Elevation Outdoors June 2016 by Summit Publishing

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CONTENTS

June 2016

UNBREAKABLE: GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES ANNOUNCER KEN HOEVE SURFS THE GLENWOOD WAVE WITH WOUNDED VET AND DOWNRIVER RACER DANIEL RILEY. SEE PG 21

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

7 EDITOR’S LETTER

27 COLORADO HIKING

At long last, the outdoor recreation industry is going to be part of GDP.

It's time to put boots to the dirt and explore all the walking paths that the Centennial State has to offer. From quick and quirky day hikes to overnight epics, we run down our picks for the best trails in Colorado.

8 QUICK HITS SUP yoga flow states, sand dune survival, dog commands and more ...

12 FLASHPOINT The people of Eagle have spoken and a new river park is in the works.

15 HOT SPOT Fort Collins: bouldering, bikes, beer.

31 THE 2016 SUMMER PEAK GEAR AWARDS Our contributors beat the hell out of their gear—they climb, run, bike, paddle and sweat out in the wild all year long, just to have fun. Here's the gear they cannot live without.

16 THE TRAIL Traipse from Aspen to Crested Butte with help from the ViewRanger app.

19 NUMEROLOGY A stat sheet of juicy hiking facts.

21 STRAIGHT TALK

37 TOP DOGS Our readers never tire of a good dog photo contest. They posted pictures of thier pooches. They voted. And here are the pups who won it all. photo above by KEN HOEVE

Ken Hoeve paddles the planet.

47 HEAR THIS Swooning on the road with local darlings the Drunken Hearts.

47 THE ROAD Devon O'Neil weighs the risks of adventure versus a new family.

50 ELWAYVILLE. The power of trees.

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CONTRIBUTORS

ElevationOutdoors.com EDITORIAL ED ITOR -IN -CH IEF

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

doug@elevationoutdoors.com MAN AG IN G ED ITOR

CAMERON MARTINDELL

cameron@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR ED ITOR

CHRIS KASSAR

chris@elevationoutdoors.com ASSISTAN T ED ITOR

KELLY CASSIDY

play@elevationoutdoors.com CON TRIBUTIN G ED ITORS

AARON BIBLE, ADAM CHASE, ROB COPPOLILLO, LIAM DORAN, JAMES DZIEZYNSKI, HUDSON LINDENBERGER, SONYA LOONEY, JAYME MOYE, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN ED ITOR -AT-LARG E

PETER KRAY

C ON TRIBUTIN G WRITERS

KIM FULLER, WILL MCGOUGH, DEVON O'NEIL, AVERY STONICH, SCOTT WILLOUGHBY, MELANIE WONG ART + PRODUCTION MEGAN JORDAN

A RT D IREC TOR

megan@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR D ESIG N ER

LAUREN WALKER

lauren@elevationoutdoors.com G RA PH IC D ESIG N ER

PAIGELEE CHANCELLOR

paigelee@elevationoutdoors.com

ADVERTISING + BUSINESS BLAKE DEMASO

PRESID EN T

blake@elevationoutdoors.com PU BLISH ER

ELIZABETH O’CONNELL

elizabeth@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR AC C OU N T EXECUTIVE

MARTHA EVANS

martha@elevationoutdoors.com AC C OU N T EXECUTIVE

BEN YOUNG

ben@elevationoutdoors.com

B U SIN ESS MAN AG ER

MELISSA GESSLER

melissa@elevationoutdoors.com C IRC U LATION MA N AG ER

HANNAH COOPER

hcooper@elevationoutdoors.com

DIGITAL MEDIA CRAIG SNODGRASS

ON LIN E D IR EC TOR

craig@elevationoutdoors.com D IG ITA L MA N AG ER

TYRA SUTAK

tyra@elevationoutdoors.com

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06.16

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST SOLO ADVENTURE IN THE WILD? DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN Solo climbling on Chair Peak in the Cascades when I ended up in one of the those unforgettable too-scared-to-make-themove-to-go-forward positions for 15 minutes until I finally went for it.

ELIZABETH O'CONNELL It’s hard to imagine being alone somewhere on Peru’s Inca Trail, but, on our third night, we had some down time and I spend a few hours alone reading in a ruin.

CAMERON MARTINDELL Striking out on my own into Australia's wilds from the Blue Mountains to the Royal National Park to wander the endless miles.

CHRIS KASSAR A solo backpack in Canyonlands' Maze District on my 22nd birthday. I woke to find a double rainbow arching over the red rocks and cat tracks circling the damp sand around my tent.

ADAM CHASE A 55k “snow running” race in Canada’s Northwest Territories in the dead of winter, when the temps were -39.

DEVON O'NEIL I backpacked in to Mt. Powell in the Gore Range at night then set out the next morning with a topo map but little knowledge of the route—figuring it out on my own was more rewarding.

SCOTT WILLOUGHBY Nothing beats being the only guy in the lineup at a tropical beach with a leisurely set of clean, head-high rights rolling in off the horizon. Ethereal as it is ephemeral.

PETER KRAY If by 'best' you mean 'worst' it was the time I got totally lost in New Mexico's Sangre de Christo Mountains.

EDITOR’S LETTER

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COUNT US IN: THE HIGH ALPINE SERENITY OF HARTENSTEIN LAKE IN THE COLLEGIATE PEAKS | photo by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

LAW OF THE LAND Here's something that's hard to believe. Outdoor recreation is currently not really counted as a part of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) here in the U.S. That's insane, and a disservice to all of us who not only get out and play in the wild but also have built our lives (and livelihoods) around the outdoor economy. How is this possible? Currently, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), and thus the federal government, simply does not add up or consider outdoor recreation and all the businesses based on recreation on public lands as part of GDP. River guides and outfitters? Ignored. Shops like Neptune Mountaineering and REI selling you all that fancy climbing gear? The federal government says, “I know nothing.” The BEA does count the profits extractive industries accrue as they trash public lands. And that is doubly disturbing since it gives those groups even more power when they lobby politicians. Outdoor recreation proponents have no way to prove to lawmakers just how important we are to the bottom line—and recreation, despite its own impacts, encourages conservation. This problem is primed to change, however. In October, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced the Outdoor REC (Recreation’s Economic Contributions) Act. The bill would mandate that the BEA account for and inform the government and business on the currently ignored outdoor recreation industry, which adds up to $646 billion in spending each year and 6.1 million jobs according to Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). It's huge news in itself that a conservative like Gardner would partner with a New England Democrat on an economic bill, and it speaks to the common sense behind the act. There's just too much money there to ignore. I am going to quote Gardner here, because it's not often I get the chance to call out our state's Republicans promoting outdoor recreation. And I admit, in these days of insane partisanship, I would like to do that more often. Preserving our outdoor heritage should not be politicized—we all love our time in the woods and the mountains and we can all make a responsible living connected to those places that renew us physically, mentally and spiritually. “Outdoor recreation in Colorado is a pillar of our local communities, our Western heritage, and attracts people from all over the world to our state,” said Gardner. “Colorado's great outdoors has contributed significantly to state and local economies across the country, and the Outdoor REC Act recognizes that. This bill would allow lawmakers to make informed policy decisions to further enhance the industry by understanding the impact recreation has on our economy, and I look forward to working to ensure this commonsense bill moves through the legislative process. Congress could use a little fresh air, and this bill shows the value of it." Thank you, Sentor. And good on us, Colorado. We have legal weed (and it's not a big deal), the best beer in the land, forward-thinking entrepreneurs and Republicans who value going outside and playing (and, of course, the cash it generates). All that comes on top of our Colorado lawmakers signing a bill that will make the third Saturday in May Colorado Public Lands Day starting in 2017. In this insane election year, it's good to know that at least public lands and recreation could win.

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QUICK HITS

06.16

TECHNOLOGY NOMAD 7 Goal Zero keeps innovating and its new, smart Nomad 7 solar panel proves it. A built in sensor adjusts as clouds obscure the sun and a built in kickstand means there's no more balancing on rocks and logs to get the best angle to the sun. $100; goalzero.com

GEAR WE LOVE CHACO JAEGER The Chaco Jaeger has proven to be just the kind of footwear that works great both on the streets or trail. With a classic cut and the timelessness of leather, they’re the only boot you’ll need to break up the day with a quick hike or stop by the brew pub. $140; chacos.com

BOOKS THE NATIONAL PARKS COAST TO COAST: 100 BEST HIKES For the Park Service’s 100th anniversary, Ted Alvarez, Backpacker’s Northwest editor, provides advice and hike profiles, including three in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stunning imagery, 100 maps, ranger bios and park-specific visiting tips make this a must-have for any adventurer. $26; amazon.com

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FLOW STATE SUP YOGA IS TAKING COLORADO BY STORM. AND YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW COMPLEX YOGA POSES, OR EVEN BE A PADDLER, TO TRY IT. Five years ago, stand-up paddleboard yoga was just emerging in Colorado. One of the state’s first SUP yoga initiators, Julie Circo, said it was around that time when “people were laughing” at the on-water yoga classes she began to offer through her company, Paddle Yoga Colorado (paddleyogacolorado.com), based out of the Vail Valley. Circo said once people started trying it, many realized that SUP yoga is accessible even without yoga or paddling experience. “Most of the people I get don’t even do yoga, or have never been on a paddleboard,” Circo said, “and they just want to do something fun outside.” Shawn Rodine, owner and founder of Rocky Mountain Paddleboard (rockymtnpaddleboard.com), which has locations at Boulder Reservoir, Union Reservoir and Cherry Creek Reservoir, said the yoga and water sport combination gets a wide variety of people in the flow. “We crave water and there’s a lack of it here in Colorado, so this is a really good way to get close to the water and to feel it moving through your fingers as you are floating in savasana,” Rodine said. With the swift growth of SUP yoga, paddleboard manufacturers have also started making yogaspecific boards—they are more stable than surfing, downriver or touring boards, and they feature tacky deck pads, that feel much like yoga mats, even when wet. You can practice yoga on any SUP however, and Rocky Mountain Paddleboard does offer a discount on classes if you BYO board. Further south, SUP Colorado Springs

THE WORLD'S BEST STUDIO: WHY CONFINE THOSE ASANAS TO THE INDOORS. IT'S TIME TO TRY YOGA ON THE WATER. photo by GILLIAN PIERCE

(supcoloradosprings.com) will offer seasonal classes at Quail Lake and Prospect Lake for a second consecutive summer this year. Some may call SUP yoga a “fad,” perhaps something that will fizzle out. But San Diego-based Amelia Travis, founder of Stoked Yogi (stokedyogi. com) and yoga director at Glide SUP, thinks it’s an interesting time to be involved with the activity. She said it has has more first-time participants in the last three years than any other sport, ever. Her company’s SUP yoga teacher trainings have helped get the movement on the map. Want to take it further? Stoked Yogi and Fluid SUP are offering a SUP yoga teacher training at Grand Lake, Colorado, from August 24-28, led by Fluid SUP’s Leda Olmsted. Travis likes to say that “the board knows no yogi,” meaning that as soon as you get on the surface of the water, the practice takes on a new element for everyone. With physical benefits like increased balance and stability, SUP yoga challenges participants to embrace fluidity, while focusing on staying steady in the body and the mind. Attributes that pay off in classic outdoor sports like cycling and skiing, too. “When you’re floating in the middle of a lake and there are birds flying by you and there are fish jumping, breezes going through your hair and water lapping against your board,” shared Rodine, “you are forced to disconnect from technology, from stress, and really connect with yourself and nature in such a big way.” —Kim Fuller

