It's Colorado Beautiful!

Denver, CO, US

67 members · Public group

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

See all

Day Hike ~ Mount Galbraith (SUN 11 JAN)
Sun, Jan 11 · 1:30 PM MST
598 Canyon Point Circle, Golden, CO, US
Join 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
8 attendees
Day Hike ~ Bear Peak (SAT JAN 17)
Sat, Jan 17 · 10:00 AM MST
Location not specified yet
Join 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
6 seats left
Moonlight Snowshoeing ~ Lost Lake (SAT JAN 31)
Sat, Jan 31 · 6:00 PM MST
Location not specified yet
Join 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
6 seats left
Backpacking ~ Lost Creek Wilderness (SAT 23-25 MAY)
Sat, May 23 · 9:00 AM MDT
Location not specified yet
Join 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 am

FITNESS: 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/T04FP3T

CARPOOLING (strongly encouraged):
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC

Drive Time: 2 hours
Organize Cars: 6:15 am
Start Driving: 6.30 am (sharp)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD (Goose Creek Trailhead)

Google Map Link

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-trail

NOTEABLES:
- 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.
1 attendee