shady forest that begins an 800-vertical-foot drop down to 6,477 feet into the mini-canyon of South Boulder Creek. Cross a sturdy bridge over the creek and scramble to the base of a long staircase. This is a great place for lunch. Push up the stairs and continue the loop, ascending to the Crescent Meadows Trailhead, then dropping back to South Boulder Creek. The final mile out climbs an open hillside and gains 600 vertical feet. I prefer ascending the mid-way staircase versus descending it, so I like sticking to the clockwise route.

Doudy Draw to Flatirons Vista

Best Hike for Wildflowers and Flora

► As much as I love mountain hikes, the plains of south Boulder are also strikingly beautiful. This is one of my favorite hikes for dogs, especially in the colder months. Easing along the flat land below the mesa to the higher, the forested area feels surprisingly dramatic. Views of the Flatirons and into Eldorado Canyon are mesmerizing. This trail system is also excellent for runners.����

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 7.5-mile lollipop loop
Elevation Gain: 895 feet
Notes: $5 daily / $25 annual fee for non-Boulder residents. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags. Don’t park on the road if they’re aren’t spots are available in the Doudy Draw Lot. Instead, try the South Mesa Trailhead just across the street. Boulder cops love to give tickets to cars parked on the road.
Download: Doudy Draw-Flatirons Vista GPX file

• The hike starts with open meadows and then reaches a scenic pine forest
• Unique views of South Boulder’s preserved grasslands
• Options to link into several other trails

Boulder’s wildflower season usually peaks in early June, and no local hike blooms with as much beauty as the Flatirons Vista Trail. This hike begins at the Doudy Draw Trailhead and can get very busy on summer weekends. It’s best to go late in the day or early on weekends.

The trail itself begins on a flat, gravel path that morphs into the Doudy Draw Trail. Open meadows highlight the last vestige of the Great Plains before rising into the foothills. Continue up a switchbacking trail where the views open momentarily before ducking back into the sparsely forested Flatirons Vista Trail. This loop is a 3-mile tour of the mesa that reaches all the way to Highway 93 before turning west back down to Doudy Draw. The flora-rich forest gives way to open plains with expansive views in all directions. Return back down to Doudy Draw to close the lollipop loop.

There are a lot of options to explore this area of South Boulder. Going west explores the Springbrook Trail. Farther east, it takes you to the Greenbelt Plateau and the Marshall Mesa area mentioned above (this is a good point-to-point if you have two vehicles).

South Boulder Peak via Shadow Canyon

Best Hike to Reach the Highest Point in the Flatirons

► The Shadow Canyon route begins on the plains and ends on a mountaintop. It’s incredible to pass through so many ecosystems along the way. Shadow Canyon isn’t just a good, sturdy hike. It’s also a great place to spot one of Boulder’s local black bears. The South Boulder – Bear combo from Shadow Canyon is an unbeatable duo that is premier Boulder hiking.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 8 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 3,160 feet
Notes: $5 daily / $25 annual fee for non-Boulder residents. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags. Like Doudy Draw, do not park on the road if no spots are available. Summer weekends can be hard to get a parking spot, so get going early (7 A.M. or earlier). This will also help you beat afternoon thunderstorms.
Download: South Boulder Peak via Shadow Canyon GPX file

• Scrappy hike, mostly in shade, to the summit
• Reasonable to link up with Bear Peak
• Hike through a burn zone

There are legit mountain hikes in Boulder city proper, and South Boulder Peak (8,550 feet) is the highest of them all (though it’s not the highest point in Boulder County; that belongs to 14,259-foot Longs Peak). Even though it wears the elevation crown, the summit is only partially exposed as there are forested patches to the east and north of the highest point. Still, the views are great, but the hike up Shadow Canyon makes this route a classic.

The trail starts at the South Mesa Trailhead and passes an old homestead on the Mesa Trail before merging with the appropriately named Homestead Trail. The transition from the plains into the foothills is enchanting. You’re seeing the start of the Rocky Mountains themselves. The Homestead Trail ends at the Shadow Canyon Trail at 2.2 miles, where the real work begins. Push up through the also aptly named Shadow Canyon to a high saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. En route to the top, you’ll pass through an eerie burn zone, the result of a lightning strike fire in June 2012.

The final trail to the top involves easy rock scrambling. Peak baggers can return to the saddle and make the short trek north 0.2 miles to Bear Peak, tag it, then return back to the saddle and down the Shadow Canyon.

Sage Trail

Best Quiet Hike in North Boulder

► Even though it’s easy to access, the Sage Trail is often less crowded than the trails in South and Central Boulder. The network of trails is a wanderer’s dream. You can connect all the way to Left Hand Valley Reservoir, Boulder Reservoir, or even Mount Sanitas and beyond if you don’t mind crossing a few streets. As a simple hike, the Sage Trail is a peaceful, quiet retreat that truly feels like you’ve been transported to a much more remote place.��

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 2.8-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 254 feet
Notes: There are no fees to park at the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags.
Download:��Sage Trail GPX file

• Wander through open farmland that feels far outside of the city
• Great for dogs and social hikes
• Good network of trails to easily add more miles

Much like Sawhill Ponds, the Sage Trail showcases the softer side of Boulder. This loop skirts Boulder Valley Ranch, a working ranch that is tucked below a mesa in north Boulder. As a result, the city disappears from view, and you are treated to open prairie views that belie the bustling city to the south.

By Boulder standards, this is a relatively flat trail, though it still gains 254 vertical feet thanks to a ramp on the east side of the trail. A small pond glistens in the sun on the east side of the trail. My preferred direction of travel is counterclockwise, following an irrigation ditch. Plenty of detours are available in the north Boulder network of trails, including a half-mile trek up to Mesa Reservoir to the west.

But if you stay on the main Sage Trail, you’ll have an easy and enjoyable 45-minute to 1-hour walk that tours the part of Boulder that begins to ease back into the open prairie. A quick glance at Gaia GPS or other mapping apps shows the layout of connected trails that go all the way from Wonderland Lake in town to Boulder Reservoir to the east.