SHIFTING SANDS LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING EXPERIENCE? IT'S TIME TO HEAD TO THE DUNES. I staked the tent into the ground, threw in my sleeping bag, and took off up the ridge to the top of the dune. From there, I could see the towering peaks of the Sangre de Cristos that surround Great Sand Dunes National Park. I turned back to where I had set my tent to take a photo of this otherworldly terrain, but my camp had moved. And it was still moving. I watched as my tent tumbled down the valley, blown by the steady wind and followed by a trail of sand. It was a rookie mistake, no doubt, but the dunes will do that to you. The place is certianly inviting. The dunes coaxed me in with their playful terrain, unlike anything else in the state. Dehydration aside, there is literally nothing about the terrain that can hurt you. No cliffs. No set or determined trails that one needs to follow. You can walk in any direction at any time. It’s complete freedom, a far cry from the usually terse Colorado terrain. After fixing my tent—this time ensuring there was enough weight to withstand the wind—I experienced these pleasures firsthand. Sliding down the dunes headfirst brought me back to childhood. But the flying tent was just a preview of the shift to come. Before the sun had even set, the heat raced from the sand, and by the time the first star appeared, the temperature

had dropped twenty degrees. This comfy, cozy terrain had suddenly become a backcountry nightmare, leaving me completely exposed. It was one of the most incredible reverses of conditions I've ever experienced. But this is life in the ever shifting dunes. Backcountry camping is permitted throughout Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve's 30-square-mile dunefield. Keep an eye on the weather and prepare for adventure. nps.gov/grsa —Will McGough

JIM NOWAK THE FOUNDER OF THE DZI FOUNDATION IS HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FAR REACHES OF NEPAL. Jim Nowak doesn't think of himself as a hero, but he’s improving the lives of 29,000 people in need. In 1998, the Colorado climber embarked on a mountaineering expedition to raise money for a struggling safehouse for women in Nepal—an experience that changed his life. “I realized I was getting more from Nepal than I was giving back,” he says. Nowak scraped together donations and started the dZi Foundation, a nonprofit that has been helping remote villages in Nepal’s Solukhumbu and Khotang regions for the past 18 years. From his home in Ridgway, Colorado, Nowak directs a team of dozens, building schools, bridges and other critical infrastructure in communities that are a two- to five-day walk from the nearest road. In one year, the foundation organized 31,500 days of

LEFT: JIM NOWAK STARTED THE DZI FOUNDATION TO HELP REMOTE VILLAGES IN NEPAL ABOVE: YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND WILL FOLLOW YOU FAITHFULLY, SO TAKE CARE ON THE TRAIL. | photo by LIN CHEONG (top), DZI (left)

PURE FREEDOM? THE DUNES PACK SOME SURPRISES, TOO. | photo by WILL MCGOUGH

volunteer labor and hauled more than 385,000 pounds of materials. Angela Hawse, Ridgway resident and owner of Chicks Climbing & Skiing, says Nowak is absolutely a hero. “He’s helping at a grassroots level and changing people’s lives.” “It’s been a fantastic and rich experience,” says Nowak. “I’ve been very blessed.” dzi.org —Avery Stonich

OBEDIENCE SCHOOL

MOUNTAIN BIKING WITH YOUR DOG TAKES SOME COMMON SENSE. Flying through the forest on two wheels with Fido in tow can be a hoot for both pedaler and pooch. Just ber sure to take some basic precautions to avoid pitfalls. “Get a physical exam to make sure the dog is healthy enough,” says Dr. Dan Mones, veterinarian and owner of Alpine Hospital for Animals in Boulder. Remember, age is important. A dog’s growth plates should be fully formed before strenuous activity (age 1-2, depending on breed). Larger dogs are best at covering biking distances. Long-snouted breeds like labs, golden retrievers, larger spaniels and pointers are better suited to heavy breathing. Squishyfaced dogs like Boston terriers and bulldogs have narrower airways that preclude exceptional athleticism. Training is key. “Develop your dog’s impulse control skills so when it's distracted, the dog can make a different choice rather than chasing,” says Anita Hurley, a training behavior consultant for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. You don’t want your dog mauled by a moose.

Watch paw pads for signs of wear, and work up to long distances. Bring doggy snacks, water, and a leash if required. —A.S.

FOUR COMMANDS EVERY ADVENTURE DOG SHOULD KNOW If your furry friend accompanies you on hikes, bike rides, even skiing, your dog may need a bit more training than the typical backyard pooch. Colorado dog trainer Mark Ruark suggests mastering the basics: come, stop, heel and stay. When teaching any command, find what motivates your dog—treats, attention, praise—and use that to reward them in training. COME AND STOP “Come” may seem basic, but have you ever noticed how few dogs are able to consistently and fully obey this command? “I mark the ‘come’ command by having them touch my hand, and sit every time,” says Ruark. “I also use a ‘stop’ command with my dogs anytime they’re going in a direction I don’t want them to go.” VARIATIONS OF HEEL Knowing how to “back up,” move “away” or move “in” while on heel allows your dog to stay safe whether you’re snowshoeing, biking or skiing. “Every year, I hear about dogs getting cut with skis because they got too close to someone,” says Ruark. STAY “This is important if you want to sit and take a break, someone gets hurt or you want them to wait,” said Ruark. “The dog has to know how to relax, too.” —Melanie Wong

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QUICK HITS

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SO VERY BIG: A HIKER TAKES IN THE VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT OF 14,428-FOOT MT. MASSIVE. photo by LAKE COUNTY TOURISM PANEL

LEADVILLE, CO ONCE THE STOMPING GROUNDS OF MINING MILLIONAIRES, AND ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE LEGENDS SUCH AS BUTCH CASSIDY AND DOC HOLLIDAY, THE STILL-GRITTY TOWN OF LEADVILLE IS ALSO AN IDEAL DESTINATION FOR HIGHALTITUDE RECREATION. EAT | You’ll find most of the town’s eateries on or near Harrison Ave., Leadville’s main thoroughfare. Order drinks, gawk at the ancient memorabilia and imagine you’re a Wild West gunslinger at the historic Silver Dollar Saloon (315 Harrison Ave., 719-486-9914). Don’t miss High Mountain Pies (115 W 4th St., 719-486-5555), a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint on 4th Street that serves unique pizzas, subs and ribs to hungry adventurers. For morning joe and snacks, be sure to stop into the very popular City on a Hill (cityonahillcoffee.com) coffee house. And what’s a Colorado mountain town without a brewery? Stop by Leadville’s first and only craft brewery, Periodic Brewing (periodicbrewery.com), for a drink after long day in the sun.

SLEEP | There are plenty of low-cost lodging options in Leadville, such as the Columbine Inn (columbineinn.com), which is adequate, clean

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and dog-friendly. For a homier alternative, try the McGinnis Cottage Inn B&B (mcginniscottage. com), located in a restored Victorian house and surrounded by gardens. For a feel of what Leadville was like back in its heyday, book at the Delaware Hotel (delawarehotel.com), built in 1886 and chock full of vintage furnishings. Never mind that it’s supposedly haunted—but by friendly ghosts. Camping also abounds around town. Check out the San Isabel National Forest camping options at forestcamping.com or fs.usda.gov/psicc.

PLAY | Sterling Mudge, chair of the Cloud City Wheelers (cloudcitywheelers.com) and avid cyclist, describes Leadville as “a year-round outdoor recreation gold mine.” Mountain biking is indeed

plentiful, including sections of the Colorado Trail and a smaller, but dynamic system of trails behind Colorado Mountain College. Roadies will enjoy the paved 11-mile Mineral Belt Trail that winds around town, or the hilly six-mile jaunt around Turquoise Lake. All those formidable peaks surrounding Leadville make it a hiker and trail runner’s paradise. Three 14ers—Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive and Mt. Sherman—are close to town. Twin Lakes, a 15-minute drive, offers family friendly hiking and great views. Stop by the Leadville Ranger Station (810 Front St. 719-4860749) for details on area trails. SUP the region's lakes or go fly fishing in the gold-medal trout waters of the Arkansas River. —Melanie Wong

FLASHPOINT

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AN ICONIC FEATURE THE TOWN OF EAGLE JUST VOTED TO BUILD A WHITEWATER PARK THAT WILL GIVE LOCAL KAYAKERS THE PLAYGROUND OF THEIR DREAMS AND CONTINUE TO DRAW OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS TO A TOWN ON THE RISE. by SCOTT WILLOUGHBY

or 20 years, Dave Eckhardt drove past the frenzied whitewater of the Eagle River as he approached Exit 147 off I-70, headed to his home in the town of Eagle and wondered, “What if?” Road trips had long been part of the package for Eckhardt, co-author of the guidebook Colorado Rivers and Creeks (Vols. I and II), considered the state’s original whitewater kayaking bible. Kayaks strapped to the roof of his van, Eckhardt regularly drove to the most remote reaches of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah in search of those precious sparkling gems—but all that time, he knew that a rough cut diamond adorned the Eagle River just outside his doorstep. “The type of people living in Eagle back then were a lot different than the people here now. Lori Russell and I went in front of the Town of Eagle board in 2003 with a proposal for a whitewater park—it was like we were talking Chinese,” Eckhardt said. “Eagle was still an old-fashioned Western town, as opposed to the young, athletic place it is now. The mountain bike thing was just starting to come around. It has really changed in the past 10 years. The energy is better for it and it really seems to be happening.” Indeed, everything is about to change and that diamond in the rough is primed to become one of the most visible whitewater parks in the state.

THE DREAM Eckhardt wasn’t alone in recognizing the potential of the Eagle River as the gateway to town, where a dirt truck parking area, chain-link fence and soiled dumpsters now serve as an uninviting entrance. He credits Darryl Bangert, owner of Sage Outdoor 12

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BUILD IT AND THEY WILL PADDLE: RODEO RAPID IN ITS CURRENT, UNTAMED STATE (MAIN) AND THE PLAN FOR THE MULTI-USE RIVER PARK SLATED TO OPEN HERE IN 2017 (INSET). photo courtesy TOWN OF EAGLE

Adventures and an early pioneer of whitewater boating in the Vail Valley, with first proposing a river park in Eagle as far back as the ‘90s. Beyond the possibility for play, the men also were among the first to realize the danger of the jagged manmade hazard referred to as “Rodeo Rapid,” where a countyowned water diversion weir juts unnaturally into the stream channel just upstream of the county fair and rodeo arena. During spring’s high river flows, the structure creates a chaotic jumble of riprap, rocks and water prone to flipping unwary boaters and wreaking peril on the local commercial rafting industry. The arrhythmic rapids are only the most obvious impact from years of manipulation that began with a rerouting of the riverbed to make room for the four-lane interstate through the valley decades ago. The unnatural constriction came with increased gradient and subsequent bank erosion that has obstructed fish passage as well as boats. Sloppy attempts to improve the hazard have fallen short through the years, resulting in a take-out ramp built above the rapids and a put-in below, simply because so few find the whitewater worth the risk. “The hole was a killer, before it got restructured,” Eckhardt said. “And when they did start bringing in all these boulders and equipment to try to fix it, they never talked to us. They built three small dams with nothing that looked like waves and we just sat there crying, ‘What a

loss.’” Indeed, it seemed a lost cause. Eckhardt, like Bangert, eventually burned out from frustration over what he considered a misguided cultural clash. But a fresh generation of river lovers in the Eagle Valley has embraced the whitewater park vision and given it new life. Shepherded by progressive outgoing mayor Yuri Kostick and anchored by Eagle’s assistant town planner, Matt Farrar—a former pro freestyle kayak competitor and Colorado’s 2001 high school overall champion—the community launched a two-year campaign that suddenly finds itself on the brink of answering the question, ‘what if’?

