About us
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
11
Day Hike ~ Bear Peak (SAT APR 25)
DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, USJoin 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 AT THE TRAILHEAD: 9.45 AM
✅START HIKING: 10:00 AM (our hikes start on time)🟡 FITNESS: (intermediate-fit) You should be in good shape. We are climbing a mountain. This is not an easy hike.
DIRECTIONS:
We are starting from a neighborhood trailhead.
2355 Cragmoor Rd, Boulder, CO 80305
Google Map LinkTRAIL: Cragmoor Connector
- Length: 5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 2,700 feet
- Route type: out and back
- Time: 3 hours - 4 hours
- Expect to share the trail with other hikers
- ⚠️Class 2 (the last 100 feet is class 3)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bear-peak-via-shanahan-ridge
CARPOOLING: none
Use the comments below to chat with hikers interested in carpooling.NOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
- Dogs: Furry friends are welcome on this hike. Just remember to keep them on a leash per city of Boulder rules.
- ⚠️You are expected to understand the risks and climbing class guide below.
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 24 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll be removed from the group. You can rejoin after 90 days.
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
CLIMBING CLASS GUIDE
🟢 1 Hiking a maintained trail.
🔵 2: Easy scrambling. You might occasionally use your hands for balance.
🟡 3: Moderate scrambling. Hands are used regularly; some exposure possible.
🔴 4: Difficult climbing. Hands are used regularly; a fall could be serious.
⚫ 5: Where real rock climbing begins. Requires ropes and specialized gear; a fall maybe be fatal.3 attendees
Day Hike ~ Chief Mountain 11er (TUE 12 MAY)
DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, USJoin us for a series of weekday mountain climbing hikes this summer.
Eat Dirt climate change, I'm climbing a mountain!
Thumb your nose to the drought and climb mountains earlier in the season!
Chief Mountain stands at 11,713 feet.
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Blue Sky, Longs Peak, and beyond.✅ MEET AND GREET AT THE TRAILHEAD: 9.15 AM
✅ START HIKING: 9:30 AM (our hikes start on time)🟡 FITNESS: (intermediate-fit) You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections. The first half of this hike is all uphill. We are climbing a mountain. This is not an easy hike.
DIRECTIONS:
Closest Town: Idaho Springs
GOOGLE MAP LINKTRAIL: Chief Mountain Trailhead
- Length: 3 miles, round trip
- Elevation gain: 1000 feet
- Route type: Out and Back
- Time: 2 - 3 hours
- ⚠️Class 2
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chief-mountain-trail
CARPOOLING:
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
Start Driving: 8.30 am.
Driving Time: 40 minNOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
- ⚠️You are expected to understand the risks and climbing class guide below.
- 🐶Dogs must be leashed.
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.
- Advice: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
- Ask questions in advance.
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+ milesFITNESS 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 mountainCLIMBING CLASS GUIDE
🟢 1 Hiking a maintained trail.
🔵 2: Easy scrambling. You might occasionally use your hands for balance.
🟡 3: Moderate scrambling. Hands are used regularly; some exposure possible.
🔴 4: Difficult climbing. Hands are used regularly; a fall could be serious.
⚫ 5: Where real rock climbing begins. Requires ropes and specialized gear; a fall maybe be fatal.1 attendee
Day Hike ~ Geneva Mountain 12er (WED 20 MAY)
DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, USJoin us for a series of weekday mountain climbing hikes this summer.
Eat Dirt climate change, I'm climbing a mountain!
Thumb your nose to the drought and climb mountains earlier in the season!
Geneva Mountain stands at 12,335 feet.
From Geneva Mountain’s high-tundra ridge, you’ll enjoy front-row views of the iconic skyline. To the north, the massive, rugged faces of Mount Blue Sky and Mount Bierstadt dominate the horizon. These towering 14ers offer a dramatic, jagged contrast to the peaceful, rolling alpine meadows spread out below.✅ MEET AND GREET AT THE TRAILHEAD: 9.15 AM
✅ START HIKING: 9:30 AM (our hikes start on time)🟡 FITNESS: (intermediate-fit) You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections. The first half of this hike is all uphill. We are climbing a mountain. This is not an easy hike.
