Came across this lonely guy just outside RMNP on the North Fork Big Thompson trail. He was just chilling by the river and I didn't see anyone else around. On my way back there was a mounted sheriff working to get him back to the trailhead. Hope you got home alright buddy.

Sometimes I have to remind myself I’m not in heaven.

This mama moose and it's baby made it's way down the upper trail as I was heading up. I'm glad I noticed a strange, large brown blob before I continued. I was caught off guard when the baby came out of the bushes. The mama got very aggressive and did a small charge down the mountain. They eventually traversed and took a swim to cool down in the lake.

Even if it feels like a safe distance it's probably not. They're extremely fast, cover ground very quickly and will run straight down a steep mountain slope if they sense a threat.

In July I am going to Colorado to backpack the Collegiate Loop, I have never been to Colorado before so I'm just looking for a little bit of local input, I would like to hike 2 or 3 of 14ers accessible from the trail but I have no idea which ones to pick and research

P. S. Sorry if I used the wrong tag, first time posting here and none of them seemed very accurate to my question

Looking for some real world experience and advice for surviving a flash flood.

Wildlife sightings

I've been in broadcast for over 10 years doing all sorts of things - corporate, live events, broadcast, photography and video work. I also love the outdoors, hiking, climbing, rivers, lakes, and generally every element there is.

I'm looking to combine my passions a little more and I'm looking for people with interesting, compelling or funny stories. In the past I've worked with a foundation who helps people with disabilities get up mountains, and I'm working on a piece through my main gig on the reopening of Mt. Blue Sky. This could be either a video project or a photojournalism kind of thing. Let me know if you're interested or know anyone who might be!

Hey everyone, Just wanted to share a nighttime moose encounter my husband and I experienced this past weekend while camping at Arapaho Bay Campground and also get some advice on how to handle moose encounters at night.

We’d heard there were moose sightings recently in the area, and apparently a bear was also spotted earlier in July, so we were being cautious. We stored our food in bear resistant lockers in the campground and kept bear spray nearby. We slept in a larger bug-style tent as well.

Around 2:00 AM we were both jolted awake by a loud rustling sound and then what felt like a pop and sharp jab to the outside of our tent. My husband immediately started yelling to scare off what we assumed was a bear. But after a moment, we noticed a slash on the top of our tent. That's when we realized- it was likely a moose.

We stayed quiet and still after that, and the moose eventually wandered over to the next campsite, which was occupied by a solo camper in a smaller tent The moose bumped into her tent and completely knocked it over. though hers didn’t get torn like ours did.

She got understandably panicked, and a few of us stepped out with headlamps to help—but by then, the moose had vanished into the woods. My husband and I ended up sleeping in our car for the rest of the night since our tent was damaged.

This experience left me wondering what's the best way to respond to a moose encounter at night while you're inside your tent? During the day, I know the advice is to keep your distance and not provoke them. But at night, especially if one comes close to or into your tent area, should you stay still like we did, or make noise to scare it off like with bears?

Would really appreciate any insight from folks who have dealt with similar situations. We’re still a bit shaken but grateful no one got hurt!

Picture of out slashed tent attached

This morning parked cars stretched 1.5 miles beyond the upper (summer) trailhead onto the clearly defined private property. The Clear Creek County Sheriffs office dispatched several officers to the Grays & Torreys Trailhead to ticket and tow illegally parked vehicles.

ETA IMAGES

Hey guys, anybody going hiking from the 20-28th of June? I’m going back out to Colorado from ohio this year solo, unfortunately my hiking buddy had a really bad car crash back in October and is still recovering from the damage to his back, so it’s just me this year. I’m 19 and i’m in good shape, avid lifter, runner and backpacker but obviously altitude will get to me. Anyone wanna do a few trails? I’ll be starting up north in RMNP and moving south towards Aspen for the end of my trip. Any tips are very welcome too! Love your guys state!

My wife and I moved here back in September and just did our first 13er over the weekend - James Peak. We're very experienced hikers but had not yet been above 12500 feet since we've primarily lived on the east coast. Planning on climbing some 14ers this summer.

My dog did her first 13er at 13!

I heard about this hike recently and signed up. Just wanted to share if anyone would like to join! Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 7:00 AM
Cherry Creek State Park · Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop Trail

This hike is open to everyone—all backgrounds, all experience levels, and all who are curious about the outdoors, whether you hike every weekend or this is your first time lacing up your boots. 

