A First-Timer’s Guide to Enjoying Summer in Crested Butte

A perennial favorite of powder hounds, this charming town in Gunnison County is also a bucket-list destination during the warmer months.

The last great ski town. A mountain biking mecca. The Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Crested Butte has garnered quite the reputation in the last few decades, and frankly, it’s deserved. The Gunnison County town is loaded with year-round adventures, fosters a warm and charming community feel, and boasts a diverse and delicious dining scene to boot. Unlike some other Colorado resort cities, the locals here are always down to share the best CB has to offer. Best of all? You needn’t brave I-70 to get there. The four-hour drive on Highway 285 curves through scenic mountain passes, where you’re more likely to spot a herd of elk or some wandering antelope than sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic. In short: Crested Butte is at the top of our list of Colorado’s must-visit towns. Here’s what you should know when you go.

The Odometer: 228 miles (about a four-hour drive from Denver), one-way

Get Outside

While Crested Butte is most commonly known for its world-class skiing, the town offers a plethora of adventures all year long. In the warmer months, CB is a destination for its many, multi-level mountain biking trails. For a dose of history before you ride, head to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and learn about the pioneers who inspired the town’s modern-day trail network.

Photo courtesy of Trent Bona/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Beginners should try the Lower Loop and Upper Lower Loop, an easy ride that starts and finishes at the edge of the town’s condensed downtown area. Choose either the wide path or single track—both lead to the beginning of the Lower Loop and Upper Lower Loop, which ambles along the Slate River. More experienced riders will enjoy riding the Snodgrass 403–401 combo ride, which kicks off at the Snodgrass trailhead, wraps around Snodgrass Mountain, and includes phenomenal views of the Maroon Bells and five fourteeners along the way. Be sure your climbing lungs are ready to roll before tackling this popular trail. (FYI, Snodgrass ends its summer season early. It’s already closed for the rest of 2018.)

Crested Butte is also home to the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association, the oldest known mountain bike club in the world. Its website is a great resource for finding the best trail for you, as well as checking trail statuses. Need to borrow a bike while in town? The Alpineer is a longtime outfitter that rents full-suspension mountain bikes for $49.95 for a half-day, and $75.95 for the full day. If you’re looking for a bigger two-wheeled adventure, head up to Crested Butte Mountain Resort and tackle the designated downhill trails with lift access, or test your skills on one of the resort’s two skills zones. No matter your expertise, the resort has a mountain biking adventure for you.

If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, hit the trail to peep some gorgeous alpine colors. In the summer, the town is dubbed the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” and even hosts a week-long festival to celebrate its blooms each July. Swing through the Wildflower Festival office (located in town) to grab a free printed wildflower guide, and explore on your own. By the time fall arrives, the surrounding landscape trades its colorful wildflowers for some of the state’s best leaf-peeping. You can’t go wrong on any of the many hiking trails in and around town, but we like the easily accessible Woods Walk, which comes alive with lupines and columbine flowers in the late summer months, as well as the challenging, 10.2-mile hike from Crested Butte to Aspen (or reverse), which tallies a 2,357-foot elevation gain.

Eat & Drink

Photograph by Tyra Sutak

Don’t let this quaint mountain town fool you—Crested Butte boasts an exceptional (and diverse) dining scene. Begin your day like the locals do: With a cup of fresh-roasted at Camp 4 Coffee or First Ascent Coffee Roasters. When lunchtime rolls around, let your appetite be your guide. Grab a hearty burger (or even a messy chili dog) at the Last Steep Bar & Grill. Or, if the sun is shining, take to the patio at Bonez Tequila Bar + Grill. Here, you can drink your way through the seemingly never-ending margarita offerings, while digging into flavorful plates of tacos, which start at $13.95.

Now let’s talk aprés. The place to be (and to show off any new biking wounds) after a day on the trails is Brick Oven Pizzeria & Pub. This CB staple has a huge selection of pizzas to choose from, as well as a beer list that rivals any major Front Range beer bar. Take your pick from world-class brews from 30 different taps, or choose a selection from the Brick’s semi-secret cellar, which houses some of the best beers released in the past decade. When the temperature starts to drop, you won’t find a cozier spot than the Dogwood. Housed in an old miner’s cabin, this quaint spot is known for mixing creative cocktails with their infused spirits and offers awesome happy hour prices from Tuesday through Sunday.

