POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: ALL WHO WANDER

Raindrops the size of small puddles poured down my face, climbing over my nose and cheeks before splashing over my already drenched luggage.

“What in the hell am I doing?” I thought to myself, as a poncho-clad employe at the Oakland Enterprise Rent-A-Car center explained to me the various reasons that even though I was about to embark on a drive over a mountain pass with a winter storm warning, I wouldn’t be doing it in a 4WD vehicle.

The rain continued to beat down, and I eventually settled for a 2WD Jeep Patriot, threw my soaked gear in the SUV, crossed my fingers, and steered the car off of the lot towards the freeway.

For the next four hours, I clenched the steering wheel in a death grip, beads of sweat blanketing my palms with each drop in the temperature outside. I drove in silence — reminiscing about all of the good times that I’ve had with my trusty Toyota 4Runner back home in Colorado —keeping a watchful eye on the looming mountains in the distance. About an hour outside of Lake Tahoe, the downpour turned to snow and the roads turned into an ice rink for the oversized roller skate I was driving. With the storm came the accidents, and it wasn’t too long before a young girl in the westbound lane collided with the mountainside, littering the contents of her car out across the road. Thirty minutes later, a wobbling tree lost its balance and crashed across the two-lane highway in front of me. For four hours, all I could think about was how much easier life would be if I had just stayed home. Home was comfortable. Home was a place where I felt safe and didn’t have to worry about icy roads, and bad weather and the unknowns and curveballs of traveling.

When I finally arrived at the Basecamp Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, an hour behind schedule and shaking like a leaf, I had made up my mind that I would finish out the trip but take a break from the road for awhile once it was over — then I saw it. As if hung just for me, a beautiful watercolor painting by Wendy MacNaughton adorned my hotel room wall, showcasing beautifully worn hiking boots with the caption: All Who Wander Are Not Lost. In that moment, my hands started to relax, and so did my mind, because traveling isn’t supposed to be easy. It’s not supposed to always go as planned. It’s supposed to challenge you and drag you out of your comfort zone. It’s supposed to generate stories of adventure and perseverance and exploration, and that rustically framed reminder was all I needed in that moment to go on.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: THE PRICE ON NATURE

The sidewalks are empty in the small town of Estes Park as we cruise through the popular tourist destination’s quaint downtown stretch in the early morning hours. We’re two dirtbags with cameras and we’re en route to Rocky Mountain National Park where we’ll lace up our expensive technical hiking boots, pull a breathable puffy jacket over our base layers, and load up our cameras in one of the handful of backpacks that we own. Slowly we make our way to the park’s entrance — past the town’s resident elk herd grazing on the local high school’s football field, past a pair of brave coyotes terrorizing a neighborhood dog out for a walk, past long stretches of rustic condos and sleepy townhomes where visiting tourists are slowly rising and breaking out the coffee grounds. When we arrive at the gate, we already have our $70 annual parks pass ready to go. We offer it up, but the park ranger declines it, telling us that there isn’t an entry fee today and to enjoy the park.

It’s a free day. It’s also a Saturday, and it’s absolutely gorgeous outside, which means the popular trailheads inside of Rocky Mountain National Park are overflowing with vehicles and park rangers doing their best to organize the chaos that begins to unfold just after the sun rises. We weave up and down the winding roads that lead to the Bear Lake Trailhead, which is nearly full at 9 o’clock. On the trail we pass a group of women clad in their best pair of snowboots. A family of ten dressed in a mish mash of outdoor gear slips and slides down the icy trail behind us. We pass Nymph Lake and a group of college-aged kids in sweatshirts sitting along the rocks of the serene lake enjoying some trail snacks. At Dream Lake, I spot a young girl wearing softball cleats which still prove to be no match for the snow-packed frozen trail. Patches of blue sky play peekaboo with an incoming storm, and as we reach the frigid waters of Emerald Lake, the snowflakes begin to fall. All around me people of all ages and races and levels of fitness take in the natural beauty around them — their reward for waking up early and opting outside. We breathe in and snap photos and breathe some more. On our way back down the mountain, we come across a large group of snowshoers decked out in rented gear and apparel from a local guide shop. They’re more interested in snapping selfies than upholding good trail etiquette, but their guide is doing his best to steer them in the right direction — because that is the beauty of the great outdoors — it’s for everyone. The hardcore athletes that crush iconic crags and trails in the park. The girl in her softball cleats that can’t afford hiking boots but doesn’t miss a free day in the park. All along the trail are first-timers and fair-weather outdoorsman and an array of shoes that haven’t touched a trail in sometime, but every single one of those shoes has a right and the freedom to be there. As we push on towards our final descent back to the car, I can’t help but think about what will happen if the price of entry to our country’s national parks doubles or even triples. Will I ever see the faces of that large family again? What will happen to the girls in snowboots? Nature has the ability to change a life, no matter which life it is, and I can only hope that the leaders of our nation realize that that is something you just can’t put a price on.

