Categories: Summer

5 Great National Parks to Visit This Summer (Without the Crowds!)

5 Great National Parks To Visit This Summer (Without The Crowds!)
As the summer gradually comes to a close, it’s no surprise that we try to cram in as much nature as possible before the cold, winter months. Visiting a National Park is a great way to soak up the last bits of nature before the season’s over. National Parks allow us to get out of dodge and explore some of Mother Nature’s most impressive features. Maybe it’s a family vacation, friend’s retreat, or a spontaneous road trip. There's just one issue: a lot of other people have this same idea, which results in overcrowded trails and full parking lots. Let’s face it – people are great, but nature is best enjoyed when you’re not tripping over other tourists on a hike. Here are 5 absolutely beautiful National Parks that don’t get as much traffic, so you can focus on the beautiful sounds of nature free of excessive noise pollution. Plus, we...
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Filed Under Summer

Colorado Ski Resorts That Double As Mountain Biking Spots

The ski resorts of Colorado are a big part of the state’s identity. Their mountain town character and access to outdoor activities year-round make it a great destination in any season. Many people know these resorts for their skiing and snowboarding, but summer in the Colorado Rockies provide a lot of great downhill mountain parks at these same resorts. Here are our favorite Colorado ski resorts that double as mountain biking spots.   Aspen/Snowmass  Distance from Denver: 4 hours  Aspen is known as a luxury ski destination around the world. Summer in Aspen brings less crowds and amazing mountain biking. The Snowmass Bike Park has 3,000 vertical feet of masterfully built downhill trails. It is a mountain biker’s dream! This park is also one of only 7 IMBA Gold-Level Ride Centers in the world. Check out our retailer Hub of Aspen...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Denver, Mountain Biking, Renting, Summer, Traveling

5 Spots for Lake Kayaking Near Denver

Surprisingly, there are many great reservoirs located just outside of Denver for those looking for a kayaking adventure. Below are our favorite 5 spots for lake kayaking near Denver!   Barr Lake State Park Located just over 30 minutes away from downtown Denver, this beautiful front range lake is perfect for kayaking. Motorized boats are limited to trolling so the waters are calm for all paddling enthusiasts. Those looking to fish from kayaks or on the designated fishing pier will encounter catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, and more.   Standley Lake Regional Park  This reservoir has 1,063 acres of surface area to explore. The park itself is 30 minutes northwest of Denver in Westminster. Kayakers are allowed in specified areas of the lake and are the only vehicles allowed on the water. This makes the water...
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Filed Under Denver, Kayaking, Outdoor Retailer, Renting, Summer, Traveling

Five Reasons to Rent a Mountain Bike in Denver

5 Reasons to Rent A Mountain Bike in the Denver Area
Thinking to rent a mountain bike in the Denver area? Here are five reasons to convince you! 1) There’s Something For Everyone Colorado offers trails for all skill levels, regardless if it's your first time on the mountain or you're a seasoned biker venturing out to new trails. You can do cross country, trail riding, and downhill mountain biking all in the same place. Trail ratings may vary, so be sure to warm up on the easy trails and work your way up before pushing your limits. Check out this mountain biking trail difficulty ratings system before you go.   2) It's Always Mountain Biking Season While seasonal sports like skiing and snowboarding require snowfall, mountain biking can be done year-round. Although the best riding conditions are late spring through fall, the rise of fat tire bikes allows for mid-winter rides on...
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Filed Under Mountain Biking, Summer, Winter

Paddleboard Rentals in Denver: What SUP?

Where do I start? If you're a SUP newbie it’s not always clear which board best suits your needs and skill level. There are three main things to consider when choosing the perfect paddleboard rentals in Denver, or anywhere for that matter. Determine the hull type Choose an inflatable or solid board Refine with your height and weight Planing vs Displacement Hull There are two types of SUP hulls: The planing hull and the displacement hull. A planing hull closely resembles a large surfboard in that it is shaped thinner from top to bottom, and wider from side to side. The tip of the board will also have a slight rise to keep you on top of the water and create less drag. Their wider dimensions also offer more stability for beginners. We would recommend a planing hull for activities like leisure paddling and SUP yoga. It also makes...
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Filed Under Paddleboard, Paddleboard Rentals, Summer

Five Outdoor Summer Activities You Don’t Want To Miss!

Summer; the snow melts away, rivers flow, lakes fill and nature shows the bright side of its beauty. With all of that beauty comes summer activities. Here are five outdoor summer activities to enjoy the weather, views and get the most out of summer. 1) Hiking Hiking is the most barebones summer activity. It is the perfect way to see landscapes from new perspectives, all while getting great exercise. One of the best parts is there are hikes for enthusiasts of all skill levels. There are flat and easy hikes for families with kids or steep ascents up a 14,000-foot summit on the 14ers in Colorado. There are plenty of ways to find the best hikes for you; All Trails is a great resource that you can use to find the perfect hike for your next day off!  2) Camping What could be better than ending your hike with a starry night sky? Camping...
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Filed Under Camping, Mountain Biking, Paddleboard, Summer

Five Great Surf Breaks in Southern California

Five Great Surf Breaks in Southern California
1) Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA, is definitely a break to keep your eye on if you are looking for good waves in Southern California. The South side of the pier has become the home of the annual US Surfing Open Competition where pro's from around the world gather to compete. You're in for a treat if there is a west southwest swell, which occasionally produces overhead waves or higher at this break.   2) Rincon Point, Santa Barbara, CA Rincon Point consists of three breaks along a naturally occurring break point along Santa Barbara. The three breaks are dubbed The Cove, Indicator, and Rivermouth. The Indicator is on the outside tip of the point so it picks up waves from most swells. However, the waves here are not always smooth, the wind is known to produce some chop. The Rivermouth break is...
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Filed Under Summer, Surf

Camping in Colorado State Parks

There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars. Colorado is one of the best spots in the country for camping, and many of these camping spots are near Denver. No matter if you are looking for an intense backcountry getaway or a relaxing weekend at the campground, there is a place for every type of camper. Camping in Colorado state parks is a great way to experience this beautiful state. We are here to help you find the perfect destination for your next camping trip!   Boyd Lake State Park Less than an hour and a half north of Denver, Boyd Lake State Park is the perfect location for a weekend camping trip. The lake itself has over 1,700 square miles of water to explore via all types of watercrafts. Their 148 campsites at Cottonwood Campground are first class. With completely paved pull-through spots that can accommodate vehicles up...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Camping, Denver, Outdoor Retailer, Summer, Traveling