Best Big All-Day Hikes in Boulder

Want to go for the gold? These combination hikes crank up the mileage and vert to give you a full day’s worth of adventure.��

Guardians of the Flatirons: Green Mountain – Bear Peak – South Boulder Peak

Trailhead Parking:
Distance: 14.4-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 5,165 feet
Notes:�� $5 daily / $25 annual fee for non-Boulder residents. Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags.
Download: Guardians of the Flatirons GPX file

This mega-mountain hike is an all-day affair. It tours the three summit peaks above the Flatiron rock formations, connecting them via a series of trails exploring the peaks’ less-seen western side. The route begins with the Green Mountain hike via Gregory Canyon. From there, follow the Green Canyon Northwest Ridge Trail to the Green Bear Trail (my favorite named trail in Boulder). Green Bear connects with the incredible Bear Peak West Ridge Trail, one of the most spectacular hiking routes in the Front Range. This trail leads into a burn zone, then up a series of switchbacks to Bear Peak’s exposed summit.

From there, hike over to South Boulder Peak via the South Boulder Peak Trail, then descend the Shadow Canyon Trail to the Mesa Trail, where a 5.4-mile walk of the Mesa Trail goes north below the Flatirons and back to the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.

Guardians of the Flatirons is a segment of the locally popular “Skyline Traverse.” The name is a bit of a misnomer because that particular route starts at Mount Sanitas, then drops back into town before ascending Flagstaff Mountain, then over to the Guardians trio. It spends a lot of time not along the skyline.

The Guardians of the Flatirons is actually more of a skyline traverse than the Skyline Traverse. The route stays as high as possible, never going below 7,000 feet from the time you top out on Green Mountain until you finish your summits and drop into Shadow Canyon.

It’s a big ol’ fun day and should not be underestimated. There is a bail-out point where the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail meets the Bear Canyon Trail. You can gain the Mesa Trail via Bear Canyon back to Gregory Canyon or exit to NCAR parking, a possible point-to-point warm-up if you want to sample the route before going all in.

Boulder Creek Path to Chapman Drive + Beyond

Start: Anywhere in downtown Boulder on the Boulder Creek Path (parking at Eben G. Fine used in this route: )
Distance: 11 miles and beyond
Elevation Gain: 2,112 feet
Notes: Dogs must be leashed or have Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags.
Download: Boulder Creek Path to Chapman Drive GPX file

This route is a bit of a different tour, as it starts on the paved Boulder Creek Path and cruises 3 miles up Boulder Canyon to Chapman Drive, a dirt road that was transformed into a hiking and biking trail. If you stay downtown, you can jump on the path anywhere it passes and head west. This route begins at the Eben G. Fine Park/Settler’s Park parking lot.

The Boulder Creek Path parallels the eponymous creek as it climbs into the canyon. The trail starts close to the road but then crosses under a bridge and isolates itself a bit from traffic. The rock climbing that makes Boulder Canyon famous can be seen along the way, with dramatic cliffs rising from the canyon floor. There’s a lot of decent people watching, too.

At about 3 miles up, the Boulder Creek Path terminates at the Chapman Drive Trailhead. This converted road climbs all the way to Realization Point on Flagstaff Road and can be used to access Green Mountain via the Green Mountain Lodge Road and the Ranger Trail. If you hoof it to Realization Point and back, you’ll have an 11-mile day that ends in downtown Boulder.

Best Dog Park – Hike Combos

As a bonus, I added these three dog park-hike combinations because Boulder is an excellent place to explore with your canine pals. I have loved sharing these places with my dogs, and I bet your pups will be equally as excited to check them out.

For off-leash fun, you’ll need Boulder’s Voice and Sight tags for the hiking portion of these outings. The fenced-in dog parks at Foothills Community Park and Davidson Mesa do not require tags for off-leash action. Dry Creek does require Voice and Sight tags at all times.

Foothills Community Park

Parking: Foothills Community Park, North Boulder;

All three of these hikes feature a fully fenced-in dog park where your pup can socialize as well as hiking trails for some one-on-one time with your doggo.

Foothills Community Park is a beautiful, spacious area in North Boulder where you can walk over to Wonderland Lake or simply wander the base of the foothills. If you have a fit pup (and it’s not too hot out), you can head all the way to the Sage Trail via the Foothills North Trail, a path that connects to the park and goes under Highway 36.

Dry Creek

Parking: Dry Creek Trailhead;

While Dry Creek is not technically a dog park, it is a fully-fenced Open Space area that is a defacto local dog park. There is a small creek for pups to splash around before opening up to a large, flat field offering a nice 1-mile loop.

The park has become more popular recently—weekends can get hectic. But the views of Baseline Reservoir and the Flatirons are quite fetching, and it’s a great place to let your dogs get their zoomies out. You’ll need Voice and Sight Tags if your dog is to be off-leash here. Be sure to visit the majestic cottonwood tree on the park’s western side, where many very good boys and girls have left their pawprints.

Davidson Mesa

Parking: Davidson Mesa Trailhead, Louisville, CO; . There is an overflow parking lot on Washington Avenue, across the street from the Davidson Mesa Trailhead. A tunnel runs under the road to safely walk to the dog park and trails.

Dogs must be on leash when not in the dog park, regardless of their Voice and Sight tags.

Technically, this one is in neighboring Louisville, but it’s still in Boulder County, so I’m going to count it. It’s nearly on the eastern border with Boulder (less than 2 miles away), but more importantly, it may very well be the most spectacular dog park in the country.

Davidson Mesa has awesome views of the Flatirons and the Indian Peaks beyond. I don’t use “awesome” lightly here; it’s an astounding piece of real estate with a fully fenced-in dog park. Sunsets from Davidson Mesa are postcard-worthy nearly every night.

Beyond the park, some nice, flat trails dink around on the mesa itself. A semi-hidden trail drops down to Davidson Ditch, a secret dunking spot for pups on warm days. The ditch does tend to run dry by the end of summer, though. The views are incredible wherever you roam, and it’s a great place to socialize your pup. As a bonus, most of the hiking trails are as wide as dirt roads, giving you plenty of room to separate dogs that might be less social.