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 REASONS TO ATTEND THE COLORADO SKI AND SNOWBOARD EXPO THIS WEEKEND

And just like that, winter is back, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a visit to the 26th Annual Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo which returns to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver November 10 – 12. It’s the place to stock up on winter gear and apparel and breathe some new life into your ski or snowboard set-up, all without breaking the bank since prices are slashed up to 60 percent off of regular cost. But it’s not just sweet deals on gear and apparel that you’ll find at this year’s expo. Attendees can also take advantage of special expo-only lodging deals and packages from resorts throughout the country, and participate in some fun interactive events in preparation to hit the slopes. If you’re on the fence about attending, check out our top five reasons to hit up the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo this weekend.

It’s Kid-Friendly  

No need to leave the kiddos at home. Not only is entry for kids under 12 years-old free, this year’s expo features an Eliteam Fitness Challenge presented by Purgatory Resort, which is a hands-on interactive physical fitness fun area for kids of all ages to blow some energy. Former U.S. Ski Team member, Kelly Lewis, will be on hand leading agility and challenge courses and chatting fitness. If you’re looking to get your mini shredder started with snowboarding lessons, visit Burton’s Riglet Learn to Snowboard Park inside of the expo where you can get your little one on a board and familiar with the sensation and thrill of snowboarding. For kids more interested in “pizza and french frying,” Loveland’s Kidslope Learning Center will have staff on hand to provide an intro to skiing.

It’s Not Just For Downhill Riders

If cross country skiing is more your jam, you can hit up the SIA Nordic Village Interactive Zone for an introduction to XC skiing, biathlon events and snowshoeing, along with special discounts on all of the gear that you’ll need to get out on the trails.

Beer

Cold brewskis will be flowing in the expo’s Rocky Mountain Beer Garden.

Skication Destinations

Looking to find the place that will be the home of your next epic skication? Mountain travel experts from ski.com will be on hand to chat about this year’s hottest destinations to ski and ride, like Japan and British Columbia.

Discounts, Discounts, Discounts

Hitting the slopes can be rough on the budget, but you’ll find epic discounts from over 300 vendors on the gear and lift tickets you need to get on the mountain.

Tickets to the expo are $15 per person and include a $10 GetSkiTicket.com e-gift cards and a one-year subscription to SKI Magazine. Enter promo code: EOWEB for a $3 discount. 

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: SIERRA DESIGNS WOMEN’S SIERRA DRIDOWN JACKET

If you spend a good amount of time traveling in the winter, you already know that cold weather travels are a different beast. For starters, winter gear is bulky and constantly challenges your commitment to boycotting paying airline fees for baggage, (I’m looking at your, Frontier). With the change in the weather, so too does the amount of space in your travel pack change, and aside from winter boots, the biggest space invader in most pieces of winter luggage is a good puffy jacket. I’m not asking for too much from my ideal go-to winter jacket. It needs to be technical enough to keep me warm during a cold afternoon spent hiking or snowshoeing or fat biking, but fashionable enough to throw on while out on the town. Not too bulky, not so technical it loses it’s aesthetic appeal and takes up half of a suitcase — a jacket that’s just right — which is where Sierra Design’s Women’s Sierra DriDown Jacket comes in.

MSRP: $159.00

Pros: The Women’s Sierra DriDown Jacket is pretty snazzy and sleek for a puffy. It fits in well on the trails paired up with boots and snow pants, and around town over a pair of jeans and a flannel; and the drop tail design keeps your butt warm and dry in both places. This jacket also features 800 fill DriDown technology — a natural down insulation treated with polymer that creates a hydrophobic finish. This enables the jacket to stay drier and warmer in wet weather, and dries faster than regular untreated down, retaining its loft and insulation capability. The exterior of the jacket is made out of shadow rip polyester which helps ward of tears and rips — postponing the sad day when you have to start patching up your puffy — something that is inevitable when you play hard outside. And the crowning feature of this piece of apparel that truly makes it a go-to winter jacket, is the lightweight fabric packs up so small it can be stowed in one of the jacket’s zipper pockets and becomes the size of a book. Perfect for stashing in your pack while de-layering on the trails, and for saving space in your travel pack and continuing to stick it to airlines. It also doesn’t hurt that this jacket rings in under $200.

Cons: I love the athletic fit of the jacket, but I also really like to layer up in the winter, and wish that this jacket was just a tad bit roomier.

