Author: Seth Boster
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Day pass prices increasing at 5 state parks in Colorado
Prices are going up at five state parks in northwest Colorado. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission recently approved $2 increases to day passes at Steamboat Lake, Stagecoach, Yampa River, Pearl Lake and Elkhead Reservoir state parks, bringing the cost per vehicle to $12. Those are the five state parks within Routt County, which requested…
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Getting to know Summit County on and off the slopes
Colorado is home to names synonymous with skiing — the likes of Vail, Aspen, Steamboat and Telluride known around the world. But the greatest showcase of skiing in the state? We propose a locale that can’t be defined by one name, but four. Yes, it’s quadruple the fun in Summit County. However close in proximity,…
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Prairie Plunge mountain bike trail opens near Denver – a first of its kind for land manager
A new kind of mountain bike ride has come to the Denver area. Lakewood officials recently opened the Prairie Plunge at Bear Creek Lake Park — the first trail with a downhill-only designation in the city’s park system. It’s gained fast popularity, said Lee Blair, open space supervisor. “I saw someone the other day who…
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Is a larger beaver population in Colorado possible? It’s complicated.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to see more beavers back at their historic range in the state. That’s clear from the “overarching goal” stated in a recently released draft strategy: “Increase beaver populations and beaver-occupied wetland habitats in Colorado until social or ecological carrying capacity is reached.” Those social and ecological factors are complicated —…
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Giving thanks to Colorado’s outdoors: 10 enthusiasts pick favorite places
In Colorado’s great outdoors, our interests are different. But the feeling is the same: a feeling of gratitude. That’s what we realize around this time every year, when we ask outdoorsy Coloradans the places for which they are most grateful. We heard from a climber, a runner, a mountain biker, a skier, a kayaker, a…
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Following new management decisions, what’s next for bison in Colorado?
Could bison one day roam free again in Colorado? And could they be hunted, perhaps recalling a grim chapter in Western history? These were questions and concerns of several advocates who commented at the latest Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, during which the rule-setting board approved new management for the iconic animal mostly gone…
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Southern Colorado visionary basks in the glow of Neon Alley
PUEBLO • Joe Koncilja finishes dinner inside one of the several buildings he owns around this downtown block. He leaves a hefty tip, asks the lessee if anything is needed, anything at all, and then staggers out into the rainy night. He’s walking with the help of a cane. He’s been moving slower recently. “It’s been a…
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19 Colorado restaurants earning global accolades
“The Michelin way,” it turns out, is the Colorado way. We’re referring to food here — the Michelin Guide that recommends the finest in dining for worldwide travelers. And since inspectors have been coming to the Denver area and mountain resorts the past few years, they’ve found plenty of reasons to come back. The 2025 guide…
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Spine Trail to make long-anticipated connections between Colorado Springs parks
A vision for a trail system surrounding one of Colorado Springs’ most prominent natural landmarks is almost complete. In the five years since the 2020 master plan for Austin Bluffs Open Space — the 600 or so acres of woods, meadows and bluffs around Pulpit Rock — about 20 miles of trail have been constructed,…
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Catching up with Johnny Curiel, Denver’s hottest chef
Across Colorado, no chef is riding a wave quite like Johnny Curiel. In 2024, the world-renowned Michelin Guide awarded a coveted star to Alma Fonda Fina, Curiel’s solo debut restaurant that was not yet a year old. Along with the star, Michelin gave its Young Chef Award to Curiel. Then most recently, in its 2025…