Best Mountain Biking Trails Near Denver

One of the best things about Denver is its easy access to a variety of outdoor activities. The city is perfectly located near great mountain biking trails. You don’t have to drive hours and hours to find a great place to explore on the bike. The trails listed below are close enough to the city for an afternoon rip or an extended lunch break.  William F. Hayden Park--Green Mountain Trail  Only 20 minutes west of Denver, this trail has some great variety. It is around 6.5 miles with one challenging ascent along with some mellow sections. The park has 6 other trails that are shorter in distance for those looking for a quick ride.  View the Route Find a Rental!   North Table Mountain Park  This 15.4 mile trail system is perfect for beginners looking to practice their skills. North Table Mountain Park is located 30 minutes...

Kid-Friendly Paddle Boarding Spots in Colorado

Want to introduce your kids to the sport of paddle boarding in Colorado? Here are our suggestions for kid-friendly paddle boarding spots in Colorado!    South Platte River (Littleton)  Right across the highway from Chatfield State Park, this section of the South Platte River is super calm and shallow which makes it great for kids. The sandy bottom and many entry points make it super convenient as well. Its gentle flow is perfect for paddle boarding or even just floating on a tube. Littleton is a super cute town to grab some ice cream in afterwards as well!   Barr Lake State Park Located just over 30 minutes away from downtown Denver, this beautiful front range lake is perfect for paddle boarding. Motorized boats are limited to trolling so the waters are calm for all paddling enthusiasts. The park also has many...

Paddle Boarding Tips

How hard could it be? Standing on a big board with one paddle out in the water seems simple enough, but in reality, it is a lot harder than it looks. If you are looking to try your hand at paddle boarding or want to sharpen your skills, we have a few paddle boarding tips to get you up and paddling in no time!   Tip #1: Size Your Paddle Correctly The length of the paddle is a vital part of a successful SUP session. Each paddle is adjustable in order to fit various heights of people. There is a simple procedure to determine the correct paddle length for your height on your own. All you need to do is make the ‘hang loose’ or ‘shaka’ sign with one hand. Place the thumb of said hand upon your head so that your pinky is sticking straight up from your head. Adjust your paddle to the height that your pinky reaches above your head and...

Best Kayak Destinations in Colorado

Looking for a weekend kayaking getaway from the Denver heat? There are so many great ways to make your next kayaking adventure into a mini-vacation. Here are our picks for the best kayak destinations in Colorado that are well worth the extra drive!   Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: Salida, CO  This recreation area boasts being known nationally as one of the most popular locations for whitewater kayaking. The Arkansas River itself is the most commercially rafted river in the U.S. Located around two and a half hours away from Denver in the spunky and unique town of Salida. There is a river feature along the portion of the river that goes straight through downtown which allows whitewater kayakers and surfers to practice their moves. Along with whitewater kayaking, adventurers can also find world class mountain biking, hiking, and...

Mountain Biking Near San Diego

Everyone knows San Diego for its beautiful beaches and coastal vistas. Many overlook how varied and rugged the terrain of Southern California is and how perfect it is for activities like mountain biking. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush out of the water, we have a guide to our favorite spots for  mountain biking near San Diego below!   Rose Canyon (Entry Level) This trail is located within the Rose Canyon Open Space Park in La Jolla (15 minutes from downtown). Although not very technical, this double track trail spans around 9 miles long and a great place for beginners and families. The trail runs along the railroad tracks and has very gentle grades.   Big Laguna Trails (Intermediate) These trails are located near Mount Laguna which is one hour from San Diego. There are many trails in this area but the Big Laguna...

Paddle Boarding in San Diego

San Diego is the perfect place for paddle boarding. Its many lagoons and bays provide miles of flat water for stand up paddle boarding and other paddle sports. Here are our top three spots for paddle boarding in San Diego.    San Diego Bay This bay is located adjacent to the heart of downtown San Diego. There are many attractions along the bay including the Midway Naval Ship. Paddling this bay provides beautiful views of the city and Coronado Island to the West. The bay is known for being a bit crowded, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Find paddle rentals near San Diego Bay HERE.   Mission Bay Mission Bay is also located mere minutes away from downtown San Diego and is famous for its 27 miles of shoreline. This bay expands over 4,600 acres with warm and calm water which is perfect for paddle boarding. There are...

Are the Colorado Outdoors Open?

We are living in weird times to say the least. You may be wondering, are the Colorado outdoors open?   As Coloradans begin to slowly emerge from quarantine, we face a difficult task in deciphering rules from county to county and simply figuring out what is open. Even when trying to explore the outdoors one may run into restrictions. Here at Gearo, we strive to get as many people outside as possible. Thus, hikers, campers, bikers, and paddlers need not look any further! Below is our comprehensive guide as to what is open, outdoor recreation wise, in Colorado.    General Advice  Depending on the location of the adventure, different rules apply to each county’s COVID response. When planning your adventure, we recommend checking this map provided by the governor’s office which shows which counties have opened their public...

Great Kayak Destinations Near Honolulu

Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the island of Oahu. It doesn’t require much experience and allows you to venture among the beautiful waters around the island. Most kayaking spots are well within a reasonable distance from Honolulu. Below are our recommendations for great kayak destinations near Honolulu!   Kaneohe Bay Sandbar (Best Natural Attraction) The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is located about a mile offshore and is a super fun area to explore by kayak. One can only reach the sandbar by boat. Kayakers can launch their kayaks in the bay and then paddle the mile to the sandbar. Once there, kayakers can explore the many reefs surrounding the sandbar or have a picnic in the sand. Make sure you bring reef-friendly sunscreen! There is no shade out on the sandbar!   Anahulu River (Best River Kayaking) The Anahulu River is...

Boat & Paddle at Lake Tahoe

Spending the day on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe is close to heaven on earth. The freshwater lake located on the border of Nevada and California covers almost 200 square miles. If you are looking to get out on the water, whether it is on a motorized boat or paddle sports, we are here to help! Here is our guide to boat and paddle at Lake Tahoe.   Beaches  There are 40 public beaches located along the shores of Lake Tahoe that are perfect locations for paddle sports. You can find an interactive map of them all at  Tahoe Public Beaches. With so many to choose from, planning your day on the water may seem a little overwhelming. Below are 5 of our favorite public beaches to help you narrow your search.   William-Kent Shoreline  This beach is located two miles south of Tahoe City, CA. It is a wooded setting with picnic tables, a...

Top Kayak Escapes Near Denver

There is nothing quite like a day out on the water. From a relaxing paddle to maneuvering through whitewater rapids, Colorado is the perfect place to stay afloat.  Here are our picks for the top kayak escapes near Denver and the corresponding local retailers to help you get started!    Calm Water: Top Kayak Escapes Near Denver For a Relaxing Paddle   Dillon Reservoir: Dillon, CO Located around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Denver, this reservoir boasts beautiful views as it is completely surrounded by mountains. There are a multitude of activities available along its shores, and is a perfect location for a scenic kayak cruise.    Bear Creek Reservoir: Lakewood, CO Less than 30 minutes away from Denver, Bear Creek Reservoir is an amazing metro getaway. The park itself offers camping, trails, and beach access....