Where We Took It: Road tripping around Iceland, on a weekend getaway to Breckenridge, early morning birding in Nebraska.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: WHEN IN OMAHA

Winter is only just beginning in Omaha, Nebraska, but it’s damn cold outside. The kind of cold that seeps through your jacket lining, pushing its way through each and every one of your layers, eventually settling deep in your bones. It’s so cold, I can’t stand the thought of wandering through the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic Old Market district anymore, and I opt to explore Omaha’s local (heated) taprooms instead. My taste buds are craving something light and slightly hoppy, but my shivering body is looking for something more. So I forego the IPA and the pale ale and scan the menu for something dark and malty, with a high enough ABV to start thawing out my frozen body. Then I find it, or maybe it finds me — a S’mores Brown Ale — camping in a glass. The toasty marshmallow notes hit my tongue first, lingering just long enough before giving way to subtle hints of cocoa and malts reminiscent of crumbling graham crackers. I take a sip, then another. By the fifth one my cheeks start to warm. Halfway through the glass I can finally take my jacket off. There’s still a chill that blows into the brewery with the arrival of each new beer drinker looking to escape the cold, but there’s an entire section of big barrel-aged beers on the menu, so I think I’ll be fine. When in Omaha in the winter, reach for the darker styles — those wise Nebraska brewers really know what they’re doing.

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. 

FLUID MARKET

Heading out on an adventure, but missing one crucial piece of gear? With Fluid Market, you can borrow it. The easy-to-use app connects people in need of gear with users that have swag to loan out, creating a like-minded community focused on responsible consumption, and helping out those on a tight budget.

“People can try out gear before buying it, and people who list their gear get paid for it,” says Niki Robins, the Denver community manager for Fluid Market.

Since launching in the summer of 2016, Fluid Market has amassed more than 20,000 users, and recently introduced a car sharing feature. Here’s how it works: Download the free app, add a photo and description about the gear item, set your price, set a pick-up location, and wait for reservation requests. Need gear? Search Fluid Market’s expansive and organized database to find the product that fits your needs for a price that fits your budget. Fluid Market takes 20 percent from each transaction fee to cover insurance on the item and credit card processing fees. It also acts as the mitigator for any disputes that might arise.

The app is currently only available for users in the state of Colorado. Fluid Market plans to launch into additional outdoor-focused cities in the U.S. soon. Download the Fluid Market app on iOS or Android at fluidmarket.com.

—Tyra Sutak

BOOZE NEWS: UPSLOPE CELEBRATES NINE YEARS WITH 50+ BEERS

They sure grow up fast. It seems like just yesterday that Upslope Brewing Company first opened the doors to their small Lee Hill brewery in north Boulder — slinging easy-drinking Craft Lagers to thirsty hikers and bikers jammed into the tiny tasting room. But this Saturday, November 4, the popular Colorado brewery will celebrate their ninth anniversary in true Upslope fashion — with a massive free party at their Flatiron Park location. Along with food trucks, sweet lawn games, and live tunes from bands like Mayhem Gulch, Zen Mustache, and the Blind Alley Troubadours, Upslope is also breaking into the cellar and pouring 50+ beers from the past, present and future to celebrate the big day. Buckle up, beer lovers. The list of beers flowing at this event is top-notch and includes some of the most-loved limited release and specialty beers created by the brewery, as well as favorite classic core staples and current releases that you don’t want to miss. To celebrate nine years of Upslope, we bring you nine beers that you must-try at Upslope’s 9th Anniversary Party this weekend.

Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Chocolate and Bananas

This beer is b-a-n-a-n-a-s, and if you’re into that, and chocolate, you have to check this one out. The sweet and fruity flavor of the banana cuts through the big boozy notes picked up while aging in a Leopold Bros. Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey barrel. But be careful with this one — at 10.8 percent ABV — this delicious dessert beer will sneak up on you quickly.

Pumpkin Ale

The Pumpkin Ale is an Upslope favorite for many Colorado craft beer drinkers, especially due to the fact that the brewery uses a couple of truckloads of baby bear pumpkins grown at Munson Farms a few miles from the brewhouse to give this spice-forward beer its classic pumpkin flavor.

Key Lime Juniper Lager

Staying with the dessert theme, the brewers at Upslope managed to recreate a delicious piece of key lime pie in liquid form. This beer is brewed with key lime puree, lime zest and lager yeast, as well as juniper berries, which add a slightly sweet note that complements the citrusy flavors in this beer.

Imperial Saison Aged in Pinot Noir Barrels (8th Anniversary Ale)

Anything aged in Pinot Noir barrels is okay in my book, but the bold Pinot flavors picked up during the aging process of Upslope’s 8th Anniversary Ale sync up nicely with the earthy spices in this big Imperial Saison.

Barrel Aged Cookie Beer

Did somebody say cookie? Upslope went and added actual chocolate chip cookies to the mash of this beer which also features maple syrup, cocoa nibs, and whiskey-soaked vanilla beans. Aged in Leopold Bros. barrels, this beer is the adult version of milk and cookies in a glass.

