How to keep all the odds and ends in order, and accessible when you need them? When packing your backpack, put the heaviest items closest to your spine.
Category: hiking
Hiking: What do I need to bring and what do I wear?
These are the hiking essentials every person needs when they hit the trail.
How to Plan My Hiking Route Part 3: Seasons & Weather
Shorts or pants? Sun hat or beanie? The season and the weather can be huge factors in choosing your hiking route.
How to Plan My Hiking Route Part 2: Distance & Elevation
When choosing a trail, think about how long you want to be out on the trail. How much time do you have? Do you have all day, or just an hour or two?
Trail Etiquette: Trail Types & Conditions
The beauty of a trail network is that it's always available, and can be used year-round for different activities. A few conditions are worth noting and planning for.
Trail Etiquette: Multi-use Trails
The best way to approach trail use is to remember to be kind, use your manners, and communicate verbally. A cheerful “hello” and “thank you” to fellow hikers goes a long way in promoting a positive trail experience.

Engineer Mountain
Engineer Mountain, a 12,968-foot peak rising just north of the Purgatory/Durango Mountain ski resort, is nestled in the San Juan Mountain Range, between the towns of Durango and Silverton, Colorado. Engineer Mountain shows off striking good looks, amazing geology, and incredible hiking access. A challenging 13 mile out-and-back trail from Coal Bank Hill off U.S. …

The Great Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a hiking, photography, and ecological wonderland. The park holds the tallest largest dunes in North America (some reaching over 750 feet in height!), has a seasonally flowing stream, and numerous access points. Biggest sandbox around! Geology The following is an excerpt from Colorado Rocks. Check the …

Weekend Trip: White Sands National Park
This past weekend we ventured to White Sands National Park. The park is famous for its sparkling white sand dunes, which exist in the middle of the southern New Mexico desert. I'll talk a bit about kid-organization, and a bit about the geology of White Sands.

It’s Fall
The best time of year. I'm spending as much time in the woods as I can, catching the changing seasons and savoring the cooler temperatures. This past weekend we did a 'divide and conquer' hike, with me and kids starting a hike in an aspen wonderland, then returning to the car while my husband hiked …