The Lake Irwin Campground and day use area, located about 9 miles west of Crested Butte, will close for the summer season on Sept. 8 and will not reopen in 2027 when the U.S. Forest Service plans a “full demolition and reconstruction of facilities,” the agency said in a recent news release. It is expected to reopen in June 2028.

“Facilities at Lake Irwin were built in the 1960s and have exceeded their useful life. The reconstruction project will update the site to meet current recreation needs and improve safety,” the release said.

Nestled at 10,200 feet in elevation with views of the Elk Mountains, Lake Irwin is a popular place for water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as hiking. The Forest Service plans to triple the parking capacity there and add eight new campsites, bringing the total to 40. The agency will also rebuild the roads and trails, and replace the kiosks, picnic areas and restrooms.

The Lake Irwin Campground is one of just a few near Crested Butte where spots are available to , making it prime tent and RV real estate. That’s become an important distinction in recent years, as the town has worked to cut down the number of campers in the area to what it considers a more sustainable level.

During the pandemic, Crested Butte experienced a boom in visitation, and unregulated dispersed camping , including a proliferation of dead and bare ground where there was once wild grasses and flowers, escaped campfires, and sanitation problems. That inspired the town to institute starting in 2021, meaning visitors can only set up camp where sites have been allocated for that purpose.

There are available throughout the Gunnison Valley, according to the Crested Butte Conservation Corps, a branch of the Crested Butte Mountain Biking Association that is dedicated to outdoor stewardship. The sites, which are first-come, first-served, have designated numbers, are marked by wooden posts and offer metal fire rings. Some require an overnight fee. ()

There are other established campgrounds in the area, such as the , but they are usually first-come, first-served.

The Lake Irwin day-use area, which provides access to the shores of Lake Irwin, will remain open beyond Sept. 8 of this year, though the Forest Service said there may be times when access is temporarily cordoned off, or traffic may be slowed. For the latest information, visit .

CORRECTION 1:33 p.m. on Aug. 26: An earlier version of this story erroneously said the Lake Irwin day use area would reopen in 2027. However, it will only remain open in 2026 and not be accessible to the public until 2028.

From Jan. 1 through Aug. 13, Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 6,129 reports of bear sightings and conflicts across the state. That����ap up from 3,115 during the same timeframe last year and already surpasses the annual total for 2025, which was 5,299.

“This year is on pace to have the highest number of bear reports since CPW implemented its statewide digital reporting system in 2019,” the agency said in a recent news release.

There are an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 black bears living in Colorado and they are venturing further into human-occupied areas searching for food this year because of widespread drought that has diminished their natural resources, such as berries, acorns and plants. Bears have been seen entering residential homes and roaming backyards along the Front Range, and even helping themselves to M&Ms in luxury hotels in the high country. And we likely haven’t seen the end of them yet.

Encounters are expected to increase as the bears enter hyperphagia, which is a natural phase when they spend up to 20 hours a day searching for food to build the fat reserves needed to survive the winter. Nearly half of the bear incidents in 2025 occurred in August, September and October, as the animals scoured for calories, CPW said.

So far, bears have been spotted in 41 of Colorado’s 64 counties this year, , including in some unlikely places. Last year, for example, both Saguache and Weld counties saw zero bears. This year, there have been 23 and 13 sightings, respectively.

The northwest part of the state has seen the most bear encounters in the first seven and a half months of this year, with CPW reporting a total of 2,258 sightings and incidents. A couple of counties there have seen triple-digit increases in the number of local bruins. In Mesa County, which includes Grand Junction, residents have reported 308 bear encounters, up from just 33 in 2025. In Routt County, home to Steamboat Springs, there have been 633 reported sightings so far this year compared to 160 last year — an astonishing increase of 473 encounters.

La Plata County, which includes Durango, leads the state with 658 reported bear incidents this year. That’s up from 537 during the same timeframe in 2025.

Closer to Denver, Jefferson County leads the pack with 328 bear encounters so far this year, followed by Douglas County at 282, Boulder County at 186, Clear Creek County at 43, and Arapahoe County at 40. All of those figures have risen since 2025, CPW reports.

Interestingly, the number of bear encounters has decreased in several mountain communities including Summit County (73 interactions, down 8%), Eagle County (90 interactions, down 20%), and San Miguel County, which includes Telluride (24 interactions, down 68%).

You’ve probably , but I can tell you from experience that you do not want to see them in person. In July, I was car camping outside an Airbnb in Carbondale while reporting a story and was awoken at 5 a.m. to the sound of a bear flipping a full dumpster. I watched as the animal played soccer with a separate bear-resistant trash can, before it briefly approached my Honda CR-V and then left, unable to scrounge much food from both of the locked trash bins. (To this day, the thought of seeing his ears through my back passenger window still makes my palms sweat.)

So whether or not you’re out in the wilderness, it����ap important to be bear aware and secure both food and trash properly. In fact, those who don’t could face criminal penalties after . As of May, anyone who “knowingly” puts food or trash where it could reasonably attract a bear could get charged with a misdemeanor. Law enforcement is no longer required to give first-time offenders a warning and repeat violations can cost people $2,000 to $5,000 each.

Here are six tips for staying “bear wise” from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

• 

  Never feed or approach bears: Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs.

