Everyone called it a hidden gem but I didn't expect to fall in love with it this fast When 34-year-old outdoor enthusiast Jake Mercer first rolled into Salida, Colorado , he figured he’d stumbled onto just another quiet mountain town. But by the end of the weekend—after whitewater rapids, high-alpine hikes, and a few craft beers shared with strangers-turned-friends—he realized Salida wasn’t just a stopover. It was a wild, magnetic blend of small-town charm and big outdoor energy. “I’d heard whispers about Salida from climbers in Moab and paddlers in Durango,” Jake said. “Everyone called it a ‘hidden gem,’ but I didn’t expect to fall in love with it this fast.” Where the River Runs Wild Tucked in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley, surrounded by the Sawatch Range and San Isabel National Forest, Salida is a small town with a huge backyard. It sits at about 7,000 feet, with endless access to trails, peaks, and water—making it a basecamp for all things outdoors. Jake, an avid kayaker and mountain biker from Bozeman, Montana, came to town chasing the legendary whitewater of the Arkansas River, one of the most rafted rivers in the country. I hit the Bighorn Sheep Canyon stretch my first morning with a local outfitter. Class III rapids, canyon walls, and actual bighorn sheep—like, what more could you ask for After a heart-pounding half-day trip downriver, Jake wandered the historic downtown, a district filled with Victorian-era buildings, independent coffee shops, art galleries, and gear outfitters. “I found a local spot called Howl Mercantile that sold camp coffee and knives. That pretty much sums up Salida.” Pedals, Peaks, and Hot Springs The next morning, Jake traded paddle for pedals, renting a hardtail from a bike shop and hitting the Arkansas Hills Trail System—a local favorite for flowy singletrack with stunning mountain views. The high-desert terrain outside town makes for almost year-round riding. “I rode up Frontside Trail and dropped into Sweet Dreams,” Jake said. “Fast, dusty, and just technical enough to keep you honest. Plus, the views of Mt. Shavano? Unreal.” Later that afternoon, aching legs took Jake to Mount Princeton Hot Springs, about 25 minutes away, where he soaked in naturally heated mineral pools with the Chalk Cliffs as his backdrop. “It’s hard to feel stressed when you're sitting in a hot spring staring at a 14,000-foot peak,” he said. Small Town, Big Soul What struck Jake most wasn’t just the adventure—it was the vibe. Salida’s population hovers around 6,000, but it pulses with creativity and community. From the indie bookstore hosting live bluegrass to the bike rack-packed brewery pouring hazy IPAs, it’s a town that feels both lived-in and alive. “I was sitting at Soulcraft Brewing, just off Highway 50, and I ended up talking trails with this older guy who’d lived here since the ‘70s,” Jake said. “He told me, ‘People come here for the mountains, but they stay for the people.’ I think he’s right.” The Peaks Beyond On his last day, Jake tackled a bucket list hike: Mount Yale, one of Colorado’s many “14ers” (peaks over 14,000 feet). The trailhead is only about 40 minutes from Salida, and while the 9-mile round trip is no easy stroll, the summit rewards are otherworldly. “You’re standing on top of the world, wind in your face, and you can see forever,” Jake said. “It’s humbling and addicting.” Coming down from the peak, Jake made one final stop at Elevation Beer Company in nearby Poncha Springs before heading out of town. “It felt like the perfect full circle—trail to river to town and back again.” I came here for the adventure, but I’m leaving with a second home in mind For more, visit https://www.colorfulcolorado.com

Conservationist and Photographer Christopher, recognized online as @landofthelonesome, spends extended days crossing the High Plains with a film camera and a field biologist’s discipline, documenting grassland ecosystems across the American West and High Plains often overlooked in mainstream coverage. The images he creates form part of an ongoing series he calls “Postcards From,” a project that has become central to how he studies and communicates the character of these landscapes. “My day job has been focused on conservation biology for a few years now and while there hasn’t been much direct overlap between conservation work and my photography, it’s definitely a big driver of the passion I have for the places I photograph," Christopher said. Christopher approaches fieldwork in a manner that resembles ecological surveying. He spends most of each trip driving between predetermined coordinates that he has marked on satellite imagery before heading out. He maps location orientation to the trajectory of the sun and builds loose itineraries that allow for rapid changes when weather shifts. The goal is to maintain a steady rate of documentation rather than wait for a particular set of conditions that may never materialize. This workflow keeps him engaged with the landscape throughout the day and reduces the pressure to chase single iconic scenes. He shoots exclusively on film, which requires a level of discipline that often aligns with the constraints of biological field studies. Film limits volume and forces previsualization before committing to an exposure. Christopher relies on 35 mm and 50 mm prime lenses because they approximate human visual perspective and require him to physically reposition himself to reframe rather than correct errors in post-production. Highest point in North Dakota (Photo courtesy of @landofthelonesome) His process is built on removing variables in order to preserve clarity in the field. He prefers to keep edges clean, avoid unintentional alignments of horizons or structures, and construct images that reflect deliberate decision making. Sometimes it’s just taking the time to appreciate a beautiful view "Often it’s slowing down and taking the time to appreciate the natural world that surrounds me," he said. "Just getting down on my