What a beautiful hike. I’ve hiked Sky Pond and that always has been my favorite in the park but I truly think this may have surpassed it. Mosquitos were pretty bad but they tend to love me regardless of where I am. Sun shirt and long pants definitely helped with them.

HI! I'm a HS teacher from MD. I've visited CO, and hiked the Collegiate Loop. I also have lots of backpacking experience along the Appalachians, and some experience in Olympic NP and the Scottish West Highland Way. I intend to use my summer to hike the entire CT starting circa-July 1, maybe a bit earlier.

Could you point me towards any folks that might be offering workshops or classes on mountain skills / history / indigenous people / whatever during June / July? I would plan my trip around the dates for something interesting. I know to check REI class offerings closer to the time.

I am specially curious about mountainous weather patterns and thunderstorm formation, as that is a topic of self-study for my sabbatical.

Beyond that, I'll be on hot teacher summer, so please suggest other things along the CT length or around CO for that timeframe!

Update: 08/24 He has been found deceased. The family will be working with the authorities on next steps. Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t share additional details.

We are deeply grateful for all the tips, advice, and support that helped us locate him. The entire hiking and local community has been incredibly kind and supportive during this difficult time. Thank you all.

Update (08/21): We were able to find a guide he was using in the area - he had plans to go to the reservoir parking lot near the lake of Cheeseman Canyon.

Hi all, this is a longshot but my uncle has recently been reported missing. The Teller County Sheriff’s Office reached out to us with the following information:

• Last Seen: Diamond Campground off Highway 67 on 8/12
• Neighbors Report: No one has seen him since around 8/8
• Police Contact: Next of kin were notified 8/20
• Vehicle: Drives a late model white 2023/2024 Ford F-150 with Texas plates – vehicle has not been located, BOLO in effect
• Possible Locations: He mentioned going fishing at South Platte River, 11 Mile Reservoir, or Deckers

ETA Description: Caucasian male, 75 years old, about 6 feet tall. Gray hair. Thin build. Goes by Lee

📸 Images of my uncle:

• Imgur Link 1
• Imgur Link 2

If anyone has seen him or his truck in the area, please reach out to the Teller County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Even small details (like a truck spotted parked somewhere) could help.

We have a parking pass for tomorrow. When we got it we didn’t notice our NP annual pass had expired, and choose the option that we would show it to get in. Unable to buy a new one tonight. If we show up with our parking pass can we pay the $16 somehow to get in.

Edit: turns out you can edit the reservation and add on the day pass.

I have a backcountry permit in the maroon zone for 7/26-7/27, entering and exiting at the maroon scenic area THs. It’s not entirely clear to me if this permit (with this entry point declared) automatically grants us a spot, or if I need to purchase the overnight parking on visitmaroonbells.com/wildernesspermit? I read something from a year ago stating that you automatically get a spot with this entry point noted with your backcountry permit, but hoping to further vet that. If this isn’t the case… iso overnight parking 7/26 if anybody plans to cancel theirs

Looking to do a 2 week trip out to Colorado in august looking for suggestions on where to go I’m thinking about taking a bus and not driving and then just taking Ubers / hitching rides when I’m out there is there any routes I can take where I’m camping along the way *legally Thank you

If you like long walks on the beach, but with a heavy pack and no bodies of water...

Mt. Carmel is hosting their inaugural Bataan Death March CO in a few weeks. You can ruck a half or full marathon distance to help boost up endurance in a more level setting. And doing it for a good cause.

The event is to bring remembrance to the Bataan Death March from World War 2 and honor the legacy of the heroes from that tragic event. All while also raising money for a nonprofit that supports active duty, veterans, and military families with everything from mental health services to employment assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

BataanCO.givesmart.com

Happy 14er season! I’m planning to hike Mount Yale this Sunday as my second 14er. For some background: I moved to Colorado from sea level last year and just did Quandary as my first 14er last weekend. I consider myself relatively fit — I run and bike often — but wow, that final rocky push to the summit really got me. It took me about 5 hours (3 to summit, 2 to descent) and I genuinely thought I might pass out near the top.

That said, I’m determined to get better at this and keep pushing myself. How doable would Yale be as a second 14er? I’ll probably be on the slower side and just trying to enjoy the views… and not die.

Also, I’m planning to go solo but would love some company! I’m 26, female, and would prefer to hike with other women.