Gear for Hiking in Boulder

For the more casual, flat hikes listed here, you may want nothing more than a water bottle and sunscreen. But mountain hikes are honest-to-goodness adventures that require an appropriate gear setup. This includes:

• At least two liters of water
• Light hiking shoes in spring/summer/autumn and full hiking boots in winter
• Hiking poles
• First-aid kit
• Snacks
• Layers
  • Light jacket or fleece for three-season hiking
  • Puffer and shell in winter
• Visor or sunhat in summer
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Maps/mapping apps
• Microspikes are a must in winter or in snowy conditions

Summer can get very hot in Boulder, even at high elevations. It’s not unusual to have days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, I tend to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (usually 1-4 P.M.). Bring extra hydration on days over 80 degrees.

Conversely, winter days can be bitterly cold, dropping well below zero. Even though Boulder has well-marked trails, every year, hikers get lost on snowy days when trails are obscured or get caught out after dark. Boulder’s mountain hikes are a blast in cold months, but please treat them with the respect they deserve.

Cell Reception in Boulder Mountain Areas

Boulder’s ridgelines and mountain tops have cell reception, but the canyons and gullies that lead up to them often do not. It’s a good idea to download maps for offline use before you head up, even if you’ll likely get back in data range wherever you hike.

Weather Tips and Other Advice for Hiking in Boulder

• Check the forecast before heading out. Some summers, thunderstorms hit almost daily, usually starting about 3 P.M.
• Boulder’s climate is generally temperate, though summer days can get extremely hot. It’s also not unusual to have bright sunny days in the 40s and 50s, even mid-January. Be aware that Boulder does get cold snaps where the temps stay pinned well below zero.
• Because Boulder has a dry climate, I don’t wear Gore-Tex lined shoes and generally prefer well-ventilated, light hikers. Since this is Boulder, you’ll see hikers in sandals and even the occasional barefoot walker (not advised unless you’re a fan of tetanus shots).
• Hiking poles are my secret weapon when it comes to healthy knees. Many Boulder mountain trails are steep, and descents are particularly good for poles.

A Note on Boulder Wildlife

Black bear sightings are common in Boulder; attacks on hikers are not. Black bears are generally shy or perhaps curious but rarely aggressive. Give them space if you see them, and if they happen to be plopped down on the trail, you may have to turn around. Bears with cubs should be treated cautiously, as moms can be protective.

Boulder does have resident mountain lions. As with black bears, encounters are rare, but unlike black bears, if a mountain lion does appear aggressive, make yourself look big. Shout, do not turn your back on them, stay calm (good luck with that), and slowly back off.

As a local with over 25 years of hiking in Boulder, moose are the only creatures I worry about encountering. Moose have become much more common in Boulder, starting around 2012. They are big, strong, and somewhat intellectually dull—it comes with the territory of being huge and having few predators in Colorado. They rarely have to outwit other critters. If I see moose, I do all I can to walk away quietly. I’ve missed out on hikes because a moose was on the trail, but it was the right call in every case.

Dog Regulations for Hiking in Boulder

Boulder has a tag program for dogs. This program allows well-behaved dogs to roam on designated trails off-leash. If you don’t have a Voice and Sight tag, your dog can only be off-leash in designated, fenced-in dog parks and be on leash everywhere else.

That said, there are a lot of dogs in Boulder, and conflicts arise from time to time. Be aware of your dog’s personality and keep them leashed if you are uncertain of their behavior, even if you have Voice and Sight tags. And please pick up after your pups—if people didn’t pick up their dogs’ poo, there would be enough to fill Folsom Field in no time.

Final Thoughts

While there are many, many more trails in Boulder, this collection highlights the best of the best. For the adventurous, here’s a clue to finding the best locals’ secrets: many of the top trails not mentioned in this mini-guide are connected to the routes listed here, so… keep your eyes open and study those maps.

I’ve been fortunate to spend over two decades roaming in Boulder. From the plains to the mountains, the wilderness in my hometown never ceases to amaze me. Despite being part of a civilized city, parts of Boulder are still wild. There are many places, such as the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail and Sawhill Ponds, where the city itself seems half a world away. I love that.

I hope your hiking adventures in Boulder are just as fun and memorable as mine have been. Whether you are visiting or call Boulder home, the city’s commitment to world-class trails makes this place among the best hike-friendly places in the country.

Additional Resources

About the Author

I am the author of six and work as the SEO Director at ���ϳԹ���. If there is something better in the world than exploring the mountains with great friends and fine dogs, I haven’t found it. I’ve lived in Boulder for 25 years, where I hike on local trails on a daily basis—I even .��

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Ever come across an incredible hotel that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn’t it be something to stay there? We do, too—all the time.��Welcome to Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here. Or at least dream about it.

My first steps into the open-air lobby of the on Hawaii’s Big Island were overwhelming in the best possible way.

From the check-in counter, my eyes were drawn to what awaited outdoors: towering 60-foot palm trees, a white-sand beach, and shimmering aqua waters of the Pacific, all visible from the lobby. The softness and greenery of the scene were a welcome contrast to the jagged mountainscape of my home state of Colorado. While I’m generally more at home in a tent, I was sure glad I’d made an exception to visit the Westin—and so was my wife.

It wasn’t only the natural beauty that stirred my senses. The hotel’s magnificent architecture takes on a unique aura, depending on the time of day. Soft lighting and spacious lounges create a sensual, relaxing atmosphere as twilight fades into night. On our first evening there, as I sat under the stars in one of the poolside chairs, my stress melting away, I could hear music and laughter humming above. At dawn, I watched the sun slowly illuminate the blue horizon from our room. As my wife and I went downstairs for a buffet breakfast (which was excellent—more on that later), the calming interior’s soft white walls reflected morning light. It was the perfect ambiance to ease into the day.

The namesake Hapuna Beach, located on the northwestern side of the island about 30 miles from the main town of Kailua-Kona, was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit this hotel. Much of the Big Island’s beaches are craggy with igneous rocks. The only soft sand is often found in small coves peppered with pebbles. While those beaches have what I’ll call a “cozy” appeal, Hapuna’s long, white shores and gentle surf are what most of us envision when conjuring up the ideal tropical retreat. Wandering out to the beach and staking our claim under one of the hotel-provided umbrellas made us feel like we were really starting prime relaxation on our vacation.

