What we’re about
It's Colorado Beautiful!
Everyone Belongs on the Trail. It’s Colorado Beautiful! is an all-welcoming wilderness and backpacking community based in Colorado, built for those who want to go deeper. While many treat the outdoors like a gym or a photo-op, we treat it like a residence.
We believe in dwelling in the landscape—waking to alpine mornings and staying under the stars—rather than just passing through. Where meaningful conversations matter as much as milage and elevation gain.
Are many of our trips challenging? You bet! They rock, and there is an incredible satisfaction in pushing our limits in the Colorado wild. But for me, the most important part of any adventure is the connection—to the land and to each other.
If you are new to playing in the Rocky Mountains, you are in good company. Many of our members recently moved to Colorado and are ready to jump into outdoor experiences!
Our "Staircase" to the Backcountry: We are a volunteer-led community that supports you at every stage of your journey:
- Social Hikes: Accessible Front Range day hikes to meet the crew.
- Gear Shakedowns: Low-pressure workshops to talk packs, stoves, and trail nutrition.
- Backcountry Nights: Planned 1-to-3 night backpacking trips into Colorado’s stunning wilderness.
Our Culture of Respect: We operate on the principle of "Common Ground." We respect the land (Leave No Trace) and we respect each other. We welcome all experience levels and backgrounds from those taking their first overnight trip to seasoned backpackers looking to share their knowledge.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’d fit in on the trail, you belong here. Join us as we find peace, wellness, and adventure in the wilderness together!
We hope to see you on the trail soon!
Upcoming events
7
Day Hike ~ White Park Ranch (west trailhead) (SAT 10 JAN)
Location not specified yetJoin us on a hike near Golden, CO!
White Ranch Park's West Trail offers scenic foothills hiking with panoramic views, winding through grasslands, scrub oak, and ponderosa pines.
MEET AND GREET: 9.45 AM
BOOTS UP: 10:00 AM
FITNESS: (beginner average) You should be in at least average shape.
DOG: Furry friends are welcome on this hike. Just remember to keep them on a leash per park rules.
DIRECTIONS:
Google Map Link
White Ranch West Trailhead
25373 Belcher Hill Road
Golden CO, 80403
TRAIL: White Ranch West Trailhead
Length: 5 miles, round trip
- Elevation gain: 900 feet
- Route type: Loop
- Time: 2.5 hours - 3.5 hours
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/colorado/rawhide-trail--2
https://www.jeffco.us/1437/White-Ranch-Park
Traction devices are required for all winter hikes. Even without recent snow, many trails have a section that's always in shadow and iced over.
- https://gearjunkie.com/winter/best-winter-traction-devices
CARPOOLING: (none)
Use the comments section below or WhatsApp to coordinate carpooling with hikers near you.
NOTEABLES:
- There are two trailheads. We are meeting at the WEST TRAILHEAD.
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather and smoke
DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.
GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.
RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 12 hours before the event. If you miss three events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.
EXPERIENCE
- beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
- intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
- advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles
FITNESS LEVEL
- average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
- fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
- athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain
8 attendees
Day Hike ~ Mount Galbraith (SUN 11 JAN)
Location not specified yetJoin us on an afternoon hike near Golden, CO!
MEET AND GREET: 1.15 pm
START HIKING: 1.30 pm
FITNESS: You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections. The first half of this hike is all uphill.
We starting from the neighborhood trailhead.
Mount Galbraith is located in Jefferson County Open Space Park just northwest of the town Golden, Colorado.
DIRECTIONS:
598 Canyon Point Cir, Golden, CO 80403
TRAIL: Canyon Point Trailhead (neighborhood)
- Length: 5.5, round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
- Route type: Loop
- Time: 3 hours - 3.5 hours
Traction devices are required for all winter hikes. Even without recent snow, many trails have a section that's always in shadow and iced over.
- https://gearjunkie.com/winter/best-winter-traction-devices
CARPOOLING: (none)
Use the comments section below or WhatsApp to coordinate carpooling with hikers near you.
NOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, smoke and snowpack.
- Dog: Furry friends are welcome on this hike. Just remember to keep them on a leash per park rules.
DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.
GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.
RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 12 hours before the event. If you miss two events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.
BE PREPARED:
- If you arrive at the trailhead unprepared (wrong equipment, not in good shape for the trail), you'll be asked to join us on a future hike.
- https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
EXPERIENCE
- beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
- intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
- advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles
FITNESS LEVEL
- average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
- fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
- athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain
6 attendees
Day Hike ~ Bear Peak (SAT JAN 17)
Location not specified yetJoin us on a hike in Boulder, CO!
The summit of Bear Peak provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Flatirons, Boulder, and the Continental Divide.
MEET AND GREET: 9.45 AM
START HIKING: 10:00 AM
FITNESS: (intermediate-fit) You should be in good shape. We are climbing a mountain.
DIRECTIONS:
We are starting from a neighborhood trailhead.
2355 Cragmoor Rd, Boulder, CO 80305
Google Map Link
TRAIL: Cragmoor Connector
- Length: 5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 2,700 feet
- Route type: out and back
- Time: 4 hours - 4.5 hours
- Expect to share the trail with other hikers
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bear-peak-via-shanahan-ridge
Traction devices are required for all winter hikes. Even without recent snow, many trails have a section that's always in shadow and iced over.
- https://gearjunkie.com/winter/best-winter-traction-devices
CARPOOLING: (none)
Arvada Olde Town RTD Garage
5575 Vance Street
Arvada, CO
ORGANIZE CARS: 8.45 am
START DRIVING: 9.00 am
NOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather and smoke
- Dogs: Furry friends are welcome on this hike. Just remember to keep them on a leash per city of Boulder rules.
DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.
GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.
RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 12 hours before the event. If you miss three events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.
EXPERIENCE
- beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
- intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
- advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles
FITNESS LEVEL
- average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
- fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
- athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain
7 attendees
Moonlight Snowshoeing ~ Lost Lake (SAT JAN 31)
Location not specified yetJoin us on a moonlight snowshoe hike near Nederland, CO!
RSVP Opens: January 21st
TRAILHEAD TIMES:
MEET AND GREET: 5.45 PM
START HIKING: 6.00 PM
FITNESS: (beginner-fit) You should be in good shape.
Avalanche Hazard: https://avalanche.state.co.us/
This hike depends on safe avalanche conditions
Sunset: 5:19 PM
Moonrise: 4:00 PM
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:
The road is plowed to the parking lot.
From Nederland's traffic circle, take Highway 72 north through the town of Nederland. 0.6 miles from the traffic circle, turn right on County Road 130 (look for the signs that say Eldora Mountain Resort). Pass the ski resort turnoff and drive through the town of Eldora to the sign that says "End of Winter Maintenance." Parking here fills up early, make sure you don't block the road.
Google Map Link
TRAIL: Hessie Trailhead (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
- Length: 5.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1100 feet
- Route type: out and back
- Time: 3 hours - 3.5 hours
- Expect to share the trail with other hikers
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lost-lake-via-hessie-trail
Traction devices are required for all winter hikes. Even without recent snowfall, many trails have a section that's always in shadow and iced over.
- https://gearjunkie.com/winter/best-winter-traction-devices
CARPOOLING: (strongly encouraged)
Arvada Olde Town RTD Garage
5575 Vance Street
Arvada, CO
Travel time from Arvada to trailhead: 1 hour 15 min
Organizer Cars: 4.00 PM
Start Driving: 4.15 PM
NOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather and smoke
- Dogs: Furry friends are welcome on this hike. Just remember to keep them on a leash per wilderness rules.
DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.
GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.
RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 12 hours before the event. If you miss three events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.
EXPERIENCE
- beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
- intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
- advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles
FITNESS LEVEL
- average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
- fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
- athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain
1 attendee
Group links
Organizers
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