knees and admiring the plants and insects that can survive on such a harsh landscape or that meadowlark calling from the top of a yucca…The prairie, at first glance, can feel like an empty void but if you slow down and take the time to appreciate the small things, a world full of beauty is revealed.” The “Postcards From” series emerged not from a shift in his compositional technique but from a change in mindset. Early in his career he focused on producing stand-alone photographs captured during highly selective windows of the day. The method limited what he felt he could produce and often left him dissatisfied. He later began working in sequences instead of isolated frames. This change allowed him to highlight the ecological and spatial qualities of each location through accumulative storytelling. A photo that might not function alone could become essential when interpreted alongside others. The approach mirrors ecological monitoring, where single observations gain significance only when viewed as part of a dataset. Photo courtesy of @landofthelonesome Christopher’s professional background in conservation biology is a core influence on this shift. He has spent several years working on avian research and habitat monitoring in Colorado, including monitoring Bald Eagles through the breeding season in the heavily developed urban corridor along the Front Range. His primary assignment was to document survival and reproductive outcomes at nests exposed to construction, human activity and other pressures. The project demonstrated how adaptable raptors can be in fragmented environments. It also revealed a level of public interest that he continues to consider when thinking about environmental communication. Workers at the construction sites followed the birds closely and shared their own observations with him, creating a model for community engagement that persists in his memory. Seeing the excitement and enthusiasm for these birds and how they were able to thrive even in the midst of such heavy human activity was an impactful experience for me His personal connection to these environments began long before his conservation career. Growing up in Florida, he spent summers in the field with his father, who worked in environmental management. As a child he researched ranches for sale across the High Plains and interior West, imagining landscapes he had never visited. These early interests formed a foundation that later shaped his environmental values and informed how he interacts with public lands today. He has since visited and documented many of the places he studied from afar, deepening his understanding of their ecology and cultural history. “My connection to the land is a direct result of how I was raised by my parents, in particular my dad. He was an avid outdoorsman in Florida and worked in an environmentally focused job when I was younger and I was able to spend many of my summers out in the field with him. Fast forward to now and I’ve had the opportunity to photograph and spend time in every place that I would dream of as a kid…That personal connection to place and my understanding of the ecology has completely shaped my environmental ethos.” Central New Mexico (Photo courtesy of @landofthelonesome) A recurring theme in his work is the need for public awareness of federal lands outside national parks. Christopher stresses that many well-known parks across the West are bordered by national grasslands or Bureau of Land Management territory that often exceeds the park in size and ecological significance. Badlands National Park covers about 244,000 acres, but the surrounding Buffalo Gap National Grassland contains roughly 600,000 acres of similar terrain. These areas are open to the public without entrance fees and are more vulnerable to policy changes and land transfers. Christopher states that public engagement often focuses on parks because they are more familiar to travelers, while adjacent landscapes remain overlooked despite being ecologically connected: “While our national parks are at risk, they’re by far the most protected of our public lands and will be the last places to fall so if you love these spaces, do some research into the lands that surround your favorite park. Those are the places that need to be advocated for and are far more likely to slip under the radar.” Through his photography and conservation background, Christopher aims to provide viewers with an understanding of these systems as functioning landscapes rather than empty spaces. His work documents the interaction between light, landforms, vegetation, and human influence across regions that are often excluded from mainstream outdoor narratives. The “Postcards From” series continues to expand as he revisits locations, explores new terrain, and applies the same principles of field observation used in ecological research. His images serve as records of place, shaped by methodical planning, scientific training, and a commitment to documenting environments that receive limited attention. “I adore grassland ecosystems, particularly the short grass prairie of the High Plains and the sagebrush of the American West and I believe that passion and understanding allows me to see beauty in a place so often overlooked. From the plants and animals to the history and weather, I genuinely love all of it and I believe it shows in my work.” Christopher’s approach reflects the intersection of field science and visual journalism. His work offers a consistent record of changing conditions across vast grassland regions and highlights the need for public awareness of these landscapes. By presenting them with accuracy and restraint, he provides a reference point for understanding their ecological value and their vulnerability in an era of rapid environmental change. You are invited to follow Christopher’s work on Instagram: @landofthelonesome | Inquiries regarding the purchase of postcard sets and prints may be sent directly to Christopher through Instagram DMs.

