Skip to content

Fossils in Florissant

August 1, 2022
Photo of fossil hunting a fun family activity

Just 40 miles southwest of Castle Pines is one of the richest fossil beds in the world. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, in Teller County, was established in 1969 to protect the fossils and petrified redwood stumps found in an ancient lake bed. The Monument has eight interconnected trails for a total of 15…

Day Trippin’ to Roxborough State Park

May 1, 2022

Just west of Castle Pines, Roxborough State Park sits nestled into the foothills. The park is nearly 4,000 acres of dramatic landscape. It’s a liminal space – where prairie meets vivid red rock mountains. The land previously known as Washington Park – because of a rock formation resembling George Washington’s profile – has served a…

The un…believable Molly Brown

July 1, 2021

Article and photos by Hollen Wheeler In the heart of downtown Denver, with a Capitol view from the terrace, sits a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, “The Molly Brown House Museum.” It’s the former residence of a trailblazer and Titanic survivor known posthumously as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Renovated and maintained by Historic Denver for 50…

Exploring the world of invertebrates

April 1, 2021

Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik You might be surprised to learn that 97% of the species on earth are invertebrates. Animals without a backbone or bony skeleton, invertebrates range in size from microscopic mites to giant squid and can live on land or in water. There is a treasure of a zoo in Colorado…

Animals, Animals Everywhere

March 1, 2021

By Bryan Goodland; photo by Chris Michlewicz Right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver is a place where the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope … well you know the rest. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals spread across…

A classic winter pastime: Skating at Evergreen Lake

February 1, 2021
Evergreen Lake House stands the Peggy Fleming sculpture

Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Growing up in North Dakota, it was not uncommon to find an ice rink and warming hut at every park or elementary school. In fact, when the sun was shining and the temperatures were warm enough for outdoor play, gym class meant we were outside enjoying the classic winter…

Ice Castles, a frozen delight

December 1, 2020
Photo of sliding through chilly tunnels of ice

Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photo In a time where the word “frozen” refers more often to a record breaking movie than weather conditions, a castle of ice will be drawing a lot of attention this winter in Summit County. Making its fourth appearance in the small town of Dillon, just 90 miles…

Boreas Pass railroad:

December 1, 2020

an outdoor adventure into the past Article and photos by Claire Bauer, intern writer; courtesy photo Colorado is home to many historically rich sites that were once hubs of commerce, but now offer beautiful outdoor adventures. Take Boreas Pass, for example. It’s a picturesque road named after the Greek god of the north wind, located…

A walk with nature: Sandstone Ranch

November 1, 2020

Walk with nature: A hike through Sandstone Ranch Article and photo by Julie Matuszewski; courtesy photo Father of the mountains John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” Muir was right; being in the outdoors improves one’s memory, reduces anxiety and helps with creativity. Walking with nature…

Relax and rejuvenate at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

October 1, 2020
Photo of Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik Tucked between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida in Chalk Creek Canyon lies the picturesque resort of Mount Princeton Hot Springs (MPHS). Surrounded by majestic 14,000-foot peaks, this historical but modern retreat in Nathrop is an idyllic place to vacation. The geothermal mineral pools which bubble out of…

Kenosha Pass: Fall foliage, Bigfoot and hot dogs

September 1, 2020

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos September arguably heralds in some of Colorado’s best days to get outside, especially in the high country. With warm sunny days cooling to crisp evenings, hiking, biking or even driving over mountain passes provides an opportunity to witness the state changing colors and showing off the vibrantly-hued fall foliage.…

A random experience in exploring

August 1, 2020
Photo of Haley Cranney, Abby DeNezza, Hannah Stephenson, Sarah Mendus, and Sarah Bermingham try Randonautica app

RANDONAUTICA By Lisa Nicklanovich Randonautica is an app with more than one million downloads that is trending on TikTok and seems to be a global phenomenon. It is advertised on their website as “The world’s first quantumly-generated ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ reality game.” Randonauts share their experiences with the Randonaut community online after playing the…

SUP – a water sport or greeting?