If you tend to enjoy spending time on-site, though, the Westin doesn’t disappoint. Fragrant, colorful plumera bushes line the walkways to the pool area beyond the lobby. There’s an adults-only infinity pool with a hot tub on the top level and a family pool with a hot tub on the bottom. Both pools were fully handicapped accessible with lift chairs. We dabbled in the pools a bit more so at night, opting to spend most of our daytime hours adventuring in or near the water.

The Westin houses three restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. I was especially intrigued by the vegetarian dishes and those made with Hawaiian ingredients. Island spices, like , and native fruits, like ��are best appreciated when fresh. You’ll taste flavors and textures unlike anywhere else in the world. It wasn’t long before I wondered how I ever lived without eating macadamia nut sundaes with warm kulolo (taro pudding) and lilikoi (passionfruit) sauce.

After dark, the Westin Hapuna takes on an elegant glow. The softly illuminated infinity pool was alluring and spacious, so I opted to float there while my wife soaked in the hot tub, sipping a mango mai tai. Thick breezes occasionally nudged the pliant palm trees, carrying the scented bouquet of beach and flora. Waves echoed in the distance, and stars sparkled in the ink-black sky. Shut your eyes for a moment, and it feels like a peaceful, lucid dream. I had to admit, I could get used to this.��

���ϳԹ��� Intel

Even though sitting on the beach or sipping a cocktail at the hotel bar is a great way to chill out, it’s easy to get antsy—even in paradise. Fortunately, the Westin Hapuna has a nice set of mini adventures right out of your room, both on-site and off.

Resort ���ϳԹ���s

The Westin Hapuna provides complimentary snorkels, masks, and flippers, ideal gear for exploring a cove just north of Hapuna Beach that’s perfect for beginners. The fish seem on board with the plan. When I was there one morning, they showed up in droves. We saw a school of yellow tang, their deep lemon-yellow scales glowing in the clear water. We were pleased to spot a few reef triggerfish, the official state fish; their streaks of iridescent blue are eye-catching, but perhaps more interesting is their native name: humuhumunukunukuapuaa. More experienced swimmers can head out farther and explore a rocky outcrop rich with sea life, including the occasional sea turtle or parrotfish.��

When we visited in September, the ocean waves were calm, which locals told us is typical for that area most of the year. This makes the water suitable for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent equipment for both at the resort for a modest charge, though we opted to invest more time snorkeling and swimming during our visit.

Another fun mini adventure is to walk or swim down the beach to its southern end (left of the resort when facing the ocean), then wade through waist-deep water to discover an easily accessed sea cave. It’s an easy, enjoyable walk that takes 10 to 15 minutes one way. We explored this humble cave twice since. It was exciting to watch the swells crash into the rocks around the cave entrance, which is about 25 feet wide, and wander inside—not something to fear, as it’s only about 30 feet deep, with a high ceiling.

A 0.7-mile hiking trail connects the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort with its sister resort, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The path heads over volcanic outcrops (so go barefoot), takes about 40 minutes, and��is a great way to move your legs and start your day—it’ll warm you up nicely for all that relaxing you have ahead. If you’re seeking a more significant hike, good news: this small section is part of the larger��, a 175-mile seaside route that passes many historical Hawaiian sites.��

Off-Site ���ϳԹ���s

Mauna Kea Volcano

Like to go big? Hawaii’s highest point, 13,803-foot�� from the resort. If you’ve rented a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can motor all the way to the summit area, where a surreal collection of astronomical observatories are positioned amid the volcanic red dirt, their white domes contrasting with the blazing blue sky. Hikers up for a tough trek can head out on the Humuula Trail from the visitor center (elevation 9,200 feet); this 13.2-mile out-and-back will test your mettle, with a whopping 4,500 vertical feet of elevation gain, and should be taken seriously. The potential for altitude sickness is real, especially if you’ve been at sea level for a few days. If you haven’t planned for the hike in advance, the drive up is still a worthy excursion and��one less likely to cause a pounding headache.

I did this hike on my visit (check out my on Backpacker), which was one of the highlights of my Hawaiian adventure. Coming from Colorado, the elevation wasn’t a big issue—though I did have to delay my hike for two days due to an invasive-species cleanup operation, something done several times each year. The long hike is nonetheless amazing. Most days you’ll be above the clouds from the start, and the looming dome of Mauna Loa dominates the southern sky. The Humuula Trail traverses terrain that compares quite favorably to the surface of Mars. The “big reveal” on the summit is the 13 observatories. The sci-fi vibe is unlike any other mountain I’ve hiked, combining ancient geography and cutting-edge technology. If you can make time for this hike, do it! The round trip, including drive time, took us about ten hours.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes is a more ambitious day trip, but one that can be done from the resort if you don’t mind a bit of driving. It’s slightly one way. It’s worth it, especially if you catch one of the random eruptions of Kilauea, an active shield volcano whose immense crater is a hotbed, no pun intended, for lava flows.��But even if the volcano is calm, there are lava tubes to explore, gorgeous flora, exotic birds, and ancient petroglyphs. The , and it would be wise to make reservations on the day you plan to visit.��

Zip Lining at Botanical World Gardens��

��from the resort and takes you over to the eastern side of the Big Island. There you can zip down eight separate lines over the dense forest, cross a delightfully wobbly suspension bridge, and wrap up your tour with a speedy half-mile zip line over a deep ravine replete with a gorgeous waterfall. The Botanical World Gardens would be worth exploring even if you weren’t zipping around a hundred feet off the ground. The guides are excellent, good-natured, and put safety first. The entire tour takes about two hours.