If you can manage to snag a table before the place fills up, the Ginger Cafe is an excellent place for some tasty (and heaping) Thai- and Indian-inspired dishes. But to eat like a local, be sure to grab a meal at the Sunflower Deli—a small, family-owned restaurant specializing in farm-to-table dining. Don’t even bother looking up the menu before your visit; it’s probably already changed. But we’ll bet you’ll love whatever creative and beautifully plated seasonal dishes are being served at the moment.

Stay

Photo courtesy of Tom Stillo/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

The Inn at Crested Butte offers primo proximity to the shops and restaurants in town, without breaking the bank. Find rates at this comfortable property starting at $159 during the busy summer months, which provides guests with complimentary wifi, breakfast, coffee, and freshly baked cookies, as well as free cruiser bike rentals. Like any good ski town, CB also has a hostel—the Crested Butte Lodge & Hostel—which provides basic accommodations for under $100 per night. For a broader selection of lodging options, Crested Butte Mountain Resort has you covered—from spacious condos perfect for accommodating the entire family, to beautiful hotel rooms overlooking the busy ski resort and Mount Crested Butte. Elk Avenue and the town’s main drag is only a short bike ride or free shuttle ride away.

For Families

Photo courtesy of Tom Stillo/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

A good sign that a travel destination is family friendly is a great local ice cream joint, and Crested Butte’s hometown shop is about as good as they come. Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream serves up heaping scoops of the house-made treat, and is conveniently located off Elk Avenue. It’s the perfect way to end a day playing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s Adventure Park, open from June to October. Enjoy mini-golf, rock climbing, a bungee jump trampoline, and even prospecting for gems—a fun throwback to Crested Butte’s notorious mining days. Day passes for children ages 7 to 12 are $17, and passes for adults are $20 per person.

Shopping

Photo courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte has a thriving arts community, so much so that the Crested Butte Creative District is recognized as one of the official designated creative arts districts in the state. Galleries are found up and down Elk Avenue and full of locally created photography, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures inspired by the quaint town and its natural surroundings. Don’t miss Paragon Gallery and Crested Butte Center for the Arts, both of which serve as co-op spaces where multiple artists work and display their creativity. Forgot a rain jacket or need to pick up some new hiking boots? Chopwood Mercantile is a locally owned outdoor shop packed with all the apparel and gear you need to play outside. Plus, you can gather some insider’s tips on where to hike, bike, and even stand-up paddle board from the knowledgable staff while you shop.

If You Do One Thing

To really get a feel for this charming town, spend some time strolling Elk Avenue. Crested Butte’s main vein is full of historic charm, beautifully restored Victorian-style houses, independently owned shops and art galleries, and busy restaurants showcasing Crested Butte’s many culinary talents. The welcoming vibe, coupled with the breathtaking surroundings, will make it hard to leave this mountain utopia. But rest assured, there’s always more to discover on your next visit.

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: SPY HELM 2 SUNGLASSES

There are (give or take) about a million different types of sunglasses on the market these days. Are you a cyclist? There’s a high-tech ergonomically-fitted pair of sunglasses for you. An angler? There are glasses designed to help you reduce glare on the water so that you can spot the big ones. Need a stylish pair of versatile sunglasses for your travels? There’s about a billion different styles out there for you. But for adventure travelers searching for a budget-friendly one-stop-shop pair of shades that seamlessly transition from the trails to town, SPY‘s new Helm 2 sunglasses are worth taking a look at.

For starters, the company’s update on the popular Helm model has a sleek but sporty design that looks just as good casually exploring a new city or hanging at the beach as they do bombing down a mountain. The Helm 2’s come in five different bold frame/lens color combos, including the stylish Matte Black Ice frame and Happy Bronze with Emerald Spectra pairing. As an avid traveler that always tries to incorporate outdoor adventures into my travels, the style factor (without sacrificing the function factor) of these sunglasses is a big plus for me. As an equally avid abuser of sunglasses (I beat my SPY Helm 2’s up pretty solidly, accidentally leaving them at the bottom of a gear bag with some pretty gnarly muddy hiking boots, and dropping them on the rocky banks of my favorite fishing spot), I also appreciate how durable these glasses have proven to be after almost daily use over the past few months. Through it all, aside from the dust and smudges from my most recent outdoor excursion, the sunglasses virtually look brand new.