July 1, 2020
Photo of paddleboarder

Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is both a cool term to greet another and a popular water sport that all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider waits until a wave comes, SUP boarders stand on boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the…

Alderfer Three Sisters

May 1, 2020

Connecting with Nature Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski In a world of uncertainty, confusion and constant stimulation, it can be hard to quiet the mind and take a needed mental break. Connecting with nature through a hike provides a peaceful escape far away from the traffic, meetings, chores and business of daily life. Being…

New Heights for Children’s Museum

March 1, 2020

Article and photos by Shaun Kernahan Twenty children’s museums were nominated for the top 10 best children’s museums in the country, according to USA Today’s 10Best list. The Children’s Museum Denver at Marsico Campus, at press time, was ranked eighth and in good shape to finish in the top 10. As the father of a…

Snowmobiling in Winter Park

December 30, 2019

Get your snowmobile runnin’ By Michelle Post; photo by Terri Wiebold “Get your snowmobile runnin’” are not words I ever heard growing up in Crowley, Texas. I lived in a small rural city and remember only a few winters where we received enough snow to cancel school. We received more ice storms than snow storms.…

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

December 30, 2019

A step back in time Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Many of us have been to Mesa Verde, where massive cliff depressions housed the buildings and homes of Native American groups who inhabited much of the southwest many centuries ago. While Mesa Verde National Park is well worth the drive to the southwestern corner…

High Tea in Colorado

November 30, 2019

A cup of Christmas comfort By Michelle Post; courtesy photo According to Ancestry.com, 77% of my ethnicity is located in England, Wales and Northwestern Europe. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I love tea. My mother, Annie, was a proud Newfoundlander who was born and raised on tea. In my book, Heaven Has Tea…

Green Mountain Falls

October 1, 2019

A little city with a big history Article and photos by Michelle Post Taking shelter while winter hiking on the Catamount Trail in Green Mountain Falls.   I have passed the sign to Green Mountain Falls many times and always thought, “What’s in Green Mountain Falls?” My husband and I finally stopped to check out…

Soaring Tree Top Adventures

September 1, 2019

The Best Zip lining in Colorado By Michelle Post; photos courtesy of Bob Wiebold Imagine standing on a platform 100 feet in the air, and you are looking across the Animas River, near Durango, Colorado at your next zip destination. That’s where I found myself on my 20th wedding anniversary. My husband and I wanted…

Arkansas River

August 1, 2019

Rafting the wild Arkansas River Article and photo by Michelle Post C P C – Thursday, August 01, 2019 I love river rafting. I was first introduced to it in Texas. Every Memorial Day holiday a group from my husband’s work would raft the Guadalupe River. Some years we just floated and others we rode…

Independence Pass

July 1, 2019

Mountain adventure with a patriotic touch Article and photos by Susan Helton For more information, visit aspenhistory.org/tours-sites/independence-ghost-town and www.aspenchamber.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-independence-pass. For something different to do for Independence Day, how about a unique adventure with a patriotic touch? High in the Rocky Mountains, in Independence Pass, the ghost town of Independence sits in a glacier-carved valley below…

Dog Sledding in Breckenridge

March 1, 2019

By Michelle Post; courtesy photo I remember watching many moons ago the Iditarod race and thinking how awesome that would be to run a dog sled. Several decades later, I had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. My husband and I moved here from Texas 18 years ago, so snow sports were a new adventure…

Moonlight Snowshoeing

February 1, 2019

Beauty beyond words By Michelle Post; courtesy photo It was after 10 p.m., but the sky beamed from the soft light of the moon. My husband and I were staying in one of the 10th Mountain Division huts near Vail. We had been day hiking in and out of the hut that day, and my…

Twin Lakes

October 1, 2018

The gem that is Twin Lakes Article and photos by Michelle Post I have lived in Colorado 17 amazing years, and I continue to be awed by the many incredible sites to see. A friend told my husband and me about Twin Lakes, a gem in the Colorado mountains between Leadville and Aspen. You step…

Ute Indian Prayer Trees

September 1, 2018

A work of art created from nature Article and photo by Michelle Post I live in Monument and love the forests and mountains that surround me. I was surprised to learn that many of the places that I have hiked just miles from my home were home to Ute Indian Prayer Trees. The definition of…