Pilot IPA

Instead of an overly-hopped up IPA, Upslope’s Pilot IPA is an ode to subtly and balance with Denali, Galaxy and Vic Secret hops all working together to give this IPA its flavor.

2015 Belgian Dark Strong Aged in Dulce Vida Tequila Barrels

If Upslope founder Matt Cutter creates a beer, you should probably try it. This Belgian-style Dark Strong Ale was dreamed up by Cutter and aged in cabernet-turned-tequila barrels from Dulce Vida Spirits in Austin, Texas. Fig, raisin, dark cherries and tequila notes are what you’ll find in this 11.3 percent ABV smooth, but flavor-packed beer.

Whiskey Barrel Aged Scotch Ale

Aged in Spirit Hound whisky barrels, this collaboration isn’t the first time these two Boulder County booze makers have teamed up. Prior to opening their Lyons-based distiller, Spirit Hound needed a place to brew their distillers wash to get their business off of the ground, and Upslope heeded the call, offering up their brewhouse to help the distillery get up and running. The Whiskey Barrel Aged Scotch Ale is a combination of sweat malts and peaty smoke that come together to create a warm and slightly boozy finish.

2015 Wild Christmas Ale

This is not your typical holiday beer. The brewers at Upslope took their beloved Christmas Ale, stored it in a rye whiskey barrel and added the brewery’s house sour culture to it before letting it sit for 10 months. It’s tart, slightly boozy, a little oaky, and capped off with a cornerstone blend of holiday spices that will put you in the holiday spirit.

For a full list of the 50+ beers being poured this weekend and more info on Upslope’s 9th Anniversary Party, visit: upslopebrewing.com/9-years-beer-upslopes-9th-anniversary-party/.

BOOZE NEWS: PERFECT FALL PAIRINGS FROM DENVER BEER COMPANY

With fall in full force, and the greatest eating holidays of the year just around the corner, it’s time to talk seasonal beer pairings. When done well, craft beer can bring out exciting flavors in your favorite dishes, and vice versa, and even though experimenting is part of the fun when exploring flavor combinations and discovering delightful tasty beer and food pairings — we went ahead and did all of the hard work for you.

Check out these five fall-inspired beer pairings from Jason Buehler — head brewer at Denver Beer Company and master of expertly pairing beer with, well, just about anything.

Dish: Chili (and make it spicy!)
Brew: Graham Cracker Porter

Why it Works: Chili is a classic American fall comfort food, and pairing it with a rich, sweet beer like the Graham Cracker Porter gives an additional dimension to chili and brings out the sweeter side of the dish, which makes for an excellent combination of flavors. The chocolate, biscuit and vanilla notes of the Graham Cracker Porter adds sweeter notes to the chili and cuts down the heat level of the spices, similar to a Cincinnati-style chili that incorporates brown sugar and cocoa to add a sweet component to the dish.

Dish: Pretty Much Any Pie
Brew: Pretzel Assassin Amber Lager

Why it Works: Pretzel Assassin is a very crisp, clean, malt-forward Amber Lager. The rich and toasted malt flavors, and bready/biscuity base in the beer enhances the flavors in the pie crust, making it an extremely versatile beer for pairing. Serve it up with savory pies like chicken pot pie or beef pot pie and it will raise the breadiness of the dish and enhance the meat flavors. In dessert pies like pecan, pumpkin, or apple, the Pretzel Assassin will cut down the sweetness of the treat and help bring out more of the featured flavor of the pie.

Dish: Barbecue
Brew: Hey! Pumpkin Harvest Ale

Why it Works: Ribs, brisket or barbecue pork are excellent pairings with Hey! Pumpkin — an amber ale brewed with real pumpkin and spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. When paired together, the bitterness and spice profiles of the Hey Pumpkin cut through the sweetness of the barbecue sauce and blend together to create a diverse and complex set of flavors.

Dish: Meatloaf
Brew: Summit Sunrise Red Rye IPA

Why it Works: Summit Sunrise is a Red Rye IPA that features a big caramel maltiness and equally big tropical hop flavor. When paired with meatloaf, the caramel malt flavors bring an extra dimension of sweetness to the dish. The fruitiness of the hops work as a great complement to the subtle spiciness of the meatloaf. The caramel maltiness of Summit Sunrise also pairs well with meatloaf’s little sidekick, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Dish: Cranberry Stuffing
Brew: Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch

Why it Works: Cranberry Stuffing is a personal favorite fall dish of Buehler’s, with it’s strong flavors of sage, thyme and berry. When paired with Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch, the fruitiness of the cranberry is enhanced and helps to balance out the herb flavors. As a dry and tart fruity beer, the Princess Yum Yum is delicately balances out the sweetness in the cranberry-forward dish.

