Tag: Outdoors
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Colorado ski area pledges all-natural snow while eyeing new lifts, facilities, summer activities
A comparatively small ski area in Colorado has big hopes for the future. That’s clear from Monarch Mountain’s proposed master development plan, which was recently filed by the U.S. Forest Service. The land-owning agency will now review projects outlined in the 108-page document, including upgrades to lifts and facilities, expanded parking and trails and new…
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Hiker found dead on Long’s Peak trail Sunday
A hiker was found dead by search and rescue teams on a trail ascending the upper east face of Long’s Peak on Sunday, authorities said. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members were first notified of an accident involving an individual on Kiener’s Route on Sunday afternoon, park rescue officials said in a…
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Boulder County shifts away from ‘alternating use’ for mountain bikers
Mountain bikers and hikers will use Boulder County trails as they always have after leadership declined a proposal for “alternating use.” Under the proposal recently presented to county commissioners, a pilot program would have had cyclists moving one direction while other users could still choose directions on popular trails at Heil Valley Ranch ー what…
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It’s a tough summer for Colorado’s wildflowers ー but it’s a monumental year for one
One recent morning in the mountains near his home in southwest Colorado, Al Schneider was looking for the wildflowers he has admired for decades around this time of year. “Some plants were just not there,” he said. Others “were much smaller than normal.” And for others, “it was apparent they would never make it to…
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New trail on Pikes Peak among summer projects on Colorado 14ers
The season of hiking Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains also comes with tending to their trails. June began with Rocky Mountain Field Institute staff and volunteers hauling equipment up the backside of Pikes Peak ー the site of an effort that launched in 2019 to build a new Devils Playground trail toward the summit. The effort has…
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Controversial recreation development, management proposed for Sweetwater Lake in western Colorado
It’s not being called a state park, as it was declared in 2021 upon formerly private land becoming public in western Colorado. But recreation development and management for Sweetwater Lake could be similar to a state park under proposals recently released by the U.S. Forest Service. While detailing three other options, the agency is recommending…
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Colorado approves fish ‘salvage’ at 3 reservoirs facing imminent drainage
Colorado wildlife authorities have approved emergency “fish salvages” at three reservoirs facing drainage, some of which is the result of low snowpack and drought conditions. An emergency public fish salvage means the usual fishing restrictions or limitations have been lifted at the three reservoirs. In a statement, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the emergency action…
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Colorado approves fish ‘salvage’ at 3 reservoirs facing imminent drainage
Colorado wildlife authorities have approved emergency “fish salvages” at three reservoirs facing drainage, some of which is the result of low snowpack and drought conditions. An emergency public fish salvage means the usual fishing restrictions or limitations have been lifted at the three reservoirs. In a statement, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the emergency action…
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A scenic journey through time on an epic, underrated drive in southern Colorado
FREMONT COUNTY • A backcountry road bends between creek-fed greenery to reveal a gaping hole in the granite arching high against the sky. “I love Window Rock,” says Charlotte Bumgarner. It’s but one curious sight she loves along the endlessly curious Gold Belt Tour of southern Colorado. Bumgarner is executive director of a stewarding nonprofit…
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Pikes Peak Highway, cog railway offering rare sunrise, sunset viewing for upcoming holiday
One way to ring in America’s Independence Day? By catching the sunrise atop America’s Mountain ー no long, hard hike required. The Pikes Peak Highway gates will open hours earlier July 4, giving drivers the chance to behold daybreak above 14,000 feet. Road-managing Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain has billed it a “truly magical” opportunity that is…