MSRP: $100

Pros: Hands down, my favorite feature of the SPY 2’s is the Happy Lens technology which is designed to enhance color and contrast, increase clarity and improve mood and alertness. On a five-hour drive to Crested Butte, Colorado earlier this month (and every other time I’ve donned the glasses), I noticed that my eyes felt more relaxed and less fatigued, and since the lenses offer 100 percent UV protection, my eyes weren’t red and irritated when I arrived at my final destination, which is an issue that I’ve had with lesser sunglasses on road trips in the past. The SPY 2’s are made with a very brawny Grilamid® plastic polymer frame, which enables the glasses to be lightweight but still sturdy enough to resist impact and cracking. These sunglasses also have some pretty heavy duty five-barrel hinge action on the frame, which adds an extra level of durability to the overall design. For those that struggle with size issues and slippage when buying sunglasses, the SPY 2’s also feature double injection rubber on the inside temple tips of the frame, which helps them stay secure on your face, regardless of what activity you’re getting into. Whether running, biking, or fighting a big fish, I’ve yet to experience any problems with the glasses sliding down my face. These sunglasses, however, do not feature the same grippy addition on the nose, which wasn’t an issue for me and actually seemed to help eliminate those pesky red marks that some glasses leave behind after extended use. And at a price point of $100, these sunglasses won’t break the bank, which is always a pro in my book.

Cons: I tested out the Happy Bronze with Emerald Spectra lenses, and while I’m a fan of the Happy Lens technology, this specific combination was pretty inefficient when faced with the slightest bit of cloud cover. On a mid-morning fly fishing adventure in the mountains of Colorado, fast-moving clouds overhead meant I was constantly taking my sunglasses off and putting them back on to be able to get a clear view of my line.

Where We Took It: On sunset trail runs, early morning hikes, and Colorado fly fishing adventures.

8 MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS FOR THE OUTDOORSY MOM

In case you weren’t aware, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and if you have an outdoorsy mom in your life, we have a few suggestions for sweet, last-minute gift ideas that are sure to rocket your status to the favorite in the family. If you have a super active mom in your life that shreds harder, treks farther, and all around rips it in the outdoors, check out these 8 gift ideas that any outdoorsy mom is sure to appreciate this Mother’s Day.

For the Active Mom:

Skirt Sports Cool It Skirt

Made by women, for women, the Skirt Sports line is full of form-flattering, comfortable and super functional activewear that comes in an array of fun prints and colors. The designers of the first running skirt have updated and expanded their line of sports skirts to include a variety of actives and meet a variety of needs, and the latest offering is one of the best yet. Meet the Cool It Skirt: a fun running skirt made with Coolcore fabric designed to regulate temperature through a natural evaporative cooling process. The skirt also features built-in shorties, a mid-rise, wide, super comfortable waistband, a handful of well-placed pockets, UV 30+ material and a music port for easy headphone access. The skirt comes in pink or blue, and is sure to become that go-to piece of activewear for that mom in your life. skirtsports.com; $78

For the Cyclist

Pearl Izumi Women’s ELITE Road v5

If the mom in your life is an avid cyclist, then she’s going to be pretty stoked when she opens your gift and sees the pair of Pearl Izumi’s Women’s ELITE Road v5s that you got her. Not only are these road cycling shoes super sleek (and available in  a flashy hot pink and silver combo), but their unibody construction and design provide maximum pedaling efficiency and advanced connectivity and power transfer. At roughly 240 grams per shoe, the ELITE Road v5s are incredibly lightweight and wrap around the foot for a semi-custom fit. To top it all off, the shoes include a Boa system that creates an even cozier fit, less-slippage and makes it easy to get the shoe on and off. pearlizumi.com; $240

For the Runner:

Native Eyewear Catamount

If the mom in your life is most likely to be found sprinting along mountain trails on most days, then get her a pair of sunglasses that work just as hard as she does. Native Eyewear’s Catamount utilizes one of the most advanced polarized lenses on the market. The interchangeable N3 lens is designed to block up to four times the amount of infrared light than the standard polarized lens. The result is a high contrast, crisp view, that won’t fog up, and a frame constructed with a Mastoid Temple Grip that helps keep the glasses firmly in place, even when traversing the rockiest of terrain. At $119, these glasses are a lot of bang for your buck, and come with a lifetime warranty. nativeyewear.com; $119

For the Camper:

Mountain Khakis Women’s Christi Fleece Lined Shirt

Rustic meets luxury in Mountain Khakis Women’s Christi Fleece Lined Shirt. The exterior screams outdoors, but the oh-so-soft buttery faux fur lining turns this piece of light outerwear into campfire couture that any mom would be stoked to rock around the campfire. The Christi can be worn alone, or if sized up slightly, makes for a pretty solid light jacket. Passion snap buttons on the two chest pockets and along the front of the shirt complete the stylish, yet super warm and cozy look. mountainkhakis.com; $109.95

For the Angler:

Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack

Orvis is a strong supporter of equality on the water, and the company’s recent upgrade of the Safe Passage Sling Pack combines a fun design with the traditional functionality and durability that Orvis products are known for. The new design includes an upgraded shoulder strap with more cushion and foam padding for all-day comfort. The pack fits multiple fly boxes, and boasts multiple pockets and a bright interior that makes it easier to spot stray flies on the loose in the pack. The Safe Passage Sling Pack also features a strategically placed water bottle holder for easy-access, cord loops to hold a tippet bar, and a super helpful fly drying patch on the top of the bag. An enhanced nylon coating on the bottom of the pack helps stave off water, keeping all of the goods inside of the pack dry, and the mom in your life on the water longer. orvis.com; $89

For the Hiker:

Buff Neckwear

It’s perhaps the least appreciated piece of gear for hikers, but Buff Neckwear provides protection from the sun, and that makes it a must-have piece of gear for any mom that likes to spend her time on the trails. Buff neckwear blocks up to 95 percent of UV rays and features a COOLMAX® PRO fiber that wicks moisture and is quick-drying even on the most strenuous ascents. Buff Neckwear can be worn around the neck, or can transform to be worn 12 different ways. One size fits all, so don’t worry about getting your mom in your life the wrong size. And — Buff recently launched a National Parks line of neckwear, so you can personalize your gift by getting your mom a print of her favorite national park. buffusa.com; $25

For the Mountain Biker:

Yeti Cycles W’s Norrie Short

If the mom in your life is a hardcore shredder of singletrack, then she’ll surely dig the new Norrie shorts from Yeti Cycles. The shorts offer up a feminine look, without sacrificing function, which isn’t always easy to come by in the world of women’s mountain biking. These shorts are made with a lightweight, two-way stretch material, and a seamless, gusseted crotch to allow for aggressive riding. The stretch back panel on the shorts provides an extra boost of comfort, as does the low-profile, webbing waist adjustment and the silicone grip waistband. These shorts also have a convenient zipped stash pocket so the mom in your life can keep her keys or cell phone, or her treasured photo of you, safely stowed at all times. yeticycles.com; $100

For the Traveler:

Patagonia Black Hole Duffle 45L

If the mom in your life has a case of wanderlust, she needs this bag; especially if she’s a low profile traveler that shuns wheeled suitcases for easy-to-carry duffles that are great for fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adventures. Patagonia’s 45L Black Hole Duffle is made up of a burly polyester ripstop that is very weatherproof, and finished with DWR (durable water repellent). The highlight of this bag is the versatility in the carrying options. The bag includes removable, padded shoulder straps with webbing handles, snap closures, and haul loops for easy carrying. The base of the bag is also padded, which means that no matter how hard the mom in your life beats it up while exploring the world, it’ll last a long time, and keep her travel possessions dry and a safe. patagonia.com; $119

INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER: VISIT GRAND JUNCTION

If you prefer adventures of the two-wheeled variety, chances are you already know all about Grand Junction’s allure and charm. But did you know that the Grand Junction area is home to 22 wineries? And there are seemingly unlimited amounts of lakes and waterways for kayak and SUP adventures? Grand Junction is one happening place to be during the summer season, and to showcase some of the epic offerings available to everyone from mountain bikers to music lovers, Visit Grand Junction is taking over our Instagram account for the week. Read on to learn more about what makes this Colorado city a must-visit this year, and be sure to follow along at @elevationout to see for yourself.

What is the main outdoor attraction that lures nature-lovers to the Grand Junction area every year?

Biking. Mountain biking and road biking on a variety of trails in addition to the magnificent cycling to be had at the Colorado National Monument. The area surrounding Grand Junction is widely recognized as a mountain biking mecca, and is especially popular during the spring and fall seasons. Check out the Lunch Loops/Tabeguache Trails System, 18 Road Trails, or Kokopelli Loops. In addition, Colorado National Monument’s 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is perfect for road biking in a truly breathtaking landscape, surrounded by towering red rock monoliths and panoramic scenic desert vistas.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Give us the scoop on the best places in town to fuel up in the morning.