• Secure food, garbage and recycling: Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage. If you’re camping, use bear lockers or approved bear-resistant containers to store your food; keep food and trash in a locked vehicle; or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Do not burn trash or food scraps.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active: Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
• Never leave pet food outdoors: Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
• Clean and store grills: Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
• Alert neighbors to bear activity: If you see bears in the area or evidence of bear activity, tell your neighbors and share information on how to prevent conflicts with bears. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it����ap up to us to adapt to living near bears.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out RV rental sites to compare different models, features, and prices near you. Consider how many people are coming, what kind of vehicle you’ll feel comfortable driving, and where you want to go. Even if it����ap your first time, you can look for rentals with easy delivery or pet-friendly options so that you can hit the road feeling prepared.

Forget the old ideas you might have about RVing. They’re not just for retirees anymore, and today’s RVs aren’t the slow, bulky vehicles from the past. They’re a real travel option, and more people choose them every year.

The comfort of home

What sets RV travel apart? It����ap not only about having wheels; it����ap also about the freedom it gives you.

“Flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of RV travel,” says Maddi Bourgerie, VP of marketing at . It lets travelers “build their trip around their schedule, bring the comforts of home along with them, and stay closer to the places they actually want to explore, whether that is a national park, an event, or a bucket-list road trip.”

Think about a typical vacation: you pack your bag, unpack it at the hotel, and then repack it a couple of days later. You repeat this until you’re finally home, often feeling more tired from all the packing than from the trip itself. With an RV, you only pack once and never have to unpack. The journey becomes part of the fun, not something to get through.

“RVing makes the journey part of the experience,” Bourgerie says.

Families get to spend real time together, she says, “without the hassle of busy airports and hotel logistics, focusing on what matters most: quality time.”

And your dog can come along, too. Many rental RVs allow pets, so your best friend doesn’t have to stay at a kennel. Check each listing for pet rules, since some owners may require a pet deposit or limit the size or number of animals.

Most RVs have a basic kitchen with a stove, fridge, and a small sink, but the cookware and utensils can vary from one to another. Look at the RV’s description to see what����ap included, and bring your own pots, pans, or coffee maker if you need something special. With a kitchen on board, you don’t have to worry about dietary needs, picky eaters, or going over your food budget. You can cook what you want, whenever you want.

Gas prices go up. RVers get creative

Everyone is thinking about fuel costs these days, but that hasn’t stopped people from taking RV trips. Instead, travelers are finding smarter ways to make it work.

“The trend we see when gas prices spike is not that people skip their RV trips,” Bourgerie says. “Instead, they adapt their plans.”

That might mean picking a destination closer to home, trimming a few stops off the itinerary, or skipping the driving altogether. That last option is more important than it might seem. Bourgerie says over half of the company’s RV rentals are delivered directly to travelers. Instead of driving the RV across the country and using extra gas, you can pay a delivery fee and have the RV waiting for you when you arrive.

Opt for a smaller ride

Boyd Fletcher has watched this play out from the ground level. He’s owned in Denver for 12 years, and he says gas prices haven’t slowed his bookings down. But they’ve changed the conversation.

“There’s a lot more asking about gas mileage before they rent,” Fletcher says. “But the prices don’t put people off.”

His camper vans get 15 to 20 mpg, he says, which puts them in the same range as a lot of SUVs and pickups already sitting in people’s driveways. RV fuel efficiency depends on the type and weight of the vehicle. Mid-size Class C RVs get 10 to 14 mpg, while large Class A RVs typically drop to 6 to 10 mpg. Towing drops fuel economy by 20-35%.

The bigger threat to bookings isn’t the price at the pump. It����ap potential confusion over national park access if the government shuts down. “That����ap when I see people freak out,” Fletcher says. Visitors, especially ones flying in from the East Coast, assume a shutdown means a locked gate. It usually just means fewer services, not a closed park.

Finding what works for you

Not sure which type of RV is right for your group? Here’s a quick guide: Camper vans are usually best for couples or small families who want something compact and easy to drive, like when you need to parallel park at the grocery store or handle narrow mountain roads. Class C RVs have more space and built-in features, making them popular with bigger groups or families who want extra room, but they can feel more like driving a moving truck than a car.

If you’re new to RVing or nervous about driving something large, a van might be less stressful. If you want more comfort and space, especially with kids, a Class C could be a better fit. Either way, check the rental listings for the layout and sleeping arrangements to make sure everyone has a place to sleep.

Does the math actually work?

This is where it really matters. Renting an RV isn’t just an old-fashioned alternative to flying. For many families, it����ap the better plan.

An industry study found that RV trips can save travelers about 60% compared to flying and staying in hotels for a group of four, and about 46% for couples. The average domestic plane ticket is over $380 this year, and that����ap before you add hotel rooms, rental cars, and restaurant bills. Some RVs can be rented for as little as $50 a night. Even the more expensive $200-a-night RVs often end up being cheaper once you factor in the savings on hotels and rental cars.

Just remember to budget for extra costs like campground fees, insurance, and sometimes a cleaning or prep fee when you return the RV. These costs can change depending on where you go and the type of RV you choose, but knowing about them ahead of time helps you avoid surprise charges later.

Fletcher says renting a camper van is about as expensive as a rental car, but it saves on lodging and meals. With an RV, all those costs are combined into one bill. You don’t need a separate hotel reservation, a rental car counter, or to worry about where you’ll eat. But value isn’t just about money. Fletcher, who takes his family of six camping, says the real reward comes after the hike.