“These river parks are more than water parks. They are magnets for people.” “The potential has always been there,” said Farrar, who grew up in nearby Carbondale and began working in Eagle in 2013. “Now a plan is finally in place.”

EAGLE RISING Farrar is among a team of architects who crafted the town’s recently approved Eagle River Corridor Plan, an ambitious effort to refocus Eagle’s identity by enhancing its relationship with the river. Beginning with a sixacre park built around four in-stream whitewater features expected to

open by spring 2017, the multi-tiered project aims to “connect the heart of Eagle to the soul of the river.” “The election results really were an affirmation of the community’s support for doing something with the river,” Farrar said. “People recognize that we have this unique amenity with the ability to make the town of Eagle stand out along the I-70 corridor. We have the opportunity to create an iconic feature.” Over the past few years the town 30 miles west of Vail has made a splash in Colorado’s mountain biking community as an up-and-coming destination for its outstanding trail system: Eagle boasts upwards of 100 miles of singletrack riding in reasonable proximity to the Front Range. This fall, the town will host the state championships of Colorado’s high school mountain bike racing league for the fourth consecutive year. Confidence runs high that the town can do the same with its river park, situated in what Olympic kayaker turned wave sculptor Scott Shipley of Lyons-based S2O Designs considers the ideal site for whitewater features along the free-flowing Eagle River. Not only will the park be designed to remedy the man-made impacts of years past, but the location low in the Eagle River basin benefits from higher water volumes and a lengthy season that should appeal to a variety of users. “Drop and flow is what whitewater parks need. We’ve got a lot of drop, and there’s ample water out here to create a good park. But one of the

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things that whitewater parks can do is extend the seasons by making use of these good late-summer flows for tubing or learning how to kayak, surf or what have you,” Shipley said. “What I believe is that if you create a park that’s visible from the interstate, that has whitewater and excitement around it, you’re going to see people start getting off the interstate like they do in Glenwood Canyon. It’s a tremendous attraction.” With plans for additional hiking and biking trails, green space, fishing access, beaches and swim areas alongside the whitewater features, the river park aims to further enhance Eagle’s growing reputation for outdoor recreation, modeling the success of like-minded communities in Salida, Buena Vista, Durango and Steamboat Springs. Eventually, the ambition is to incorporate appropriate commercial and residential development linking to the current downtown core.

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ON STAGE

BEYOND THE PARK “I’m excited about the river park, but I’m even more encouraged by the opportunity for redevelopment of the river corridor and what that can mean for our town,” Farrar said. “I think this can lead to some significant business growth opportunities. You can work from your laptop anywhere in the world. For myself, I’d be drawn to a place where I can go for a mountain bike ride, shoulder my kayak and go for a paddle. Those are the kind of attractions that will draw people to Eagle for the long term.” Evidence supporting that theory abounds throughout Colorado and the West. Places like Salida and Buena Vista have seen associated economic growth measuring in the millions and their communities blossom since building similar attractions on the Arkansas River. The town of Golden claims about $2 million a year in economic impact associated with its Clear Creek park. Even Reno, Nevada, generated more than $1 million in free advertising just six months after its water park opened. “These river parks are more than water parks. They are magnets for people,” said Mike Harvey, co-founder of Salida-based Badfish stand-up paddle board company and designer of the whitewater features in Salida, Buena Vista and several other towns across the West. Beyond the home base for building his business, though, Harvey views the park as an ideal way to build his home. Local restaurateur Ray Kitson, who joined Harvey in establishing the Arkansas River Trust that helps finance the Salida park, agrees. “The thing I really like, and I see a lot of similarities in Eagle, is that it really connected our town. It’s just where everybody wants to be,” Kitson said. “And if you can take a community like Eagle, and combine the view and the water, you’ve got something that just can’t be beat. Water is magic.”

CAMPING. HIKING. BIKING. YOGA. CRAFT BEER. LOCAL FOOD ARTISANS + CRAFTERS.

OFF STAGE J U N E 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

HOT SPOT

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FORT COLLINS CALLING HIT I-25 INSTEAD OF I-70 THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GETAWAY. THERE’S PLENTY OF ADVENTURE (AND SOME OF THE BEST CRAFT BEER IN THE STATE) IN THE MOST AUTHENTIC TOWN ON THE FRONT RANGE. by CHRIS KASSAR

lenty of adventure just minutes from downtown. Miles of biking and hiking trails. World-class rock routes. The whitewater of the Cache la Poudre River. Hip music and an unmatched craft beer scene. All of these converge to give Fort Collins its sweet vibe that appeals to hard-core mountainfolk and hipsters. It also make it the perfect summer getaway. Here’s our insight on how to best enjoy it all.

HIKE IT With 50 parks and 280-miles-plus of hiking, running and biking trails, there’s no shortage of routes to check out here. If you’re looking for the quintessential Fort Collins hike, head to Horsetooth Rock (7,256 feet), the distinctively shaped stony sentry that watches over town. Just 15 minutes from the city, this moderate, 2.5-mile climb to the long, thin summit of Horsetooth offers up views of Longs Peak, the Mummy Range, the eastern plains and the reservoir. Or drive 30 minutes up Poudre Canyon to reach the trailhead for Greyrock Mountain (7,613 feet), a conical peak that towers prominently over the north rim of the canyon. You can link up the Greyrock Trail and Greyrock Meadows Trail for an enjoyable seven-mile loop that circumnavigates the pointy peak and tack on a short, steep spur hike to the summit, too.

CLIMB IT If getting vertical is your thing, Greyrock’s granite slabs offer over 125 climbing routes—mostly trad, but there are also some bolted lines—for beginners and experts alike. Another popular climbing photos by NATHAN PERRAULT

spot, Duncan's Ridge sits on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. Seven sets of bolts for setting up top ropes and routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.10, make this is an excellent location for teaching newbies or honing leading and anchor-building skills. With more than 100 problems ranging in difficulty from V0 to V12 and split among different areas like Piano Boulders, Rotary Park and North Rotary Park, the reservoir’s east side sandstone also offers some of the best bouldering in the region.

PADDLE IT The Cache la Poudre River, running through the heart of Fort Collins, is the only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River in the state. Easy access, clear water, fun rapids and stunning scenery, make a whitewater trip down the Poudre—on a raft, kayak, canoe or SUP—a must for every visitor. With rapids ranging from class I to class V, the Poudre will delight adrenaline junkies and families alike. If rapids aren’t your jam, enjoy 6.5-mile-long Horsetooth Reservoir via stand up paddle board. It's the best way to explore the reservoir’s vast shoreline, countless bays and hidden coves. And if you are up for a multi-sport, land-water combo adventure, you can paddle that SUP along Horsetooth to reach trail running and hiking routes within Lory State Park, including the East Valley Trail and Shoreline Trail, which connect to the reservoir.

BIKE IT ... AND BEER A trip to Fort Collins without hopping on a bike or drinking a craft beer is sacrilege. So why not do both in one shot? The beer culture in Fort Collins runs strong. You'll find 20 breweries located here, from nationally famous New Belgium to EO “Brew Madness” reader poll finalist Black Bottle Brewery, Since many breweries are located within walking and biking distance of historic downtown, it's easy to link together a bike-and-brew itinerary. Thanks to the Bike Library (fcbikelibrary.org/tours.php), you can take your own brewery tour by checking out a loaner bike and following the written directions for a self-guided tour. Or, you can go guided with Beer and Bike Tours, an awesome company that offers a range of brew-centric riding adventures including an easy,

HIGH TIMES: HORSETOOTH'S CHOSS CHIMNEY AND THE VIEW FROM ATOP GREYROCK.

four-hour Brew Cruise, a moderate Day Tour, which includes a more robust road ride, and a more difficult three-day journey called Colorado Adventure (beerandbiketours.com). If you want to go beyond tasting a bunch of beers, many of the breweries in town, including three big ones— Odell’s, New Belgium and Fort Collins Brewery—offer daily tours so you can get an in-depth, behindthe-scenes look at your favorite beers being made. Reserve online in advance to ensure a spot. No matter how you choose to dive into the beer and food scene, don’t miss Fort Collins Brewery

& Tavern (fortcollinsbrewery. com) a family-owned, handcrafted brewery that has distinguished itself by creating delicious brews and serving artisanal dishes that are often infused with craft beer and made using locally sourced ingredients. CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewing (coopermsithspub.com) also serves up stellar beer and delicious food made right on the premises. It features two restaurants: The Pub dishes up hearty pub fare in a casual, but charming environment while Poolside serves burgers, pizza and apps in a fun atmosphere with pool tables, darts and ping-pong.

J U N E 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

THE TRAIL

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DOWNLOAD APP viewranger.com/gpsadventure

ROUTE CODE: ELEV0048 Scan for this route’s GPS Hike!

6. 5.

photo by CHRIS KASSAR

FROM ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE DOWNLOAD THE FREE VIEWRANGER GPS MAP AND THESE COORDINATES TO HIKE OR RUN BETWEEN THESE TWO CLASSIC COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOWNS VIA WEST MAROON PASS. by CHRIS KASSAR Meander through head-high wildflowers on this lung-busting, must-do 11.6-mile point-to-point hike that brings you from the posh streets of Aspen to the adventure-hungry town of Crested Butte via West Maroon Pass. Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery as you climb 3,000 feet through the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. TRAILHEAD

The hike begins at idyllic Maroon Lake. Hop on the trail to the right of the lake and traverse a meadow dappled with flowers. Remember, a shuttle is required on the other end for this adventure if you are doing it one way. INTERSECTION WITH SCENIC LOOP

Traverse through a small meadow to reach the end of the lake and an intersection with the Scenic Loop Trail. Stay right for the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. For a brief moment, you break out of the forest and have to pick your way over some talus. WILLOW CREEK TRAIL JUNCTION

After hiking 1.9 miles from the trailhead, the Willow Creek Trail intersects with the main route. Take the left fork and follow the sign pointing toward Crater Lake and follow the trail as it skirts along the right side of the lake. Camp in the designated sites here if you plan to spend the night. The trail meanders along the stream for a short distance and then re-enters the forest. Upon emerging from the forest, the trail bends south/ 16

Scan for all of Elevation Outdoors’ published routes!

HEAVEN: SOAK IT ALL IN UP IN THE HIGH REACHES OF THE ELK MOUNTAINS.

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / JUNE 2 01 6

southwest and weaves its way across the rocky base of the Maroon Bells. Pick your way carefully across the rocks. Climb higher and don't forget to stop to look back for breathtaking views of Crater Lake and Pyramid Peak. 4.

CREEK CROSSING

The trail swiftly ascends the valley. Keep an eye out for a sign with an arrow pointing to the left indicating that the trail crosses east over West Maroon Creek. Depending on water levels, this wide crossing can be formidable so take your time finding the best way across. Once you’ve forded the stream, the trail climbs steadily upward through forest and patches of willow. When you reach treeline, nature rewards you with your first full view of the steep headwall and West Maroon Pass. The trail crosses the creek and climbs steeply along a rocky trail teeming with wildflowers and majestic views of the iconic Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Scan the slopes above for marmots, pika, mountain goats and bighorn sheep, but be mindful of your steps as you huff through the last mile traverse which gains 945 feet along a narrow and sometimes unstable ramp-like trail. 5.