Eleven Mile State Park

August 1, 2018

Outstanding scenery and room to breathe Article and photos by Susan Helton The wide-open reservoir and extensive shoreline at Eleven Mile Park offer plenty of room to play. Scenic vistas include a panoramic view from the western end of the lake.   Boasting a variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, Eleven Mile State Park…

14ers of Colorado

August 1, 2018

By Michelle Post; photo courtesy of Larry Post Colorado Mountain Club climbers enjoying their first 14er, Crestone Needle.   Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountains boast 53 peaks that reach an elevation of 14,000 feet or higher, the most of any state in the U.S. These are known as “fourteeners” or “14ers” to locals. Although the Colorado…

Colorado Renaissance Festival

July 1, 2018

Fun with a taste of another time Article and photos by Susan Helton   Costumed “royalty” and other characters entertain the festival visitors who eagerly await the opening of the gates.   For a day trip that offers a taste of another time, a visit to the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur is just the…

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

June 1, 2018

Adventure high on the mountain By Michelle Post; courtesy photos Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers thrills, chills, oohs, ahhs and fun for all.   Colorado has so much to offer, I never get bored living here. An excellent adventure for the whole family is the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. It is 157.4…

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

May 1, 2018

A hidden wonder Article and photos by Susan Helton The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays.  This area’s unique geology, one of possibly only four such areas in Colorado, has attracted visitors for thousands of years. An extraordinary geologic wonder, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, lies hidden in Colorado’s eastern plains.  Located northeast…

Urban Hikes

January 30, 2018

Get lost in and urban hike Article and photos by Daniel Williams For many in the 80108 ZIP code, hiking means getting in a car and hopping on I-70 or I-25 and driving an hour or more to a rugged trailhead for a day of gut-busting, adrenaline-pumping exercise. But most people do not have the…

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

January 1, 2018

By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Denver Museum of Nature and Science Have a passion for nature, culture and science? Indulge that passion with a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS). Whether for just a couple of hours, or for the whole day, the museum is an excellent place to explore,…

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

November 1, 2017

A great place to unplug and unwind Article and photos by Susan Helton From Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, visitors have a spectacular view of 100 miles of the Continental Divide. The overlook is also a popular location for weddings. Just 30 miles west of Denver, off Highway 93 on Golden Gate Canyon Road, lies Golden…

Air Force Academy

October 1, 2017

Air Force Academy visit provides soaring day trip options Article and photos by John Basche World-renowned Cadet Chapel is an example of the “brutalist” style of architecture.   Less than 40 miles south of Castle Pines Parkway lies one of our nation’s most treasured learning institutions, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Steeped in…

Colorado National Monument

September 1, 2017

We had no idea what awaited behind the mountains Article and photos by Michelle Post The panoramic view of the towering red rock structures at the Colorado National Monument are breathtaking.   I have lived in Colorado for 16 years, and I am amazed every time I discover one of its many natural beauties. This…

Mueller State Park

June 28, 2017

Article and photos by Michelle Post   Mueller State Park offers grand vista viewing of several mountain ranges, a site to behold.   Colorado has 42 state parks, and Mueller State Park in Divide claims the title of the second most visited park in the state. Only 45 minutes west of Colorado Springs, visitors can…

Bishop Castle

June 1, 2017

A labor of love and dedication By Michelle Post; photos by Terri Wiebold For more than 60 years, Jim Bishop has been building a castle nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, stone by stone. Bishop’s perseverance and dedication to his quest are a testament that everyone has greatness within. A very colorful character with…

Union Station

April 4, 2017

Historic renovation in the heart of Denver Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Union Station has its fair share of history, as well as upscale restaurants and shopping to explore. Where can you go in Denver that offers Snooze restaurant, Acme Delicatessen, Stoic & Genuine restaurant, The Tattered Cover, Milkbox Ice Creamery, Next Door Eatery,…

Rock Park

April 6, 2016

Climb Castle Rock at Rock Park Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski We have all seen it; it cannot be missed as we zoom south on I-25. The huge castle-shaped butte that welcomes us to the town named after it, Castle Rock. If you are looking for a fun outing right here in your own…

