POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: HIGH ALTITUDE

There’s a moment—when you break out of the trees and a new world, a new view, new life, is unveiled before you. It’s usually hard-earned, and never gets old. Snowcapped peaks rise up to provide scale and perspective, and a vivid blue sky creates contrast and highlights the rainbow-colored blanket of wildflowers at your feet. High altitude hiking isn’t always easy, but the views from the top are worth every single step.

Postcard Location: Just outside of Breckenridge, Colorado along the Colorado Trail.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: SPIRIT ANIMAL

Festivals are a dime a dozen in the state of Colorado, but as the sun went down over Idaho Springs on Sunday evening, it was clear that the RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival was different. Sure, it’s a bluegrass-focused music festival set in the scenic mountains of the Centennial State, but this family-run not-for-profit fest proved to be much more: a spirited celebration of art, life, nature and community.

Photo Location: The Something Independent OutPost at the 2017 RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival in Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

BOOZE NEWS: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROUND-UP

The rivers are flowing hard in the Rocky Mountain region, but not as hard as the booze is this weekend. From festivals celebrating a range of boozy liquids, to tickets on sale for future celebrations of boozy liquids, to new releases of delicious, must-try boozy liquids, here’s all of the news that’s fit to drink this weekend.

Weekend Entertainment:

5th Annual Hops & Harley Fest

Not only is City Star Brewing’s annual Hops and Harley festival a free event, but dogs are welcome (on leash) and 100 percent of proceeds will benefit the Colorado-based organization, Harley’s Dream—a non-profit that creates awareness and educates the public about puppy mills. The event will take place at Fickle Park in downtown Berthoud from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, June 24, and is set to include craft beer, live music, food trucks, dog-friendly vendors, kids activities, and more. citystarbrewing.com/hops-and-harley

Boulder Beer Company’s 38th Anniversary Celebration

The brewery that started it all in Colorado is turning the big 3-8 and celebrating in style with a big ol’ anniversary bash at their recently-renovated brewpub. The party will run from noon to 8 pm on Saturday, June 24, and feature a rare beer garden serving experimental brews, live music all day, a tie-dye t-shirt station, and beer and cheese pairings from Murray’s Cheese. Entry to the celebration is free. boulderbeer.com

Carbon Valley Wine Festival

The Carbon Valley Wine Fest returns to the Wild Cider Orchard from 1 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, June 24. The festival is partnering with the Wild Animal Sanctuary Beer Garden to bring festival-goers tastings from 22 cideries, meaderies and wineries along with 12 local breweries. General admission pricing ranges from $22.50 to $30 (includes admission to the festival and unlimited tastings) with VIP pricing (includes admission to the festival, unlimited tastings, a catered buffet and access to a VIP tent) starting at $41.25 per person. carbonvalleywinefestival.com

Stills in the Hills

Central City is shutting down Main Street to host the 5th Annual Stills in the Hills festival. Over 100 spirits from local distilleries are being served up at this boozy event, which will take place from 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, June 24. Tickets are $35 per person for General Admission ($45 each on the day-of), and $60 per person for VIP, which includes early admission, appetizers and access to a private VIP tent. stillsinthehills.com

Cask Thief: A Rare & Unusual Whiskey Tasting Event

Stranahan’s Distillery is celebrating American Single Malt Whiskey on Saturday, June 24, by revealing some of the Denver-based distillery’s rarest barrels, all hand-selected by Master Distiller, Rob Dietrich. Whiskey aficionados will enjoy tasters from six different aged casks along with a pig roast, live music, and more. Tickets are limited for this event and are $65 per person. stranahans.com

Beer, Bacon & Bluegrass

Combining beer, bacon and bluegrass is basically a recipe for a great weekend, which is why you won’t want to miss Black Shirt Brewing Company’s celebration of all three on Saturday, June 24. This free event will feature live tunes from Old Fuss and Feathers on the stage in the brewery’s outdoor beer garden starting at 2 pm, plus Tender Belly will be on hand with delicious pork samples, and, of course, the beer will be flowing. blackshirtbrewingco.com

Boozy Releases: 

Dale’s Pale Ale 16 Ounce Limited Can Release

Oskar Blues Brewery is celebrating 15 years of the original craft beer in a can, Dale’s Pale Ale, with a shiny new limited release 16 ounce can featuring custom artwork by avant-garde illustrator, McBess. The brewery is set to release the new design and celebrate the hopped up pale ale with a release party at Stoney’s Bar & Grill in Denver on Thursday, June 29 from 6 pm to 10 pm. dalespaleale.com

Wyoming Whiskey Eclipse Edition

Wyoming Whiskey just released one heck of a small batch bourbon that you’ll want to get your hands on before it runs out. The Eclipse Edition Small Batch Bourbon is available exclusively in Wyoming and celebrates the solar eclipse that will take place across the country in late August. This limited edition spirit boasts a medium body with a beautiful blend of vanilla, caramel, charred oak and citrus notes. Pick up a bottle for $45 at select Wyoming retail locations. wyomingwhiskey.com

