HIKING

If you're not up for a 14er but you still want the hiking experience, there are many other hikes that are a little less intense. Colorado has thousands of miles of trail that weave all throughout the Rocky Mountains and around majestic valleys and crystal blue lakes. It's really not hard to find a nearby trail in Colorado anywhere you are. Of course, the kind of hike will differ depending on the area you are in. If you are looking for more rigorous hike, you'll want to go farther up in the mountains. It's hard to recommend a specific hiking trail because I've found it really depends on how experienced of a hiker you are, what kind of environment you enjoy and what kind of experience you're looking for. Personally, my favorite hike is up in Granby around Bowen Lake-it's 16.5 miles roundtrip. It offers some incredible views of the lake and it includes many high points where you can see other Colorado mountain peaks stretch on for miles. Some important tips for hiking are always staying on the path to prevent getting lost. It's easy to wander off and quickly become lost in the wildernass. Always make sure to take a compass and essential survival gear just in case you lose your way for a long period of time. Make sure to know your limits and know when you need breaks. Also remember to leave no trace as we are guests while we hike through the mountains.

CLIMBING 14ER's

Colorado's 14ers are the thing to do if you want a real challenge. A fourteener is a mountain peak that is at least 14,000 feet above sea level. Colorado has many fourteeners that can be climbed year round and provide a view of Colorado you can't get any other way. However, not everyone can climb one. You have to be in pretty good shape and have good lungs to be able to handle the altitude in combination with the rigourous hiking and climbing. Although there are peaks that are harder than others, all of them are at least a little bit of a challenge. One of the most famous 14er's is Pikes Peak located just west of Colorado Springs. You should make sure to always have proper equipment and safety gear. Make sure if you climb in the winter you wear warm clothing as temperatures on the peak can be much cooler than those in a lower elevation. Always make sure to bring enough water as dehydration can cause sickness and fatigue which is extremely dangerous hwile climbing. There are many different trails and things and different ways to explore. Make sure you have a map or a guide and know where you're going at all times.

Although winter is drawing to an end something you will have to check out next winter is snow tubing.
Snow tubing is a thrilling ride down the ski slopes seated on a big rubber tube. You'll never forget the experience you have as you tear up the slopes at an astonishing speed. Tubing is an easy thing to do given all the ski resorts in Colorado that offer separate tubing hills next to the ski runs. Many resorts even how various slopes for different ages-some more steep than others for the more wild riders and some smooth for the kids. The nicest thing about these tubing runs is that most, if not all, have tow ropes that pull you back up the hill so you don't have to worry about lugging the tube back up the hill. This makes it a lot easier to take the kids and have an enjoyable time. My advice would be to wear a scarf or a neck warmer that covers your face because there is nothing worse than having the cold air whipping against your face as you cruise down the mountain. So maybe take a half day of skiing and spend the rest of the day on the tubing hill one day this winter when the snows a little icy. I promise you won't regret it.

An activity that is sometimes forgotten in the more common Colorado activities of skiing and hiking is snowshoeing. Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years and still is alive and well today. Colorado is one of the best places to snowshoe because of the great powdery snow and the varying terrain options that provide for a variety of trails. Snowshoeing is also a great sport because its relatively inexpensive. Compared to renting out a snowmobile or even a pair of skis renting snowshoes is really pretty cheap. It's also a good family or group activity because almost anyone that can walk can participate and Colorado has many different trails for beginners and many more extreme trails for experts. The trails are located near almost every ski resort and if not, the resort can surely tell you where to find one. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and preferably wool socks. Dressing in layers that can be easily removed is also reccomended for when the weather warms up in the afternoon. Backcountry snowshoeing may seem really adventurous and exciting but it can be really dangerous. Avalanches can occur easily and you want to make sure that you don't risk your life just to get to the powder no matter how tempting it may be.

Another activity Colorado has to offer with its amazing snow and mountainous terrain is snowmobiliing. Snowmobiling paths, tours and rentals are offered at almost every ski resort in Colorado as well as in other areas suitable for this kind of recreation including the National Parks. Snowmobiling is a great way to tour the backcountry of the mountains of Colorado because they speedily take you through the forests and to the top of the peaks and you are able to see the many different views and scenes. Touring with a guide would be ideal if you don't know your way around-it's easy to venture off and get lost in the snowy white and seeminly endless terrain. You will also want to make sure to bring appropriate gear especially things that will keep you warm and safe. Keep in mind that each driver must have a valid driver's license. Children are allowed to ride if accompanied by adult. Snowmobiling is an exhilerating activity and there is no better place to experience than Colorado. Whether you whip through snowbanks and off thrilling jumps or glide along the trail on a tour with your family the hundreds of miles of trails can provide you with days of adventure through the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.