Ah. Red dirt, soft sand and summer tans! All the things you’d expect from a PEI beach day, only this is one of several dirt and gravel bike rides through the most rural parts of the province. If you thought gravel cycling here was exclusively the Confederation Trail, think again. PEI has the most roads per square kilometer of all the provinces, and with names like Thrill Hill, Sheepskin, Balaklava and Old Bob Laird, they are as memorable as the terrain. Since our dirt rides exist out in the country, they spotlight our best samplings of farmland, forest groves and coastal vistas. Some even cruise by cideries, farm stands and fishing wharfs. Gravel loops can be as short as 25Km to over 200K, and those consist of 70 percent or more off-pavement bliss. Credit: @climbingshanman Gravel riding’s popularity has grown at the same rate as distracted driving, and it’s no wonder. Though blinking bike lights, high viz clothing, bike lanes and Ellen’s Law (1 meter distance between cars and cyclists) would seem to offer some defense for cyclists, collision rates are still on the increase. Many roadies are feeling safer out on the backroads and cart paths where fewer vehicles go. There are so many perks to riding gravel. Besides being void of cars, the tree canopy will shade you from the hot summer sun, and the same trees will more often than not shield you from the wind. Rarely does a dirt road go straight in the backwoods of PEI, and that adds to the discovery of what’s hiding around the bend. And in autumn you’ll be spell bound when the leaves glow red and gold. Riding gravel requires a skillset borrowed from mtn biking. The roads, like the Island itself, are made from red clay. Depending on recent weather, you could encounter a range between fast and smooth cruising, to ruts, mud, loose gravel and sand. Having lower gearing helps with steeper grades, of which we have many. On a popular 50K loop, there was more than 1100 meters of climbing. Because what goes up must come down, disc brakes will help maintain control on steep descents. Wider and aggressive tires help with float and grip on loose surfaces, and the knowledge of leaning back and pushing larger gears when going through sand can be a life saver in keeping the rubber side down. The secret sauce to planning gravel routes is the linking up of farm access roads and designated heritage roads. It’s not hard to create a route that is 70-85 percent dirt without having to rely on the Confederation Trail. The trick is in the plotting. Google maps with satellite view and Street View are your best tools. If there’s no street view of a road, it ain’t paved! Gravel events like the Dusty Red Gravel Grinder and the Red Hot Chili Graveler showcase beautiful landscapes and are well attended. They offer varied distances and can be a great way to create a base ride to expand on. This year, the PEI Mussel Tear is our first multi day gravel race, running tip to tip across the island. That’s over 400km. Gravel tour operators like Tailwind Cycling Tours, PEI Cycle Tours and MacQueen’s bike shop not only offer supported and self-supported tours, they also rent bikes. At a recent gravel event, I asked a participant from Ontario how our ride compares to those in his region, and he described ours as pure adventure. It’s not just the incredible scenery, but the challenge of varied terrain, and not knowing what’s around the next corner. Oh, and those tan lines? You’ll get nostalgic as you scrub the red dust off your arms, legs and drivetrain! Story provided by Shannon Burt. Follow more of Shannon's adventures on his IG @climbingshanman