Tickets on Sale:

21st Annual Colorado Brewers Rendezvous

A favorite among members of the Colorado craft beer industry, the Colorado Brewers Rendezvous beer festival is back, and tickets are on sale now. This one-day (July 8) brew fest will take place in Riverside Park in downtown Salida, and will include beer tastings from more than 75 craft breweries from the state of Colorado. Expect breweries to break at their best at this dual beer fest which also serves as a fundraiser for the Colorado Brewers Guild. Tickets are on sale now and start at $40 per person. coloradobeer.org

Sanitas Taco Fest

Tacos and beer are like peanut butter and jelly, and Boulder-based Sanitas Brewing Company is putting them both together and throwing in Lucha Libre Wrestling, pinatas, and a slew of other fun activities on August 5. Over 20 exclusive beers will be served up along with more than 30 gourmet tacos. General Admission is $12 per person and VIP tickets are $45 person. sanitasbrewing.com

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: LIFESTRAW GO

Safe water. It’s one of the most important things our bodies need to function and stay healthy, yet not always easy to find. That’s the LifeStraw brand comes in. Offering several different ways to filter and purify water, LifeStraw provides access to safe drinking water, wherever you are. With multiple products that magically turns unsafe water into drinkable water, LifeStraw has steadily become a rising star in the outdoor retail world. And using the award-winning filtration technology to create safe-drinking water is as simple as filling up a water bottle. The LifeStraw Go is durable, refillable water bottle with an internal filtration system that eliminates bacteria, virus and protozoa from water. The filter included in the bottle filters up to 1,000 liters of water and replacement filters are easy and affordable to replace. Without using iodine, the LifeStraw water filtration system removes nearly 100% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, making the LifeStraw Go a must-have for adventurers and travelers packing light.

Pros: There are so many pros with the LifeStraw Go, it’s hard to know exactly where to start. Even though this water bottle is a great addition to any adventurer’s arsenal of gear—purchasing this product automatically provides clean water for others—which is the kind of thoughtfulness and global thinking that continues to propel the outdoor industry. Each LifeStraw product sold provides one child in school in a developing community safe drinking water for an entire school year. So your LifeStraw Go not only provides you with safe drinking water, it also provides it for someone else in need—and that in itself is awesome. But let’s get back to you for a second. If you become the proud owner of the LifeStraw Go, you’ll have access to safe drinking water wherever you go. For those backpacking, or bikepacking, or whatever type of packing takes you to remote places, the LifeStraw Go quenches the potential issue of dehydration and does it in the most efficient way. Instead of loading up gallons and gallons of safe drinking water for your outdoor adventures, the LifeStraw Go allows you to create safe drinking water from whatever stream or lake or river you pass by, all in the 22-ounce water bottle. But being able to filter your water no matter where you are isn’t just a pro for outdoor adventurers. This is incredibly helpful for travelers of all kinds. Ever poured yourself a glass of murky water at a hotel room? Yep—me, too. Hence the addition of this water bottle to the list of items I always bring with me on the road. And one of the best pros about this water bottle is the affordability factor. Pick up this portable, BPA-free water filtration system for under $30.

Cons: The exterior of the LifeStraw Go is definitely durable—surviving a multitude of klutzy moments that define my daily life—on, and off the trails. But the addition of the water bottle’s main feature—the filter, takes the durability level of this bottle down a notch. My water bottle is often one of the most scratched up, mis-handled pieces in my gear collection, which is why it also makes me just a little nervous. I’m afraid to drop it, knowing that the filter inside of the bottle can be damaged fairly easily. And although replacing the filter is easy and relatively cheap, having a piece of gear that can easily be used to death on one trip always worries me a little.

Where We Took It: Camping in Missoula, Montana, on adventures in New York City, and in my backpack for the majority of my trips near and far.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: CAMPFIRE DIARIES

There’s nothing, and I mean nothing, like the smell of fresh mountain air. It’s soothing and comforting, and it wraps around you like a soft blanket—releasing your worries and fears—if only for one breath. It carries with it the sweet scent of pine blended with the natural aromas of babbling streams and snowcapped peaks. At the Gore Creek Campground located on the outskirts of East Vail in Colorado, the air is crisp, and clean, and inviting. It’s amplified by the sound of a nearby raging river, and in the stillness of the night, is illuminated by bright flames from a fire, that dance high into the night sky—casting a mysterious spell over everything lucky enough to breath it all in.

Photo Location: Vail, Colorado

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

10 BOOZY GIFTS FOR DAD

Father’s Day is this weekend, and nothing says ‘I love you, dad’ like some hand-crafted booze from the state of Colorado. From top notch whiskey, to six packs perfect for breaking open after a day on the trails or in the streams, check out these 10 boozy gift ideas for dad.

Barrel Aged Classics Limited Edition Box Set | Great Divide Brewing Co.