Our outing was a blast. The first few zip lines are short, about 250 feet, but glide over ravines thick with twisting vines, chunky mango trees, and dense pockets of flowery shrubs. The shaky suspension bridge was giggle-worthy fun, bringing to mind countless old-time movie scenes. Between zip lines, we got to indulge in the rich gardens themselves. We sampled star fruit and sugarloaf pineapples, a white, less-sweet pineapple that has a robust pineapple taste. Out guides cut the bountiful fruit right off the plants—as fresh as it gets. On the penultimate zip line, my wife and I zipped side by side and “raced,” though since I outweigh her by at least 40 pounds, gravity was on my side and gave me a convincing win. The final half-mile zip line is incredible, though I won’t spoil it. It’s one of those things you must do yourself to fully appreciate.

Check out ��here.

Choice Rooms

The —there isn’t a bad room in the house. All are ocean-facing, so you’ll get a private balcony with a view of the Pacific no matter what floor you’re on. Ground-level floors have a lanai and walk-out access to the grounds.��Ocean View and Premier Ocean View rooms are both excellent choices (premier rooms are on higher floors). We booked the latter. The beds are ridiculously comfy, the balconies feature lounge-a-riffic daybeds, and guests have the option of using a screen door for two-way ventilation or the A/C. It must be mentioned that all rooms come equipped with a modern bidet, a true mark of the civilized world.

Eat and Drink

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and nearby Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are both Marriott properties, which means guests have access to both locations’ , great news for foodies.��A free shuttle service runs between the two, but if you feel the need to work off your meal, you can always bring a headlamp and walk the aforementioned Ala Kahakai Trail as a post-dinner constitutional.

On-site options at the Westin Hapuna Beach include:

• , an��oceanside fine-dining establishment that combines Mediterranean dishes with many creative Hawaiian twists, such as Plancha Hawaiian Ahi (an ahi salad with a touch of Kona-harvested Hawaiian salt) and Island Mushroom Risotto.
• The punches way above its namesake as a mere grill. All the usual pub suspects are here but raised a notch, thanks to the addition of Hawaiian elements (I mentioned its Hawaiian banana split at the start of this article). The Naupaka Grill is on the resort’s ground floor (below the Meridia), so all the beachside sounds and sites enhance the experience.
• serves up delicious, distinct cups of warm Kona coffee by day, strawberry-guava mai tais and assorted snacks by night. Piko is set in the spacious hotel lobby, with excellent views of the entire grounds. Live music is available most nights.
• Finally, is the place to grab a hearty breakfast with a great panorama. Like Piko, this restaurant is set on one of the tiered levels connected to the hotel lobby. The incredible Moku Nui Breakfast Buffet is one of the absolute best we’ve been to, seemingly offering the whole menu—from salmon and eggs to fresh Hawaiian fruit—in one place.������

When to Go

There’s really no bad time to visit Hawaii. The temperature is consistent (between 75 and 83 degrees), with only minor fluctuations in rainfall. September to October and April to May are Hawaii’s shoulder seasons, so the crowds will be lower than during the peak-visitation months of July and December.��

How to Get There

Fly into (Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, or KOA) and grab a rental car. From there, it’s a .��

Don’t Miss

The at both the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are worth a closer look. There are also cultural classes scheduled year-round at the properties if you want to learn more about Hawaiian history and art.

There also two spectacular golf courses��on-site: the and the . These are world-class, 18-hole courses in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.��

Finally, the koi feeding (7 A.M. on most days) at Westin Hapuna Beach is a satisfying way to start your day, kind of like ASMR in real life.��

Details

To Book:

Price: From $326, plus a $37 daily resort fee

Address: 62-100 Kauna’oa Drive
Waimea, HI 96743

James Dziezynski is the SEO director at ���ϳԹ��� Inc., the author of six , and an avid traveler who has now visited all 50 states. Because he couldn’t sit��still, he had to hike Mauna Kea before finally giving in and relaxing at the beach.��

The post For Active ���ϳԹ���rs, This Is Hawaii’s Best Beachfront Resort appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

‘Tis the season for turkey trots and cold weather races – and there’s an event for everyone. Though the weather is no longer warm, there are plenty of exciting races popping up across the country, each one celebrating not only Thanksgiving in the month of November, but community. Here’s what’s going on across the country.

To see the full list of our favorite running events, visit .��

2023 November Races��

November 4, 2023

TARC Stone Cat Trail Festival

Ipswich, MA

Held at Willowdale State Forest, this trail festival is a tradition dating back to 2001 and, since then, has become a beloved fall trail race for runners in New England. The start and finish line is at the Paul F. Doyon Memorial School.

November 4, 2023��

Hugs from Brett Trail Race

Henniker, NH

This new trial race is being held to support Veterans in the community. The event, which starts and finishes at Henniker Brewing, is small, but the passion behind its origination is ever-expanding.��

November 5, 2023

Rim Rock Marathon & Half Marathon

Fruita, CO��

This race graces runners with amazing views along the famous Rim Rock Drive up through the Colorado National Monument. There’s a reason they call this event monumental!��

November 11, 2023

Dirty Duel Trail Race

Grand Rapids, MI��

This race offers you a choice between short and brutal or long and difficult. The 5k is filled with steep climbs, tree roots, and off-the-path trails, while the 3.4-mile race has more mileage but features a flat, fast course. Whatever your decision is, you still get a cinnamon sugar donut at the finish line, so we all win.��

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November 11, 2023

Race for DFL

Winchendon, MA

The last runner standing wins! This November race is all about outlasting and outrunning one another until there’s only one athlete remaining. The course is a 4.16 mile loop, and every hour on the hour, runners have to start a lap. In order to stay in the race, you must complete the lap each hour and be ready to go again. No ‘trotting’ in this turkey race!

