Sugarloaf Mountain is an excellent close front range option for a scenic hike. Parking is fairly…read moreeasy off Sugarloaf rd, really not far from downtown Boulder! It's an uphill and sometimes steep drive on dirt, but nothing a small car can't do. The hike itself starts unmarked but easy to spot the wide gate and uphill trail. You're in the woods for about the first third, then get some great views after some switchbacks. The top is denuded from a fire over 30 years ago, the Black Tiger Fire. Many large trees and stumps can be seen. This is a fantastic view and you can see in 360 degrees. It's particularly great for mountain views, sunrise, and cool clouds. The trail is pretty short 1.5 miles and around 300ft gain, with a broad open top. It's a great trail for most any skill level!

Colorado residents and visitors should make the time to take in this Rocky Mountain experience…read more This is a moderate hike for those in decent shape, just remember if you're not acclimated, you are hiking roughly from 7900ft to 8900ft. Sugarloaf Mountain is about a half hour outside of Boulder. It is easily seen from the plains-it's the mountain just behind the foothills that is uniformly cone shaped. Let me cut ahead to the pay-off before I fill in the details: A hike up Sugarloaf Mountain from the parking area pays off with magnificent 360 views. The Continental Divide is spread out before you in spectacular fashion. Long's Peak (one of the 14teeners) views are fabulous. To one side are steep drops down talus slopes into Four Mile Canyon. Turn around and you can see Denver and on a cool, clear day, probably Kansas. (not really but it seems that way). I have knocked around the high country quite a bit and been to the top of several peaks, and for the accessability and proximity to Denver and Boulder, Sugarloaf Mountain has some of the best panoramic views. Some of my personal highlights from Sugarloaf hikes: -Watching an eagle glide along on thermals, sometimes above me, sometimes below. -Waving at people in a glider and actually being able to hear the wings of the glider whistling through the air. -Watching the sun set below the snow-capped divide (you can see the Indian Peaks and Never Summer range from here) while sitting in adirondack style chairs made from loose slabs of stone on the western facing side of the peak. Drive west out of Boulder on Canyon (toward Nederland). About 5 miles. Turn right on Sugarloaf Rd., follow it about 4 miles to a right, watch for signs. Trailhead is just a dirt lot. Trail starts with gravel/dirt, becomes very rocky as you climb. Not very steep or challenging if you take your time. Also views of forest fire damage from recent years in surrounding foothills. Just don't do what I did with a visitor: Hiked up sugarloaf one day, biking the next day, on the third day of their visit (they were visiting from an elevation of 600ft.) we went to play racquetball in the morning. Ten minutes into racquetball my guest says "Are the lights in here flickering? Wait, I think I might pass out..." Oops. Altitude.

Recently visited Loveland Pass on our way back from Breckenridge. We drove to the top instead of…read morehiking. On the way up, we saw some light snow flurries, and by the time we reached the top, it was actively snowing. The scenery is absolutely stunning definitely a must-see if you're in the area. Just a heads-up: it can get icy and slippery, so be careful while walking around. Overall, it's a beautiful spot and perfect for enjoying the snowy mountain views! Plus it's free!

Each stop on our full day was momentous. The clouds touch the mountains and it's breathtaking…read more Pictures do not give justice to the view. Wear weather appropriate clothes and shoes. We were not able to make it to the top of the steps but still happy we got to explore this place for a bit!

Nothing beats a trip to Grand Lake and kayaking for a half day really helps you appreciate how…read morebeautiful it really is. Homes of all sizes surround the lake and you can feel the history in some of the little bungalows and historic downtown. It's a melting pot in the summer. Lots of people come to enjoy the water, food, bars, and the escape for the heat in the city.

I saved the most relaxing scenic part of my trip to Rocky Mountain National Park for last. Even…read morethough Grand Lake resides outside of the park, this place is just stunning. Grand Lake is Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake. This place is not only beautiful, but there is a lot to do around the lake. It is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts and for people who love outdoor activities. I enjoyed walking around the downtown village area. There are several local restaurants and gift shops that you can visit all within a block of street called the Boardwalk. The cool thing is that there are no chain restaurants or shops in Grand Lake. Even though I only spent a day here, I was able to enjoy a full day of activities while taking in the beautiful scenery. I hiked the nature trail to Adams Falls and did some kayaking on Grand Lake. Grand Lake is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Grand Lake is an all-year-round destination. It is also known as the "Snowmobile Capital of Colorado" because of its groomed snowmobile trails. Grand Lake also hosts an annual hocky classic on Grand Lake during the winter season.