An all-in-one gift, Great Divide’s limited edition box set of barrel aged classics features a 12 ounce bottle of each of the brewery’s coveted barrel-aged classics (Hibernation, Old Ruffian and Yeti) plus a custom-designed Spiegelau glass to enjoy them out of. Pick one up at the source itself, or find one at participating liquor stores. $30

Bourbon And Whiskey Club Membership | Marble Distilling Co.

If your dad really loves whiskey, and you really love your dad, then a membership to Marble’s unique Bourbon and Whiskey Club is the perfect gift. A membership to this cool club gets your dad a 10L American Oak Barrel with #3 engraved with your dad’s name on it and filled with his bourbon or whiskey of choice. The barrel is stored at the Carbondale-based distillery’s Barrel Room where your dad can visit, sample his bourbon, and give input on desired taste, proof and length of aging time. $1,450 (membership also includes additional perks at the distillery.) 

Ol’ Stumpy Cider | Colorado Cider Company

Is your dad more of a cider drinker? Then grab him a bottle of Colorado Cider Company’s Ol’ Stumpy Cider. This gluten-free boozy beverage is made with bittersweet apples and boasts earthy flavors and hints of oak after being aged for a full year in oak Chardonnay barrels. The name alone will encourage a slew of dad jokes, and you can’t put a price tag on a gift like that. Find it in liquor stores along the Front Range for roughly $10 per 500 ml bottle.

Multitask Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Porter | Denver Beer Company

Brewed in collaboration with Draught Works Brewery in Missoula, MT, this imperial porter is a big beer (8.6 percent ABV) that features rich, chocolatey notes and a strong  whiskey aroma. Aged for three months in Heaven Hill Rye Whiskey barrels, this brew will warm your dad’s heart. Share a pint with your pops at Denver Beer Company’s new brewery and taproom in old town Arvada which officially opens to the public on Father’s Day weekend.

Honey Hatch Whiskey | Blank & Booth Distilling Company & Molly’s Spirits

This collaborative concoction between two Denver companies is about as unique as it gets, and your dad is going to want to try it. Honey Hatch is made with hatch green chiles and ten pounds of Colorado honey, giving this beverage a balance of heat and sweet good for sipping on it’s own, or making the star of a killer Bloody Mary at Father’s Day brunch. Pick up a 750ml bottle at Molly’s Spirits in Denver for $36.99.

Bugs N Brews Tour | Upslope Brewing Company

Is your dad a beer-drinking angler? Then surprise him with brews and bugs at Upslope Brewing Company during a Bug ‘N’ Brews fly-tying class presented by the knowledgeable folks at Rocky Mountain Anglers. This class is set to take place at the brewery’s Flatiron Park location on Monday, June 19. And the best part of this gift? It won’t cost you a dime. This free class also includes one complimentary Upslope brew.

Deerhammer American Single Malt Whiskey | Deerhammer Distillery

If your dad is a whiskey drinker, you’ll want to get him a bottle of Deerhammer Distillery’s deliciously smooth American Single Malt Whiskey. This 100-percent malted barley whiskey is distilled through direct-fire copper pot stills and stored in charred white oak casks. The result? A tasty blend of coffee, cacao, carmel and spice notes with a perfectly subtle peanut buttery finish. Pick up a 750ml bottle at liquor stores throughout Colorado, or, really elevate your status among your siblings by taking your dad for a road trip to beautiful Buena Vista to taste this whiskey at the source. $47

Hop Savant | Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

Sour-style beers are an acquired taste, but if your dad is part of the bunch that is pro-sour beers, then pick him up a 4-pack of Hop Savant—the brewery’s popular 100 percent Brettanomyces dry-hopped pale ale—which just recently hit the market in cans for the first time. Grab a 4-pack at Crooked Stave’s Denver tasting room at The Source, or pick up a 4-pack at select liquor stores throughout Colorado. $10

Colorado Bourbon Whiskey | Distillery 291

Get some serious bonus points this Father’s Day by gifting your dad with a bottle of Distillery 291’s Colorado Bourbon Whiskey. Mash-aged in an American white oak barrel, this bourbon smells like cherry tobacco and tastes like heaven. Grab a bottle and enjoy this handcrafted goodness on it’s own, or check out the distillery’s recipe section on their website and mix up your dad a tasty Father’s Day cocktail. $79.99

Scoundrel | City Star Brewing

Forget your dad, pick up a bottle of City Star Brewing’s sour barrel-aged brown ale for yourself. The Scoundrel is a sour version of the brewery’s award-winning Bandit Brown Ale aged in oak Cabernet wine barrels for two years and soured with a blend of lactobacillus and pediococcus bacteria, which makes for one damn good beer. This limited release brew is available in 22 ounce bottles at the brewery’s Berthoud tap room. $16

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: LOWA INNOX EVO GTX® QC WS

If you’re an avid hiker, having a comfortable and durable pair of hiking boots that hold up to the elements is essential. They’re the difference between killing it out on the trails, and just plain getting killed. Based in Europe, Lowa  has been in the shoe business since 1923, and they continue to make some of the best quality, hardest-working trail shoes on the market. Over the winter, I tested out a pair of the company’s popular Renegade GTX’s and fell in love. On a month-long road trip throughout the western U.S. in the month of May, I put Lowa’s Innox Evo GTX® Qc WS to the test, over ungroomed trails, in ridiculous heat, through wind and rain, and on some of the best adventures I’ve had in 2017.