November 11, 2023��

TARCkey Trot 6 Hour

Winchester, MA

Do you have six hours to spare? Then this race is for you. Held on Wright Locke Farm, TARCkey Trot runners tackle a 5k trail loop as many times as many or as few times as they want before the time limit it up. There’s no requirement that you have to run for six hours, but the challenge is there!��

November 12

CMC Manchester City Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k

Manchester, NH

Just 45 minutes north of Boston, this race starts in downtown Manchester and winds through the historic Millyard, crossing over the Merrimack River to the Goffstown Rail Trail.��

November 18, 2023

Westford Turkey Trot

Westford, VT

A beloved race in its community, the Westford Turkey Trot has been held since the 90s. This year’s event will start at Westford Elementary School and all proceeds will go to the Annual Westford Town Library, scholarships, holiday baskets, and grocery gift cards for families in need.��

November 23, 2023

Evanston Flying Turkey 5k��

Evanston, IL

This turkey trot takes place along Evanston’s lakefront, which makes a perfectly peaceful setting for Thanksgiving morning. The event is�� limited to 3,250 registrants, so sign up while you can!��

November 23, 2023��

Wilbraham Turkey Trot��

Wilbraham, MA

A race with a full, community feeling, the Wilbraham Turkey Trot runs through the area’s mostly flat long, stretching roads. Fair warning, though, Monson Road has a sloping hill that’ll have even seasoned runners shivering in their tennis shoes.

November 25, 2023

Turtleback Ridge Turkey Trot

Ewing, KY

This race is held at Turtleback Ridge farm, a collectively-owned farmstead atop the beautiful ridges of Robertson County, Kentucky. The course is a 1.5 loop, with 5k participants taking three laps. Don’t forget about the mile beer run!��

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November 25, 2023

Green Bank Turkey Trot��

Green Bank, WV

There’s a race for everyone in this hybrid event, whether it’s a 5k, 10k trail run, a 1k, or a virtual option. While you run through paved roads and some trails, you’ll pass the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully steerable single aperture antenna.

November 26, 2023��

Gorge après Gorge 5k Trail Run

Chesterfield, MA

This trail run has been held annually since 2005 – a community tradition held at the Chesterfield Gorge. As its origins stem from the desire to get outside and appreciate nature, the views along the course are phenomenal. Afterwards, runners enjoy hot beverages and a community potluck.��

The post What’s Happening This Month? Here Are 13 November Races Across the Country. appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

We’re all mammals here, so it would make sense that many of the foods that power people would do the same for dogs. Sharing healthy snacks like carrots, blueberries, and strawberries with our dogs is easy, but are they actually good for them?��

Dogs aren’t known for their discriminating palettes. Greasy hamburgers, roadkill, colored chalk, and tortilla chips all got the same five-star review from my dog. That said, for obvious reasons, a pup’s enthusiasm doesn’t serve as a reliable guide for what dogs can safely eat. In an effort to get more clarity, we called up long-time veterinarian Dr. Heather Berst for her expertise on some common healthy snacks that are perfect for your pooch—and several to avoid. Be sure to keep this list handy, both at home and in your camping kitchen, so you never put your furry friend at risk.

So, Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A List of Dog-Friendly Snacks

Yes, dogs can eat bananas, and many enjoy the taste, says Dr. Berst. Bananas are high in sugar, so limit this snack to a few bites, but go ahead and let your dog indulge in a little tropical sweetness from time to time.

One caveat: Be sure that any fruit you share with your dog is just the raw fruit itself. Dried fruit, like the kind sold in many snack mixes, is too high in sugar. Stick with fresh fruit and in moderation. Trust us, you don’t want your dog getting diarrhea on a long hike.

Here are some other dog-safe fruits and veggies that are good options if your pup likes the taste:

• Blueberries: Frozen or thawed
• Strawberries: Share these in moderation, as they have a lot of sugar��
• Cucumbers: A crunchy, watery snack that some dogs absolutely love��
• Snap Peas: Another crispy delight that has low caloric content
• Carrots: A classic pup favorite, especially cut into smaller pieces��

When hiking with her dog, an indefatigable Chinese Crested dog named Dottie, Dr. Berst says, “I like snap peas and baby carrots as dog treats that they love, and that will not add a lot of calories. Apple pieces without seeds are also great dog treats.”

Be Careful of These Human Foods��

While some veggies and fruits are not outright harmful to dogs, they may contain sugars or other ingredients that should be limited. These include:

• Oranges: Most dogs dislike the taste, so don’t be surprised if your pooch politely declines. But a small wedge now and then is fine if your dog wants to opt for it.��
• Pineapple: Like oranges, these are often too sweet to be yummy for pups. Do not feed your dog canned or dried pineapples due to the sugar content.��
• Tomatoes: The red part of tomatoes is fine for dogs, but be extra careful not to let your pup eat any of the green parts of the tomato plant. These stems and leaves can cause stomach issues.��
• Avocado: Small amounts are ok, but avoid the pits at all costs. Also, be aware that avocados can be toxic to some birds and horses, so be certain you don’t leave any uneaten bits lying around.��

The Absolute No-Nos: Foods to Avoid Giving Dogs

Some human foods can be catastrophically toxic to dogs. Others can be too hard to digest. Avoid giving these food items to your dogs, no exceptions.��

• Grapes/raisins: Dr. Berst is firm on these fruits. “There are still things that we do not know about grape toxicity in dogs, but one thing we do know is to avoid grapes and raisins both,” she says. “If your dog eats even one grape or raisin, you should call your veterinarian.”
• Chocolate:��Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to dogs and can result in serious illness.��
• Alcohol:��For obvious reasons
• Fruit pits: Including apple seeds
• Corn cobs:��While not toxic, they present a dangerous choking hazard and cannot be digested.��
• Caffeine: Including energy gels. Caffeine is toxic to dogs, so be sure to avoid any food that may contain it.��
• Macadamia nuts:��Nuts, in general, are bad for dogs. They are a food category that is best avoided. Besides being toxic to differing degrees, nuts present a choking hazard.
• Walnuts����
• Onions
• Garlic
• Peanut Butter (and other foods):��Anything containing the chemical compound xylitol.��

A Special Warning: Xylitol, Found in Some Peanut Butter and Sugar-Free Ice Cream, Is Toxic to Dogs

Peanut butter is usually among dogs’ favorite snacks. Normally-processed or natural peanut butter is fine for dogs, but be extra careful if you use peanut butter that uses xylitol as a sweetener. Most major grocery store brands do not use xylitol, but always triple-check the ingredients. Xylitol brands are usually sold in health food stores.��

Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol found in many human foods, though most notably in chewing gum, mints, and candy. It’s also found in some baked goods and “skinny” versions of low-calorie, sugar-free ice cream. Bottom line: Never feed your dog anything containing xylitol.��

Further Resources

���ϳԹ���’s Recommended Dog First Aid Kit

(for food, plants, and more)

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

24/7 Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661*

*$85 incident fee applies

The post Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Human Foods That Dogs Can—and Can’t—Safely Eat appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Dogs love hiking, backpacking, and camping just as much as their human counterparts (maybe even more). Keeping your pup safe and healthy in the backcountry is part of your responsibility as a pet owner. That includes having a good dog first-aid kit ready to go in case of medical issues.