“There’s something nice about coming back from a hike and hanging out by the bumper with ice cream or popsicles.”

He makes sure potential camper van renters know what to expect. A camper van isn’t a hotel suite on wheels, and it shouldn’t be seen that way. Most camper vans have a small bed in the back, usually a convertible sofa or platform bed, and some have pop-tops for extra sleeping space for kids. This means a family of four can sleep together, but it will be cozy.

Larger Class C RVs offer more sleeping options, such as overhead bunks, fold-out sofas, and a rear bed, making them better for larger groups or anyone who wants more space. The van gets you to places like Zion or Arches and lets you sleep right by the trailhead instead of far away in a hotel parking lot. That����ap the real benefit, he says.

“The camper van is icing on top of cake,” Fletcher adds. “The destination is the cake.”

Choosing the right option for you

So is renting an RV worth it this summer? It really depends on what you want from your trip. If you prefer a couch, a flatscreen, and someone else taking care of the details, a hotel is probably best.

But if you like the idea of eating ice cream by the van after a long hike, and waking up to a view better than any hotel window, an RV could be the best choice you make all year.

Rental options

Cruise America
Address: 8950 Federal Blvd. in Federal Heights
Phone: (303) 482-1120 | 1-800-671-8042
Website:

Fireside RV Rental
Address: 23905 E. 26th Ave. in Aurora
Phone: (720) 526-4848
Website:

Road Bear RV Rentals & Sales
Address: 6586 Brighton Blvd. in Commerce City
Phone: (720) 570-1100
Website:

Native Campervans
Address: 2919 E 42nd Ave. in Denver
Phone: (877) 550-5335
Website:

Rocky Mountain Campervans
Address: 5455 W. 59th Ave., Unit S in Arvada
Phone: (720) 593-0433
Website:

Outdoorsy (peer-to-peer marketplace)
Website:

RVshare (peer-to-peer marketplace)
Website:

Sara B. Hansen is a Denver-based freelance writer.

Overlanding is broadly defined as a form of self-reliant travel that allows people to experience scenic remote areas. Many times that means driving unpaved roads and camping for several days to make the most out of the adventure.

Though having an adequate vehicle to navigate backcountry roads is important, overlanding is distinct from off-roading, which focuses explicitly on technical driving over challenging terrain. Overlanding, meanwhile, “blends travel, exploration, navigation, camping, and self-sufficiency into one experience,” .

The foundation hosts gear shows across the country — including the local (Aug. 21-23) at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland — and produces an industry report seeking to understand the overlanding community.

Both off-roading and overlanding exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people turned to the outdoors as an alternative to other types of recreation. The latter has continued to draw recreationists with 8 million people taking an overlanding trip in the U.S. in 2024, according to released last year.

With that many people on backcountry roads, you might be wondering how to find a bit of solitude. After all, if you wanted to sit in traffic, you could just take I-70.

We spoke with Tracy Barker, president of , who had insight about where to find the 4×4 roads less traveled. Most of the suggested routes below involve a low-level of difficulty — 3 out of 10, according to — so they are generally more accessible than notorious ones like Black Bear Pass or Imogene Pass, near Telluride. Exceptions include Lake Creek (rated 4), Mosquito Pass (rated 4), and Schofield Pass (rated 5), Barker said.

Just because they are relatively easier doesn’t mean there won’t be big payoffs. Barker chose these overlanding routes because they offer access to high alpine and rugged mountain vistas, camping options, and trailheads. Some can even be driven as “loops,” offering opportunities for multi-day excursions, he said. Though some are in well-known overlanding areas, Barker promised you’ll find serenity.

“It’s just a fact of life that many places become congested on summer weekends,” he said by email. “But fortunately, even for the more popular areas (Silverton, Ouray, Crested Butte, Buena Vista, Salida, etc.) there remain side roads/spur roads sufficient to ‘get away.’”

Here are five overlanding destinations to seek out. Please remember to recreate responsibly — or don’t be an “ass clown” in the words of one Western Slope sheriff — by choosing a path that suits your driving abilities, adequately preparing, and following .

Near Westcliffe

Suggested routes: Lake Creek a.k.a. Cloverdale Mine; Hermit Pass; and Medano Pass to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Attractions include high elevation, mining relics, dense forests, mountain lakes, access to plentiful dispersed/primitive camping and the USFS Lake Creek Campground.

Near Alma

Suggested routes: Mount Bross; Buckskin Joe; and Mosquito Pass

Attractions include high elevation, mining relics, forest and tundra, creeks and lakes, access to dispersed/primitive camping and the USFS Kite Lake Campground (near Alma).

Near Red Cliff

Suggested route: McAllister Gulch-Resolution Road-Wearyman Road loop

Attractions include high elevation, opportunity for a history lesson at Camp Hale, forest and tundra, creeks, access to dispersed/primitive camping and USFS Camp Hale Campground.

Near Dotsero and Glenwood Springs

Suggested routes: Transfer Trail, Coffee Pot Road; and Blair Mtn Road

Attractions include mid-elevation (10, 000 feet), forest and multiple lakes, access to dispersed/primitive camping and multiple USFS campgrounds, such as Deep Lake and White Owl campgrounds.

