Intro

The Lower Colorado River, below Austin, is a wide slow moving section of the river with little to no rapids at all. This part of the Colorado makes for a nice gentle paddle that is easily done by canoe or kayak.

What Makes It Great

There are several sandy islands that make for good camping spots along the way, so you can make this a really memorable multi-day trip.  The river goes through mostly private property, as do most rivers in Texas, so this is reason to camp on the islands instead of the river bank; you don’t want to upset any property owners.

Who is Going to Love It

Multi-day paddlers and those looking for long, lazy days on the water will enjoy visiting the lower Colorado. It’s also a fun river for standup paddlers who want to try something other than lakes.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

There are several river shuttle services and outfitters in Bastrop and Smithville, such as Rising Phoenix Adventures. They can help you with logistics for your trip, and you can also rent boats from them. This quiet and wooded section of the Colorado River will put your mind at ease as you meander through Central Texas. Enjoy!

Written by Taylor Reilly for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

Intro

North Boulder’s network of biking trails are rather tame in the summer but once they hold a little snow, they become ideal for a fat bike tour. Boulder Valley Ranch is a fine starting point, since it offers riders the option of doing a few quick laps around the Sage Trail or linking together farther out trails for a longer day. All the trails are either single or double track and are non-technical, though there is one brief, steep hill that connects the Sage Trail with the upper mesa trails that can be a bit tricky if it’s icy.

What Makes It Great

A single lap around the Sage Trail is 3 miles, so it goes quickly but is very scenic (the entire trail surrounds a working farm). At 1.5 miles, the trail meets the Eagle Trail, which can be ridden over to the Boulder Reservoir which features a 5 mile, rideable loop. From the parking lot, there is also the option of going north on the Left Hand Valley Trail, a 3 mile trail that ends at the parking lot for Left Hand Valley Reservoir. Climbing up the connector trail (technically, the upper Eagle Trail) eventually goes to the Foothills parking area, where a tunnel under Highway 36 connects with trails that go all the way to Wonderland Lake. There’s enough terrain to cover to make a 1 – 2 hour ride in the winter a lot of fun and the scenery is fantastic throughout, especially from the mesa looking south onto the Flatirons. North Boulder has a bucolic feel to it and at times, it’s hard to believe a major city is just over the horizon. Riding out to Boulder Reservoir for a winter picnic is fun, especially on a sunny January day. Parking at Wonderland Lake is also an option — you can hit up the trails, then come back into town to enjoy a warm meal at one of the local restaurants in north Boulder (we like Proto’s pizza).

Who is Going to Love It

Riders who are looking for a scenic tour without difficult trails will appreciate the mellow terrain. First time fat bikers will have fun getting used to the feel of the bulbous tires by taking a few laps on the Sage Trail. Fitness buffs will have fun making laps and challenging the Eagle Trail’s abrupt hill climb. The Left Hand Valley trail is refreshingly quiet and is a bit of secret for bikers.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From the intersection of Highway 36 and Broadway in north Boulder, go north 1 mile on 36 and turn right onto Longhorn Road. Follow Longhorn Road 1 mile to the trailhead (the road goes from pavement to dirt halfway through). Park at the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead. The parking area is well marked and obvious on the right side of the road.

There are restrooms at the trailhead.

The area is open dawn until 11 pm — consider a fat bike night ride if you have lights!

Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

Intro

This locally owned retail shop has been serving outdoor enthusiasts in the Boulder area since 1973. Offering the best gear, apparel, and expertise with all things mountaineering, skiing, climbing, backpacking, and hiking, Neptune Mountaineering has become a true staple for the outdoor community in Boulder. The knowledge and experience they offer their customers is some of the best around and their devotion and dedication is unmatched. They’re outdoor enthusiasts themselves and as such, they use the gear they sell. That’s how you know they’re good.

What Makes It Great

Gary Neptune’s namesake shop isn’t just an exquisite gear store, it also features a built-in mountaineering museum. With artifacts dating back over 100 years, it’s worth a visit just to gaze at the amazing collection of gear, photos and autographs. Neptune’s also features many community shows and presentations (almost always free) with some of the world’s foremost climbers and explorers. Neptune’s is so much more than a gear store — it’s a Boulder institution.

Who is Going to Love It

In January 2013, Gary decided it was time to ski and climb a bit more, and sold Neptune Mountaineering to Backwoods Retail, Inc, an Austin, Texas based, family owned regional chain of outdoor stores. It was vital that the new owners respect Neptune’s commitment to the community and grassroots authenticity and the transition has gone smoothly. Neptune’s retains the integrity and expertise that has made it Boulder’s true base camp for adventures near and far. Oh, and if you happen to see a fellow walking around the shop barefoot, say hi — it may just be Gary himself! 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

633 South Broadway
Boulder, CO 80305

Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

Intro

Walker Ranch’s 7.8 mile loop has written tales of great valor and ignoble defeat for many mountain bikers. Because the loop rides differently in each direction, it’s almost like you’re getting two completely different experiences. Do you start clockwise and begin with a quick series of tricky climbs followed by sharp switchbacks into the woods or go counterclockwise and blast down a steep, loose road followed by a quad-shredding climb? Either way is fun and the scenery is plentiful. Since the trailhead starts at a high point (and in the thick of a burn zone), you’ll descend into the deep forest either way, eventually riding beside the fast moving waters of South Boulder Creek.

