How to Identify Common Flora at Colorado National Monument
Get to know the hardy plants that manage to eke out an existence in CNM’s arid environment.
Latest Articles
3 Ways to Capture CNM’s Magnificent Displays
From easels to iPhones, here’s how you can capture the beauty of Colorado National Monument.
Quintessential Nearby Adventures
Trekking excursions for fossil-hunting families and hardcore hikers are just some of the accessible adventures from Colorado National Monument.
How It Got There: Independence Monument
The story behind Colorado National Monument’s largest monolith.
Stone Stories: Untangling CNM’s Geology
CNM’s rock layers present a pictorial history of our planet. Use this Bill Nye–style guide to discern the difference between Jurassic (old) and Triassic (really old) stone—and to learn where to see the ancient layers.
CNM’s Hiking Trail Trifecta
Colorado National Monument has more than 45 miles of trails—consider these three moderate treks its Triple Crown.
The Two-Hour Tour: Rim Rock Drive
If you can only do one thing, tour the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive by car or bike.
Meet the Man Who Made the Monument
How John Otto almost single-handedly ensured the landscape he loved became part of the National Park Service.
Put These 4 Books on Your Summer Reading List
New books from Colorado authors that will keep you flipping pages, whether you make it to a seaside perch or not.
Pack These 5 Colorado-Made Goodies for Your Next Picnic
Don’t forget a blanket, Bluetooth speaker, and these local goods for an ideal open-air dining experience.
5 Coronavirus-Friendly Dates
While you might not be able to go to a movie or sip beers at Coors Field, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season with your summer boo.
How to Undergo a Digital Detox This Summer
Tracy Markle of Boulder’s Digital Media Treatment and Education Center shares pointers on how to ditch your devices.
Mix Up 3 Tropical Cocktails From Local Pros
Your beach vacation may be on hold, but thanks to these Denver mixology masters, your Tiki drink is just a few ingredients away.
24 Ways to Finally (Finally!) Relax This Summer
Check off these indulgences as you unwind the Colorado way.
Pluck Your Summer Produce at a U-Pick Farm
Then use up your haul with a four-ingredient recipe for raspberry lemon verbena jam from Sabā Parsa of Boulder’s Sabā Jam.
Try Your Hand at Plein-Air Painting With These Tips From a Pro
Denver artist and teacher Andrea Slusarski shares her tips for how to capture outdoor scenes—no iPhone necessary.
Quick and Easy Updates to Transform Your Patio
KGA Studio Architects’ Paul Mahony has some strategies to turn your patio (or porch) into the hottest dining spot in town.
Summertime Blues
A letter from the editor of 5280‘s June 2020 issue.
The Evolution of Colorado’s Museums
We track key moments in the changing relationship between curators and Native American tribes.
Denver Prepares to Sign Scooter and E-Bike Companies to a Long-Term License
Will the city’s plan leave low-income riders behind?