Near Crested Butte

Suggested routes: Gothic Road-Paradise Divide-Slate River loop; Lead King Basin; Schofield Pass (more advanced/difficult)

Attractions include high elevation, forest, rivers, mining towns (Gothic and Crystal), access to dispersed/primitive camping and USFS’ Lost Lake, Lake Irwin, Williams Creek campgrounds.

From Aug. 12 to 16, mycology enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Telluride to talk about all things mushrooms, including psychedelics, and go foraging in the woods. The festival is billed as the largest of its kind in North America, welcoming an estimated 3,000 attendees each year.

Continued growth in attendance has enabled the Telluride Mushroom Festival to expand its programming. While scientific lectures and panels are still core to the lineup, the schedule now boasts yoga classes, outdoor cooking demonstrations, high-end chef dinners, concerts, film screenings, and even kids forays and workshops.

With expansion, however, comes additional operating costs. Those have largely been offset by ticket sales and sponsorships, said festival executive officer Ashley Coady Smith — until this year. Since March, ticket sales are down 40% compared to 2025 when the festival sold out, she said, forcing organizers to change their approach.

Since June, Coady Smith and her team have been soliciting donors to bridge the gap in this year’s festival operating budget. Now, they are launching the TMF Future Fund in hopes of raising an additional $100,000 safety net and building a mycelial network of passionate members to help sustain the event.

Of that $100,000, half will be invested in planning the 2027 festival and half will be kept on hand as “a minimum operating reserve” to ensure the festival does not cease to exist, Coady Smith said.

“This year has been an incredible challenge for the books,” she said. “I suppose if all fundraising and sales stopped today, yes, we’d be at a very big risk of that, but I’m staying completely optimistic.”

More broadly, the fund is a strategic move away from ticket sales as the festival’s primary revenue source, said programming director Britt Bunyard. While that has worked for many decades, pricey entry fees can be a hard sell to a community of folks who often look for free food growing in the forest. Host organization The Telluride Institute is a nonprofit, so Bunyard is now thinking about fundraising for the festival like an arts institution.

“We sort of need to change how we operate and be more like other, not necessarily mushroom-related events, but museums and music festivals and concert halls,” Bunyard said. “They rely on ticket sales, but when you look at what����ap really paying the bills, it����ap a lot of big-time donors.”

Members can support for as little as $100 in the fund’s inaugural year and, in return, lock in perks like discounts on future festival tickets and merch. Organizers are also looking for someone to contribute $25,000 to secure a matching donation from , which supports groups that advance “the diffusion of sovereignty,” including ecological stewardship, the website says.

In addition to the future fund, Telluride Mushroom Festival is exploring other creative avenues to bolster ticket sales. For example, it is offering camping for the first time ever and as cheaper alternatives to the $480 full festival pass.

The vast majority of Telluride Mushroom Festival attendees come from Colorado, with a sizable portion making the trek from Denver. Coady Smith hopes the opportunity to camp, especially, will inspire last-minute ticket buyers in the state who can now get lodging for a fraction of the cost of an Airbnb. (Camping costs $300 for six nights, before taxes and fees.)

The consumer costs associated with visiting Telluride were a concern for Bunyard even before the pandemic. But since then, it seems the prices of everything have skyrocketed, from food to gas to hotels. While that����ap true elsewhere around the country, Telluride is famously .

The ethos behind foraging wild mushrooms is one of finding free resources, something of an added challenge when trying to sell tickets, Bunyard said.

“You have all these people coming wanting to get stuff very cheap or free, or learn how to do that, but you’re also holding it in one of the most expensive places in North America. So there’s this weird scenario where it����ap going to cost a lot of money to do all this free stuff,” he said. “A lot of people that have been long-time members of the festival I think get that and they’re starting to respond with our pleas for them to step up and become a sustaining donor.”

Over the years, Telluride Mushroom Festival has tried to lower the barriers to entry for would-be attendees and locals with free activities at the local library and in Elks Park downtown. About 30% of programming does not require a ticket, Coady Smith said. That includes the Saturday afternoon parade down Colorado Avenue, a beloved tradition that sees dancing down the street.

The challenges facing Telluride Mushroom Festival are not unique, according to Coady Smith. Following a post-pandemic boom, other events have also experienced declining ticket sales, possibly signaling a change in the local marketplace. That recently inspired organizers from many major events, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, to establish a so-called “festival alliance” that is actively working to bring more visitors to town.

“It seems like a lot of what����ap happening is this shift to a luxury traveler and destination wedding kind of environment,” said Coady Smith. “We’re all working together to help work with the town and work with the tourism board and work with our lodging partners, trying to figure out how to keep festivals part of Telluride’s fabric. Because it����ap been part of the fabric for so long and it����ap so important to so many people.”

More information about the TMF Future Fund is expected to be published on the festival website soon, Coady Smith said. In the meantime, people who are interested in donating can do so at . Organizers will also be fundraising in-person during the event next week. Tickets to attend are for sale at .

Trip organizer Helen Graham passed out bags of food that she had divvied up with the night����ap meal so that everyone shared the load. Nalgene bottles frozen full of raw scrambled eggs for the following morning’s breakfast were tucked in people’s packs to keep the salmon and salad ingredients chilled.

Denise Larsen had the all-important task of carrying the wine. “Who wants to hike with me?” she asked, joking that if she and buddy got lost at least they’d have the most important provision, right next to the roll of toilet paper strung to her pack by bungee cord.