WEST MAROON PASS

Enjoy astounding views from your highpoint at West Maroon Pass (12,490 feet). From the the pass, the trail descends via steep, scree-filled switchbacks to the East Fork Creek Trail and meadows bursting with wildflowers. It's clear why Crested Butte is dubbed the “wildflower capital of Colorado.” Take some time to soak it in. 6.

FRIGID AIR PASS JUNCTION

After 8.3 miles, the main trail intersects with the Frigid Air Pass Trail, which heads right. Continue straight, following the main trail as it curves through the valley and then bears left. 7.

HASLEY BASIN TRAIL JUNCTION

Walk another mile until the trail crosses a

small stream and then intersects with the Hasley Basin Trail, which bears to the right. Stay left to follow the main trail and continue downhill. 8.

SCHOFIELD PASS TRAILHEAD

Just after a series of downhill switchbacks, you pass an old cabin and the trail heads into stands of spruce. Schofield Park is just minutes ahead. Meet your shuttle here.

TRAIL GEAR OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI SUMMIT HOODED JACKET

This tough, durable softshell delivers superb protection in an ultralight (18.5 ounces), packable package that won’t bog you down. Because it’s built to balance breathability with defense against the elements, the tougherthan-it-looks jacket exceeds expectations when you’re pushing limits and the wind kicks up or light precip begins to fall. $165; outdoorresearch.com ARC'TERYX ACRUX SL APPROACH SHOE

Don’t let the name fool you—this welldesigned,16.3-ounce shoe will keep your feet happy on day hikes and around town as well as on those technical approaches. Adaptive fit technology, high air permeability and sticky traction join to create a versatile shoe no matter the season or the terrain. $170; arcteryx.com —C.K.

HAPPY CAMPERS AGREE:

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you've got a bold, citrus-inspired camping buddy to help lighten the load.

It’s the go-to that goes with.

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trail digits LIKE TO DO THE MATH WHEN IT COMES TO PUTTING YOUR BOOTS TO THE GROUND? WE RAN THE NUMBERS ON ALL THINGS HIKING. by CAMERON MARTINDELL

1.75

The number of pounds of food per backpacker per day recommended by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a starting point for summer trip meal planning.

35,000 Total number of miles hiked by adventure athlete Andrew Skurka in his lifetime to date.

The number of trails that comprise the National Millennium Trail system. These trails were selected, and announced by then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, to help define and preserve America’s history and culture.

8 20

Number of degrees to add to your compass to adjust from magnetic to true bearings along Colorado’s Front Range (+8° 34', to be exact, in Boulder).

The mileage of the longest day hike of six hikes required to earn the Boy Scouts’ Hiking Merit Badge, which is required to earn Eagle Scout.

46 days 8 hours 7 minutes The current speed record set by Scott Jurek to complete the 2,189 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

$2.50 A good target amount to spend per mile on long trail hikes (AT, PCT, ect.).

7,107 Volunteer hours spent in 2015 on the 486-mile Colorado Trail that runs from Denver to Durango.

1/3

Highest fraction of your body weight that your pack should tip the scales at for a weekend backpacking trip.

J U N E 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

Photo: Dawson Friesen

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STRAIGHT TALK

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EURO STYLE: HOEVE BRINGS HIS MOUNTAIN-HONED SUP SKILLS TO NUREMBERG, GERMNAY, HOME TO ADIDAS AND PUMA.

KEN HOEVE COLORADO’S MOUNTAIN WATERMAN TALKS ABOUT THE EVOLUTION AND FUTURE OF STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING, THE GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES AND THE MIXED BLESSINGS OF ATHLETES ON SOCIAL MEDIA. by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

en Hoeve lives the dream. Every day. The Florida native and surfer came to the state more than 20 years ago and soon sated his need for water and waves on Colorado rivers. He soon became an early adopter of downriver stand-up paddleboarding, relishing the thrill of surfing the state’s whitewater and standing waves. Hoeve has also thrived in the local business scene in Eagle County, operating a ground transportation limo company for the past 15 years and owning a share in Bonfire Brewing. But most people know him as the host of “Good Morning Vail” on local TV8 or as the emcee of kayak competitions at the GoPro Mountain Games. The Jackson Kayak team member's social media feed is a treat, too, featuring plenty photo by BEN MORTON

of paddle-mounted GoPro shots of him running rapids, gripping and grinning with fat trout he caught off his board, shredding Vail powder and simply enjoying the local community with which he has forged such a close connection. He took the time to talk to us about life on the water. HOW DID YOU END UP GETTING INTO THE DOWNRIVER STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD SCENE SO EARLY ON? WHY DO YOU THINK SUP HAS TAKEN OFF HERE IN COLORADO?

I grew up surfing and when I moved here, I missed the beach. And then, seven or eight years ago, when the first inflatable SUPs started to show up, it changed everything. I mean, I used to make fun of stand-up paddleboarding. You know, surfers don’t really like SUPs. But SurfTech was one of the first brands to come out with inflatables, the material and the ability to take it anywhere made it possible to start running rivers and I realized I liked this thing. SUPs also work well on river waves, better than surf boards often, since they are thicker and wider. IS SUP STILL EVOLVING?

The next big thing in the stand-up world is SUP fishing. With a SUP you are no longer stuck to shore, but you don’t have to worry about all the costs of a boat—a trailer, gas, insurance, maintenance. People don’t realize just

how stable a SUP is, and it can cost less than $1,000. It’s inflatable. You can travel with it. You don’t need a boat ramp. It’s a fish slaying machine! And it’s a huge, growing market. Just think about how many people fish. HAS SUP WASHED UP THE SPORT OF KAYAKING?

I think it’s good for it. Getting any more attention to rivers is a good thing. And stand-up is fun in class II and III water. It actually makes kayaking look easier. There are plenty of class IV and V runs that you have to do in a kayak. But class I and II are more fun on a SUP. Anything that gets someone on the water raises the sport. Even tubing. Did I just say that? AND DO ALL THOSE PEOPLE ON THE WATER HELP ADVOCATE FOR CONSERVATION ISSUES?

It certainly helps water issues. And an even better consequence is that all these communities are putting in whitewater parks and river parks. Look at Montrose! Montrose is a surf town now. It’s unbelievable. Look at Glenwood, Pueblo, Salida, Buena Vista. The new Eagle river park (see page 15) will be right on I-70, so people from New York or Kansas will stop and say, we can do this in our town back home, too. And all these parks and waves go hand-in-hand with water conservation issues. There are a lot of people who want to steal

our water. Parks make that harder to do. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AT THIS YEAR’S GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES?

My buddy Daniel Riley lost his legs from the knee down in Afghanistan, and now he has prosthetics. He’s also a super-athletic dude. He’s going to compete in the SUP downriver race, without legs, and I think he’s going to do well. And you have to check out the Homestake Creek race outside Redcliffe on Thursday during the day. The best kayakers in the world are competing in this creek and you are standing 20 feet away. I mean, if you live in Colorado, you should come to the Mountain Games. Some of the best athletes in the world are there, yet anyone can compete. WHAT’S THE KEY TO A POWERFUL INSTAGRAM FEED?

It’s funny. At times, I wish I did not have to do social media at all. But people do not understand the marketing dollars involved. If you are an athlete, your sponsors can compare you to all of the other athletes out there and track how much social media traffic you get. If you want all the gear and all the travel, you have to play that game. You have to have one of the top rankings, whether you want to or not.

J U N E 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2016

PADDLING GUIDE Colorado is home to some fantastic water. Get on it! The summer is here and the rivers and creeks across the state are roaring. Not to mention all those lakes and reservoirs just begging for someone to get out and paddle across them. But how to best access it all? That’s where the Elevation Outdoors Paddling Guide comes into play. We have assembled info from the best shops, outfitters, schools and guides who help you get out and have a blast on the water. So pore over these pages, book some dates, invest in some new gear and get out there and enjoy a season of paddling.

Quality, Experience, Knowledge & Aloha >> Littleton retail store stocked with epoxy and inflatable boards, paddles and accessories. >> Badfish, Boardworks Surf, Hala Gear, NSP, Werner and other top brands. Onewheel. >> SUP rental packages >> SUP instruction, SUP yoga, and fitness classes at Grant Ranch, River SUP on S. Platte >> We service what we sell.

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Located halfway between Buena Vista and Salida on the Arkansas River, RMOC is as easy to get to from Denver as it is Colorado Springs, meaning there’s no excuse not to hit the best whitewater river in the country. Living up to its “Choose Your Own Adventure” motto, RMOC offers a broad range of customizable trips to fit your every desire. Specializing in paddling instruction (and professional certifications), including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, it also offers guided rafting, inflatable kayak, mountain biking and rock climbing trips—all of which can be combined for a half-, full- or multi-day multi-sport adventure.

The enthusiastic staff at Altitude Paddleboards were on the breaking edge of the stand-up paddleboard wave. JB and Nancy Bridenbaugh spent decades kayaking in California and surfing in Hawaii before founding the SUPfocused surf shop in 2011. It’s not just one of the best places to purchase a SUP (or even a Onewheel), but also the best place to learn the craft. River classes are held on the S. Platte. Flat water classes—everything from intro courses to PaddleFit sessions and SUP Yoga—take place on a private lake near the shop with free parking! Open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday- Sunday. Located at 2690 West Main in Littleton.

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UNDERWATER CONNECTION Your Connection for All Things Water

It’s been 27 years since Underwater Connection first opened its doors to SCUBA divers in Colorado Springs. And a lot has happened recently that now makes them more pertinent than ever to all things watersports in Colorado. In 2014, local owners Troy Juth and John Hildabrant embarked on a bold adventure that would change the Colorado SCUBA industry: They built a state-of-the-art facility off Garden of the Gods and I-25 unlike any other in the country. With their impeccable instructional and retail staff, impressive 117,000-gallon onsite heated pool, modern classrooms and a large selection of equipment, the place is making waves in Colorado. The facility also enabled them to expand their services to include not only SCUBA lessons, but also incorporate kayak, SUP, swimming and more into the instructional regime. Now, more than ever, Underwater Connection is your true your go-to instructional outlet for all things water in Colorado.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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HALA GEAR Blowing Up inflatable SUP Technology Design. Adventure. Better. Those three words sum up Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based Hala Gear. The brand is taking the inflatable stand-up paddleboard world by storm with its bomber, time-tested products, all put through their rigorous paces on their back yard Yampa River and nearby high alpine lakes. Building versatile inflatable SUPs to perform in all conditions, Hala hangs its hat on building boards you can paddle anywhere, from whitewater to flat water. Its rigid, drop-stitchconstruction boards also emphasize performance and durability, with an industryleading three-year warranty. Rig it up, choose your fin set-up and take it anywhere to unleash your inner Laird Hamilton. Hala currently offers 13 different models to choose from, including its bestselling Hala Hoss, Straight Up and Atcha. This year, it’s debuting the whitewateroriented Hala Luya, for stomping everything from Class II to big lines, and its all-around Hala Atcha 86, for park-and-play, whitewater and general river touring. Also, look for the improvements to the family friendly Hala Hoss (yes, bring the dog, the kid and the cooler along), all-around Hala Straight Up and Hala Nass 14 for touring. Other industry-leading innovations include the new, revolutionary Stompbox™, the market’s first-ever, spring-loaded fin system that retracts upon contact with obstacles and then springs back into fin mode; Removable Click Fins, a new box that lets you remove side fins and use any FCS-1-style fin you want; and the Travel Tough Rolling Backpack, making traveling with your SUP as easy as paddling it. For propulsion, select from Hala’s long line of award-winning paddles, including the uber-popular, double-bladed Butterknife, which lets you use it as a sole blade when standing, and as a kayak paddle when seated. Sample all Hala’s products at demos throughout the state, or visit the office along the Yampa River by swinging through Hala’s hometown of Steamboat Springs.