MSRP: $190

Pros: These boots are insanely lightweight considering the amount of features they sport. Instead of a clunky, heavy boot, the Innox Evo’s are athletically-inspired and perform more like a fitness shoe than a hiking boot. And they’re waterproof—which certainly comes in handy when exploring in the often unpredictable mountains in the warm weather months. But unlike some hiking shoes, these waterproof, durable boots also feature climate control in the footbed. I tested these boots out on some seriously hot summer days in the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree National Park, and never once did my feet feel like they were on fire, unlike my nose, which I consistently neglected to slather sunscreen on throughout the trip. These hikers also have GORE-TEX lining, as well as Vibram technology for better grip. These particular boots are also women’s-specific, upping the level of support and comfort. The Innox Evo’s also come in a regular fit.

Cons: The sturdy, yet flexible design paired with the DynaPU midsole cushion make these boots a comfortable option to don for longer trail trips, but on my first outing with the Innox Evo’s, I spent more time adjusting my shoe due to discomfort than reveling in the boot’s comfortable features. In order to achieve that desired comfort, I had to loosen the boots laces all the way up and down the boot in order to eliminate awkward pain beneath the boot’s tongue. Each time I rock the Innox Evo’s it takes a few extra minutes of attention in the lacing department to make these hiking boots live up to their comfortably promise.

Where We Took It: Hiking and exploring in Joshua Tree National Park, the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde National Park and everything in between.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: THE OPEN ROAD

The open road is everything. It’s familiar, but mysterious. It’s gentle, yet rough. It’s inviting but riddled with small tokens of caution. It can be smooth around the edges, but broken in the middle. It’s the place that I feel most at home. Hit the open road this summer and let your mind run free—over the center line and out off into the adventure-filled great unknown.

Photo Location: Joshua Tree National Park

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: RIDING INTO SUMMER

As the golden hour begins at this year’s Lyons Outdoor Games & Burning CAN Beer Festival, one lone BMX rider synchronizes a series of wheelies to the sounds of live music drifting from an outdoor stage in the distance. Throw in a few hundred people with plastic cups filled with craft beer raised up to the sky, all swaying along in unison to the sounds reverberating off of the nearby mountainsides and over the lush green valley, and you have yourself the perfect summer evening. With festival season in full swing, and warm weather back in the Rocky Mountain region, more perfect summer nights are on the horizon. See our full photo gallery from the festival below, and check out our Ultimate 2017 Festival Guide  to start planning your perfect summer night.

Photo Location: Lyons, Colorado

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends

5 UNIQUE PLACES TO DRINK BEER IN COLORADO

Coloradans like their craft beer, that’s for sure. The Centennial State ranks second in the country in number of breweries, which means there’s never a shortage of places to grab a cold, fresh local brew. But if you’re looking to drink outside of the box this summer, check out these five unique places to drink craft beer in Colorado.

The Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar  | Buena Vista

A historic jailhouse from the 1800s turned popular local hangout, The Jailhouse in Buena Vista is the place to grab a craft beer in Chaffee County. Checking out the beautiful jailhouse-inspired interior is worth the trip alone, but the 10 rotating drafts filled with some of the best beer in the country make this small town gem a must-visit this summer. thejailhousebv.com 

Periodic Brewing | Leadville

At 10,200 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the U.S., which makes Leadville-based Periodic Brewing the highest craft brewery in the country. Head to the taproom for a post-run or post-ride Hope Pass IPA or Sugarloaf Amber Ale and some tasty pub grub. periodicbrewing.com

Upslope’s Backcountry Taproom | Colorado’s Backcountry

Looking to grab a beer in the coolest taproom in Colorado? Check out Upslope Brewing Company’s Backcountry Taproom—an annual event held in the backcountry featuring the release of one of the Boulder-based brewery’s limited-release speciality beers. Anyone visiting this taproom will have to earn their beer calories by hiking to and from the taproom’s backcountry location. Keep an eye out for Upslope to release this year’s Backcountry Taproom date later this summer. upslopebrewing.com

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Brew Train | Durango

In a nod to Colorado’s railroad past, a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad should be on every Coloradans list of things to do this year. But if you’re a craft beer aficionado, book your trip on this historic train during one of the railroad’s two Brew Train dates (September 2 & September 30). In addition to gorgeous views of the Animas River Valley, live music by local bands, and a Bavarian luncheon on the banks of the Animas River, five Durango-based breweries—including Ska Brewing and Steamworks Brewing Company—will offer tastings on the train as it slowly ambles through one of Colorado’s most scenic landscapes. Ticket pricing begins at $109.00 per person. durangotrain.com