The women were preparing to ascend 1,200 feet in elevation to the Betty Bear Hut, one in a robust network of off-grid cabins throughout Colorado known as the 10th Mountain Division Huts. The huts, which are available for rent, provide shelter to backcountry skiers, hikers, sheep herders and others exploring the state’s alpine wilderness.

Though this specific hut was new to the women, the experience was not. Every year since 1997, they have chosen a different hut for a one-night stay, embracing an opportunity to push themselves physically, cook a gourmet meal and simply enjoy each other’s company. It����ap a summer ritual they endearingly call the Hen Hike, and when it started, the women were new moms seeking a brief moment of self-care out in the Rocky Mountains. Now most are in their 60s with enough life experiences to fill the packs they carried.

This year marked the 30th annual excursion, and while everyone’s lives have changed with time, the spirit of the reunion remains the same.

“Life is filled with challenges and hurdles and opportunities and people and business and stress. But it����ap super important to take time for yourself and recharge. This group allows us to do that,” Graham said.

Graham is the unabashed matriarch of the flock, who every year chooses the destination, books the hut, plans the menu, does meal prep, and designs the commemorative T-shirts. The others affectionately call her Head Hen and describe her as the nucleus of the group.

“She is organized beyond repair,” said Karen Fleming of Conifer, who was part of the original crew and has attended all but two Hen Hikes. “I just go and say, ‘Yes, that sounds great.'”

Graham planned the first Hen Hike after attending a similar, ladies-only adventure in the late 1980s that traversed from Aspen to Crested Butte, over the Maroon Bells, and back. Graham had been a tagalong in that bunch and thought it would be even more memorable to backpack with women she was close to, including her mother, who attended the first two events.

For their inaugural voyage, the Hens hiked to the Jackal Hut near Camp Hale, outside of Leadville. It was a grueling, steep climb most remember as an exercise in bushwhacking after the group got lost and had to make their own trail. That didn’t deter them from returning to Jackal Hut to commemorate the 10th and 20th annual Hen Hikes, though it’s since been blacklisted.

“It’s an ugly hike, and we’ve done it enough. We don’t need to climb up this stony dirt road anymore,” said Centennial resident Sue Smith, another original member with 25-plus hikes under her belt. “We like the meadows and the trees, and going in and out of the flowers, and getting on our stomachs and taking pictures, and running into moose.”

In the early years, where the ladies hiked was largely decided by how far they had to drive from the Denver area, where most of them lived. After all, they had young children at home and could only get away for so long. But as time wore on and their kids grew into young adults, the women were able to venture further into the mountains.

Graham now lives in Tucson, Ariz. and returns each summer for the hut trip. This year’s destination, the Betty Bear Hut, was the most remote location they’ve ever sought out, requiring an overnight stay at an Airbnb in Carbondale and then a nearly two-hour drive into the wilderness to reach the trailhead the next day. The extra time was well spent catching up, since many of the hikers now only see each other once a year for this special event.

“I keep coming back because of the people,” said Kelli Kane, who joined her first Hen Hike in the early 2000s. “It����ap a group of very strong, courageous women and everyone is welcoming.”

Courage is a prerequisite for this backpacking trip, since it involves a high level of physical activity, no running water and usually a little bit of improvisation. A few years ago, for instance, the Hens reached a hut after a long hike to find the cistern had run dry. They had to locate a stream, forage for water and then haul it back to the hut in large metal packs. Another time, happy hour was almost doomed after someone knocked over the Nalgene bottle of pre-mixed margaritas.

“Helen started licking those margaritas right off the table,” laughed Michelle Wetzel, a Highlands Ranch resident and Hen Hiker of 24 years.

Though the flock has grown to welcome friends of friends into the fold, not everyone has been cut out for the adventure. Once a newcomer arrived ill-equipped for the altitude, the veteran Hens had to rally around her to ensure she made the trek safely. Smith took her pack and another “basically had to carry this woman up and down the mountain,” recalled Castle Rock’s Audrey Kiszla, who’s attended about 20 hikes.

As the Hen Hike has evolved to reach new places and include new faces, the most exciting part of the trip has become dinner. For the last 15 years, Graham has focused on making “MasterChef”-worthy meals that nourish the body and brain — a significant upgrade from the “bad camping” food they ate on the first several trips, she said.

This year’s menu featured poached salmon, asparagus and a citrus salad with lemon-tahini dressing. And, as always, the post-hike happy hour spread included shrimp cocktail, a hummus and veggie platter, and plenty of wine. (The trick is to buy boxed wine and pack only the bags, said Larsen, noting the optimal ration is “as much as we can carry.”)

Graham began intentionally focusing on cooking healthy meals not just because they’re delicious, but also because nutrition plays an important role in supporting brain health. She understands that firsthand from years spent working with her husband to offer cognitive training to high-performance athletes, individuals with brain injuries and neurodivergent kids.

The Hens on this trip ranged in age from 59 to 67, a time in life when it’s important to invest in mental and physical health so they can keep climbing mountains, Graham said — both literally and figuratively.

“We’re all post-menopausal, and the mushy brain of menopause has affected every one of us. It’s disconcerting,” she said. “Some of the bond that we’ve shared has been about going through those changes, being conscious and aware, and asking, what can we do to manage the transition that you’re going through?”

