That’s a good question! Let me get back to you 
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I know you said you didn’t love Colorado, but the Western Slope is a whole different experience from the Front Range. Small towns, desert like climate, great hiking, hot springs, sand dunes, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, Jeeping… If you’re not Colorado averse, check it out the less popular side of the state.
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That’s true, I’ve spent some time driving in those areas (grand junction, montrose etc), just never hiked there. I’ll be back in Colorado for sure, just won’t be a for-runner the next few outings lol
I think after this trip we’ll head north west and explore some stuff we’ve seen up there
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I’m going to be in Denver for a few days next week. Anyone have any recommendations for nearby hiking spots? It’s a family trip - varying ages and physical capabilities so not looking for something very challenging, just want to be able to get outdoors.
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Head to Boulder! There is so much good hiking and it’s only about 45 minutes from Denver. Head to Chautauqua Park and you’ve got trail access to South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Green Mountain and the Flatirons. If you want to kick your butt in 60 minutes or less, head over to Mt. Sanitas and get ready to go uphill fast.
These used to be my old stompin’ grounds!! I miss it there SO MUCH!!
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Lots of good views and easy trails to be had in the Golden area as well.
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Big question thought: What boots are you using for hiking? Personally, huge fan of Garmont Tacticals for any outdoor activities, but there are so many options on the market, maybe I’m missing out of the hidden gems.
UPD. Ended up going with Kenetrek Mountain Guide from nearby outdoor sports store https://gritroutdoors.com/ , so far looking really sturdy and with decent heel support. Going to give 'em a spin next weekend, a nice 3-day trip to the mountains, should be good enough to see if they were worth it.
Foot wear is very personal. It has to do the job and fit well to.
I love my Lowa Camino, men 9 leather lined. The women is 11 is too narrow for me and they wide is just about impossible to find. Also they don’t have any EVA so they last longer, they can be re soled too.
I can use they for snow shoeing when it is not too cold and they are great with crampons if needed.
I prefer a stiffer boot because of how much damaged my knee has.
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I have a set of Oboz Bridger Mids that are not waterproof. Awesome boots and I’ve snagged a lot of peaks in them, to include lots of 20-30* days in the snow without issue (good socks ftw here).
I also have a pair of Teva trail shoes that I actually prefer to wear, but they aren’t rugged enough to hold up to New England trails.
I’d like to take a stab at a set of Altra trail shoes next.
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I have been running/walking/hiking in Altras for about 8 years now. By far my favorite shoes. I have a pair of trails (Lone Peak 6) that I adore. I also have their mid-boot, the Lone Peak Hiker. I have a wide toe area and end up having the outside of my foot punch through all other shoes. Zero drop takes some adjusting to, but now I wouldn’t go back.
Topos are also amazing, if you want the wider toe box, but prefer a slight drop.
Edit: I should add, only expect about a year of nice cushion out of your Altras, depending on frequency of use. Their lonegevity is not great, and is even worse since VF Corp bought them.
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I used to wear Lowa hiking boots but have found that a good pair of trail running shoes are all that I need. I’ve summitted 14er’s and have done several backpacking trips (up to 5 days) in trail runners. Merrell and Salomon are my preferred brands. My best friend only goes out in Hokas.
I prefer trail runners both because they’re lightweight and comfortable!
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I thought people might find this interesting.
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Anyone ever been out to death valley? Planning a trip with the family for the end of May.
- no 4x4
- 6 year old in tow (minimal hiking)
- not camping but will stay to see the stars
There are many easy trails and you can drive around.
It was fun.
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Great thing about Colorado Springs is that we can hop in the car and find dozens of trails within a 10-minute drive. This is from last weekend, a little 5-miler called Seven Bridges Trail. There are 7 bridges that cross back and forth over a mountain stream in North Cheyenne Cañon. Got rained on, but that was part of the fun.
Sometimes I see people walking on an inclined treadmill at the gym in the summer and think, “Um, you know what’s a couple miles up the road from here, right?” 
Same hike (I think), different day:
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Its only in the last couple years that I’ve used cardio equipment and noticed that treadmill and airdyne are good, but there’s just nothing like the real thing.
Some cary over, sure, but there is so much more to a hike or a bike ride that you don’t get indoors.
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I remember a study from way back about walking on a smooth road vs. walking on uneven terrain. Not even an incline, just uneven. Bigger calorie burn on uneven terrain, plus lots of little “sleepy” foot/leg/glute muscles getting activated. I mean, it’s about the nature 'n shit, but I’ll take the greater calorie burn too.
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I concur. In my slow, methodical hiking for shrooms, even just a few miles will put a hurting on ya. Its also lots of hopping logs, rocks, fallen trees, etc. in the process.
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