Want to learn more about creating delicious beer pairings? Don’t miss Denver Beer Company’s Thanksgiving Pie and Beer Pairing event on November 18. Tickets are $20 presale and $25 at the door and include four pie and beer pairings—just in time for Thanksgiving. 

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: THE NORTH FACE WOMEN’S ULTRA CARDIAC II

Let me start this gear review by fessing up to the fact that I’m not the greatest runner. In the past fifteen years, I’ve managed to rack up seven knee surgeries, torn ligaments and the onset of arthritis in both knees — but I still love to run. There’s truly something about starting your morning or ending your day with fresh air and time alone with your thoughts. But as a habitual knee abuser, I spent most of the summer in search of a pair of running shoes that fit my specific needs, i.e.: provides a ton of support and stability, and performs equally as awesome on the dirt and pavement portions of the trails that I’m lucky enough to have right outside of my front door. Enter The North Face Women’s Ultra Cardiac II — a beautifully designed, exceptionally comfortable shoe that makes running (even with bum knees), so much more enjoyable.

MSRP: $110 (also comes in men’s sizes)

Pros: Where to start? These shoes are wrapped in some serious technology and sport features for days. It’s lightweight design (9.1 ounces) makes the Ultra Cardiac IIs an excellent travel shoe to toss in your pack or suitcase to keep your exercise regimen on track on the road, or even to keep your feet nice and comfy on extended walking explorations during your travels, because the comfort level is off of the charts with these shoes. The combination of an Ortholite foam footbed and compression-molded EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) midsole creates a cushy arch-fitting pillow for your feet that staves off cramps and keeps you on the trail longer. Klutzy runners, like myself, will appreciate the Ultra Cardiac II’s TPU toe cap protection and the grippy Vibram® Megagrip sole which minimizes slippage on loose patches of dirt trails. The shoes also feature CRADLE™ heel-stability technology which creates more stability and support in the heel that ultimately leads to less strain on the ankles and knees, especially when tackling uneven downhill sections of a trail. The shoe and tongue are made with a breathable mesh, which makes these shoes an excellent choice for warm weather runs. My Ultra Cardiac II’s run on the bigger side, but the lacing system easily tightens to the top of the foot and the extra space creates just enough room to wear a thicker cushiony running sock, which ups the comfort level of these shoes even more.

Cons: While The North Face does offer a handful of waterproof running shoe options, the Ultra Cardiac II isn’t one of them, which limits these excellent running shoes to dry weather days only.

Where We Took It: Running on Colorado paved and dirt trails.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: THE PERFECT DAY

Man I love a good bluebird day high up in the mountains of Colorado. They’re simply the best, especially when they come on the heels of an early season snowfall. For years, the tiny town of Breckenridge has always held a small place in my wandering soul, but as I strolled down the town’s charming snow-covered streets over the weekend — ambling in and out of quaint shops (like Marigold’s Farmhouse Funk & Junk), bustling coffee shops and beautifully restored historic homes — that small place grew a size larger, and a one-day trip turned into one heck of a weekend getaway under the watchful eyes of the Tenmile mountain range.

Photo Location: Breckenridge, 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. 

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: LEDLENSER MH6

One of the greatest buzzkills of any camping adventure is breaking out your headlamp when you need it, only to find it’s dead. It doesn’t matter if you checked it before you stashed it in your pack, headlamps can be finicky, and the cold nights this time of year can be a recipe for a drained battery. After finally chucking a faulty headlamp that let me down one too many times, I decided to check out Ledlenser’s MH6 — a rechargeable, lightweight headlamp designed with all kinds of cool technology. Putting some serious faith in the MH6, I packed it along with some other essential gear and trekked it over to Iceland for a two week adventure road tripping and camping around the island. With few opportunities on the road to grab a charge for the headlamp, I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best, and the MH6 didn’t let me down.

Pros: Don’t let the size full you — the Ledlenser MH6 is packed with power. It features 200 lumens and an Advanced Focus System (a reflector and lens combo) which creates more spill-beam light that is equally as potent as the focus beam. The combination makes this headlamp a pretty versatile option. It’s beam lit up pathways and trails making it easy to see a good distance in front of me as well as all around me. The headlamp’s temperature control system also did it’s job, and I was able to use the MH6 every night for two weeks without recharging. The MH6 is also adjustable, which made it easy to shine the beam downward while making dinner at night, or getting dressed in the morning. This headlamp also includes a lock option to help avoid it turning on a draining battery anytime you don’t need it.

Cons: While the robust 200 lumen beam is great for getting your bearings in the complete darkness of the backcountry, it can be a little tough to sport in campgrounds. Even though the light can be dimmed, the spill-beam was still so strong, I was blowing up other campers at our site every night while scrambling out of my sleeping bag to catch the Northern Lights. It also seemed like most of the time the MH6 was on my head, I was busy working to adjust it. It didn’t matter how tight I cinched it, it wouldn’t be too long before I was tightening it up again.