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

April 6, 2016

Coming together to support the animals By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of The Wild Animal Sanctuary The Wild Animal Sanctuary is home to seventy tigers, sixty African lions, one hundred bears, and dozens of leopards, mountain lions, and other large carnivores.   Just 30 miles northeast of Denver, large carnivores roam the grasslands at The…

Cañon City

April 6, 2016

Doing time in Cañon City Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner A view from the tram over the Arkansas River looking north to the Royal Gorge bridge, suspended 956 feet off the ground.   Need a new day trip or weekend venue? How about Cañon City? Some actually spend time there willingly… Cañon City’s charm…

Palmer Lake

April 5, 2016

A genuine Colorado small town experience Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner   Hankering for a small town experience? Motor down to Palmer Lake, a hamlet attracting day trippers for a century. Founded because General William Palmer needed water for his Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, her natural beauty, history and gustatory charms attract thousands…

Plains Conservation Center

April 5, 2016

Mountains are great, but the prairie is just as fun By Liz Jurkowski; photos courtesy of the PCC website True enough, the mountains of Colorado are majestic and adventurous. Vacation seekers, locals, and skiers all flock west for the abundant winter fun found in the small towns and resorts scattered through the Rockies. Few, however,…

Waterton Canyon

April 5, 2016

With much anticipation, Waterton Canyon has reopened Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski The vegetation is lush near the mouth of Waterton Canyon. It is a beautiful place to walk and the below trail map shows the well-marked paths.   Part of Colorado’s beauty lies only thirty minutes away from the city of Castle Pines.…

Pike’s Peak Cog Railway

April 4, 2016

Take a ride on Pike’s Peak Cog Railway Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Tourists have lots of time at the summit to enjoy the views.   There are three cog railways in the United States and only a handful more in the rest of the world. Arguably, the most scenic one is also the…

Sand Creek National Historic Site

April 4, 2016

Lost but not forgotten Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Looking at the landscape, it is difficult to see evidence of the horrific Sand Creek Massacre.  Although not an upbeat location, kids, too, can gain an understanding of the event.   I had always known that the Sand Creek Massacre was a devastating part of…

Bluffs Regional Park

April 4, 2016

Bluffs Regional Park: Beauty in our backyard Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski   Like many, I had seen the sign many times on my way home from Target in Lone Tree, or as I passed Cabela’s on RidgeGate Parkway. The nondescript brown sign reads “Bluffs Regional Park” and has an arrow on it pointing…

Celestial Seasonings

April 1, 2016

Getting infused about tea at Celestial Seasonings Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski The moment the tour guide opens the door to the factory, guests know immediately that they are in a tea manufacturing plant.  Hints of chamomile, lemon, hibiscus, vanilla, and cloves waft through the air, mixed with traces of strong black tea from…

Glen Eyrie Castle

May 1, 2015

Beauty in the air Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski The castle is a hidden gem; so close to the city, but so remote, as well.  The grounds and trails of the castle meander among the red rocks near Garden of the Gods. High tea is served daily at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs.…

Cripple Creek

March 1, 2015

Experience the rush Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Castle Pines resident, Landon Holderness, visits the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum. Visitors can tour and see many working mines.   Take a step back in time and wander through Pikes Peak country this spring break.  Cripple Creek, the county seat for Teller County, offers plenty…

Manitou Springs Incline

January 1, 2015

For those so inclined, make the climb to the top in 2015 Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski; courtesy photos A wonderful piece of Colorado’s past, the Incline in Manitou Springs reopened to the public last month.  After a few months of repairs, people are once again challenging themselves to the strenuous hike, rewarded with…

Colorado Wildflowers

August 29, 2014

Wildflowers in Colorado are in full bloom, even into early fall Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner This picturesque meadow of penstemons is located on the Gothic Road in Crested Butte and was still in full bloom in August when this photo was taken. The heavy rainfall has made for a longer bloom season for…

History Colorado Museum

March 1, 2014

History Colorado Museum exploration Article and photos submitted by Rhett Jurkowski, fourth grade student, BRE Mrs. Jaramillo’s fourth grade class from Buffalo Ridge is ready to explore the History Colorado Museum together.   What is better than going to the History Colorado Museum with your family? Going with your whole class! That is what I…