That sentiment perhaps best sums up what makes the Hen Hike such a special tradition. It’s as much about sharing a collective experience in the wilderness as it is sharing life experiences collectively among the women. The opportunities they’ve had to commune rank highly among the Hens’ most cherished memories, up there with the stunning wildflowers, awe-inspiring moose and handsome Argentinian sheep herders they’ve seen along the way.

“We’ve had marriage, we’ve had babies, we’ve had divorce, we’ve had death, we’ve had a lot of things,” said Lisa Platz of Littleton, who joined the hike for the first time 10 years ago after going through a divorce herself. “Some of these people I don’t see as often, but you can pick it up right where you left off.”

Back at the trailhead, the ladies donned their commemorative 30th annual Hen Hike baseball caps and gathered together for the ceremonial pre-hike photo. With a few hoots and hollers, and even a couple clucks, the group took off on their ascent to the Betty Bear Hut. As they disappeared into the forest, the hike felt unmistakably like a metaphor for life’s journey.

The women had come so far together over the last three decades and were now eagerly trudging forward, side-by-side, to whatever came next.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this becoming what it has become,” Graham said, giving a nod to new events it has inspired, like the Chicks and Hens Hike, which welcomes the next generation of young women to join in the adventure.

How long does she expect the tradition will continue? “As long as possible,” Graham said, “absolutely.”

CORRECTION at 12:22 p.m. on July 30: An earlier version of this story erroneously characterized ADHD as an intellectual disability. It is, in fact, a neurological disorder and not a disability. The story has been updated to reflect that change.

Oh-Be-Joyful is a great name for the Crested Butte area and this beautiful place. Many families come for the camping and for the river that runs through the campground at the trailhead. The trail is also popular because of its wildflowers and waterfalls.

When you’re ready to hike, look for a sign that says “bridge and trail.” On the other side of the bridge, you’ll walk along the creek then turn uphill. This hike gets steep at times and it starts here.

At about a half mile from the parking lot, you’ll get your first view of the Oh-Be-Joyful valley and see your first waterfall. You might call this more of a waterslide. There are several cascades making up this scenic waterfall. Families can turn around here, but it����ap worth it to keep going.

It����ap another half mile or so to a sign board with wilderness regulations, like keeping your dog on leash. Keep walking. A short distance away you’ll hear the next waterfall before you see it. Walk over to the edge of the trail for a view through the trees. There are a couple of steps down to get a better view.

A short distance past the waterfall, you’ll come out of the trees into a meadow with incredible views. Look up — not just at the peaks around you, but at the waterfalls cascading down the hillsides in front of you and around you.

Read the full trail breakdown from our partner at .

Those are the selling points of dispersed camping sites, according to folks who use camping app The Dyrt, which recently released six .

Shavano Mountain ranked No. 3 in the mountain region and, surprisingly, was the only Colorado spot to make the cut. Rankings were based on The Dyrt����ap user ratings and reviews.

Located on Bureau of Land Management land, the area is a favorite because it has plenty of options along three loops that climb the mountainside and because it serves as a good home base for fishing and rafting adventures on the Arkansas River, The Dyrt wrote.

Additionally, the area is located near two of Colorado’s tallest mountains. Mount Shavano, near Poncha Springs, reaches 14,228 feet, and there’s a hiking route that connects to Tabeguache Peak at 14,157 feet. Because the dispersed camping is on BLM land, there’s no fee for overnight stays.

“Elevation delivers expansive vistas, with many sites overlooking the valley and mountains, and some offering a view of the city lights below,” The Dyrt said. “Sites are big and private enough that some campers report not seeing a single car pass by all day, and most come with existing rock fire pits.” (The forest is currently under , so remember always to check before building a campfire.)

The fact that only one Colorado destination made the list is surprising, since last year The Dyrt ranked two local campgrounds among the best in the entire country. In fact, Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte took top honors as the No. 1 campground in the U.S.

Campers in the mountain region instead seem to be frequenting the desert this year, with Valley of the Gods in Utah placing first on the list and Navajo National Monument Canyon View Campground in Arizona coming in second. The top five was rounded out by Dark Sky RV Park & Campground in Utah (No. 4) and Lost Moose Meadows Campground in Montana (No. 5). ()

If you’re seeking camping recommendations in Colorado, here are 10 of our stalwart favorites. But if you’re looking to go somewhere off the beaten path, check out Lake City, an underrated destination where you can find an amazing spot even during the height of summer tourism.

Closer to home, a woman hiking the Snowflake Trail in Breckenridge had an unsettling encounter when she realized , according to news reports.

In Castle Rock, meanwhile, , leaving a tight-knit community both heartbroken and seeking answers.

Technically speaking, the Yellowstone hiker was playing by the rules, keeping to the National Park Service’s required 25-yard buffer, but many more people don’t. Photos and videos of tourists getting too close to wildlife can be found almost weekly on social media, which has collectively dubbed these individuals as “tourons,” a cross between tourists and morons.

“Wildlife is unpredictable. These are not zoo animals,” said Ben Lawhon, founder of consulting agency , who has spent decades working in outdoor education and conservation. “In my consulting practice, working with land managers across the agency spectrum, we’re seeing an uptick in human-wildlife conflict.”