Where We Took It: Camping in Iceland and Colorado.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: HOME, SWEET HOME

A carpet of rich autumn colors crunching beneath my feet. A slight chill in the air that enhances the warmth of the sun’s rays. A stillness on the trails that is only broken by the occasional breeze that rustles through — gently pulling leaves down from the tree tops to paint the ground below. And a peace that can only be found on a mountainside, underneath a blue sky, surrounded by nature and solitude. It’s true what they say — absence makes the heart grow fonder — and for this rambling Colorado native, when it comes to fall in Colorado, there’s really no place like home.

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. 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BREWERIES STRIKE GOLD

A modern day gold rush took place in Denver over the weekend, with hundreds of bearded men and driven women flocking to Colorado in search of gold, silver, and even bronze at this year’s 36th annual Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony. And just like the big boom of the 1800s, craft breweries from the Rocky Mountain region struck it big — sending a message to anyone questioning the state of the independent craft beer industry that the new guard of small craft breweries entering the market are here to stay. Here are five young Rocky Mountain craft breweries that struck it big at this year’s festival.

Melvin Brewing

If you made it to the festival this year, you know that the crew at Melvin Brewing is hard to miss — and not just because they kicked off the fest by towing a brass brand around the streets of Denver on a flatbed trailer, but because this Jackson Hole-based brewery is making some explosive IPAs that will knock you out of your socks. Melvin not only picked up two gold medals at this year’s awards ceremony (one for Hubert MPA in the Strong Pale Ale category, and one for Wet Hop Melvin in the Wet Hop Ale category), they also took home the award for Brewery Group of the Year. Melvin’s original brewpub, the Thai Me Up, still hydrates and feeds ski crowds in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but the brewery’s huge growth in the past few years inspired the brewery to expand into a larger production brewery located just down the road in Alpine, as well as open a lively brewpub in Bellingham, Washington. 624 County Road 101, Alpine, WY; melvinbrewing.com

Weldwerks Brewing

Since opening up shop in Greeley in early 2015, Weldwerks has quietly been dominating many of the craft beer conservations throughout the state of Colorado. In the past two years, Weldwerks has been racking up accolades for their clean, flavorful brews, but it’s what they’re doing with sour styles and barrel-aged beers that really turned heads at this year’s fest. The brewery picked up a gold medal in the Wood-and-Barrel-Aged Strong Stout category, which festival-goers were lining up to get a taste of. The brewery’s Peach Climacteric Barrel-Aged Sour aged with fresh Colorado peaches was also a show stopper, and had many people at the festival working to find Greeley on a map. 508 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO; weldwerksbrewing.com

Lone Tree Brewing Company

This small brewery from the small town of Lone Tree managed to snag two medals at this year’s Great American Beer Festival, and rightfully so. Lone Tree won a gold medal for their easy-drinking Mexican Lager in the American-Style Lager or Malt Liquor category, which is currently on tap in the brewery’s cozy taproom. But the big win came in the form of a silver medal in the Imperial Red Ale category for Hop Zombie — a limited release beer the brewery launches every fall. At nearly 9 percent ABV and 90 IBUs, Hop Zombie is a melting pot of eight different hops with a rich malty backbone. Visit this award-winning brewpub next time you shred some singletrack in the area. 8200 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 8222, Lone Tree, CO; lonetreebrewingco.com

Baere Brewing Company

Operating in small, 2.5 barrel brewhouse, Baere Brewing is the definition of small — but the flavors coming from this Denver-based brewery are anything but little. One of my favorite beers from this year’s GABF was Baere’s Bring the Greenback — a table sour made with Colorado spruce tips foraged by the brewery which complimented the Simcoe hops in the brew. What makes this beer even better, is proceeds from the brew benefit The Rare Fish / Rare Beer Project — a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring rivers and endangered fish in Colorado. Baere also picked a bronze medal in the Berliner-Style Weisse category for their delightfully balanced Blackberry Table Sour. 320 Broadway Unite E, Denver, CO;baerebrewing.com

Überbrew

The 2016 Great American Beer Festival was the year for Überbrew, an innovative brewery located in Billings, Montana. Last year the brewery picked up two gold medals, a silver medal, a bronze medal, and to cap it all off, took home the award for Small Brewing Company of the year — a Cinderella story of sorts for a young brewery (Überbrew officially opened in 2012) from the vast state of Montana. Überbrew put Billings on the map as a craft beer destination, and a visit to this place is worth the trip. Not only can you pick up Überbrew’s handcrafted beers in cans, but they’re also serving up a locally-inspired hearty food menu at their brewpub which includes a Kegs & Eggs weekend special for only $9. Swing by this place for a taste of their 2017 GABF silver medal-winning Canu Recreation Ale — a cream ale that just might become your go-to après beer. 2305 Montana Ave, Billings, MT; uberbrewmt.com

