5280 Traveler 2019

Rerouted Nothing was going as planned. I was just a few days into a weeklong family trip in Iceland (thank you, inexpensive nonstop flights from DIA), and already, two northern lights excursions had been canceled due to weather. Our eight-person group knew that seeing Mother Nature’s light show was improbable, but we had decided to visit in February—one of the country’s coldest months—specifically because its long nights often translate into peak aurora borealis viewing. We managed to push our disappointment aside by preparing for the two-hour snowmobiling tour we’d planned in Akureyri. Then our guide told us our outing was off because of too much snow. Luckily, I’d done some research before we left Denver. Goðafoss waterfall was just 30 minutes from our hotel. So, we rented a four-wheel-drive van…

Despite glamping’s popularity, camping with a king-size bed isn’t possible—or permissible—just anywhere. Through Denver’s Collective Retreats, however, options abound. The company leases land (think: bucolic farms, urban islands) from private owners, allowing you to overnight in places you normally wouldn’t be able to stay. Plus, Collective’s locations feature luxury tents and local culinary offerings, like Collective Vail’s marshmallows infused with 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company bourbon. If that doesn’t tempt you to add Collective Retreats to your travel plans, one of these sites just might. COLLECTIVE VAIL Wolcott, Colorado Opened: Summer 2015 The Setting: Collective Retreats’ original location (now with 18 tents) shares land with 4 Eagle Ranch. For a classic Colorado experience, go full cowboy (or -girl) and sign up for horseback rides in the Sawatch Range or…

We’d wager that you’ve hiked, biked, and skied to your nature-loving heart’s content in the Centennial State. If so, consider a more unconventional approach to adventure tourism this season via one of these quirky Colorado excursions. Bonus: If you’re new to the area (and your flatlander lungs are still adjusting to the elevation), these trips let you immerse yourself in stunning landscapes without too much exertion. 1 BY AIR If you’ve ever wondered how a red-tailed hawk feels riding the thermals of the Rockies, Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides’ sunrise flights ($275 per person) will give you the chance to find out. Lift off from the South Park area at sunrise for a faintly lit panorama of 36 fourteeners, then try flying the balloon under the guidance of your professional…

WHERE TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER Sentinel Point DRIVE FROM DENVER About 2 hours WHY WE LOVE IT For a hike that’s off the well-trodden path and comes with a quirky surprise at the top, head to the six-ish-mile Sentinel Point Trail near Divide. This challenging loop passes beaver ponds, a wildflower-speckled valley, and a long stream before delivering you to a talus field for the final approach. Make it to the 12,527-foot summit and you’ll be rewarded with majestic views of two different ranges and Pikes Peak and near-total silence—apart from the brays of Sentinel Point’s unofficial guardian, a wild donkey that sometimes greets weary hikers.…

Freezing water. Hands too numb to tie on a fly. Eyes watering in the biting wind. Winter doesn’t sound like the best occasion to pull out the ol’ tackle box. But angling experts claim the chilliest season is an ideal time to fly-fish northern Colorado’s Cache la Poudre River—as long as you’re prepared. Here, three essential tips for catching fish (and not colds) during the snowy months. 1 SLEEP IN The “early bird gets the worm” adage isn’t always true in the winter. Warmer water yields more frequent catches because active fish are more likely to chomp on your lure, which means it’s best to cast a line midday. Translation: You have time to enjoy your breakfast in front of the roaring fireplace at Wild Boar Cafe in Fort Collins.…

WHERE TO EXPLORE THIS WINTER The Poudre River Trail Corridor DRIVE FROM DENVER About one hour WHY WE LOVE IT Immerse yourself in the Cache la Poudre’s winter beauty (without, you know, actually immersing yourself) by hiking the eastern section of the Poudre River Trail Corridor. The 21 miles of paved path between Greeley and Windsor have multiple trailheads. Our favorite is the Oxbow-Overland entry point, where the trail ascends and offers an overhead view of the snow-lined banks.…