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SUPers rejoice! There’s a new SUP race series combining Colorado’s top stand-up paddleboard races into one series for an overall championship. The series showcases the state’s best paddleboard options—as well as its top venues, race courses, organizers and talent. It includes river and flatwater races in mountain towns and metro areas, offering competition, camaraderie, music, camping and more. The top five male and female racers earn points to be crowned Paddle the Rockies Series champions. Events: 6/5 Colorado River (Bond); 6/19 Arkansas River (Salida); 7/3 Grant Ranch, Littleton; 8/27 Gore Fest SUP Race (Bond); 9/18 Union Reservoir (Longmont).

Established in 1969, Dvorak Expeditions is Colorado’s first licensed river outfitter. Familyowned and operated, it instills that pride in its trips, from whitewater rafting, paddleboard, inflatable kayak and fly-fishing trips to music trips to paddling and river rescue instruction and multi-sport packages—plus everything from climbing to horseback riding. Based in the Arkansas River Valley across from Browns Canyon National Monument, its professionally trained staff run trips on eight rivers with halfto eight-day offerings for groups or individuals. Want a treat? Try the six-day Bluegrass Journey and eight-day Classical Music trips on the Green River-Desolation and Gray canyons.

Located on the banks of the Animas River in the southwestern Colorado town of Durango, 4Corners River Sports has been helping folks enjoy their local waterways for more than 33 years. One of the oldest paddling stores and instructional centers in the state, it offers a fullservice paddlesports retail store, paddle school and rental center. It also offers outfitted river trips through an affiliate guided whitewater rafting company. It strives to provide the highest quality of service, information and education for all types of paddlesports, whether it’s Class V whitewater kayaking, flatwater SUP touring, desert raft floats, kayak or canoe fishing and everything in-between.

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HIKING

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TRAIL TIME

photo by LIAM DORAN

READY TO PUT DOWN SOME SERIOUS MILES? OR JUST LOOKING FOR A CASUAL DAY HIKE? NEVER FEAR, OUR QUICK GUIDE TO THE BEST OF COLORADO HIKING IS HERE.

ant some guidance when it comes to where you are going to put your boots to the trail this summer? Come along on some of our favorite long walks. We break it down into day hikes, peaks and long backpacking trips. You can also head to ElevationOutdoors.com and add to the list with your favorites.

FIVE DAY HIKES FISH: HEART LAKE James Peak Wilderness The 17,506-acre James Peak Wilderness is the hidden gem of the Front Range. It may not be as big as other nearby attractions like the Indian Peaks Wilderness or Rocky Mountain National Park, but it packs a mighty, alpine punch. This steep hike heads to one of the most beautiful alpine lakes you will ever visit. Shaped like its namesake, Heart Lake sits in a stunning cirque of wildflowers and peaks that hang on to

snowfields well into summer. Oh, and it's full of fishâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;though it is popular enough that they see a lot of action and they are not always easy to catch.

SUMMIT: SOUTH BOULDER PEAK Boulder Mountain Parks

When you think of big redrock canyons sheltering desert secrets, you normally envision Utah. We suggest you stay in-state and hike this beauty in Colorado National Monument. Striking through the heart of the sandstone butress, Ute Canyon is quiet and surprisingly lush in spots (especially in the upper end of the canyon), making it an ideal excursion in spring and fall. The best place to start is on the Rimrock Road at the foot of the monument, and you can tack on an extra .9 miles near the top of the canyon to check out the iconic Liberty Cap tower and climb it via the vertigious 50-foot ladder to the top.

Lording over the town with sweeping views of the rolling plains on one side and the summits of the Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park on the other, South Boulder Peak a hike with big rewards at the top. The summit, which is slightly hidden from town, sits at 8,459 feet, far lower than Colorado's more famous mountain tops, but don't be fooled: The hike to the top shoots up more than 3,000 vertical feet in just over four miles, most of that (1,800 feet) in the sheltered, rocky, rooty elevator shaft of Shadow Canyon. And remember, this is Boulder, so if you want to look like a local, go ahead and run up it (and then on to the nearby summits of 8,461-foot Bear Peak and 8,144 Green Mountain before heading back down the Mesa Trail to Eldorado Canyon and a 16-mile, 5,273-foot, massive epic. Ok, you can do it as a hike, too.)

Miles: 10.3 | Elevation Gain: 950 feet

Miles: 8.5 | Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet

Miles: 8.7 | Elevation Gain: 2,099 feet

DESERT: UTE CANYON Colorado National Monument

WILDFLOWERS: OH BE JOYFUL PASS Crested Butte Yes, Crested Butte is best known for mountain biking and you would be crazy not to hit the singletrack when you come here for a visit. However, that's not to say you won't find some dreamy hikes here, too, especially in the quiet 65,443 acres of the Raggeds Wilderness Area. This romp to the top of 12,000-foot Oh Be Joyful Pass is an absolute orgy of wildflowers if you hit it just right. That makes it a good path to take slow. Miles: 5.8 | Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

I-70 DETOUR: LOWER MOHAWK LAKE Breckenridge Stuck in that I-70 traffic? Pull over and take a hike to this trout-filled lake not far from the bustle of Breck. Lined with wildflowers, it's a fairly easy to reach escape from it all. Miles: 6.8 | Elevation Gain: 1,683 feet

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THREE PEAKS

photo by LIAM DORAN

EASY ACCESS: MOUNT IDA Rocky Mountain National Park Here's a hidden gem of a hike that we don't feel as if we are ruining if we write about it. At 12,889 feet, Mount Ida stands out from the long ridge that parallels Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road, so it's no secret. Yet most of those tourists who gaze at it from the lacktop never think about making the hike out to it from the road and taking in the 360-degree of the park from its summit. It's a peak that's accessible, too, requiring just a bit of scrambling. The real danger here is the summer thunderstorms, which can roll in unexpectedly and leave hikers exposed up high (so leave early). The hike is also a good starting point for far more adventerous rambles into the lakes in the hard-to-reach cirques below it. Miles: 9.6 | Elevation Gain: 2,465 feet

GO OFF THE GRID: MOUNT ALICE Rocky Mountain National Park Here's a high-adventure hike that truly gets you out away from the masses. But be preapared: The prelude approach into Mount Alice is as enchanting as the actual scrambling along this class 3, 13,310-foot peak itself. From Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park, the route begins in deep pine forests before breaking treeline at the beautiful, seldom visited Lion Lakes. Above that, the solid ridge climbs to summit where hikers are treated to incredible views of Longs Peak, the Never Summer Range and the rarely seen Moomaw Glacier. Pack a lot of food. You'll need the energy.

photo by JAMES DZIEZYNSKI

THREE EPIC BACKPACKING ADVENTURES THE COLORADO TRAIL LIGHT: BUFFALO CREEK TO KENOSHA PASS Lost Creek Wilderness The nearly 500-mile-long Colorado Trail, which stretches from Denver to Durango is likely more than you have the time to take on—but that does not mean you can't enjoy (or even complete it in smaller sections). This route (segments 4 and 5), that's close to the Front Range yet oddly off-thegrid, is one of our favorites, taking in the aspen, fish-filled creeks and odd geological formations of the deep wilds of the Lost Creek Range. Miles: 31.2 | Elevation Gain: 5,129 feet

Miles: 16 | Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet

GO BIG: MOUNT ELBERT Rocky Mountain National Park The highest point in the state (and second-highest in the Lower 48, just lower than California's Mount Whitney) is a summit that's relatively easy to tick off of your life list. That's not to say it's not a big, long huff of a day (again, start at the “crap” of dawn to avoid those thunderstorms), but you should enjoy those panoramic views of the Elk Mountains, the Sawatch Range and the Arkansas Valley, all spread down below as you attempt to get the highest you can in Colorado. Miles: 9 | Elevation Gain: 4,700 feet

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FLOWER POWER: BRECKENRIDGE'S LOWER MOHAWK LAKE IS A FAR CRY FROM THE STOPAND-GO OF NEARBY I-70 (TOP). GO AWAY: EARN THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ALICE (BOTTOM).

STEAM PUNK PEAKBAGGING: CHICAGO BASIN Weminuche Wilderness Want to tag a handful of Fourteeners in one big trip? Meet you dream hike, and one of the most famous in the state, for good reason. Getting here is half the fun, since the remote reaches of Chicago Basin in the San Juans can only be reached by a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the Needleton stop. Unload, strap up and hike into the heart of the sprawling 499,777acre Weminuche Wilderness. Set up basecamp and you can make an assault on Mounts Eolus (14,090

feet), Sunlight Peak (14,065 feet) and Windom (14,092 feet), all linked together in the Needle Mountains. The three summits can be linked in one big day from Chicago Basin, or you can just bring your watercolors and chill out (maybe take a nap) in camp while you enjoy the view. Miles: 23+ | Elevation Gain: 5,000+

CELEBRATE THE PARKS: THE GRAND LOOP Rocky Mountain National Park Ready to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service—which was created to protect and maintain the nation's

new, growing system of wild lands on August 25, 1916—in grand style? There's no better way to get intimate with Colorado's iconic park than spending a week or so wandering through the midst of it. Most visitors to Rocky Mountain barely leave their cars, while the real wonder of the place lies far from the blacktop. There are several ways to take on this epic trip: Most start in the midst of the tourists and casual hikers at Bear Lake, climb the exposed heights of Flattop Mountain and then drop into numerous trails, lakes and lonely campsites. You can even stop in the town of Grand Lake for resupply. Miles: 42 | Elevation Gain: 14,723

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T A I ON V E

PEAK GEAR

SUMMER 2016

R O TDO

1. CAR CAMPING TENT

TEPUI KUKENAM RUGGEDIZED Quite simply, it's a bomber, threeperson, four-season tent with a comfy mattress floor that packs away on your car and unfolds like a treehouse for grownups when you find a camp spot. WHY IT WON: Because it's far, far cheaper than an Airstream, but it has that same sort of #vanlife functionality. Pull up anywhere and pop the top. WHERE WE TOOK IT: It was just what we always wanted for basecamping in Fruita's Rabbit Valley, and made for easy, instant lodgings outside of Taos. $1,650; tepuitents.com

2. BIKE COMPONENTRY SHIMANO XTR DI2

Shimano’s introduction of electronic shifting to the mountain bike world raises the already high bar of precision gear changing, and adds a new list of improvements to the rider cockpit. WHY IT WON: It's butter. Plus, being able to control both front and rear

wice each year we hand out these awards to the very best gear we put to the test in the field. How do we determine the winners? Simple, we asked our top contributors—who, we are proud to admit, spend far more time camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, climbing and paddling than they do “working”—what was the best gear you used over the past year? What gear can’t you live without? What gear changed your life?