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: TEPUI EXPEDITION SERIES DUFFLE BAG

While prepping for a recent outdoor road tripping excursion around Iceland, I came across a gear dilemma, and settled it by deciding to bring my own. I wanted to have gear that I knew worked properly and would keep me warm. So my travel partner and I packed up our go-to sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, and heavy-duty hiking boots, and fast-boiling Primus stove, and shoved it all into one of Tepui Tents‘ Expedition Series Duffle Bags. Known for their rugged and sturdy rooftop tents, Tepui recently expanded their accessories line, and the duffle bag was born in all of its bright orange glory. (The bag also comes in black for anyone that doesn’t feel like bright orange brings out the color of their eyes.) This bag became our Mary Poppins bag. It seemed like every time we thought we had packed it to the brim, we found more space. It even has additional pockets on the outside to store smaller items. So we added camera tripods, and a giant box of Cliff bars, and lightened the loads of our own packs — zipped the whole thing shut — and handed it over to a seemingly trustworthy airline agent at Denver International Airport. In the grand scheme of things, the bag was a great idea. It’s design made it fairly easy to carry the large load through the airport. It made road-tripping through rugged and chilly parts of the country kind of comfortable. And after the airline lost the Tepui bag for three additional days after our return flight to Denver, the synthetic resin-coated polyester material held up to some heavy beatings while it journeyed to several random airports before finally landing back in Denver. It also masked the smell of our fermenting wet shower towels, which vanished pretty quickly after letting the bag air out for a few hours — just in time for us to repack it and take it fall camping in the colorful mountains of Colorado.

MSRP: $135.00

Pros: The Tepui Expedition Duffle holds a lot of stuff without feeling awkward to carry. The size is perfect for anyone who’s routinely unpacking and repacking their camping kits. The duffle makes it easy to store everything in one place and means less trips to and from the car to load everything up. The exterior material is pretty hardcore. It held up to the “checked bag airplane test,” but not without emerging with some battle wounds. After one trip overseas, this bag looked worse for wear, with scuffs all over the bag, but the material is fairly easy to clean and came away without any actual damage.

Cons: This bag is promoted as “rugged,” and it is, but throw a little water on this baby and you’ll have one massive mess to clean up in the bottom of the bag. While camping in Colorado’s high country in fast-changing fall weather, we got hit with a downpour that took everyone a little by surprise. By the time we grabbed the Tepui bag and got it inside of the tent, everything in the bag was already wet and a big puddle had accumulated at the bottom. Until Tepui springs for taped seams on the zippers, this bag will continue to be a good spend for casual campers, but will let the hardcore road tripper expecting to haul their gear on outside of their vehicle down at the first sign of rain.

Where We Took It: Road tripping around Iceland. Camping in Colorado.

EAT, SLEEP, PLAY: WHITEFISH, MONTANA

EAT

For a small town, Whitefish bustles. It has a rocking dining scene, complete with two breweries, a distillery, a variety of dinner options, and quirky late-night haunts—like The Great Northern Bar (greatnorthernbar.com)—where you’ll find cheap-beer specials and live music most nights of the week.

Craft beer fans get their fix at Bonsai Brewing Project (facebook.com/bonsaibrew/). Locals love the quaint taproom, but it’s the easy-drinking brews like Due North IRA (India Red Ale) that keep them coming back. For a post-shred refuel, head to Pescado Blanco (pescadoblancorestaurant.com)—where the kitchen serves balanced, hearty and healthy dishes. Kickstart your morning with a cup of coffee and house-made baked pastries at Montana Coffee Traders’ (coffetraders.com) downtown location. If you’re staying on the mountain, devour nachos and an après adult beverage at the Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery (hellroaringsaloon.com).

SLEEP

In true small resort town fashion, you won’t find chain hotels and generic lodging in Whitefish. Instead, visitors can choose from small, boutique hotels in town, and ample condos and townhouses scattered throughout the resort. If exploring Whitefish’s charming and historic downtown is in your plan, grab a room at The Firebrand Hotel (firebrandhotel.com)—a beautiful contemporary hotel located a block from the town’s main drag. Nightly rates at this gem start at $109. If spending all of your time up on the mountain is your top priority, book a room at one of Whitefish Mountain Resort’s lodging properties (skiwhitefish.com). Rates begin at $99 a night, and the resort also offers a handful of discounted packages, including a Ski & Stay and mid-week package.