While moose and elk interactions remain at “standard rates,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Bridget O’Rourke said human-bear conflicts are up in 2026 — following a 2025 that saw a significant uptick. Colorado is home to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 black bears, the majority of which live in areas where people camp, hike, and backpack.

Our state, in case you’re curious, boasts over 960 wildlife species, including more than 350,000 elk, 300,000 deer, 80,000 coyotes, and 4,000 moose. “Part of the Colorado lifestyle,” O’Rourke said, “has to be knowing how to coexist.”

Before you head out

Your first step in staying safe — and being responsible — is to check wildlife alerts before heading out; public agencies often post information about aggressive animals reported on trails or in wildlife corridors.

There’s a reason why “know before you go” is the first principle in , a framework designed to minimize human impact outdoors, said  Erin Collier, director of education for the Boulder-based nonprofit Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which teaches the principles. Wildlife rarely seek contact with humans, so “the onus is on us,” she added. Since wild animals become aggressive when triggered, it takes human effort to understand species-specific triggers.

You’ll also want to think about timing: The experts at recommend avoiding high-activity trails at dawn and dusk. Animals are most active during low-light hours, meaning extra vigilance is required if you’re out at twilight.

Wildlife patterns can also change seasonally (occasionally triggering temporary trail closures). So, take extra precautions during vulnerable times of year, like spring birthing and autumn mating seasons.

“Winter can also be a really stressful season for animals when food is scarce,” Lawhon notes.

Another piece of advice: carry deterrents. Bear spray remains the most reliable defense against bears and works in a pinch for other animals, too. “Buy a fresh canister every season,” O’Rourke said. Air horns and whistles are also effective tools for scaring off wildlife. Whatever you carry, Ashley Hanlon, chief communications officer for the Colorado Mountain Club, emphasized that deterrents are only useful if you actually know how to use them. Practice beforehand.

On the trail

“At Colorado Mountain Club, we emphasize that the best wildlife encounter is the one you avoid,” Hanlon said. To that effect, trail users should strive to:

Stay alert and travel together: Pay attention to your surroundings. If you hike with music, keep one earbud out. There’s safety in numbers; wildlife attacks on groups of six or more are exceptionally rare (there’s research on this) – so hit the trails together when you can, and keep kids close. Make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.

Stick to trails: Staying on marked paths protects sensitive landscapes while giving wildlife predictable boundaries. Because animals learn where humans travel, they will naturally avoid popular routes, explains Collier.

Keep your distance: General NPS rules require staying at least 25 yards from all wildlife and 100 yards from bears and predators, though local guidance can vary. Since estimating distance can be tricky, CPW recommends the classic “rule of thumb” – hold your thumb out at arm’s length; if you can’t completely cover the animal with one eye closed, back up. All that said, here’s the best distance rule to remember: if an animal changes its behavior because of your presence, you’re way too close.

Leash your dog: Dogs can easily provoke encounters with wildlife, particularly bears, wolves, and moose. When hiking in active habitat, keeping your pet leashed is “a good call,” Lawhon said. Or play it super safe and leave them at home.

Secure smellables: A bear can smell your mid-hike PBJ from miles away, which is why O’Rourke always double-bags her food when she’s hiking. When camping, anything with an odor – food, trash, scented toiletries (especially florals), and even the clothes you wore while cooking – should be stowed in a bear-resistant canister or locked vehicle. If you hang a bear bag, ensure items are suspended at least 10 feet up and 10 feet out from the trunk, a method best left to those who have mastered the technique.

Pack everything out: Leaving behind scraps, wrappers, or even seemingly harmless items like apple cores and banana peels teaches bears to associate people with food. Pack out every last bit of waste, and avoid burning food remnants in your fire ring.

If you come face to face with wildlife

If a wild animal takes a sudden interest in you, try to remain calm (easier said than done). Never turn your back on a potentially aggressive animal, and resist the urge to run, which can trigger a chase instinct. Scoop up small children and pets, speak in a firm, confident voice, and back away slowly.

“A big part of wildlife safety involves understanding the individual animal’s behavior,” Hanlon explains. Here’s how to handle a close encounter with Colorado’s most common species:

Black bears: Colorado’s native black bears are “very opportunistic eaters,” O’Rourke said, and driven to consume up to 20,000 calories a day to build winter fat. That biological urge can override their fear of humans, making accessible food and trash the primary trigger for conflict.

If you spot a bear before it sees you, back away slowly. If it notices you, stand tall, never run, and give it a clear exit route. Should the bear approach, hold your ground, wave your arms, and make noise – clapping, shouting, or using an air horn.

“For the most part, a black bear will get scared and run away,” O’Rourke explained. If it continues toward you, deploy your bear spray in its eyes. Keep in mind that many bear charges are bluffs; however, if a black bear makes contact, always fight back.

Moose: Beautiful as they are, moose are “prone to fight,” Lawhon warns. “People look at them and think of Bullwinkle, but these are huge, powerful animals,” he said, standing up to 7 feet tall, reaching 1,000 pounds, and running at speeds of 35 mph. Unlike other animals, moose aren’t even remotely scared of people. They’re naturally territorial and easily agitated, especially near water sources (hello, 2026 drought). Getting too close can prompt a slow approach followed by a full-force charge, leading to severe injuries. Enjoy them from afar using binoculars or a telephoto lens, then move along.