Dream Cafe offers a fun and uniquely hip atmosphere to enjoy the breakfast you’ve been “dreaming about”. They have a wide variety of options ranging from deliciously distinctive Eggs Benedict and Specialty Pancakes (including a gluten-free option), to mid-morning Bloody Mary’s or sparkling Mimosas. Another excellent option is Main Street Cafe — a 1950s themed diner complete with neon signs, glossy photos and posters of icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, hula hoops, poodle skirts and other 1950s memorabilia. With a wide variety of classic egg dishes and other breakfast favorites at reasonable prices, customers are sure to leave full and happy.

Grand Junction is known for having an excellent winery scene. How many wineries does Grand Junction have? And what is the best way to explore them?

There are 22 wineries surrounding Grand Junction, and our favorite way to explore is to rent a bike and ride between tasting rooms! The vast majority of Colorado Wine Country is easily accessible by bicycle. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride alongside vineyards and the Colorado River, while visiting several award-winning wineries for complimentary tastings along the way. This is a truly unique experience that allows you to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Grand Valley, while sampling some of the best wines in the state.        

What about can’t-miss events?

Late summer and early fall are prime festival and event season in Grand Junction, with Colorado Lavender Festival, Palisade Peach Festival, Pork & Hops Challenge, Colorado Mountain Winefest, Tour de Vineyards and Tour the Moon topping the list. Another highly popular event in May is the Grand Junction Off-Road & Downtown Music Festival, which consists of both professional and amateur mountain bike races on the Grand Junction area’s extensive trail system as well as three free days of live music throughout downtown.

Tell us one thing that every first-time visitor to Grand Junction absolutely must do while in town?

A great way to explore the area that most visitors might not know about is to hop around our waterways. We have 300 lakes and two rivers in Grand Junction, so visitors partaking in paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, or even Jet Boat Colorado on multiple waterways are sure to get a great look at a variety of our landscapes and most popular summertime activities.

Give us a few tips on how to blend in like a local.

Be ready to get outdoors! Whether it’s biking, hiking, golfing, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, horseback riding, off-roading, fishing, or skiing (just to name a few) the locals live here for the outdoor lifestyle that is easily accessible. Visit Grand Junction’s downtown district to shop and eat like a local at a variety of unique gift shops, boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants. Also, from mid-June through mid-September, attend the downtown Grand Junction Farmers’ Market on Thursday evening, a popular summertime favorite with locals showcasing the area’s finest fruits, vegetables, and locally made products.

GRAND JUNCTION OFF-ROAD SERIES ADDS THREE NEW SINGLETRACK TRAILS FOR 2018

If you’re planning on participating in the Grand Junction Off-Road series this May, get ready to ride some brand new singletrack. Three new trails have been added to the course series which offers participants the option to ride 15, 30 or 40 miles. The new trails come at the hands of a collaboration between the Grand Junction Bureau of Land Management Office, the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association, the Motorcycle Trail Riders Association and race organizers Epic Rides — who utilized money raised through their “Hail The Trail” program to fund the project.

“It’s extraordinarily gratifying to work with the community of Grand Junction and the local BLM Field Office staff to install trails that were wanted by the community for sometime,” said Todd Sadow, president of Epic Rides.

Riders can expect to see changes to Good Vibes to Second Thoughts on the outgoing route and Second Thoughts to Snake Skin on the approach back to the Gunny Loop. While the course will still climb out of downtown Grand Junction and into the Uncompahgre Plateau, the new trails will help remove two miles of pavement from the course, reducing moments in the race where riders and vehicles are forced to share the road.

“They were a missing link that will make accessing Butterknife and the backcountry portions of the course more fun,” explained Sadow. “It’s great to know these trails are now a part of the trail quiver for Grand Junction to enjoy year around.”

Registration for the 2018 Grand Junction Off-Road Series (May 18-20) is currently open. Along with amateur and professional races, the event will feature three days of free live music, a beer garden and an industry expo.

Click here for a sneak peek of the new trails.

THE JAN-FEB ISSUE IS LIVE!