CONTRIBUTORS: EUGENE BUCHANAN, ADAM CHASE, JAMES DZIEZYNSKI, KIM FULLER, CHRIS KASSAR, CAMERON MARTINDELL, JORDAN MARTINDELL, DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN, ZACH WHITE

derailleurs from one small, ergonomic shifter frees up real estate that's increasingly crowded with dropper posts and suspension remotes. Of course, the price of XTR will play a huge factor in its popularity, but an XT version is soon to follow. WHERE WE TOOK IT: We hit it hard on our Boulder backyard trails, which doesn’t offer much of a wow factor, but did omit the distractions of unfamiliar trails, putting our full attention to how the 2016 group performed. $3,500 and up; ridextr.com

3. COOLER

YETI HOPPER 40 This roomy, lightweight, soft-sided bag of a cooler keeps your beer and food cold all day long, even when it’s hot out. WHY IT WON: It doesn’t weigh down the boat or take up needless space in the back of the car. It's just shocking how long this portable fridge keeps a bevvie at the perfect temperature.

WHERE WE TOOK IT: River trips in Brown’s Canyon National Monument. Remote Alaska river trips, where weight and space—for both flying and floating—was super-limited. Car camping at Fruita and Shelf Road– when it was damn hot out. $400; yeticoolers.com

4. SLEEPING BAG

mountains to balmy spring camping in the Moab desert to our bed at home. $500; sierradesigns.com

SIERRA DESIGNS MOBILE MUMMY 800 4-SEASON This light ( just over 30 ounces) sleeping bag features Duck Dri-Down to keep it warm and lofty even when it gets wet, as well as an innovative design that makes it quite versatile. WHY IT WON: This baby delivers all you could ask for from a sleeping bag: It’s comfortable, super warm and offers up the option of putting your arms through zipperless armports to hold a book or a drink in bed. You can even put your feet through the stowable footbox to walk around camp. While the 800 version was ideal for frigid temps, it could be overkill in warmer weather where you will want the lighter 600, or even 300, versions of the system. WHERE WE TOOK IT: This bag went absolutely everywhere: From cold winter hut trips in the

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468 “I DEFINITELY would get these for camping; they are super simple and if the rest of the meals have this quality of taste then I think they would be a hit with my family. They would be way easier to pack and certainly much easier to make!!” - JKT

® ®

Up to $11.00 value TO RECEIVE REBATE: 1) Purchase any one individual Mountain House pouched meal by 10/31/2016 2) Clearly fill out form completely 3) Circle product on original receipt 4) Mail form and receipt in stamped envelope by 11/14/16 to: MOUNTAIN HOUSE Mandlik & Rhodes PO Box 490 Dept # 4001-R00632 Tecate, CA 91980

Now is your chance to try one of our dozens of meals – on The House! Find them in the camping aisle of your favorite retailer.

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Add hot water and eat right out of the pouch. 32

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STATE

UPC (12-digits)

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E-MAIL Check if you would like to receive e-mail offers and news from us Mail-in Rebate Terms & Conditions: Limit one refund per household, or address. Mail-in submission only. Rebate applied to price paid and does not include tax. Maximum rebate value of $11.00. Rebate not payable at retail stores. Only valid in USA. Must be at least 18 years old. Fraudulent submission may result in prosecution. Please allow 8 weeks for delivery of refund check. Call 1-847-387-8721 to check refund status. © 2016 Mountain House

www.FreeMountainHouse.com

5. ROPE

8. CLIMBING SHOE

9. SHELL

This versatile rope can handle anything from gym to crag. WHY IT WON: Though the Infinity is heavier (but still light at 58 grams per meter) than many of our go-to ropes—we like the 8.9 to 9.4 range—it performs like it’s slinky-thin. It's quite supple and Mammut’s Teflon coating helps cut down on dreaded rope drag. We whipped on it several times a day, several days a week, for six months (primarily at the gym), before the sheath lost its slick, new-rope feel. WHERE WE TOOK IT: Cragging and multi-pitch moderates in Vermont such as Quartz Crack (5.8+ R, 290’), The Rose (5.10a, 100’) and The Thorn (5.11a, 60’). The rope softly caught more falls than we could keep track of as we attempted the Adirondacks’ trad testpiece White Knight (5.12a, 90’). $270; mammut.ch

Made with Five Ten’s new asymmetric last, this performance shoe features a thermo-plastic midsole, and an EVA insert that fills the sole’s deadspace. WHY IT WON: Our Vedon Laces are now riddled with holes—and they’re still our go-to shoes, and comfy as bedroom slippers. The unique lockingassist lacing system keeps them tight and a comfy non-woven liner in the leather uppers feels good on the feet. WHERE WE TOOK THEM: We ordered these shoes loose and baggy because we can’t stand smashing our toes into tight-as-hell climbing shoes, just for “performance.” We have climbed in these shoes—often at our limits— for nine months on face, crack and boulder problems and in the gym. But aren’t these specialty shoes designed for long limestone routes in France's Verdon Gorge? Sure, they are, but they work great on crappy schist and New York’s powdery metanorthosite). $165; fiveten.com

This do-it-all jacket features, OR's new air-permeable Ascent fabric. WHY IT WON: We wear countles waterproof/breathable shells, but none worked and felt as good as this one. WHERE WE TOOK IT: Spring skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park and wet spring hiking in Boulder. $279; outdoorresearch.com

MAMMUT INFINITY 9.5

6. BACKCOUNTRY TENT

BIG AGNES FLY CREEK UL2 MTNGLO

FIVE TEN VERDON LACE

Big Agnes’ ultralight MTNglo tents come with built-in LED lighting. WHY IT WON: We have already handed out Peak Gear awards to Big Agnes tents, so we were excited to test the Mountain Glow line out in the Colorado backcountry. Far from being a gimmick, the Fly Creek UL2's luminosity makes those pre-dawn alpine starts a much more manageable experience. It's easy to set up and break down, sturdy enough to handle some fearsome Rocky Mountain storms and packs away with ease. It fits two people surprisingly well along with the gear inside the tent. WHERE WE TOOK IT: Peakbagging trips in the Indian Peaks, the Sangre de Cristos, and the Grenadier Range. $400; bigagnes.com

10. LIGHT

GOAL ZERO LIGHTHOUSE MINI LANTERN This little solar-powered light soon became a camp favorite. WHY IT WON: The little features (USB plug, built-in charge cable, dimmer dial) made it more than just a the practical lantern it is. WHERE WE TOOK IT: Car camping out to the West Coast and backpacking in Colorado. $59.99; goalzero.com

10.

E L E VATI 8.

7. PACK

OSPREY MANTA AG 20 This day pack features Osprey's comfy, stable Anti Gravity (AG) system which makes the entire backpanel a massive form-fitting pad. WHY IT WON: We normally shy away from day packs with lots of suspension technology. But once we strapped this smart hauler on, we were sold. It kept the pack battened down when we were moving double-time down the trail or navigating a tricky traverse. WHERE WE TOOK IT: It was our pack of choice for Cedar Mesa, Utah canyon jaunts and Colorado alpine scrambles. $155; ospreypacks.com

OUTDOOR RESEARCH REALM

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East of the continental divide, a trickle of water begins to flow downhill. By the time it reaches South Fork in Rio Grande County, Colorado, the river dashes and splashes through a rock-lined channel worthy of fishermen and river rafts.

THE BAVARIAN ALPS. NEPAL. THE DOLOMITES. OTZTAL ALPS. AUSTRIA. THE INCAN TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU. NAMIBIA…

Since 1923, LOWA Boots have been essential gear for outdoor adventurers as they’ve explored our big, beautiful world. The Camino GTX® exemplifies our 90+ years of boot-making expertise: It features high quality Nubuck leather uppers with a durably waterproof / breathable GORE-TEX® lining, a shockabsorbing PU midsole and a VIBRAM® outsole for many miles of trekking comfort wherever your adventures take you.

Rich with fish, home to wildlife and renowned for it’s beauty, these are the young, clean, fresh mountain waters of the Rio Grande: South Fork: an ATV-friendly town perfect for those adventuring into the San Juan Mountain Range for hiking, fishing, trail riding and skiing adventures. Del Norte: gateway to rich history and a mountain bikers dream come true with new mountain bike trails, a brew pub and a charming downtown. Monte Vista: central location near Wildlife Refuges, home to one of Colorado’s first golf courses and home of Stampede Rodeo, oldest Pro Rodeo in Colorado.

Is it time for your next great adventure? Visit www.riograndecountry.com to learn more!

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CAMINO GTX® Glove-leather lining option also available.

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GORE-TEX®, GTX®, GORE®, and GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. VIBRAM®, the Octagon Logo, and the Yellow Octagon Logo and the color Canary Yellow are registered trademarks of Vibram S.p.A. ©2016 LOWA Boots, LLC.

LOWA EO_June16_Final.indd 1

4/24/16 4:40 PM

11. SUP

13. HOODIE

This big, confident inflatable SUP will win over both beginners and hardcore paddlers when they head downriver.

Voormi's water shedding 21.5 micron surface-hardened thermal wool is so incredibly soft and comfortable it's hard to believe it has technical chops—until you use it in the wild. WHY IT WON: When your favorite around-the-house sweatshirt also serves as your shell for hikes, chilling around the campfire or boogie-ing up the skin track piece, you never take it off, especially when it's this comfy. WHERE WE TOOK IT: Backcountry skiing all over Colorado and Utah, hiking Boulder trails, and traveling to Finland's Arctic Lapland. $149; voormi.com

HALA LUYA

WHY IT WON: Hala's innovative approach to SUP design adds another, wrap-around air chamber to the conventional one-chamber SUP constructions. It handles whitewater amazingly well, making it a stable platform you can take anywhere. WHERE WE TOOK IT: The board won us over on the mighty Town Canyon run of the Yampa River through downtown Steamboat Springs—it thrived in the Class II wave trains. $1,899; halagear.com

12. BOOT

LA SPORTIVA TRANGO TRK GTX

RAPHA PREMIUM DENIM JEANS These performance pants can play the role of being around-the-town jeans, too, without looking dorky thanks to the stretch in the durable fabric. WHY IT WON: They do more than look good. They're made for cycling, with smart attention to detail, including

a reflective logo on the right inner cuff for rolled-up chain-grease avoidance and night safety. The signature pink taping offers some subtle bling, too. WHERE WE TOOK IT: We took these jeans anywhere that counts as "dressy" by Boulder sports chic standard during the two or three months that are cold enough to warrant full-leg coverage on the bike. $220; rapha.cc

11.

14. SHORTS

ARCTERYX SYLVITE Super stylish, but comfortable, these performance shorts stay in place while climbing or hiking. WHY IT WON: They are the one short you can pack to do it all for a multisport adventure week or weekend and climb, hike, backpack, run. You can throw a chamois under them and ride. All that and they never chafed us. WHERE WE TOOK IT: Arches National Park backpacking, Fruita mountain biking, Shelf Road climbing trips, and to the top of Mt. Shavano one May weekend (snowshoeing in shorts was weird, but necessary). $89; arcteryx.com

14.

E L E VATI 15.

Sportiva's burly-but-lightweight backpacking boot is nimble enough to scramble up class 3 and 4 ridges. The TRK GTX can handle off-trail work and long days banging out miles on trail. WHY IT WON: Suitable for both backpacking and day hiking, this is an extremely comfortable boot that's rigid where it needs to be and flexible where it counts. The solid sticky rubber provided grip, even on wet rock, and, after a full season of hard use, the lugs showed very little wear. The Gore-Tex lining lived up to the billing—when paired with gaiters, even knee-deep plunges into swamp mud didn't soak the insides of these boots (not to mention river crossings and snowfields). An added bonus for animal lovers, there is no leather used in the construction. WHERE WE TOOK IT: The boots ate up extended Front Range backpacking and scrambling trips, Gore Range backpacking and scrambling, Tenmile Range scrambles, Indian Peaks Wilderness backpacking and Elk Range Fourteener hikes. $220; sportiva.com

15. PANTS

VOORMI ELEVEN.9

12.