Bristol Brewing Company | Colorado Springs

Go back to school with a visit to Bristol Brewing Company’s beautiful brewery and pub located inside of an old elementary school originally built in 1916. One of Colorado Springs’ most beloved breweries, Bristol’s digs inside of the Ivywild School still feature the school’s beautiful exposed brick walls and even artwork from former students that can be found in the hallways and restrooms of the restored building. And the brewery is in good company. Also housed in the former school is the Old School Bakery—which is cranking out delicious baked goods and sandwich bread for dishes on Bristol’s pub menu. bristolbrewing.com

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: WHERE THE JOSHUA TREES GROW

Driving into Joshua Tree National Park is like driving on another planet. Maybe it’s the ethereal Joshua Trees that stretch their gnarled, twisted branches out to greet visitors. Maybe is the desert dust, dancing and swirling along the horizon as far as the eye can see. Maybe it’s the smooth faces of the clusters of boulders found throughout the park, most speckled with climbers, all adding to the magical allure of the SoCal gem which was originally recognized as a U.S. National Monument in 1936, and promoted to a National Park in 1994. At night, while the trails are quiet and the climbers sleep soundly in their tents, the stars and moon shine their light over colorful landscape—blanketing this already otherworldly place with a mystical glow.

Photo Location: Joshua Tree National Park

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

BOOZE NEWS: BEST FRUIT FORWARD

Summer is here! And Colorado breweries are busy releasing a steady stream of refreshing, easy-drinking seasonal brews. But this summer, brewers are putting their best fruit forward. From Japanese Yuzu fruit-inspired beers, to a delicious Coconut IPA, to a farmhouse-style ale brewed with chokecherries, here’s a look at seven fruit-forward beers hitting the Colorado market this season.

Fugli Fruit IPA
Oskar Blues Brewing Company — Longmont
5.8% ABV, 60 IBUs 

What’s in a name? Oskar Blues’ latest canned release, the Fugli Fruit IPA, is named for the Ugli fruit—a Jamaican sort of tangelo—which together with the citrusy Yuzu fruit, and Mosaic hops, makes for one tangy, fruity and drinkable beer. Fill up a Crowler full at the brewery’s Longmont tasting room, or find it on draft or in cans and restaurants and liquor stores near you.

Maui Express Coconut IPA
Denver Beer Company — Denver
6.6% ABV

Sure, we’ve all consumed a Coconut Porter or two on our day, but how about a Coconut IPA? The folks at Denver Beer Company recently introduced the tropical explosion of flavors of the Maui Express Coconut IPA to beer drinkers in the Denver area. Made up of  a combination of Citra and Mosaic hops, and shredded coconut, this refreshing brew will quickly make it’s way up your list of top summer beers. Head to the Denver Beer Co. brewery on Saturday, May 27 to celebrate the release of the Maui Express with a tropical luau complete with giveaways, coconut bikinis and Hawaiian shirts.

Lemondrop Wheat
Station 26 Brewing Co. — Denver
4.5% ABV, 17 IBUs

If you’re looking for the quintessential summery beer to sip on this season, grab a can of Station 26 Brewing Company’s Lemondrop Wheat. Brewed with Lemondrop hops and fresh lemon, this gluten-reduced beer is basically summer in can. Grab a fresh pint at the source, or a six-pack at liquor stores across the Front Range.

Brazzle Sour Golden Raspberry
Odell Brewing Co. — Fort Collins
5.4% ABV, 12 IBUs

If sour brews are your jam, then reach for one of Odell Brewing Company’s limited release sours—the Brazzle—which gets it’s unique name from the color of Fool’s Gold. This sour golden is brewed with a whopping 300 pounds of golden raspberries and aged in oak barrels with wild yeast. Head to Odell’s Fort Collins tasting room May 26-27 for first tastes of this just-release beer.

Maracuyá Passionfruit IPA
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company — Fort Collins
6.8% ABV

You’ll find the perfect balance of sweet and tart in this hopped up fruity IPA. The delicious flavor combination of passionfruit and hops take center stage, but be careful when consuming this easy-drinking brew. This beer is so tasty, but at 6.8 percent ABV, it will sneak up on you quickly.

Bump ’N’ Rind Watermelon Kolsch

Boulder Beer Company — Boulder
5.6% ABV, 25 IBUs

If watermelons and summer are synonymous for you, then Boulder Beer Company’s recently-released Bump ‘N’ Rind  is the beer for you. At a cool 5.6 percent ABV, this light and refreshing kolsch is made with fresh watermelon and Mt. Hood and Tettnany hops. Enjoy a pint on the brewery’s sun-filled patio, or pick up a six-pack at select liquor stores.