It’s only just begun, but 2018 is fixing to be a pretty epic year. For starters, the Winter Olympics are set to take place in February (check out this month’s Numerology for a look at some odd, interesting facts about the Winter Olympics over the years). It’s been a mild start to the season in the Rockies, which means the snow is on its way, and this issue has everything you need to know about the best backcountry skiing in Colorado, the ultimate gear to safely shred out of bounds in, and the hot spots that some of the top adventurers in the state go to play. Our Jan-Feb issue is also packed with info on Outdoor Retailer’s big move to Colorado, epic powder in Quebec, and the big reveal of the six Colorado residents voted the most badass in the state in our annual Resident Badass poll. Grab an issue on stands now, or read on for a look at Elevation Outdoors Magazine’s first issue of the new year!

Editor’s Letter

Maybe we should listen to the locals.

No Ice, No Problem

Once a bizarre niche sport, dry-tooling—using ice tools on nothing but bare rock—is gaining in popularity.

Lift Rebirth

A Colorado company is saving the history of skiing, one retired lift chair at a time.

Eat, Sleep, Play: Buena Vista

Small town charm oozes from the top of Mount Princeton to the banks of the Arkansas River.

Local Hero: Amy Purdy

This Paralympic champ helps disabled kids dream gold.

Miracle Migration

Take a front row seat at one of the planet’s greatest wildlife shows.

Flashpoint: The Big Show

The Outdoor Retailer trade show will bring a big economic boost to Denver and the state of Colorado. But can it bring even more business to the state? Can it create the political might to have a say when it comes to America’s public lands?

Hotspot: Athlete-Inspired Adventures

Looking to up your game this winter? We asked some of Colorado’s top mountain athletes about their favorite big outdoor undertakings. Now you can follow in their paths.

The Trail: Backcountry Ski Homestake Peak

Download the free ViewRanger app and follow this route to reach the top of a Colorado winter summit and spend the night in a 10th Mountain Hut.

Numerology: Medal Count

We sought out these odd and interesting facts and figures about the Winter Olympics and Colorado in preparation for this year’s games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Straight Talk: Andrew Woods

The head coach of the U.S. Freeski Halfpipe Team tells us what to watch in the Olympics and how resorts can grow the often misunderstood sport.

Colorado Badasses

These gritty, determined Colorado athletes raised the bar for everyone over the last year. But it was not just physical feats that got our attention. Read on to see what it takes to pull off the top athletic achievements in the state and be named to Elevation Outdoors’ roster of biggest badasses out there.

The Great White Northeast

Want a winter escape with zero avalanche danger and a favorable exchange rate? Point your tips to Quebec and the chill backcountry of Mont Tremblant.

Gear: Best of the Backcountry

Whether you’re tagging uphill laps at your local resort or touring deep into the wild, this new, lightweight gear will get you far and away—and back home again.

2018 Race and Event Guide

Start planning your year of adventure now with our complete race and event guide.

Hear This: Celluloid Heroes

The Boulder International Film Festival pairs up-and-coming singer songwriters with talented young directors, making it an ideal venue for listening to new music.

The Road: The Big Reboot

The 10th Mountain Division’s return to Colorado aims to renew the deep ties between soldiers and skiers.

Elwayville: This Golden Moment

The U.S. ski team has become a powerhouse and a favorite to bring home a full haul of medals from Korea. But a roster of legendary skiers got us here.

EAT, SLEEP, PLAY: MOAB, UTAH

EAT

Crushing in Edward Abbey land requires calories. For a pre-adventure fuel-up, head downtown to the Love Muffin Cafe (lovemuffincafe.com), where you’ll find delicious breakfast and lunch menu items made with fresh ingredients. Pick from eight different flavorful breakfast burritos or one of the many gluten-free or vegetarian dishes this locals-approved eatery serves up. For that post-ride meal and cold beer, get to the Moab Brewery (themoabbrewery.com). The decor at this funky joint channels bike culture and you can’t go wrong with a half-pound pub burgers (that cost under $10) washed down with craft beer.

SLEEP

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 24 campsites in the Moab area, and six state park, national park and national forest campgrounds. These campsites fill quickly and most don’t take reservations, so arrive early to guarantee a spot. Visit discovermoab.com for a full list of campsites in the area. If pillows and running water are more your style, check out Cali Cochitta Bed & Breakfast (moabdreaminn.com). This historic B&B features six budget-friendly rooms, with nightly rates ranging from $95 to $190.

