I always pack a light-weight first-aid kit when hiking–even on short hikes near Denver. I’ve probably used my kit to help others as much as I’ve used it to pull a splinter from my own hand or prevent a blister on my own foot. If you’re wondering what to pack in your first aid kit, I’m going to details the core items. If you’d rather just pick up a prepackaged one, I’d recommend the “>Hart Weekend First Aid Kit Adhesive Bandages and Sterile Dressings: Adhesive bandages are versatile and useful for covering small cuts, blisters, or abrasions. Make sure to include a variety of sizes to cater ..read more

If it’s your first time visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and you’re wanting to make the most of your visit, then this set of hikes is a great place to start. I’ve spent over six full months hiking the hundreds of miles of trails in RMNP, and we drive up with visiting family and friends to show them around. However, before we get into the hikes, here are a few scenarios on how you might want to spend your day. NOTE: Rocky Mountain National Park requires that you have timed-entry permits Late-May through Late-October. More information at the RMNP Timed-Entry Permit Page. Hiking Scenarios fo ..read more

Two Stories of Hiking Gone Wrong Around 9 PM one summer night, I got a panicked call from guy from Florida. But he wasn’t in Florida. He was lost somewhere about an hour from Denver. He’d been hiking with friends, departed the trail to take care of some business, and couldn’t find his way back. When he finally found cell signal, he did a hurried search, found my Dayhikes Near Denver business listing and called me. I’ll tell you the rest of the story in the tips below. Several years ago, I was backpacking with friends and we were about ten miles back in the Collegiate Peaks wilderness when a wo ..read more

In my many years of hiking in Colorado, I’ve never encountered a mountain lion. I’ve seen sign, and I’m sure they’ve seen me (an unnerving thought), but I’ve never encountered one. I have thought about it a lot, especially after reading a great book, Bease in the Garden about the mountain lions along the Front Range of Colorado. The stories of mountain lion encounters are actually most common on the outskirts of population centers (imagine ten miles west of boulder or in the foothils outside of Denver), where cubs have grown up more seeing humans. This is actually what causes problems, the hab ..read more

A common problem that can quickly turn a memorable hike into an uncomfortable experience is blisters. I’ve hiked hundreds of miles, and rarely get blisters. Follow these tips and you should be able to do the same. And if you do get a blister from a new pair of boots or just a long slog on a rainy day, I’ll detail how to care for them so that they don’t drive you crazy. Preventing Blisters While Hiking Choose Proper Footwear: Investing in the right footwear is crucial for preventing blisters. Consider the following tips: Ensure a Proper Fit – Ill-fitting shoes are a recipe for blisters. Visit ..read more

Colorado is famous for its breathtaking mountains, and hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the state. However, the mountains of Colorado can be dangerous, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are common. Two things combine to create these powerful afternoon thunderstorms: 1) All the rapidly evaporated snowmelt, and 2) how quickly the mountains heat up with the sun and push warm air into the sky. Lightning strikes are a real threat to hikers, and it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe. In this post, we’ll discuss some tips for lightning safety whil ..read more

Hiking in Black Bear Country There are over 15,0000 black bears in Colorado, and no brown bears. The last brown bear–also called a grizzly bear–was killed back in the 1950’s. But black bears are often brown in color, so some folks mistake them for their larger cousins. Black bears are typically non-confrontational and will try to avoid humans. I’ve encountered several bears while hiking, and in every situation, they’ve quickly noticed me, turned away and high-tailed it in the opposite direction. However, if a black bear feels threatened or senses that you’re a threat to its cubs, it’s likely t ..read more

As our trails near Denver get a lot of foot traffic, hiking etiquette becomes all that more important. Whether you are a new hiker or experienced one, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when hitting the trails: If you encounter other hikers on the trail, yield to them. If you are going uphill, step to the side and let the downhill hiker pass. If you are going downhill, be prepared to step aside for an uphill hiker. Also, like driving, stay to the right, and allow faster hikers to pass on your left. Yield to other hikers. Before you embark on your journey, ensure that you are properl ..read more

We’ve been hiking with our two girls since they were literally days old. Recently, we hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls. I can’t tell you how proud I was of them. Over the years, we’ve learned a few things about hiking with our children. Here are a few tips for making it an enjoyable time. When hiking with kids, it’s important to choose a trail that is suitable for their age and abilities. Look for trails with shorter distances and less elevation gain, and consider the difficulty of the terrain. Trails with a lot of rocks or steep drop-offs may not be the best choice for young children. Che ..read more

Hiking Essentials: The Ten Essentials You Should Always Bring on a Hike Hiking is a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may arise while on the trail. No matter the length or difficulty of your hike, it’s essential to carry the ten essentials with you. These items are a standard set of gear that every hiker should bring with them to ensure their safety and comfort while enjoying the great outdoors. 1. Navigation Navigation is the first and most important item on the list of ten essentials. Every hiker should carry a map and compass, and make sure ..read more