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

March 1, 2014

Urban wilderness close to home Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski After a return flight into DIA, I asked one of those kind volunteers in a western vest what she recommends to people who arrive and ask, “Where can I see some of the best of what Colorado has to offer?” Surprisingly, she told me…

Castle Rock Museum

January 1, 2014

Chug…chug… into the Castle Rock Museum Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Originally the depot building for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, the Castle Rock Museum is located conveniently downtown.   One of the greatest museums you can go to with your family to spend an hour or so is the Castle Rock Museum. Less…

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

November 1, 2013

Take flight without leaving the ground Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Take a trip out of this world. Have you ever wanted to see an F-14? How about a B-1A Lancer? Or, do you want to take the kids to see a real X-Wing Fighter from the movie “Star Wars?” Luckily, there is a…

Goblin Valley State Park

June 1, 2013

Trip to a sci-fi martian landscape Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is an outstanding family destination and is like a sandcastle city.   Somewhere on that long stretch of I-70 between the Colorado state line and I-15, you have to make a stop. The kids are getting antsy in the back, the excitement of…

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

May 1, 2013

Let the kids roar at the zoo Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski You are finished with Denver and are looking to branch out. You have visited the zoo, the museums, the Botanical Garden, and everything else Denver has to offer and are ready to journey to a new destination, right? Then pack the kids…

Stanley Hotel and Estes Park

April 1, 2013

A day trip away Article and photo by Liz Jurkowski For a breathtaking day away from home, head northwest a bit, to Estes Park. Known as the Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, many of us have driven through it to get to the many hiking trails, lakes, wildlife, and scenery of the Park’s land.…

Mammoths and Mastodons

March 1, 2013

Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski For a limited time, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) has opened a temporary exhibit that has been thousands of years in the making. Mammoths and Mastodons is now open until May 27. Grab the family and plan a morning or afternoon at the museum. The museum’s…

Hammond’s Candies

February 1, 2013

Nothing is better than candy By Rhett Jurkowski, age 9 Would you like some sweet candy for your Valentine? I know the perfect place to find some. Hammond’s Candy Factory is a place to find candy for everybody on your Valentine list. I went to Hammond’s Candy Factory with my family and went on a…

Dinosaur Ridge

December 1, 2012

Go back in time at Dinosaur Ridge Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Take the kids back in time at Dinosaur Ridge. Located just west of C-470 in Morrison, Dinosaur Ridge provides many fun activities and experiences for the whole family. Upon arrival, tour the Indoor Exhibit Hall that was opened in 2008. It highlights…

Colorado High Country

October 1, 2012

Fall colors peak in the Colorado High Country Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski There is not a prettier place than the Colorado mountains at the beginning of fall every year. While the local media and television news are reporting that the peak of the leaves changing color has already passed, there is still time…

Crull/Hammond Cabin

September 1, 2012

Information and photo provided by Douglas County Experience living circa 1880 in Huntsville, the site of Douglas County’s first post office, at the Crull/Hammond Cabin open house on Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Larkspur Historical Society, open house guests will learn about the history of Huntsville and some…

Devils Head

September 1, 2012

Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Devils Head Lookout is a terrific destination right here in Douglas County. Grab the kids and the dog and head out for a fun hike through some great scenery with some history thrown in. In 1912, the National Forest Service built a lookout tower at the top of a…

Castlewood Canyon State Park

May 1, 2012

A place close by to hike and play Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Only twenty miles from Castle Pines lays a true gem of Colorado nature. Castlewood Canyon State Park offers families a day of hiking, playing, sightseeing and fun. Nestled in more than two thousand acres of the Black Forest, the park provides…

Lookout Mountain

April 1, 2012

Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Going to a grave might not be the top item on your “Things to do” list, but for the best view of Denver and the Front Range, Buffalo Bill’s Gravesite and Museum cannot be beat. Lookout Mountain is part of the Denver Mountain Parks system and overlooks Golden, Denver,…

A Sanctuary Center

February 1, 2010

Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Sanctuary is a vivid word: a refuge; safe haven; shelter. Life offers few openings to pause, reflect, and heal from within. Ten years ago, neighbors Sue and Jack Pfeiffer of Castle Pines Village decided to do something about it, and single-mindedly set about making that vision of a refuge…