We consulted with Heather Berst, MA, VMD, Medical Lead with , on what first-aid items to carry for your dog on your adventures. Dr. Berst, her husband, Rich Puchalski, and their 10-lb Chinese Crested dog Dottie are avid hikers. The trio’s home turf is Asheville, North Carolina, but they’ve left bootprints and pawprints on trails across the country.

What Should Be in a Basic Dog First-Aid Kit?

“Dogs are our best hiking friends,” says Dr. Berst. “They love it, and we love to have them with us. Plan ahead and make sure you have a first-aid kit, leash, water bowl, treats, and water before you set out with your pup.”

Beyond those staples, here are her suggestions to build a solid, all-around first-aid kit for your pup.

Essential Items For a Basic Dog First-Aid Kit:

• ��Tweezers and/or forceps
• Pet wrap
• Bandages
• 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution
• Ice pack
• Alcohol wipes
• Benedryl (Diphenhydramine)
• Bandana
• Safety gloves
• Non-medicated saline rinse
• Medical scissors
• Activated charcoal
• Muzzle
• Towel
• Slip leash (a lead that doesn’t require a collar)
• Extra treats
• Sling or dog-specific emergency harness

Dog First-Aid Kit Specifics: The Expert Explanation

Below, Dr. Berst shares her thoughts on a few specific items, and why they’re important to bring with you, whether you think you’ll need them or not:

Why Bring a Muzzle?

“Even a nice dog may bite if in pain, such as when bitten by a snake,” she says. “I recommend a cage muzzle that allows them to pant but prevents them from biting you if you must pick up or carry a very fearful or painful dog.”

Why Carry Towels?

“Towels can be used for fractures instead of a splint,” Dr. Berst says. “You can create a splint by using a towel and duct tape. Splints may not shape well to a dog’s limb, so towels are great for mobilizing injuries. They can also be used as a damp wrap if your dog is overheating.”

Why Pack Slings?

“For small dogs like my 10 lb Dottie, I have a backpack I can put her in if she has a problem,” she says. “Even mid-sized dogs can be carried in some of the newer dog packs where you carry a dog in the front. An emergency dog harness for mid-to-large dogs is essential for evacuating larger pups.”

Note: come in specific sizes for dogs. That includes small dogs whose injuries may prevent them from sitting safely in a backpack.

Helpful Medications and Tools

A few items in this list also have specific uses, which can make or break your backcountry adventures:

3% Hydrogen peroxide induces vomiting but should be used cautiously. Do not induce vomiting if your dog has ingested corrosive chemicals (usually items like toilet bowl cleaner or bleach sprays) or sharp items like glass or plastic. These kinds of things could cause severe damage to the esophagus if regurgitated. But in the outdoors, you can induce vomiting if your dog has eaten mushrooms, human feces, or foods dogs are allergic to, such as grapes or raisins. You should only administer 1 – 3 teaspoons (3 tsp max for dogs 45 lbs. and over). Check out this —a helpful resource in dire situations. And even if your dog vomits on his or her own, call your veterinarian when you get off the trail and let them know what happened to see if they need to do more.

Activated Charcoal binds toxic substances and prevents your dog from being poisoned. This is a good product to ask your vet about. Activated charcoal powder can be bought over the counter, but vets can prescribe tablets that will be much easier to have your dog ingest. Here’s a so you can study up on various uses.

Non-medicated saline rinse can flush wounds or dislodge an irritant in a dog’s eye. Do not use medicated eyedrops for humans, as these can harm dogs.

Benedryl (Diphenhydramine) is used to counteract an allergic reaction or to help with anxiety. Write the dosage your dog may need on the package, so you don’t have to guess while in the field. And be sure to check out this Benedryl usage for dogs before you give your pup the pills.

Note: If your dog is on prescription medications, be sure to consult your veterinarian before adding other medications to your dog first-aid kit and before administering them in the field.

Additionally, a small amount of is wise to carry to rub on sensitive areas around the nose and ears in high UV conditions. For hairless dogs like Dottie, a jacket offers better sun protection.

What Should NOT Be in a Dog First Aid Kit?

“Dogs can not take many common human drugs, and it is best to confirm with your veterinarian before giving your dog meds or adding them to your first aid kit,” says Dr. Berst.��“For example, Tylenol is toxic. The one drug I would say to have in the first-aid kit is Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It can be given for an allergic reaction, swelling, or to keep the dog quiet. Confirm the dosage for your dog with your vet. There are several excellent dog NSAIDs available you can get from your veterinarian if you think your dog has pain or arthritis.”

> Bug spray should not be used for dogs
Note: DEET is poisonous to most animals, including dogs. There are several decent prescription flea and tick medications out there. Ask your veterinarian which is best for your pet’s size and weight, and the common insects in your area.
> Human Pain Relievers
> Human antacids, especially those with xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs
> Human eye drops

Backcountry Dog-Injury Situations: How You Should Respond

Dogs play hard, they’re curious, and they often leap before they look. As the owner, it’s crucial to know how to respond if they get into a pinch. Below, Dr. Berst offers advice on a few common backcountry medical situations that dogs tend to face, and how to deal with them if they happen to your pup.

Broken Nail(s)

“Broken nails can be painful but relatively easy to fix hiking,” she says. “You will want to restrain the dog before working on the nail and consider using the muzzle. Use a nail clipper to remove any hanging piece that could get caught on something.”