Top 10 Outdoor Spots Around the U.S. From wave-battered coasts to red-rock deserts and glacier-carved peaks, the United States is a playground for travelers who measure vacations in trail miles and summit views. Across the country, iconic landscapes and lesser-known gems alike offer adventures that stir the spirit and showcase the nation’s wild beauty. In the West, the granite cliffs and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park draw climbers, hikers and photographers year-round. Farther north, the rugged peaks and alpine lakes of Glacier National Park provide a dramatic backdrop for backcountry treks along the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road. Utah’s red-rock country delivers otherworldly vistas in Arches National Park, where more than 2,000 natural stone arches glow at sunrise, while neighboring Zion National Park offers narrow slot canyons and soaring sandstone walls that challenge even seasoned adventurers. In the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park rises dramatically above wildflower meadows, and Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park captivates visitors with the deepest lake in the country, its sapphire waters filling a collapsed volcanic caldera. Heading east, the misty ridgelines of Great Smoky Mountains National Park — America’s most visited national park — offer scenic drives, wildlife viewing and miles of Appalachian trails. In Maine, Acadia National Park blends rocky Atlantic shoreline with granite summits that catch the first light of day in the United States. The Southwest’s dramatic landscapes continue at Grand Canyon National Park, where layered rock tells a story millions of years in the making. In Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park tempts hikers and climbers with alpine tundra and high-altitude lakes framed by jagged peaks. Beyond the national parks, travelers find equally compelling escapes. The turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe invite kayaking in summer and skiing in winter. Florida’s Everglades National Park offers airboat rides and rare wildlife sightings across sprawling wetlands. Whether trekking through desert canyons, paddling coastal estuaries or climbing snowcapped summits, outdoor destinations across the United States promise experiences as diverse as the landscapes themselves. For travelers seeking fresh air and wide-open horizons, the only real question may be: Which trail will you take first?

Spring is basically the group chat saying, “Go outside.” And across the U.S., cities that mix good coffee and good trails are having a main-character moment. Think less “theme park vacation” and more “sun on your face, matcha in hand, hike before brunch.” In Asheville, you can hit a Blue Ridge trail in the morning and be back downtown by lunch for tacos and a local IPA. The mountains are green again, waterfalls are showing off, and the whole place feels like it runs on fresh air and live music. Out west, Boulder is that overachiever friend who somehow works out and still makes it to happy hour. The Flatirons are right there, glowing at sunset, and Chautauqua trails make it easy to squeeze in a hike before strolling Pearl Street. Bonus: everyone has a dog and a reusable water bottle. If you’re into high-desert vibes, Bend is the move. You can paddle the Deschutes River, bike dusty trails and still find time for a riverside brewery hang. Spring here means sunshine without peak-season chaos. For a little more buzz, Austin basically turns into one big outdoor living room. Kayaks crowd Lady Bird Lake, patios are packed, and live music drifts out onto the sidewalk. It’s warm, it’s weird (in the best way), and it’s built for being outside. Craving coastal energy? Charleston brings pastel houses, blooming flowers and beach days just minutes from downtown. You can wander historic streets, then head to the ocean for a sunset that looks suspiciously filtered. And for desert-core aesthetics, Sedona is unmatched. Red rock hikes in perfect temps, stargazing at night, maybe a sound bath if that’s your thing. It’s outdoorsy but make it spiritual. Even bigger cities are in on it. Seattle shows off with cherry blossoms and waterfront views, while Denver lets you bounce from brunch to foothills trail in under an hour. Urban energy, zero FOMO about missing nature. The vibe this spring? Trips that feel balanced. You want trail miles and iced lattes. Sunrise hikes and late-night eats. Cities that let you touch grass — literally — without giving up good food or good Wi-Fi. So, if winter felt a little too indoorsy, consider this your sign. Book the ticket. Pack the layers. Touch some grass.