PLAY

Whitefish Mountain Resort lacks the crowds of a Colorado resort, but it certainly can have as-good or better snow. Tucked up in the northwest corner of northwest Montana, it boasts 3,000 skiable acres and 300-plus inches of the white stuff each year. Grab a lift ticket for a fairly reasonable $79 per day and head to the untracked tree lines in Hellroaring Basin or the steeps of East Ridge—and lap away, friend. And defintely get in on the Moonlight Dine & Ski ($55 per person), which includes dinner on the top of the mountain and an instuctor-led moonlight ski down. Get to nearby Glacier National Park for a quiet backcountry jaunt. Rent snowshoes from the Sportsman & Ski Haus (sportsmanskihaus.com) at the Whitefish resort’s base lodge, and head out on a free guided snowshoe walk in the park every Saturday and Sunday from January to March.

—Tyra Sutak

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

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SKYPOINT HOODED JACKET

When shoulder season rolls around, your pack better be stocked with versatile gear that can keep up with the changing weather — and Mountain Hardwear’s Women’s Skypoint Hooded Jacket does just that. I threw mine in my pack along with a lightweight rain jacket and 800-fill puffy for a recent two-week camping/road trip around Iceland, and was pleasantly surprised (and kicking myself for wasting precious space in my bag) when the Skypoint alone delivered better than any combination of the other jackets. Though it’s meant to by a midlayer, this jacket became my go-to on the trip. Through sideways rain, random bursts of sun, and all of the other kinds of fluctuating weather that fall can throw at you, the Skypoint Hooded Jacket delivered.

MSRP: $275

Pros: The best thing this jacket has going for itself is the Polartec Alpha insulation. Originally designed to outfit soldiers in WWI and WWII, Polartec’s technology has come along way, and the Alpha insulation effectively regulates your core body temperature. Paired with a nice baselayer, this jacket kept me nice and warm on the trails on chilly September mornings, and continued to maintain a comfortable temperature back in the heated car post-trail time. #Vanlifing it around Iceland is one big, often cold, firsthand tour of the constantly changing weather and temperatures that can be found in a place dubbed “the land of fire and ice.” This meant some pretty cold nights in the back of the van. During those chilly evenings, that were often interrupted with impromptu photo sessions of the unpredictable Northern Lights, I slept with the Skypoint on, and still maintained a comfortable warm temp, whether I was tucked inside of my 20-degree down sleeping bag, or standing outside in the freezing cold staring at the sky at 1 o’clock in the morning. This jacket is also weatherproof, and held up nicely to a couple of rainy, windy hikes throughout the week. The Skypoint didn’t dry out as quickly as other weather-resistant jackets I have, but it still did the trick. The jacket also fit me perfectly. It boasts a loose athletic fit, which meant I didn’t have any trouble layering up when I needed to. The hood was also the perfect fit — i.e. snug enough to stay in place on it’s own when the wind picked up, which it did often. The back of the jacket also runs a little longer than many women’s jackets, which was perfect for me, because I never had any trouble with it riding up underneath my backpack while on the move.

Cons: I’m a huge fan of this jacket, which is why I was a little bummed out that after beating this jacket to death for two weeks, small patches of the nylon exterior began to break down. So far, this con has only proven to be an aesthetic downside and hasn’t affected the performance of the jacket. The nylon material is also a little bit of a dirt magnet, which is something to keep in mind if you’re leaning towards buying the Atmosfear color option.

Where We Took It: Hiking and #vanlifing through Iceland.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS

“Going to the mountains is going home.” – John Muir

I used to think that home meant four walls, a roof, and a brightly lit porch light — the ultimate beacon of a home. It wasn’t until I left that notion, and those four walls, behind that I really started to find the places that I felt the most at home. I found home in airport lobbies, and in bars around the world that served my favorite beers from my home state of Colorado, and in the flecks of light that shine from my nephew’s eyes, even through the abysmal darkness of a computer screen. But time and time again, the place that I felt most at home was in the mountains. Without a roof over my head, I could see the stars in the night sky more clearly. And without four walls to hold me in, Mother Nature became my shelter. And instead of one light illuminating one place in this vastly beautiful world, the moon became my beacon — lighting up the places that I call home.

Photo Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness, 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 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

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: CHASING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

It didn’t start that way. I didn’t book a flight to Iceland and rent a car for two weeks to chase the Northern Lights, but after five days in the country, and four spectacular sightings, I was consumed by them — checking the weather forecast periodically and seeking out small towns with low light pollution (and a campsite with a working shower) to post up with my tripod and camera for the night. During the day, I would drive from town to town, through waterfall-lined cliffs and sprawling fjords full of seals and whales, and so much life — stopping to warm up with hot coffee in a local cafe and to take in the powerful natural beauty of it all. In the place I least expected to find them, a quiet, small town in the Western Fjords, they appeared, and put on a show across the night sky. Dark purple melted into green, accented by shades of blue and pink. It was like nothing I had ever seen. So I sat in the cold for hours, staring at the always-changing night sky, too afraid to sleep for fear that I’d miss it all.

Photo Location: Hólmavík, Iceland

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.