OORS

13.

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WYOMING TRAVEL GUIDE

yoming is as much a state of mind as it is a destination, especially since it’s so far away from the crowds of Colorado’s Front Range. Up here, adventure is a lot more wild. There’s more to explore,

more places to lose yourself, more authenticity. One thing you can count on: You’ll find plenty of destinations and outfitters for hiking, backpacking, biking, climbing, paddling and other types of thrill seeking (and relax-

ation) here. To that end, pay close attention to this special travel guide for the state. You may just find a new favorite spot that’s far from the masses. For more information on Wyoming visit: ElevationOutdoors.com

THE BIGHORN MOUNTAINS FOLLOW THE SWEET 16 TO YELLOWSTONE!

Headed to Yellowstone or the Black Hills? Stop en route and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Bighorn Mountains along U.S. Highway 16. Called the best and easiest route to Yellowstone, “The Sweet 16” offers excellent camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and wildlife watching. Travelers will enjoy the breathtaking mountain vistas along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, and views of sheer limestone cliffs in Ten Sleep Canyon. Include a stop at the true Western town of Ten Sleep, and you’ll find that road tripping has never been better.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BUFFALO

HEAD INTO THE WILDERNESS Few places get you closer to your next outdoor adventure than Buffalo, Wyoming, where hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, boating and more are all a short distance from your doorstep. “My favorite part about this area is that you can do something cool within 10 minutes in each direction,” says longtime Buffalo resident and outdoor enthusiast Tim Cahhal. “There are lakes 10 minutes away, as well as Clear Creek. Awesome bike trails connect from town all the way into the mountains. I’ve ridden 35 miles from my door out into the mountains with just a mile or so of pavement the whole time.” Crazy Woman Canyon is the area’s gem, featuring a dynamic creek, towering canyon walls, hiking, camping, and majestic views. The canyon is steeped in history, both as a passage for Native Americans and as a hideout for the outlaws of the Wild West. But don’t stop there: The hiking opportunities are endless in the 20-mile radius surrounding Buffalo. You’ll find family friendly hikes in the Clear Creek Trail system, while the trails around Brown

Bear, Rainy and Soldier lakes offer up more mileage for big days. If you want a longer trek, Cloud Peak is the tallest of the Bighorn mountains at 13,167 feet, a must-do for any serious peak-bagger. Bomber Mountain is also a great multi-day trek, leading to the wreckage of an old WWII-era plane crash. The area’s many trails also lead to popular fishing waters and a number of

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mountain biking systems. And those looking for some horsepower can explore trails via ATV (check out Ultimate Outdoors in Buffalo for tours and rentals). No matter what your Buffalo adventure brings, we wish you happy trails!

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FLAMING GORGE COUNTRY

SPLASH INTO ADVENTURE

When John Wesley Powell first came through the Flaming Gorge on the Green River, he named the area for its beautiful red stone cliffs. Today, visitors can marvel at the same canyons in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, a deep and diverse playground stretching across 91 water-miles with an impressive 360 miles of shoreline between Wyoming and Utah. A day drive on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway showcases the dramatic terrain and natural diversity of the area, varying from high desert to heavy forests. Water recreation is the main attraction at Flaming Gorge. Many choose to boat, spending the day water skiing, wake boarding, swimming, floating and fishing. Even during popular times, boaters often can have one of the reservoir’s many coves and inlets all to themselves. “We are relatively undiscovered, so crowds aren’t a problem,” says Jerry Taylor, owner of the nearby Lucerne Valley Marina. The area is also known as one of the greatest fisheries in the western U.S., filled with world-class trophy rainbow and brown

can find quiet alpine sites or explore the three boat-in campgrounds here (see www. recreation.gov for reservations). Experience it all during Flaming Gorge Days from June 23-25 in the nearby town of Green River. Catch some of the biggest acts in rock and country, festivals, parades, tournaments and more. See flaminggorgedays.com for more info.

trout, small-mouth bass, Kokanee salmon, lake trout and more. “There are some record-breaking fish in this lake. It’s really an unparalleled location for anglers,” says Dave Hanks of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce. When you do come to Flaming Gorge, you’ll want to spend more than a day. You are in luck: There’s abundant dispersed and designated camping all around the lake. It’s the newest and best developed campground, offering showers and sites with electricity. Those wanting more solitude

TOURWYOMING.COM

Located on I-80 only a few hours south of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Sweetwater County is the perfect stopping point as you make your way to or from the national parks of Wyoming. TourWyoming.com

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National Parks, there are countless ways to create an adventure of your own. Explore 8,200 square miles of public land. Soak up the sunshine on Lake Flaming Gorge. Mountain bike the high desert or kayak the Green River. It’s not a question of what to do in Sweetwater County. The only question is how long should you stay to fit it all in. Come create your own adventure in Sweetwater County. Download the mobile app and visit TourWyoming.com today.

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LEAVE THE CROWDS BEHIND You can have the mountains to yourself outside of Laramie, Wyoming. Here, real Western spirit is still alive: The lakes, meadows, peaks and streams offer alpine serenity ... even getting lost is a spectacular experience. Plus, several small towns within a 45-minute drive of Laramie offer gateways into the mountains to hike, camp, canoe, fish and bike. “If you come up during the week, there’s a good chance you won’t see a soul on the trails,” says Mike Gray of the Laramie Area Visitor Center. “You can see moose and hear eagles. It’s a true outdoor, get-back-tonature experience.” Start your explorations in Centennial, a small town located at the base of the Snowy Range. Centennial is home to several restaurants, hotels guest houses and cabins. Nearby, the Vee Bar Guest Ranch is a full-functioning dude ranch set on the Laramie River. The tiny town of Albany, another gateway to the mountains, offers is an ideal starting point for fishing and camping. Adrenaline junkies can rent four-wheelers in the

summer, while cyclists can access the Rail to Trail bicycle gravel route. The fun trail spans nearly 50 miles from Albany to the Colorado border on what was once an old railroad track. Further south, the little retreat of Woods Landing features a historic bar and dance hall, RV camping, restaurants and outdoor recreation at the base of the Snowy Range. Outside of Laramie, the rock climbing hotspot Vedauwoo boasts famed crack

climbing and plenty of camping. Wait, there’s more. Mountain bikers will appreciate the extensive Happy Jack singletrack network as well as at the Curt Gowdy Trails, which are sandwiched between the mountains and a reservoir. Ready to explore? Plan your next adventure at visitlaramie.org.

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“WHOEVER CREATED THE WORLD WENT TO A LOT OF TROUBLE. IT WOULD BE DOWNRIGHT RUDE NOT TO GO OUT AND SEE AS MUCH OF IT AS POSSIBLE.”

Hiking video

Whether you seek the solitude of an alpine lake, the raw beauty of weathered granite, or a simple walk close to town, the hiking trails around Laramie offer something for everyone. Families will find fun and exploration right outside close to town, while backpackers can spend a week in the high country of the Medicine Bow Mountains.

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WIND RIVER COUNTRY TAKE IT HIGHER

Nestled against the east side of the Wind River and Absaroka mountains, and bordered by scenic Wind River Canyon to the north and the vast Red Desert to the south, Wyoming’s Wind River Country brings one word to mind—untamed. This stretch of mountains and glacier-carved valleys boasts endless opportunities to hike, run, ride, climb, fish and see wildlife, with the towns of Fremont County offering convenient jumping off points. Mountain bikers are sure to enjoy the varied and well-built trail networks. Just check out the high-desert terrain and sun-burnt red rocks of the Johnny Behind the Rocks Trail System. In Dubois, both beginner and advanced riders will appreciate The Overlook Trail, a downhill extravaganza that drops more than 7,061 thrilling feet in jsut over 4 miles. Not to leave the skinny tire crowd out, roadies who crank up several of the area’s 7,000- to 9,000-foot passes will also be rewarded with stunning views. Those looking for a more leisurely ride can cruise through several majestic loops.

A TEAM CLIMBS IN SINKS CANYON NEAR LANDER, WYOMING | photo by JARED STEINMAN

There’s been a core rock climbing scene near Lander for decades. Local climbers have developed everything from now-famous limestone walls to beginnerfriendly sport climbs to world-class granite trad routes. And don’t miss the annual International Climbers Festival in Lander in July. Find out more about hot spots such as Sinks Canyon and Wild Iris by stopping into a local outdoor store for beta. The impressive Absaroka Range in Wind River Country has been described as “every

bit as stunning as the Grand Tetons,” so it’s no surprise the area is home to beautiful hiking opportunities. In the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak, at 13,904 feet, is Wyoming’s highest, while the Bridger and Popo Agie wilderness areas offer everything from lake trails to epic backpacking treks. No matter your adventure preference or skill level, you’ll find something in Wind River Country.

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RIVER ESTIVAL F

BOOZING LOVE

AUGUST 19 & 20, 2016

THE DRUNKEN HEARTS ARE MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES IN COLORADO'S LOCAL MUSIC SCENE AND A NEW EP AND TOUR STOPS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL ONLY UP THE STOKE.

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agnetic. It’s one of the only words my buddy and I could agree on to describe the feeling of the first time we caught Colorado-based band The Drunken Hearts, live. It was a cold winter afternoon in Avon, Colorado, and like most music lovers who had descended on the small town for the annual WinterWondergrass Festival, we couldn’t deny the pull that drew us into one of the side tents where The Drunken Hearts were just diving into their first set of the day. We were lured by the symphonic sounds of strings blended with electric guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals reminiscent of great country singers from the past. Other hypnotized festivarians wandering the event grounds slowly made their way up to the front of the stage with us, where the musicallyinduced trance continued through their bodies. The groove bobbed through our bones and burrowed in our boots tapping along with the catchy beats and unique melodies. Originally formed as a trio in 2010, The Drunken Hearts have grown leaps and bounds in the past five years, managing to make a name for themselves in a state that is rapidly gaining a reputation as a magnet for roots music. Led by lead singer and acoustic guitar player, Andrew McConathy, The Drunken Hearts are now a five-piece, well-synced blend of musical sensibilities. “We’re sort of a hodgepodge of a lot of different styles and influences,” says electric guitar player, Rob Eaton, Jr. Eaton’s musical genes run deep: His father is Grammy award-winner Rob Eaton from the Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra. While the younger Eaton cites metal and jam bands as inspiration for his sound, his heady guitar riffs— photo by TYRA SUTAK

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clean, mesmerizing slices of rock ’n’ roll—would make his dad proud. But the band doesn’t define themselves as a rock band. With the twang Cody Russell brings on the pedal steel, lap steel and banjo, it would be impossible to claim rock as the defining sound of the band. And even though strong bluegrass influences are clearly threaded into their music, The Drunken Hearts don’t consider themselves a bluegrass band either. “It’s seems pretty obvious to us that we’re not bluegrass,” says McConathy. “It’s more like ‘ourgrass’,” muses bass player, Jon McCartan. Rounded out by the dynamic Alex Johnson on the drums, the band members are a virtual grab bag of rock, funk, jazz, jam, blues, electronica, metal, bluegrass, and country genres—all melted together to create a unique sound that the band simply enjoys on stage. “We’ve stopped trying to define our sound,” said Eaton Jr. “We struggled with that for a little bit. We would go to certain gigs with this idea of how we were supposed to play depending on who were playing for, but it felt forced, and eventually we all decided to just do our thing and go

out there and just have fun.” On May 6, The Drunken Hearts dropped their latest EP—“Love & Thirst”—a six-song realization of a project the band has been working on for over two years. Recorded in studios in Boulder and Denver and produced by Rob Eaton, it’s a fresh take that dips into into the band’s history and gives a glimpse of its bright future. Composed of all original songs, the EP has a lightness to it, even when the tunes lean into dark places. The Drunken Hearts are also gearing up to hit the road this summer on a national tour that will take them through the midwest and the east coast before returning to the Colorado Front Range they call home to headline Sanitas Brewing Company’s third annual Sanitas Fest on June 18, followed by a big album release party at the Bluebird Theater in Denver on June 30. Visit thedrunkenhearts.com to download songs from “Love & Thirst” and take a shot at slapping a label on the sound of this up-andcoming band. Or just give in and let the tunes take over.