Heading outside for an adventure is one thing but doing it without stress is a whole other vibe. Whether you’re hitting trails, paddling rivers, or chasing scenic towns, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to make your next outdoor trip smooth, safe, and straight-up memorable. Pick Your Season Wisely  – Weather makes or breaks a trip. Check temps, precipitation, and daylight hours so you’re not hiking in a monsoon or melting under a summer sun. Do Your Research  – Trails, parks, or city-adjacent adventures? Know distances, terrain difficulty, permits, and closures before you roll. Google maps + local tourism sites are your best friends. Pack Smart, Not Heavy  – Layering is key. Base layers for sweat, mid-layers for warmth, and a shell for rain or wind. Don’t forget reusable water, snacks, and sunscreen. Gear Check  – Boots, trekking poles, bikes, paddles — make sure everything works before you hit the trail. Broken gear mid-trip is a mood killer. Leave No Trace  – Trash goes in bins or back home with you. Respect wildlife and trails — it keeps nature thriving for the next adventurer. Know Your Limits  – Peak-bagging is fun, but overdoing it can ruin the trip. Start with manageable distances and build up. Listen to your body. Plan for Connectivity  – Some spots are pure offline bliss, others have patchy cell service. Let friends/family know your plan if you’re heading remote. Mix Activities  – Don’t just hike. Throw in kayaking, biking, climbing, or even just chill time in a park. Variety keeps the trip energized. Local Eats & Culture  – Outdoor trips aren’t just about the scenery. Find local food spots, farmers’ markets, and cultural stops to make the experience richer. Be Flexible & Go With the Flow  – Trails close, weather changes, and plans shift. Sometimes the detours end up being the best memories. A little prep goes a long way, and with these tips, your outdoor adventures can be stress-free, Instagram-worthy, and fun from start to finish. Pack smart, plan well, and get outside!

Spring is here, and if you’re planning to trade your couch for trails, lakes, and cute downtown streets, here’s the lowdown so your trip doesn’t flop. 1. Flagstaff, Arizona – Trails for days, but it can still be chilly in early spring, especially up in the mountains. Layer up and check trail conditions before heading out. Downtown has coffee spots and local shops, but parking can be tight on weekends, so maybe grab a spot early. 2. Burlington, Vermont – Lake Champlain is gorgeous in spring, but it can get muddy along the waterfront trails after winter melts. Bike rentals are a must if you want to cover more ground, and farmers’ markets start picking up mid-April, so plan to stroll, snack, and snap pics. 3. Madison, Wisconsin – Paddleboarding season starts around late April, but water’s still cold early on. Downtown has killer brunch spots, but weekends can get crowded, especially near the Capitol Square. Bonus tip: rent a bike to explore the lakeside paths like a local. 4. Portland, Maine – Coastal vibes + lobster rolls = spring perfection. But heads-up: cliffside hikes can be slippery if it rained, and some restaurants still operate on winter hours, so check before you roll up. The Old Port district is super walkable, but street parking fills fast, so consider a lot or a ride share. 5. General Spring Tips – Weather is mood-swingy: Layer up, bring a light rain jacket, and check forecasts daily. Crowds are manageable: Early Spring is sweet — popular spots aren’t packed, but weekends can still get busy. Pack light, move fast: Comfortable shoes, reusable water bottle, and portable snacks will save your vibe. Leave time for wandering: Some of the best spots aren’t on the map — let yourself stumble on murals, coffee shops, or hidden trails. Spring is all about fresh air and that perfect mix of adventure + chill. Hit the trails, sip a latte, snap your pics, and just soak in the season — your followers will thank you later.

Okay, listen up — if you’re looking for a quick escape that’s equal parts nature flex and chill vibes, Colorado’s Front Range is calling your name. Think epic mountain backdrops, wildflower-lined trails, and air so fresh it makes your city lungs cry tears of joy. Start in Boulder, which basically serves as your gateway to outdoor magic. The Flatirons are perfect for a morning hike — not too insane if you’re casual, but still giving those “I climbed a mountain and took a killer selfie” energy. Trails like Chautauqua loop are photogenic AF, and the closer you get to sunrise, the fewer people there are to accidentally photobomb your shot. Feeling ambitious? Hit the Mesa Trail for a longer trek with killer views of the city below. Bonus points if you pack a reusable water bottle and some trail snacks — hello, granola bars. After you’ve earned your mountain cred, swing back into town for coffee, craft beer, or tacos because Boulder gets that balance: hike hard, eat harder. If you’re feeling extra, take a short drive west to Golden. The trails around Lookout Mountain hit that sweet spot between chill and scenic. You’ll spot wildlife, snap insane panorama pics, and maybe even catch the sun setting over Denver — basically a full-on content moment. Pro tips for hitting Front Range trails in spring: Layer up: Mornings can be chilly, afternoons surprisingly warm. Check the trail conditions: Snow can linger early in the season. Get there early: Trails fill up fast on weekends. Leave no trace: Keep nature happy for everyone else. At the end of the day, hitting the trails here isn’t just about the hike — it’s about vibing with nature, snagging those views, and then refueling with good food or a coffee downtown. Spring in the Front Range is like nature saying, “Hey, come hang out.” And honestly? You should.

