Exploring Colorado: Scenic Drives, Epic Hikes, and Mountain Towns
From the first shimmer of golden aspens in September to the snow-capped peaks of spring, Colorado never stops calling to those who crave adventure. We’ve explored this state from the front seat of our van — winding through alpine passes, hiking to glacier-fed lakes, and discovering historic mining towns that still feel frozen in time. Whether you’re chasing scenic drives, epic hikes, or the perfect mountain basecamp, these Colorado stories highlight our favorite routes, hidden gems, and practical travel tips to help you plan your own unforgettable journey.
Portland Trail & Chief Ouray Loop (Ouray, Colorado)
When we visit a new area, we spend time researching the best hikes. Our research usually starts with the AllTrails app, then continues by chatting with locals about trails we shouldn’t miss. The Portland Trail and Chief Ouray Loop immediately stood out because of its variety—wooded forests, a waterfall, epic mountain views, and an old…
Marble, Colorado: Crystal Mill, Town History and More
Surrounded by the peaks of the Raggeds Wilderness, the small town of Marble, Colorado feels like a hidden mountain retreat. Best known for its rich quarrying history and stunning alpine backdrop, Marble offers a slower pace that invites you to stay awhile. Wander its quiet streets, paddle Beaver Lake, or just take in the way…
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS IN TELLURIDE
Telluride is often called the land of waterfalls and nowhere is that truer than at Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet. Located at the end of Telluride’s box canyon, this hike combines history, wild beauty, and a powerful natural spectacle. For van travelers, it’s one of those bucket-list stops that captures […]
BEAR CREEK FALLS IN TELLURIDE
Telluride, Colorado, may be small, but it’s one of the most popular destinations in the Rockies. Nestled in a dramatic box canyon and surrounded by towering peaks, this town is the perfect place to begin exploring mountain trails. One of the most rewarding hikes right from downtown is the Bear Creek Falls Trail. It’s a […]
CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWERS
How Colorado’s Mountain Blooms Transform a Mountainside After years of wandering from the lakes of Michigan to the jagged peaks of Montana, I like to think I’ve seen a wildflower or two. But nothing quite prepared me for the wildflower trails in Crested Butte, Colorado. Tucked in the Rockies, this small town transforms every summer […]
FOURMILE FALLS
Waterfalls, Wonder, and the Weminuche Wilderness It was our first time visiting Pagosa Springs and the national forests that surround the area. One day, when we hiked the Piedra River Trail, a friendly local tipped us off about the Fourmile Falls hike. He informed us that the hike through the Weminuche Wilderness to the falls […]
OH-BE-JOYFUL TRAIL
Nestled deep within the picturesque Gunnison National Forest in Colorado lies a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The name says it all. There is no way one can be in a bad mood when hiking the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail. We discovered the trail in a recreation area located just outside the charming town of […]
THE HIKE TO MT. YALE
We traveled to Buena Vista, Colorado and spent time in the San Isabel National Forest in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area recently. It was our first trip to this part of Colorado and we loved it. While there, we learned it is called Collegiate Peaks area because many of the mountains over 14,000. Many of […]
BLACK CANYON OF GUNNISON
We discovered the Black Canyon of Gunnison on a whim. Our travel style when we are on the road is nomadic. For some reason, we prefer spending short periods of time in a place. We attempt to discover the “best” hikes or activities from the local residents in the area we visit. Also, we like […]
THE STANLEY MOUNTAIN TRAIL
The Stanley Mountain trail head is located at the top of Berthoud Pass on Highway 40 in the Arapaho National Forest. After the first mile, we were hiking above timberline. What a great way to enjoy the amazing mountain views of the Continental Divide in both directions! The most difficult section of our hike was […]
ASPEN SEASON IN COLORADO
As luck would have it, we scheduled a trip to Colorado in mid-September. While we were planning the trip we didn’t even consider the fact this was peak season for the colorful turning of Aspen leaves. My, were we surprised and awestruck when we arrived at our destination near Georgetown. This was a perspective of […]
ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST
We love Arapaho National Forest in Colorado and have been there many, many times over the years. Our problem is, we can’t decide what season we love the best in the Rockies. Summer is beautiful with all the mountain flowers and sunshine. Fall is magical, especially when the Aspens are changing colors. Winter is wonderful […]
Colorado may be one of our favorite places to roam, but it’s just one chapter in our van life adventures. If you’re planning a wider road trip, check out our Best Hikes in Sedona and Maine Coastal Adventures for more inspiration. Wherever the road leads next — from red rock canyons to rugged coastlines — we hope these stories spark your own journey of discovery.
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