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Sarah Banks

Deputy Photo Editor

Sarah Banks produces, photographs and researches the photography in the print edition of 5280. In addition, she photographs and writes for 5280.com. A Hoosier native, Sarah received degrees in journalism, political science, and fine art photography from Indiana University. She moved to Denver in the summer of 2014.

Articles By Sarah Banks

10 Great Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado

Hiking is more about the journey than the destination, but backcountry trekking is only made that much better when the trail leads to a picturesque lake.

Woman running on a trail

Run Infinite’s Virtual Reality Library Helps Viewers Hit the Trails

A local coaching company is creating the world’s first 360-degree VR trail library one trail run at a time.

The Beginner’s Guide to Climbing Colorado’s Thirteeners

Centennial State fourteeners get all the glory, but Colorado’s 13,000-foot mountains are just as beautiful—and far less crowded.

​​Comanche Peak (via the Venable-Comanche Loop)

This loop trail near Westcliffe has lots of vertical gain, 1,000-foot dropoffs, and, oh yeah, a thirteener begging to be bagged.

The Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running in Colorado

From training tips to must-have gear to the best routes near Denver, here’s everything you need to know to learn how to trail run in the Centennial State.

4 Expert-Level Colorado Trail Running Loops

With high-elevation, technical terrain, even the most veteran runners find these routes challenging. If you’re not ready for that, use the following breathtaking loops as motivation to train, and train some more, until you are.

The Colorado-Made Trail Running Gear You Need

If you want to set yourself up for success on the trail, don’t skimp on these essentials.

Finding Runner’s High, Facing Failure, and Other Trail Running Tips

We asked trail running experts and pros to divulge their secrets, so you can learn from their successes—and their failures.

Trail Running Etiquette 101

How to deal with mountain bikers, when you shouldn’t run, and where you can volunteer to maintain your favorite singletrack: Here are the unwritten rules of the trail you need to know.

How To Fend Off Wild Animals on Colorado Trails

Tips for avoiding conflict when you encounter potentially dangerous wildlife on the trails.

The Best Trail Running Routes in Boulder

Boulder is a trail runner’s paradise, with gorgeous terrain and well-maintained paths that range from a forested loop that gains just 429 feet to a 13.8-mile route that takes you all the way from Chautauqua Park to Eldorado Canyon.

The Best Trail Running Routes in Golden

Head over to Golden to cruise atop a mesa, dash through a forest of fairy-tale pines, or test your trail running skills on a route with rocky outcroppings.

A Guide to Front Range Trail Running Groups

Whether you’re looking to make friends, discover new routes, or meet training partners, there’s a trail running group in Colorado for you.

The Best Trail Running Routes in West Denver

From a gently sloping three-miler to a climb with almost 2,000 feet of vertical gain, these routes near the city are ideal for pre- or post-workday trail runs.

Reasons to Love Denver 2021: Streets for the People

Because Denver and surrounding areas closed their streets to keep businesses open.

Scenes from Inauguration Day: Hancock, City Council, and Clerk Are Sworn In

Denver officials were sworn into office on Monday, including Mayor Michael Hancock, who is beginning his third term, as well as five new City Councilmembers and a new clerk and recorder.

What it Takes to Save Conundrum Hot Springs

The National Forest Service and Boulder-based nonprofit Leave No Trace partnered for a comprehensive approach to save the visibly degraded Conundrum Hot Springs earlier this year. So far, their effort appears to be paying off.

5 New(ish) Local Breweries to Sip at This Summer

If the hot weather has you craving a craft brew, we’ve got you covered. Here are five spots to check out now (psst… they all have patios).

High-Country Hut Trips: Lost Wonder Hut

Works of Art, Hand-Crafted from Gingerbread

Johnson & Wales students create iconic Denver landmarks out of gingerbread in a friendly holiday competition. 

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