Unless you know the precise location of this sculpture, you can easily drive right past it! You…read morecan find it on Champa St. between 17th & 18th Streets. It is set next to the Hotel Registration sign leading to the Residence Inn. Drive by viewing! I couldn't find parking, so luckily, traffic came to a stop and I snapped a quick pic. This is definitely a whimsical piece! It's also a sort of abstract since there's basically only a pair of pants and an odd shaped abdomen with a belt in between. What might be perceived at first as arms are actually pistols. There's no face, arms, hands, nor feet. In summary, this is a cowboy with its guns drawn. Cowboy Pajamas is a solid work made from bronze, weighing three tons! It stands at over 20 feet tall. The sculptor is Sean O'Meallie. It was installed in 2008. Why is this sculpture in front of a hotel? This hotel, the Residence Inn at this address, hosts an Annual Pajama Party fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits and raises awareness for the homeless.

You will find this little nugget right outside of the Residence Inn, in a small alcove. It is the…read morework of Sean O'Meallie who did the sculpture in 2008. It is starting to show signs of wear and is a bit weathered. It also has some graffiti on it. It is 20 feet tall, weighs about 3,000 pounds, and is made from bronze and acrylic paint. It is rumored to have chosen the Residence Inn as the site of the sculpture because the hotel had hosted has a Pajama Party fundraiser benefiting Denver's Road Home program in the past. It is an interesting piece that depicts a cowboy holding up two side arms. The cowboy has heart shaped balloon hat and what looks like a magnet for legs. It is all on a platform. As I mentioned, it is abstract AF. You have to stare at it for a little while to decipher what it is, a cowboy in pajamas. Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. Even though I passed it a few times since I was staying at the hotel next door. I recommend making this stop part of a larger itinerary or checking it out if you are in the area and/or on your way somewhere else, to maximize your time.

It was a really cool experience. They had dancing and music. Some cheer leaders and roping a fake…read morebull. That was pretty fun definitely a hot spot to hang out and feel like you're part of the city.

Old Town Square is an absolute dream! It feels like I'm living in a Hallmark movie, especially at…read moreChristmas! I stumbled upon it a few months back while looking for a place to have breakfast with my daughter (ended up at Silver Grill Cafe). After breakfast, we decided to wander around a bit and check out the area. The square is beautiful! In the middle, you'll find a stage that is home to a lot of live music in the evenings, and a fountain/splash pad for the kids (or adults and some dogs I've seen), to run and splash around. They have a piano for the public to play, a fountain to make wishes in, and some interesting local art. There is plenty of seating to sit and watch the kid's play or have a small bite to eat. The fountain/stage are surrounded by a large number of local boutique shops and delicious restaurants. A bonus, a Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop! It is a great area to spend a warm day. At Christmas, all of downtown and old town are lit up with thousands of lights in the trees, on the buildings, etc. It is absolutely stunning! Back to my earlier comment that it truly feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie. They set up Santa's workshop in the middle of the square for kiddo's to meet him, sit on his lap, and take photos. He was such a kind man and was wonderful with the kids. Right next to this, is a skating rink. This unfortunately was disappointing. It's not ice, it's some plastic stuff that is physically impossible to actually skate on. Honestly it felt like a lawsuit waiting to happen with how easy it was to fall. It was uncomfortable and not very fun, we only went two laps and gave up. It was free, so at least we didn't waste any money. It's great for "looks," but don't recommend it. Overall, this is truly one of my favorite places in Fort Collins and I love spending my days here with my daughter.

This is my favorite festival in Colorado! If you know me you know that I love anything that's off…read morethe beaten path- restaurants, events, festivals, and this weekend-long celebration definitely ticks off all the boxes of something you won't get to experience anywhere else! If you're a local or just happen to be visiting the weekend this festival is going on, I highly recommend checking it out for at least one of the days it's going on, you won't regret it!