Saison Aux Baies Ameres
Left Hand Brewing Co. — Longmont
6.8% ABV, 10 IBUs

Part of Left Hand’s Les Quatre (The Four Seasons) Quarterly Saison Series, the Saison Aux Baies Ameres is a dry, crisp farmhouse-style ale with a delightful bite of tartness, thanks to the Colorado chokecherries on the ingredients list. Find it on tap at the brewery’s Longmont tasting room, or in 4 packs of 16 ounce cans at select liquor stores.

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: YETI TUNDRA 35

A month ago, I packed up my Toyota 4Runner and headed west on a road trip of epic proportions. Through Mesa Verde National Park, the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park, Bend, Oregon, and to countless craft breweries along the way. The plan was to dirtbag it — to sleep in the back of the car and minimize eating out by cooking up healthy campfire cuisine along the way. So I loaded up my Yeti Tundra 35 with fresh greens, and eggs, and chicken breasts, and delicious snacks. I added one block of frozen Yeti Ice, a little additional ice, and crossed my fingers that all of my groceries wouldn’t perish on the road. They didn’t. The Yeti Tundra 35 is a beast. It’s small enough for one person to handle, but big enough to comfortably hold food for a week (plus a few beverages as well). It’s designed so well, that it makes for an excellent substitute refrigerator in your outdoor home away from home. This cooler is also easy to drain and clean, especially after you’ve eaten all of your food, but need a place to keep your haul of rare craft beers from up and down the west coast nice and cool.

Pros: This cooler keeps it’s contents cool for what seems like forever. Each of Yeti’s coolers in the Tundra series (there are 12!) feature 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and a FatWall Design that keeps ice icy, often for a few days at a time, and keeps perishables safely cold. The Tundra 35 is also the smallest cooler in the Tundra line, and designed to be light enough, and functional enough with unique DoubleHaul polyester rope handles, for one person to lift and carry. The Tundra 35 also sports BearFoot Non-Slip technology, which means it won’t be sliding around in your car while you drive.

Cons: The cooler’s heavy duty rubber lid latches are designed to be bear-resistant and durable, but apparently not finger pinching-resistant. If I had a nickel for every time I got some part of my hand caught while closing this lid…

Where We Took It: On the ultimate dirtbag road trip through Colorado, the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s slot canyons, Joshua Tree National Park, Bend, Oregon and to a ridiculous amount of awesome craft breweries along the way.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: HORSESHOE BEND

The desert is the great keeper of secrets. But the secret of the beauty of one its most stunning gems—Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend—is out. While the sun slowly sets each night, breathing fire across the sky, car loads of tourists, photographers, curious passer-bys, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers in search of the party, and throngs of mosquitos cram themselves along the busy rim of the landmark’s overlook—all vying for the best place to watch the canyon walls and ripples of the Colorado River light up in a kaleidoscope of colors that are nothing short of otherworldly. It’s truly stunning, and worth battling the crowds to see. But as I set my tripod down on the dusty canyon rim, between a couple making the most out of a selfie stick, and a man whose eyes never left the viewfinder of his camera, I lost the desire to capture nature’s beauty with a lens. I wanted to remember every color and moment of the sunset and forget about the overcrowded, loud scene around me. I snapped one photo and took in the rest of my sunset in peace.

Photo Location: Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

5 TRAIL SNACKS TO STASH IN YOUR PACK THIS SUMMER

The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, the trails are groomed—which means it’s time to get outside and celebrate the season with a good ol’ fashioned outdoor adventure! Whether you’re casually enjoying your favorite neighborhood hike, biking down the side of a mountain, or testing your endurance on long distance trails, check out these five protein packed, energizing snacks to stash in your pack to keep you fueled this summer.

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles

Honey is a natural source of energy, and each Honey Stinger waffle is made with a thin layer of honey—infused with delicious flavors like lemon, chocolate, gingersnap, and caramel—and sandwiched between two soft waffles. More than ten different flavors are available as well as a variety of  gluten-free options. Stash these easy-to-pack, tasty trail treats in your pack for a boost of natural energy on your next adventure. honeystinger.com

Bobo’s Oat Bars

Oats are a great source of protein that provide a sustained release of energy into the bloodstream, creating a boost of energy that lasts longer. Each of Bobo’s Oat Bars are made with wholesome rolled oats, and come in 14 different flavors including Maple Pecan, Peach, and Chocolate Chip. Grab the Peanut Butter for a seriously protein-packed (6 grams!) snack on the trail. eatbobos.com

Munk Pack Protein Cookies

Munching on a cookie in the middle of a hard hike seems wrong, but munching on a Munk Pack protein cookie in the middle of a hard hike is so right—thanks to the 18 grams of plant protein in each cookie. Munk Pack cookies come in four different flavors—each one gluten free, vegan, and soy and dairy free. munkpack.com

Justin’s Nut Butters

On their own, or smothered over an apple slice, Justin’s nut butters are a wonderful healthy snack to keep stashed in your pack. Justin’s Classic Almond Butter has a delicious semi-sweet flavor and 7 grams of protein to boot. Grab an entire jar, or a couple of the space-saving packets for your next hike, bike, run, paddle…. justins.com