PLAY

We don’t need to tell you that Moab is home to some of the best mountain biking on the planet. Take a bite out of an epic like the Whole Enchilada (a trail system of 25-miles of downhill mountain biking from the La Sal Mountains to the Colorado River), or try new classics like Captain Ahab. But there’s more than mountain biking here: Arches National Park boasts some of the most rewarding hike-to views in the country. If you want the perfect family hike, explore the sandstone formations and slots in the leisurely Windows in Arches.

—Tyra Sutak

5 COLORADO ADVENTURE TOWNS TO VISIT THIS FALL

The window for epic summer road trips is in the books, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in one more mini road trip this fall. From exploring some of the state’s best hiking meccas, to traversing an adrenaline-packed via ferrata course, check out these five Colorado adventure destinations this season.

For the mountain biker… 

Durango

Load up the bikes and hit the road for Durango, where you’ll find more than 2,000 miles of exceptional mountain biking trails. Soak in views of the scenic San Juan Mountains and challenge yourself on the Hermosa Creek Trail — a 20-mile (one-way) ride with fast and technical descents. Or take on the 12.8-mile out-and-back Engineer Mountain Trail, which boasts up-close views of one of the most popular mountains in the area. Finish your day off with a cold, locally-made brew at one of Durango’s craft breweries, like Ska Brewing Company, or Carver Brewing Company. And if you want to sample brews from all of the city’s craft breweries, book a spot on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Durango Brew Train, which features beer tastings during a scenic ride through Cascade Canyon. When it’s time to fuel up to do it all again in the morning, head to Oscar’s Cafe—a quirky, longtime local dining hub serving up a massive breakfast (and lunch) menu loaded with tasty and hearty dishes, like the giant, chile verde-smothered Southwest Breakfast Burrito.

Drive Time From Denver: 6 hours and 30 minutes

For the angler… 

Breckenridge

There’s nothing like spending an autumn day fly fishing on Summit County’s legendary section of the Blue River. Only 322 miles of Colorado’s 9,000 miles of trout streams carry the Gold Medal Water designation (a stream able to produce 60 pounds of trout per acre and at least 14 inch or larger trout per acre), and the Blue River is one of them. To find the sweet spots to catch the big ones on this river, book a guided trip with Breckenridge Outfitters. This excellent guide shop will get you geared up and introduce you to some of the best fishing you’ll ever have. A Half Day Walk and Wade package is $210 for one person, but only $90 for each additional person after that. For a budget-friendly unique lodging option, book a room at The Bivvi Hostel. Located a short walk from downtown, The Bivvi offers up a variety of private and shared room options with pricing starting at $36 a night.

Drive Time From Denver: 1 hour and 45 minutes

For the whitewater enthusiast…

Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a river rat’s dream. The small town has a big whitewater culture, thanks to the mighty Arkansas River that runs right through town. CKS Main Street is the place to go to rent kayaks, SUP boards, rafts, wet suits, and just about anything else you need to get out on the water. You’ll also find information here on the best put-in and take-out sites along the river. Once you’re geared up, head over to the town’s public River Park, which is located within walking distance of the town’s main drag. Here you’ll find five in-stream recreational features and plenty of benches to post up on to watch other paddlers play in the park. After a day on the water, grab a seat and a delicious whiskey or gin cocktail at the Deerhammer Distilling Company. For a sinfully good, yet healthy meal, check out the Asian Palate — a dinner-only dining establishment that is making some of the best sushi and Asian food in central Colorado.

Drive Time From Denver: 2 hours and 25 minutes

For the hiker… 

Estes Park

The city of Estes Park is the place to be when the leaves start to change each fall. It’s location at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park makes it an ideal getaway destination for hiking enthusiasts looking to do some leaf peeping this season. While trails on the west side of the park tend to have less visitors, traversing the 3.5 mile (round-trip) trail that leads to Emerald Lake, a stunning and very photogenic alpine lake located at the base of Hallett Peak is a must for anyone visiting the park. And if you’re not quite up for peak-bagging Longs Peak this season, you can still tackle part of the hike which leads to Chasm Lake — a stunning alpine lake that highlights views of Mount Lady Washington, Longs Peak, and Mount Meeker. For a true adventure-filled weekend in this adventure destination, forego a room in one of the city’s hotels or inns, and instead opt for “Cliff Camping.”  Rappel up the side of cliff with help from the guides at the Kent Mountain Adventure Center and stay overnight in a portaledge constructed by your guide. Overnight cliff camping rates begin at $800 and reservations can be made through the end of September.