What Makes It Great

Clockwise treats you to a finish of a one mile, sustained climb on an old dirt road. Counter-clockwise is a true testpiece to finish: steep, unrelenting switchbacks with a few sinister rock outcrops to contend with. The rest of the riding is generally fast, flowing and scenic, especially on the south side of the loop The halfway point of the ride is just before the imposing staircase and hits the lowest elevation of the ride, right beside South Boulder Creek. Taking a break (or dip) in the creek is nice, be wary when the waters run fast in spring and early summer. Also, be aware riders do cruise in both directions.

The bulk of the riding is intermediate, though the trail can get loose and sandy during hot spells in the summer. There are some challenging technical sections here and there, including an expert-only optional side route that parallels a brief section of the main trail (we’re talking full facemask and body-armor tough). And then there are the stairs — a 250 vertical foot staircase that is unrideable, Danny MacAskill not included. This infamous hike-a-bike can be slippery in bike shoes and is easier to ascend (going clockwise) than to descend. Much of the trail rides fast and has a good mix of obstacles. Intermediates and experts will love the variety, though the steep climbs and abrupt obstacles may discourage beginners.

Who is Going to Love It

Advanced riders with a taste for speed will love seeing how quickly they can run the loop (under an hour is fairly impressive). It’s a good trail for intermediates as well and while it’s not ideal for beginners, they may enjoy an out-and-back going counter clockwise to the top of the staircase and back.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

To reach the trailhead, from the intersection of Baseline and Hwy 93, go west on Baseline 16.7 miles. After Chautauqua Park, this is formally known as Flagstaff Road and it’s a STEEP drive! Take your time and watch out for road bikers. Eventually the hill flattens out and descends. The parking lot for Walker is well marked at a bend in the road and comes a few hundred feet after the Meyers Ranch parking (where you can also park if you want to hit up a quick access trail that connects the two ranches).

Please leave Fido at home; while dogs are allowed on leash, bikes move quickly and the creek is more dangerous to pups than it may initially appear (a winter hike with your dog is a nice option, once the bikes are gone).

Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

Intro

6,843 ft. Mount Sanitas is a modest bump compared to Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, yet it is one of the city’s most beloved destinations. Located about a mile from downtown Boulder, the easy access, fantastic views and challenging trails make it the perfect place for a lunchtime run or a moonlight hike.

What Makes It Great

The classic loop of Mount Sanitas Trail to ascend, East Ridge trail to descend and the Sanitas Valley Trail to cool down is only 3.1 miles but can take even strong runners over an hour to complete. Simply making the full loop without stopping gives you huge bragging rights. Even the less burly Sanitas Valley – Dakota Ridge Loop ( at 2.4 miles round trip) is still a worthy run — remember, all of this happens over 5,000 feet above sea level.

Even though the summit trails have some steep steps and roots to navigate, the rugged trail is still run-worthy so if you are up to the challenge give it a go. And don’t worry, if you need to stop and take a breather, the views to the east are spectacular — on a clear day, you’ll easily see the skyscrapers of Denver. To the north is the towering summit block of Longs Peak and every once in a while a clear view south lets you see Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs.

For trail runners, Mount Sanitas is the perfect playground to develop your strength and endurance. While the trails aren’t long, they make up for it with gritty elevation gain — the standard Mount Sanitas trail has 1,320 ft. of elevation in 1.8 miles. Not ready for the big hill? Work up to it by running the 1.3 mile Sanitas Valley trail, a wide but beautiful dirt path that manages to quietly gain 600 vertical feet before heading up the 0.4 mile East Ridge trail to the summit.

Sanitas has a lot of variety and loop options for a relatively small mountain. At the foot of the mountain, the Valley Trail is paralleled by the Dakota Ridge trail, a 1.0 mile path that offers some shade compared to the exposed valley trail. There are two trails to the summit that are often done in a loop, and either direction will give you a heck of a workout.

The Mount Sanitas trail (out of the Mapleton Trailhead) cuts to the chase, instantly going vertical with a series of steps that quickly gain altitude. The East Ridge trail, in contrast, starts at the northern terminus of the Sanitas Valley Trail and begins with more modest (but still steep) switchbacks before reverting to the similar style big steps found on the Mount Sanitas Trail. Of course, Mount Sanitas is a great hike but for runners, it really is a classic test piece. Many runners work their way up to a full jog of the summit trails by “hiking the steps and running the flats”, a proven strategy for reaching the top in record time (or at least personal record time). Dogs are welcome on-leash or off-leash with a green tag from the city of Boulder’s dog license program.

Who is Going to Love It

Hill runners will love the interval-style terrain on the summit trails — steep steps complemented by short, flat recovery sections. Jogging up the peak can take 35 minutes or so, but in that time the 1,300 ft. elevation gain will provide an excellent workout. Those looking for a challenging trail run without the ridiculous elevation gain will love the Valley Trail, where deer, coyote, fox and the occasional black bear can be seen on the hillside. Perhaps most of all, those hoping to progressively build their running skills will enjoying using Mount Sanitas as a benchmark of their fitness as they work their way up to the fabled summit run.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Centennial Park trailhead is 0.3 miles west of the intersection of Mapleton Avenue and 4th Street along Mapleton Avenue (which turns into Sunshine Canyon). The large trailhead is well marked on the south side of the road and accommodates 25 vehicles. To access the west side of Mount Sanitas, follow the trail from the lot and cross the paved road to the trailhead picnic shelter, where the Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Trails begin.

Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].