Outdoor Project

Sapphire and Emerald Lakes are nestled comfortably among granite ridges in the heart of the Trinity Alps. The outflow from these bodies of water mark the beginning of the Stuart Fork Creek, which meanders through mountains and meadows until it enters Trinity Lake. 

Utah Highway 210, more commonly known as Little Cottonwood Canyon Drive, is a major year-round access route for outdoor adventure tourists and locals alike. Whether you are headed to Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts in the winter or the many hikes in the summer, there is always a steady stream of cars headed up and down.

The Wild Basin entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is far from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park, and it offers some marvelous hiking. Most of the hikes in this southeastern corner of the park require a fair bit of climbing, but the hike to Ouzel Falls is moderate and extremely rewarding, especially for lovers of cascades and waterfalls.

Rocky Mountain National Park has so many great hikes, it is often hard to decide which one to do next. When staying at the Moraine Park Campground, the nearby trailheads for Fern Lake and Cub Lake are a logical choice. A very nice loop can be done between these two trailheads that has some great scenery and only requires a short walk along the road at the end. Either direction is fine, but this adventure starts at the Cub Lake parking area.

There are many opportunities to hike through the alpine tundra above the tree line in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of these trails require significant climbing at over 11,000 feet, which is difficult if you are not acclimatized to the high altitude of the park. Other alpine trails are short and crowded, like the Alpine Ridge Trail, and don’t offer much in the way of solitude.

In the Colorado Rockies, there are many peaks that are not named and are just referred to by their elevation because they are not very prominently differentiated from their neighbors. Sitting adjacent to Mount Ida (12,889 feet), Peak 12,150 offers 90% of the view with half of the effort it takes to summit its big sister. The trail to the top of Mount Ida involves some scrambling and trailblazing, but the route as far as Peak 12,150 is clear and fairly easy.

Among the several campground choices in the Dillon Reservoir area, Peak One Campground may be the best compromise across many factors. It is closer to the lake and provides better access than Prospector Campground, but it is similar with regard to the low highway noise and remote feeling.

Secret Falls is a large and beautiful waterfall located just a short distance off the trail of the Red Pine Lake hike. Most people have no idea about these falls, hence the name. It really is worth a look, and it is surprising that it has not gotten more attention. The falls stand approximately 40 feet tall, and there are terrace-like steps that allow you to climb around on the rocks when flows are not too high.

Chautauqua Park and and its extensive trail system is perhaps the most popular mountain park in Boulder and part of the open space and mountain parks network that make this Front Range city such a great recreation destination. In addition to the hiking trails, the park offers a wide open lawn with shade trees and picnic tables, a visitor center with nature exhibits, and a playground. There is also a dining hall that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has an afternoon happy hour featuring local beers.

The small community of Eldorado Springs, tucked into the mouth of gorgeous Eldorado Canyon, is named for the artesian-aquifer water that is piped to the surface from deep underground. For over 100 years residents have used the water for drinking and for recreation. Eldorado Springs Resort pumps the spring through a large swimming pool, keeping its clear mineral water constantly circulating. Though it is not a hot spring, the naturally cool water is modestly heated to about 79 degrees, the perfect temperature for refreshment on a sunny summer day.