Drive Time From Denver: 1 hour and 15 minutes

For the adrenaline junkie… 

Idaho Springs

For a small town, Idaho Springs is packed with adventures. It’s a short drive to the trailheads of four 14ers (Bierstadt, Evans, Grays and Torrey’s), and as of this year, it’s also home the second via ferrata course in Colorado. “The Iron Way” is Arkansas Valley Adventures’ cliffside via ferrata course that overlooks Idaho Springs and climbs over 300 feet above the ground. Along with a guide from AVA, you’ll traverse along the side of the cliff, over ladders, rungs, rails, cables and bridges, eventually ending with a 50-foot free-fall and ziplining. A half day tour of The Iron Way is $149 per person. After getting your adrenaline pumping all morning, enjoy a cold beer and some elevated pub grub at the Westbound & Down Brewing Company in downtown Idaho Springs. If you’re trying to carb up before the big adventure, grab a slice (or five) at the original Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza location.

Drive Time From Denver: 45 minutes

5 Bike and Beer Tours to Take This Summer

Beer tours and bike tours are two fantastic ways to forgo boring tourist traps and explore a new city like a local. Recently, tour guides have combined the best parts of two-wheeled travel with the craft beer craze, offering visitors an untapped look into popular destinations. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, strap on your helmet and hit the road this summer with one of these five bike and beer tours.

1. Duke City Pedaler (Albuquerque, NM)
New Mexico is the poster child of the southwest. At its center, the small but lively city of Albuquerque is -- like many U.S. cities -- experiencing a craft beer renaissance. Duke City Pedaler's Beer Bike is not only a fun way to explore Albuquerque’s downtown hub, but it’s also one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in its increasingly popular beer scene. Hop on the 14-passenger party bike and help pedal through the downtown district. The 2.5-hour jaunt stops at three different breweries where you’ll enjoy tastings, discounted pints, and -- if you're lucky -- some good ol’ fashioned cowboy tunes. ($30 per person or $325 for a group of 14)

2. Pedal Bike Tours (Portland, OR)
Over the last 30 years, Portland has rightfully earned its nickname, “Beervana." The city has more than 40 breweries, many of which are revered by craft beer aficionados across the country. Pedal Bike Tours aims to introduce guests to Portland's booming beer scene on two wheels. The three-hour Oregon Brewery Tour, which runs daily, includes visits to brewpubs, beer tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made. The tour is also a great way to see the Pearl District and northwest Portland -- two of the city's most buzzing neighborhoods. ($69 per person, including bike rental and beer tastings)

3. Bobby’s Bike Hike Bikes (Chicago, IL)
Earn and burn your calories on the Bobby's Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour. This easy to moderate, four-hour bike ride passes through Wrigleyville, the Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park to sample beer, deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and cupcakes along the way. Your guide will teach you about Chicago’s colorful history -- from its mean mobster days to the pizza wars -- and the local beer scene, all while taking in some killer views. The final leg of the tour follows the shores of Lake Michigan, making stops to snap photos of Chicago’s iconic skyline. ($65 per person, including bike and helmet rental, plus food and drinks)

4. Ace It! Bike Tours (Santa Rosa, CA)
Northern California may be known for its wine, but grapes aren't the only things fermenting here. In a region dominated by vino, a handful of breweries have emerged, and they are quickly proving that Cali can compete in the craft beer scene, too. Ace It! Bike Tours' Sonoma Bike ’N Brew Tour takes guests to some of those breweries, including Hopmonk Tavern and either Russian River Brewing or Third Street AleWorks. The leisurely, four-hour bike ride ventures along country roads and beginner-level trails to give you a taste of the history as well as the beer scene in Santa Rosa. ($109 per person, including four tastings, bike rental, helmet, and souvenir photo)

5. Beer & Bike Tours (Fort Collins, CO) 
In the last decade, Colorado has become a mecca for craft beer drinkers. Its burgeoning beer industry, combined with the state's long-term appeal among fitness and outdoors enthusiasts, has laid the groundwork for Beer & Bike Tours' adventures. The four-hour Fort Collins Brew Cruise provides travelers with their own beach cruisers for a three- to six-mile ride, with stops at three local breweries. Choose from a handful of routes or customize your own. ($50 per person, including beer samples, bike and helmet rental, lock, and a city guide)