This event is fantastic! Everyone should check it out. But, here are a few tips:…read more *RTD is your friend! This little town just does not have enough parking for this event. Take the bus for just a couple bucks from Boulder! *Wear your comfy shoes and be ready to wait in line for everything! Even in the bars! *Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty! You will be hiking across town through snow, mud, etc. *Dress warm! This is a cold town in March! Gloves are a must! This event was much better organized this year. They are getting used to the volume of attendees. Last year there just weren't enough beer tents, no parking, and just had an overall disorganized feel. This year some fantastic improvements were made (parking attendants, an additional beer tent by the parade, etc.).

Squee for public art - and heck a giant soup can - how could it not be amazing!…read more There is a spot to park right in front of it! It's a fun little find, and worth at least a drive by!

I use to live off Campbell soup. But for the past decade or so they've done something to their…read moresoups that makes me wanna vomit. It taste like they've added diet salt to their salt lick of a recipe. Today I had a taste for some chicken noodle soup. I would have been better off heating up the actual label then eating this putrid, fake tasting, GMO, wanna save a buck, 30 years sitting on a shelf soup. I'd never buy their products again cause obviously it's all about the money. Campbell soup has lost their integrity.

Take a short, scenic stroll on the Trollstigen Trail (Troll Trail) to see the Isak Heartstone…read moreTroll. It's located just outside of the main part of Breckenridge. Best of all, it is FREE to see! To find the Trollstigen Trail trailhead go to the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Creek Trailhead. If you are near the trains, go to the opposite end of the parking lot. Isak Heartstone 1 was co-commissioned for an exhibit for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in 2018, but it was dismantled in February 2019 because it was too popular and then reinstalled here . Although I didn't see it in person, only online, I think the original sculpture was better and more playful. Isak is carefully stacking rocks like he's balancing rocks. As per Dambo's website, this troll got its' name after three little girls came by and gave Isak a stone heart. Dambo has a heart-shaped stone placed in Isak's chest. The Isak Heartstone Troll at THIS location is the second one. Some people reference this one as Isak Heartstone 2. He sits at approximately 15 feet tall. Thomas Dambo is the creator of this and many other trolls. He uses reclaimed wood and other recycled materials. Isak is pretty cool to see in person! He's sitting on an incline between trees. He's got his right hand holding the tree trunk. His left hand is balancing him as he's sitting. The bottom of his left foot is resting against a rock. I love all the details... like his fingernails & toenails, and small branches for hairs. The trail is an easy walk through a forested area. This pathway is stable to walk on. The return trail is different from the one leading in. It consists of wood boards, similar to a deck and includes a 6-inch-high step. This troll was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculpture artist. There are over one hundred Dambo trolls in the U.S.A. and many more around the world. Isak Heartstone is Troll numbered 043. Isak is the first Dambo Troll we've seen in person! We went to see Rita The Rock Planter eight days later! I guess we're officially Troll Hunters now! *If you live in the Los Angeles, CA area or are planning to visit, there will be a temporary exhibit of 12 Thomas Dambo's Trolls at the South Coast Botanic Garden in March 2026. Buy your tickets!

4/5 stars only because on the unseasonably warm day we went, the trail up to Isak was icy so we had…read moreto navigate that while people on the trail walked in front of and behind us, I guess trying to get there quickly. Isak is not very far from the parking lot and the trailhead sign. On this particular day there were several people waiting to take their photo with Isak, so we waited patiently. When it was our turn a nice woman said, "Be careful, it's slippery." Thank you. We took our photos, enjoyed the trees a bit, and walked back to our car.

Got a mountain bike? Ride this path west from the Creek Path. I start at Eben Fine Park. The trail…read moregoes alongside the highway and Boulder Creek, eventually passes under the highway and turns to gravel on the other side. It continues up to the junction with Fourmile Canyon. It is a difficult ride for a casual rider, but I see younger and more fit types passing me regularly. So figure out what is realistic for you and have some fun. I'd give it more stars if there were less trucks on the highway, but there is a decent barrier in the stretch near the road. The gravel part of the trail is much more protected.

Start at the Boulder Public Library at 9th and Canyon, and walk west. That's it. You can go quite a…read moreway up Boulder Canyon, and on a day like yesterday, all sunny and glorious, it really doesn't get much better.