If you find yourself in close quarters, O’Rourke advises backing away slowly without shouting, which only irks moose further. Put obstacles like large trees or boulders between you and the animal. If you have a dog – leashed or not – let it go. “This is so difficult for people, and not our human instinct, but your dog knows to run away and then you can protect yourself,” O’Rourke explains, emphasizing that moose view all canines as immediate threats.

Wolves: Wolf reintroduction has dominated headlines since 2023; still, human-wolf encounters on the trail are practically unheard of. “Wolves are not normally dangerous to humans,” Lawhon emphasizes, even in places like Yellowstone with large, established packs. Though Colorado’s population remains small, O’Rourke feels that awareness is always key. Never approach or corner a wolf; like most wildlife, they prefer to avoid humans. Give them space and an obvious exit path, and you shouldn’t have issues.

Mountain lions: Attacks on humans are very rare, which is why they make the news when they happen. If you have an encounter (again, super rare), you’ll want to act bigger than you are by raising your arms, picking up kids or pets, or opening your jacket; stand your ground, and fight back aggressively if it attacks. For those who live in lion country, O’Rourke advises closing off the undersides of decks and porches, as cougars are known to seek shelter in these spaces.

Snakes: You’re far more likely to spot a snake on the trail than a wolf or mountain lion. Just don’t attempt a photo op, who ended up in intensive care (with a $153,000 medical bill) after trying to take a selfie with a rattlesnake in 2015. Since rattlesnakes are common in Colorado, O’Rourke advises caution: “If you hear a rattle, stop, identify where the sound is coming from, and back away from the trail altogether.” Never keep pushing forward. If you are bitten, call 911 immediately – getting to an emergency room is your top priority.

As recreationists, keeping authorities informed helps keep everyone safe. If you encounter an animal exhibiting aggressive or concerning behavior, contact your local CPW office to report the location and get advice on next steps.

“We’re lucky to live in Colorado, and we don’t want people to be afraid to go hiking,” O’Rourke said. “Just stay aware of wildlife, and remember the bottom line is to give them space.”

Here are five underrated adventure destinations to check out if you’re seeking to camp, bike, relax in hot springs, explore spirituality or find all the summer fun you can handle in one place.

Lake City: Where you don’t have to fight for a campsite

If you’re tired of competing for camping reservations, it����ap time to drive further into the middle of nowhere. Hinsdale County, home to Lake City, being “the most remote area in the United States’ lower 48 states” with more than 96% of the county designated as public lands. There are many first-come, first-served campgrounds where visitors can find plenty of site choices, even during the height of summer tourism. That includes the , located on the shores of Lake San Cristobal just a few miles from town with prime access to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a popular OHV and four-wheel driving route. Lake City is also a stargazing hotspot. To peruse the camping options available, visit .

Crestone: Where you can tap into the supernatural

The veil is thin in Crestone, a town in the San Luis Valley known for its spiritual traditions and ethereal essence. Since the 1980s, Crestone has become a hub for communities of various faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Native American traditions, each of which has put its own stamp on the local architecture. Monuments like the 42-foot-tall and the are open to the public. Additionally, the town has attracted New Age seekers and retreat centers; it����ap not uncommon to hear drums beating while hiking local trails. Those willing to travel a short distance can also hit unusual attractions like the in Center and the reptile rescue and park in Mosca, as well as the in Alamosa.

Ouray: Where soaking in hot springs is a full-time job

Those interested in soaking in Colorado’s abundant hot springs might be inclined to visit a town with “springs” in the name. But on the Western Slope, Ouray has several options to satisfy whatever kind of setting travelers are looking for — whether that����ap a large family-friendly entertainment venue like the namesake or something more intimate, like with its renowned vapor cave. features nine outdoor pools and a bar for both overnight guests and those who buy a day pass. And in nearby Ridgway, there’s the clothing-optional , which also offers camping.

Naturita: Where you can bike through history and beyond

For bikers seeking to ride where few have before, there’s a growing network of trails in Colorado’s so-called West End, in Montrose County near Utah, that offers both an adventure and a tour of the region’s history. Since 2014, a group of volunteers operating as the has built and mapped more than 300 miles of trails near Naturita and Nucla for fans of cross-country, gravel, and mountain biking. (That includes e-bikes.) Most follow old mining roads through canyons and across mesa tops where miners used to prospect for gold and uranium. The community ethos revolves around biking with stores like and , which doubles as a bike service shop, and races like the . Opportunities for camping and glamping at , located at a former mining enclave, mean you can explore for several days and enjoy the massive art installations on the 120-acre property after recreating.

Grand Mesa: Where summer fun never ends

Coloradans looking for a single destination that offers catch-all summer fun should look no further than the , near Grand Junction. Known as the world’s largest flattop mountain, the Grand Mesa is home to more than 300 lakes that provide access to fishing and boating (both motorized and not), picnicking and stunning views. Hikes abound in the forest, allowing visitors to see wildflowers and forage for mushrooms. There are numerous campgrounds where the whole family can post up and get the most out of a trip. The best part: The Grand Mesa is easily accessible via a paved scenic byway that runs from the north to the south, so you don’t need an off-road vehicle to experience what the outdoors have to offer there. With all the exceptional recreation, it’s a wonder it doesn’t get more crowded. But, hey, all the better for those who wander to the Western Slope.