Sweetwood Jerky Co. Meat Snacks

Whether you’re sneaking nibbles on the way to the trailhead, or need a little snack break along the trail, it’s always good to have some jerky on hand, but not just any jerky. Based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the Sweetwood Jerky Company is our favorite jerky to compliment our adventures. Made from all natural cuts of 100 percent beef steaks, Sweetwood Jerky products taste great, are good for you, and are incredibly filling—which is exactly what you need when those hunger pains start to creep in on the trail. Pick from a variety of tasty flavors served up in jerky packages, the classic “fatty” meat stick, or the bully meat stick. sweetwood.com

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: PRIMUS ONJA STOVE

If your summer plans include road trippin’ it for extended periods of time, you’ll want to load up your adventure van, SUV, or camper with multi-use space-saving gear that mimics the comforts of home—like the Primus’ Onja Stove. At seven pounds, this two-burner stove isn’t compact or lightweight enough for backpacking, but it’s perfect if you’re looking to create a camp kitchen functional enough to make a tasty “home cooked” meal on the road. The stove’s design is meant to pack up tightly enough to take up minimal space, but the base folds out to create stability while cooking, and provide a wind-proof exterior that protects the burners from the elements. While cooking on the road, the Onja Stove makes it easy to have two pans going at once, and regulate the heat applied to the pans, which is a necessary feature for outdoor chefs whipping up delicious meals around a campfire.

MSRP: $139.95

Pros: Space. The Onja stove can be laid flat, packed upright, or tucked in anywhere a small amount of space is available in your vehicle. The burners cool quickly, and make it easy to create a full meal, even while traveling on the road. The Onja is also equipped with an oak wood cutting board, which snuggly fits on top of the burner while in storage. Pair the whole thing with Primus’ CampFire Prep Set—an assortment of easy to use and clean kitchen utensils that neatly fold up in a durable carrying case—and you have an elevated camp kitchen ready to create some campfire culinary masterpieces.

Cons: While the shoulder strap on the Onja seems like a great idea for easy transport, it popped off of my stove the first time I tried to pick up, sending the stove hurtling to the ground. It was easy to snap the strap back into place, but perpetuated the slight cumbersomeness of handling the stove in general. On the plus side, I can confirm that this stove is definitely durable.

Where We Took It: Road trippin’ through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: ON THE ROAD

The road to Big Sur is winding and complex. Flashes of turquoise-tinted waves crash throughout the ocean below, while groves of dark and twisted trees stretch their gnarled branches out at passengers driving along the coast—wind whipping through their hair, and the California sunshine kissing their cheeks. Along the state’s historic Highway 1, a vibrant rainbow of delicate wildflowers light up the shoreline, weaving their way up hillsides, roadsides, and down to the sandy beaches, as far as the eye can see. When the sky falls, and darkness creeps in, the wind settles in for the evening, moving the tree tops of the mighty redwoods like breezy curtains—giving peep shows of an enormous dark sky filled with bright stars to anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

Photo Location: Big Sur, California

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

STRAIGHT TALK: JOHN HICKENLOOPER

John Hickenlooper, isn’t your average politician. He’s a geologist, served as mayor of Denver and co-founded of Wynkoop Brewing Company. He’s also an avid outdoor aficionado who embarked on his long career as a public official after a series of political conversations with patrons at his Denver brew pub. His values and background represent the spirit of the state—Coloradans elected him governor in 2010, indentifying with his forward thinking. His entrepreneurial history and geologist’s connection to the land still weave their way through his rhetoric and inform his goals and decisions at the state capitol. But the times, they are a changin’—and Hickenlooper faces more challenges than ever to continue protecting the the state’s resources. What’s more, the popular governor, who has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, will step down in 2018, due to term limit laws, but he is sure to keep influencing how Colorado evolves.

You’re originally from Pennsylvania. what drew you to Colorado?

I first came through Boulder in the 70s on my way to a geology field camp. Then, after I finished my masters in geology, the only place you could get a job as a geologist was Houston or Denver. That decision took about five seconds. I came out here in 1981 and never looked back.

Along with Colorado senators Cory Gardner (R) and Michael Bennett (D), you’ve been vocal about luring the Outdoor Retailer trade show to Colorado. Why is Colorado a good fit for the show and what challenges do you foresee with the state potentially becoming the host?

In terms of outdoor recreation, Colorado is the best model you could have of what outdoor recreation can be. We have so many different public spaces. We have national parks and state parks, and conservation stations all over the place. That allows us to have so many different types of outdoor recreation, which we think is a big part of our economic success. One of the things I love about the outdoor recreation industry is that the people who make so much of the gear like to be in smaller towns (versus big cities). I think it’s healthy for the financial ecosystem to have more businesses in rural parts of your state. That’s another reason why we’re so attracted to the outdoor industry. We’re also in the center of the country, which means people from the east coast and the west coast can easily make it here. Our friendly western welcome also makes the state a great place to host large conventions. I know the space in Colorado to hold the show is tight, but we’re in the process of creating the National Western Stock Show Center which is only two light rail stops from downtown. We have 650,000 square-feet of convention space, so we’ll figure out the space. We’ll make it work.