PRO VET TIP: If the nail is gushing blood, you can use Styptic powder or, in a pinch, corn starch to stop the bleeding. Apply it directly to the nail and hold it for a minute or so until the bleeding stops. It can be challenging to bandage a regular toe, but you can wrap a declaw. After the hike, if you notice swelling or discharge, take your pup to a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid infection.

Porcupine Quills

“Removing porcupine quills is very painful, and if you attempt to remove them yourself, you could push them further in or break them off,” says Dr. Berst. “Do not attempt to remove them yourself. Cut your hike short and take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Your pup will need to be sedated and examined for removal, by a licenced veterinarian.”

PRO VET TIP: The best thing you can do if this happens is prevent the dog from rolling, or rubbing or scratching the quills. All these actions could push the spikes into their skin further, causing more problems. While Dr. Berst is not a fan of e-collars in general, if your pup gets stuck with porcupine quills, that would be a case where a shock collar might come in handy to hike out safely, and fast, she says.

Overheating in Dogs

“Most people think about a dog panting when they overheat, and while this is a sign of overheating, they can show other signs too,” she says. “If you notice your dog breathing heavily, lying down, acting confused, tripping, or drooling-these can also be signs of overheating. Prevention is your best bet.”

PRO VET TIP: If it’s a hot day, try and hike in shady areas, provide your dog with plenty of water, and take more breaks. You can put bandanas, towels, or other soft products in the freezer before you go, and drape on the dog on a hot day. If your dog is getting overheated, consider it an emergency situation—too much heat for too long can be fatal. Put them in the shade on a wet towel.

Additionally, know the biggest mistake people make is cooling their dog off too fast, which can cause serious issues or even death, she says. “You will want to use room-temperature water on them. In a hiking situation, this would be the water in your water bottle and not cool stream water,” warns Dr. Berst. “You must get your dog to a veterinarian if you think they are overheating.”

Bee Sting or Snake Bite

“You must get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a snake bite, especially if it is poisonous,” she says. “If possible, try and get a photo of the snake if you don’t know if it is poisonous or not to show your veterinarian. Do not try and wrap it, and do not use a tourniquet.”

PRO VET TIP: Bee stings can be managed very similarly to a human bee sting. Try and use tweezers to remove the stinger and apply cool water to the area. “I would keep them quiet for a few minutes and head back towards the car,” she says. “You could give the dog Benadryl (diphenhydramine) if you notice swelling. Dogs can have allergic reactions to stings like people, and if they bite a bee, it can cause breathing complications. Look for heavy breathing, face swelling, and acting disoriented. If you see any of these, get them to a veterinarian.”

Giardia

“Dogs can get Giardia from contaminated streams, ponds, or puddles,” says Dr. Berst. “If you are doing a day hike, they won’t show any signs of illness during the hike, but you will see signs later. Some dogs will show signs of GI upset-loose stools, diarrhea, or vomiting, but many dogs may not show any signs when infected. Your veterinarian can test for Giardia and treat it.”

PRO VET TIP: To prevent Giardia, your best bet is to carry water for your dog—and make sure they drink what you brought, not what’s around outdoors. There are a variety of dog backpacks, if you want to have your dog carry its own water.

Altitude Sickness

“Yes, dogs can get altitude sickness,” she says. “They can’t tell you they have a headache, but they may seem lethargic and not eat as well the first few days at altitude. More severe signs could occur, such as pulmonary edema or heart problems. So, I would not recommend taking a dog with breathing or heart problems to altitude if they live at sea level.”

PRO VET TIP: If you notice your dog breathing heavily or coughing and wheezing, get them to a veterinarian immediately. “When I take my dog to Colorado, I take it easy with her the first few days to allow her to acclimatize—no long or strenuous hikes the first few days. It is very similar to what you would do for yourself.”

Snowblindness

“Technically [dogs] can [get experience this], but very few cases are reported in the academic literature,” says Dr. Berst.

PRO VET TIP: Dog goggles can be used if your dog has specific eye sensitivities, but snowblindness is generally not a concern for most dogs. If you plan to head out on a trip with cold temperatures and snowy conditions, be sure to ask your veterinarian if there are extra precautions you should take.

Signs of Discomfort

“Most people think about a dog crying and limping when they are in pain,” she says. “These signs certainly occur, but sometimes the signs may be more subtle. Dogs will try and mask pain. Sometimes a dog lagging on a hike may indicate pain. You may not see them limping, but notice them walking differently up rocks and hills. Panting and breathing heavily can be another sign of pain.”

PRO VET TIP:��Pay close attention to your dog’s body language and monitor changes that seem out of the ordinary. Sure, it’s fun to explore and enjoy where you are, but keeping tabs on your pup and remaining vigilant may help you identify if they’re in pain—and earlier is always better.

3 Injury-Prevention Tips to Hiking with Your Dog

Always Be Aware of the Condition of Your Dog’s Paws

Dog paws need to develop thicker pads over time. If you have a younger or less-trail experienced dog, start with short hikes (three miles or less) and check the paws after each hike. If cracking, bleeding, or splitting occurs, it’s time to rest or turn around. Remember: dogs hide pain very well, so it’s crucial to catch paw damage before it becomes too severe. In the field, having balm or wax like Musher’s Miracle and a bandage can be a temporary fix.

Never Push Your Dog Hard in the Backcountry

Not all dogs love summit ridges or jumping into lakes. Breeds like huskies wilt in even mild temperatures, creating a dangerous opportunity for overheating. Dogs that don’t have a lot of trail miles under their paws are prone to cracked pads and sore joints. Bottom line: take it easy on them, so you can get out tomorrow, and the next day, and beyond.

Remember: Dogs Have Fun Sniffing Around, Too

Dogs have as much fun sniffing in a meadow as they do hiking a mountain. Pay attention to your dog’s needs and respect what they enjoy in an adventure. Some dogs can ramble for hours with energy to spare, while others are happy to roll around in whatever gross pile they can find on the forest floor. They love to be outside, and your job is to keep them fit for it.

Knowing your dog’s personality can help you understand when they’re not feeling well. Always watch out for your best friend and keep a stocked dog first-aid kit ready in case of injury or illness in the field. This ensures both your pup and you will make it home after each adventure.

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