DIRECTIONS:
Closest Town: George Town, CO
GOOGLE MAP LINKTRAIL: Trailhead
- Length: 7.8 miles, round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
- Route type: Out and Back
- Time: 3 - 4 hours
- ⚠️Class 2
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/geneva-mountain-via-guanella-pass-road
CARPOOLING:
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
Start Driving: 7.45 am.
Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minNOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
- ⚠️You are expected to understand the risks and climbing class guide below.
- 🐶Dogs must be leashed.
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.
- Advice: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
- Ask questions in advance.
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+ milesFITNESS 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 mountainCLIMBING CLASS GUIDE
🟢 1 Hiking a maintained trail.
🔵 2: Easy scrambling. You might occasionally use your hands for balance.
🟡 3: Moderate scrambling. Hands are used regularly; some exposure possible.
🔴 4: Difficult climbing. Hands are used regularly; a fall could be serious.
⚫ 5: Where real rock climbing begins. Requires ropes and specialized gear; a fall maybe be fatal.1 attendee
Backpacking ~ Lost Creek Wilderness (SAT 23-25 MAY)
Location not specified yetJoin us on this classic, early season backpacking trip, near Bailey, CO!
EXPERIENCE:
- If you are new to backpacking, this trip might be for you! If this is your first night in the backcountry, let's connect to cover the basics. Please send Jeremiah Harberg a message on meetup and we can chat by phone.
- If you are an experienced backpacker, then hop on! You are clear to RSVP.
RSVP OPENS: Friday, May 1st at 12.00 pm
MEET AND GREET AT TRAILHEAD: 8:45 am
START HIKING: 9.00 amFITNESS: You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections and stream crossings.
TRAILHEAD: (Goose Creek Trailhead)
Length: 5 miles, each way
Elevation: +1,600 feet
Route type: Out and Back
Crowds: Expect to share the trail with day hiker and backpackers. This is a very popular trail.DAY 1, Sat May 23:
- Hike ~5 miles to camp, ~1,400 feet of gain
- Setup camp, explore ruins
DAY 2, Sun June 01:
- Wake up, chill, hike ~ 2 - 4 miles, check out cool rock formations
DAY 3, Sun June 01:
- Return to cars ~ 5 miles, -1,400 feet of gain, hike back to cars
WHERE: Lost Creek Wilderness
HIKE TYPE: Backpacking, two nights
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/T04FP3TCARPOOLING (strongly encouraged):
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CCDrive Time: 2 hours
Organize Cars: 6:15 am
Start Driving: 6.30 am (sharp)DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD (Goose Creek Trailhead)
The roads are dirt and bumpy at times but cars will not have a problem on them (other than getting dusty)
Take US 285 to Pine Junction and turn south onto County Road 126. Drive for 21.8 miles. Just south of Wigwam Campground, take a right (west) on FR 211, following the signs for Cheesman Lake and Goose Creek Campground. After 2.0 miles, turn right for Lost Valley Ranch and Goose Creek Campground. Go west for 1.1 miles, stay left at a fork in the road and continue for another 5.2 miles. At a junction past Molly Gulch Campground, turn right for Goose Creek Campground. Drive 4.7 miles, bearing left when Forest Road 51 descends to the right. Cross Goose Creek and pass Goose Creek Campground. Head right onto the Goose Creek Trailhead access road and drive for 1.3 miles to the large parking area.
WEBSITES:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/goose-creek-trail-612-to-mccurdy-trailNOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, smoke and snow pack.
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 24 hours before the event. If you miss 2 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/backpacking-checklist.html
TRIP STYLE: Backpacking to Nature
We backpack to nature. Our adventures are less about the destination and more about the journey itself. We immerse ourselves the splendor of nature. We spend our evenings by the fire, telling stories under the stars. Many trips challenge us but we are never in a hurry to get there.3 attendees
Past events
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