You’re currently featured in the Outdoor Industry Association’s #TogetherWeAreAForce campaign. What message are you hoping to send to Washington by being a part of this outdoor and conservation-centric campaign spurred by the outdoor community?

Washington is just now starting to measure the economic impact of outdoor recreation. There are a lot of people in Washington who think that our public lands should be completely opened up to oil and gas exploration. I’m a geologist, and I’m sensitive to the needs of oil and gas, but I think there needs to be a balance. A lot of these landscapes should be protected forever. One hundred years from now, how will we look back? Once you begin to develop, it’s very hard to go backwards.

There’s a big conversation happening right now about whether public lands should be in federal hands or turned over to the states and even private owners. Who do you think should manage them?

We work very hard in this state to responsibly manage our state lands. The vast majority of these are off limits to developers. But I think there’s a role for the federal government to have some level of public ownership because they’re protecting those lands for all Americans and that’s ultimately going to be a safer, even more secure lockbox than state control for the next generation and the generations to follow.

It’s no secret that Colorado’s population is growin, with the result of big crowds at popular outdoor destinations throughout the state. How do you plan to encourage visitors to explore the state’s outdoor treasures while mitigating those overcrowding issues?

There are issues at our popular outdoor destinations. Are those places going to become more like a national park or state park? That’s one possibility. Our national parks and state parks, and those opportunities that are easily accessible, we want to make sure that more people can get there, but it’s probably not going to be the same experience if you go on a weekend. Summer gets really busy when vacationers are here, but if you go to the really remote parts of the state, like the Never Summer Mountains, you won’t see another person the entire time you’re there. Those opportunities still exist. I think the crucial thing is that our development stays confined to urban areas and small towns.

Where’s your favorite place to go outside and play here in Colorado?

That all depends on the season. I love skiing—I’ve skied almost every resort in Colorado. But my favorite outdoor recreation is biking. Biking around Breckenridge is gorgeous, and, of course, there are some amazing trails around Crested Butte.

We know that you are a craft brewer and big beer fan. What’s currently on tap at the Governor’s Mansion?

Right now we have an IPA, a pilsner and a stout, but it rotates often.

Tyra Sutak is Elevation Outdoors’ digital editor. A Colorado native, she also  writes for 5280  and DiningOut magazines, among other publications.

Want the governor to hear how you feel about his policies in the state of colorado? Call the office of constituent services at 303-866-2885. 

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: HELLY HANSEN HILD QD PANT

On a recent hiking tour of Arizona’s slot canyons, it took about five minutes before my bare legs were covered in scratches and I was kicking myself for wearing shorts. The Arizona heat got the best of me that morning, and instead of pulling on my pair of Helly Hansen’s Women’s Hild QD pants, I opted for the shorts, stuffing the Hild QD’s in the bottom of my pack, just in case. About ten minutes into the hike, and ten scratches later, I threw in the towel and threw on the pants. The durable but lightweight nylon material kept my legs protected, cool, and didn’t falter or tear as I slid over rough, sharp rocks and squeezed through jagged canyon walls. I should have opted for the pants that morning, but that’s a mistake I won’t make again. The Hild QD’s are an excellent option for summer hiking pants. They’re quick-drying, comfortable, and sport a stretch-knit waistband, which make them easy to wear over shorts, should you happen to make the same mistake as I did.

MSRP: $85.00

Pros: The bottom hem on these pants roll and fasten easily, which make them a good option for women of varying heights. Regardless of how tall, or not so tall you are, these pants will still fit and be functional, and you won’t be left with a torn up hem dragging on the ground. The stretchy fabric also makes these slim-fitting pants easy to move in, which is great when you’re scrambling up and down boulders or scaling mountainsides. The stretch knit waist band is also a key selling point. Comfortable yet functional, the stretchy waist band on the Hild QD Pants makes them easy to wear over base layers or on top of shorts. The nylon material is also lightweight, making them a great summer hiking pant option that won’t take up too much space in your backpack.

Cons: While the hem on these pants can be raised once, just enough to make them a good fit for small and tall ladies, I would have liked to see a second fastening point to allow the hem to be raised one extra level for situations when you’re wading through small amounts of water and mud.

Where I Took It: Hiking in Viñales, Cuba. Scrambling through slot canyons in Page, Arizona.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: ARIZONA’S SLOT CANYONS

There’s something in the desert. It’s bigger than you, it’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than the sprawling night sky filled with shining and shooting stars. It catches a ride with the wind and whistles through the red rock canyon walls of the mind-bending slot canyons — carving new lines and painting different colors on the canyon walls as it goes. During the day, it wanders across the dry land, but at night, it rests inside of the canyons, reaching out to gently caress anything lucky enough to feel it’s touch.

Photo Location: Upper Antelope Canyon

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.