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MIND FULL OF RISK WHEN DO WE NEED TO CALCULATE THE DANGERS OF LIFE IN A MOUNTAIN TOWN? HOW DO WE BALANCE THE FREEDOM THAT DREW US HERE AGAINST THE CHANCE OF DISASTER? by DEVON O'NEIL

little more than a year ago, a friend and I set out to attempt a line that I had never skied. For the purposes of this story, I will call it the Tube. Walled in like a hallway down a sustained steep pitch, the run had tantalized me for years. I had skied similar lines adjacent to the Tube, which drops off the north face of a fourteener, but the Tube proper always seemed more daunting. It was late April and the snowpack had solidified a couple of weeks before, all but eliminating the unpredictability of deep-slab avalanches. Then it snowed six inches one night, which, our experience told us, would still be soft and dry a few days later. It was my idea to ski the Tube. My friend had skied it years earlier and was open to doing it again ... but not anxious to. I scouted it from across the valley the prior afternoon. One blissful track down a nearby lowangle bowl told me all I needed— wanted—to know: The snow was still incredible. I called my friend and we decided to meet the next morning. But I felt immediately nervous. For the past three weeks, I had been hunkered down at home with my wife and our newborn son. She and I would stare at him for hours, then smile at each other in a way we never had before. Life felt fuller than it had since we met. I was also restless. April is usually when I can begin to let loose in steep terrain. But the most I’d done since becoming a dad was skin up behind our house and ski melting glades. Now, I do not view myself as a risk seeker. By definition, however, there is no question—I am one. A lot of us are.

photo by SCOTT TOEPFER

The Tube seemed like it would satisfy my restlessness that day, and, not surprisingly, the decison to ski it involved accepting an elevated level of risk. I justified it for two reasons: One, the risk, at least as I perceived it, was still quite low, and, two, I was craving a worthy ski experience and the feeling you get when it’s over—a charge as close to pure elation as I have ever felt in nature. We climbed more than 3,000 feet from the valley floor. The wind picked up just as we got to the top. It started to swirl. Why that kind of elemental thing has such a fearful psychological effect as we stand on the side of a mountain, I will never understand. But suddenly, perched above the gaping entry that looked like a mine shaft, I was just a touch more gripped than I wanted to be. Since I had proposed the line, I dropped in first. Of course, once the swirling wind at the top was neutralized by the couloir wall, everything got awesome again. The snow was just as soft and plush on top, with a firm base beneath, as we hoped it might be. We skied top to bottom without incident. Right about then the darndest thing happened. Instead of the normal elation, a wave of guilt and shame swept through me. Had I really just risked my life, however minutely, for fun? After all the joy I’d experienced the past three weeks? For the first time ever, I felt selfish for enjoying the mountains. The whole point of skiing the Tube had been ruined.

aybe it’s because I’m 36. I have long believed that my generation, for whatever reason, has more of an inclination—more of a need—to take risks in the mountains than those who came before us. Slowing down, simply feeling happy to be out there, absorbing the broad peace of alpine environments … such skills seem like they’re destined to die with the generation above mine. On a large scale, anyway. Almost everyone I know who can feel fully satisfied on an adventure without taking any risk is 50 or older. The two I know who best epitomize that ideal are in their 60s. They take risks too, like most of us do, but I admire their ability to sit on their tailgate after a boring hike or low-angle ski tour and just appear wondrously content. Dick Dorworth, a former Exum

BALANCING ACT: THE AUTHOR SCRAMBLES HIGH ON EAST THORN IN THE GORE RANGE.

“

It’s too simple to say we should live every day like it’s our last. If we actually did that, we’d all be robbing banks and center punching avalanche paths on powder days.

J U N E 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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had? Was it my son? My wife? Just poor timing? A complete anomaly? I became convinced it was an anomaly. There was no way that taking risk and having everything work out perfectly could be a negative. Or could it? More poignantly, should it?

o reach the Tube’s entry that day, we skinned right by the lowangle bowl I’d seen perfect powder tracks in the afternoon before. I wondered why skiing that bowl seemed so inadequate as we passed it. I wondered if I might have viewed it differently if I’d taken the same route 20 years earlier, before everyone started skiing steep stuff on the regular, upping each other’s ante in a sociological phenomenon that can’t possibly be sustainable if it continues in future generations. It is darn near impossible to live a risk-free life up here. If that’s what you want, you can get a much nicer house for your money in Topeka. The great challenge is staying true to yourself—honoring your desires, your instincts—while protecting those who rely on you. I’ve thought about that for months since our day in the Tube,

and I still struggle to define a clear path from one decision to the next. It’s too simple to say we should live every day like it’s our last. If we actually did that, we’d all be robbing banks and center punching avalanche paths on powder days. The reality is much more nuanced and personal. And it is hardly confined to skiing. On the contrary, it stays with us year round, a constant internal dialogue for which answers always come with caveats and concern. There is a reason why I get nervous riding my bike 30 mph through a forest on my favorite trail. But it’s not because a friend died doing exactly that last year. It’s because I can sense the danger myself: sturdy trunks passing in a blur 10 inches away from my handlebars, with rocks and roots bucking me up and down. Maybe it’s because I know the trail, but I can never bring myself to fully compress the brake levers. And I feel as if I am better off because of it. Devon O'Neil is a writer based in Breckenridge, Colorado. His work appears regularly in Outside, Bike and SKI. Follow him at devononeil.com.

Photo: Trent Bona

mountain guide and world-class speed skier who still racks up days at Sun Valley, Idaho, told me he doesn’t think young backcountry skiers “are even aware” of the peace to be gleaned from simply trudging among peaks, not skiing or climbing them. Dorworth is 77—prime time to lament the recklessness of youth—but I have to agree with him. Mainly because my instincts during a ski tour tell me to: Hurry up! Get to the fresh snow! Ski it! Ski it again! I try hard to take my time; I stop and absorb the view, pause to continue the conversation, but I’m guilty of rushing sometimes. Worse, I feel it when I do it, yet I don’t stop. There is simply too little time to waste any. That day in the Tube, I went because I thought it would enrich my life—like adventure, and particularly backcountry skiing, has done so many times before. I thought I would finish as a more fulfilled man. Truth be told, the rush was undeniable and intoxicating, as it always is. But so was the guilt, and that was the problem. Skiing back to the truck that day, I wondered what changed. Why was I suddenly so disturbed by the fun I just

THE GOOD STUFF: HALFWAY DOWN THE TUBE. photo by DEVON O'NEIL

“But suddenly, perched above the gaping entry that looked like a mine shaft, I was just a touch more gripped than I wanted to be.”

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J U N E 2 016 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

ELWAYVILLE

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BRANCHING OUT HOW TREES ARE THE ROOTS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. by PETER KRAY

he apricots bloomed early this spring. They always bloom early—too early. Only twice in the last 16 years have the flowers survived to bear fruit instead of getting knocked out during the annual April freeze. But this was March, the earliest the apricots have ever bloomed, and their pink white petals blew around together with snowflakes in an afternoon storm. It made me nostalgic, that wet breath of air, and the way the Rocky Mountain seasons roll so fitfully into each other, stopping and starting again. It made me think of trees and all the comfort and companionship they have provided to me, especially in the summertime. My father spent the last few weeks of his life in a bed in Washington State next to a big picture window where he could watch a plum, a dogwood, a mountain ash and a magnificent copper beech tree swaying in the wind and shining in the sun. He planted nearly a dozen trees in the house where I grew up on Fairfax Street in Park Hill, including a mountain ash in the side yard and three honey locusts in the front llustration by KEVIN HOWDESHELL / kevincredible.com

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / JUNE 2 01 6

yard (I still drive by to see them sometimes). That day I said goodbye to him, I remembered how he enlisted my brother and me and a couple neighborhood kids to dig the holes for those locusts. When I looked out the window at the purple leaves of the plum fluttering in the light, I thought he picked a good room to die in.

REACH FOR THE SKY

In Forest Parkway, just a block away from Fairfax Street, the evergreen trees once grew more than 50 feet tall, with a thick ladder of branches that made them easy to climb. In City Park to the west, the catalpas seemed like lanky invaders from some tropical region, with long slender pods we tried to throw like boomerangs. And all over town, the crabapples and lilacs would bloom like fireworks in the spring. I got a job cutting trees around Denver in the summers between college and then between winters when I was a ski bum. I learned how to clear the deadwood, prune to the laterals, and accentuate (not create) that natural arc in the canopy. Best of all I got to see how a Colorado day grows, every day, all summer long. I was on a crew with a real weather fanatic the summer in June when all the tornadoes came to town. He kept talking about the unstable

mix of cold northern air and warm southern moisture as we watched the first clouded horns of twisters dropping down. When they hit my neighborhood, they never actually touched the ground, but just grabbed the evergreens and American elms by the boughs and spun them like tops through roofs, into cars and to tear and tangle the powerlines. Later, Dad and I walked up to survey the damage. Looking at the giant round holes where the root balls of the trees had been torn from the ground like bomb craters, he told me, “This neighborhood wasn’t even here 80 years ago,” and then he said, “What you think matters is changing all the time.”

WHAT MATTERS

For weeks I drove through that wreckage to load a truck with saws and then back to work in my neighborhood until the cleanup was done. At least half the team was Cambodian. They pruned trees better than anyone, especially the big trees, with a kind of airless soaring aesthetic and economy of style I can still pick out driving down 17th Ave or Monaco Parkway. The two best tree trimmers were brothers who might’ve fought against each other in the war. One was regular army and the other was a

guerilla, with talisman tattoos around his neck and up his arms. Tha, the guerilla, had flashed me a quick, STFU smile, and said, “You don’t want to know that shit,” when I asked him if he had seen “The Killing Fields,” and how accurate the movie had been. They were both natural leaders who helped attract a community of other Cambodians to Denver—and to the job—and it felt good to be around them. I liked working to be a part of something that wasn’t just based on family, classmates or neighbors, and that I had to earn it on my own. I enjoyed working with the trees, basking in their shade, breathing in the breeze, moving up into them and finding little hidden bird and critter homes. I loved the sense of life all around—especially now the idea that someone like my father had planted them, and that through them some part of that life lives on. I think I want to plant more trees this season. So should everyone.

—Elevation Outdoors editor-at-large Peter Kray is the author of The God of Skiing. The book has been called “the greatest ski novel of all time.” Don’t believe the hype? You can buy it here: bit.ly/godofskiing

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