Backpacking New Mexico If you’ve ever thought, “I want a backpacking trip but also need my dog there for moral support (and cute pics),” New Mexico is basically your dream playground. Think desert trails, red-rock canyons, and sunsets that make your Insta followers go — plus the satisfaction of seeing your pup crush the adventure right beside you. Start in Taos, where the mountains hit just right. The trails here are a mix of easy loops and moderate climbs, so whether your dog is more “sniff everything” or “zoomies all day,” there’s something for both of you. Pack water for both yourself and your four-legged pal — hydration is key, people. If you’re down for epic desert vibes, hit the trails around Santa Fe. You’ve got canyon paths, pine forests, and ancient pueblo ruins sprinkled throughout — basically content heaven. Bonus: your pup will probably make friends with every hiker you pass, so socializing comes naturally. Trail tips for humans + hounds in New Mexico: Leash or no leash: Check trail rules — some spots are off-leash friendly, some aren’t. Bring dog essentials: Collapsible water bowls, treats, and poop bags are non-negotiable. Sun protection: Desert sun is no joke; hats for you, shade breaks for them. Know your limits: Elevation is real. If your dog is panting, it’s chill time. Backpacking here isn’t just a workout — it’s a full-on experience. Think quiet mornings with your dog at your side, cliffs glowing gold in the sunrise, and evenings under a sky so starry it feels fake (but it isn’t). New Mexico is proof that some trails are even better when you’ve got four paws along for the ride.

The dos, the don’ts and how not to be “that person” So you’re heading to a U.S. national park. Elite choice. We love a main-character moment with mountains, canyons, waterfalls, and dramatic skies. But before you lace up your boots and sprint toward the nearest overlook, let’s talk about how to actually do this right — safely, responsibly, and without becoming the subject of someone else’s “tourist fail” TikTok. First: plan like you mean it. Parks like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are stunning, yes — but they are also massive. Cell service? Spotty. Distances? Deceptively long. Wildlife? Not pets. Download maps ahead of time, check weather conditions, and know how long that “quick hike” actually is. Now let’s get into the golden rule: leave no trace. Translation: pack it in, pack it out. Trash, snack wrappers, orange peels — all of it goes back with you. Stay on marked trails (yes, even if the off-trail shortcut looks aesthetic). Those signs aren’t suggestions; they’re there to protect fragile ecosystems and, honestly, you. Wildlife etiquette is huge. At places like Yosemite National Park, that bear is not a photo prop. In Zion National Park, those bighorn sheep do not want your granola bar. Admire from a distance, zoom with your camera, not your feet. If an animal changes its behavior because you’re close? You’re too close. Hydration check. Especially in desert parks or high elevations. The sun will humble you quickly. Bring more water than you think you need, wear layers (because mountain weather loves plot twists), and tell someone your plan if you’re heading out on a longer trail. Being spontaneous is fun; being stranded is not. Also: respect the vibe. National parks aren’t just pretty backdrops — they’re protected spaces. Keep music low, let faster hikers pass, and don’t carve your name into a 500-year-old rock formation. We promise the rock does not need your signature. The upside of doing it right? You get the full experience. Quiet sunrises. Wildlife sightings. That unreal moment when you reach an overlook and just stand there like, “Oh. This is why people protect this.” National parks are basically America’s collective backyard — but like, the sacred part. Show up prepared, move with intention, and leave it better than you found it. Adventure hard. Respect harder.