First-Timer’s Guide

First-Timer’s Guide: Fort Collins

Located just over an hour from Denver, this mid-size college town offers an ideal mix of outdoor recreation, casual dining and drinking, and activities for day and night.

First-Timer’s Guide: Carbondale

Sitting at the base of Mt. Sopris and at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers, this mountain town is made for enjoying every kind of high-country thrill.

First-Timer’s Guide: Moab, Utah

We unearth the small-town charms in this high-desert destination.

First-Timer’s Guide: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Just six hours from the Mile High City, this international art destination feels a world away. A few ideas to inspire your next three-day-weekend romantic getaway.

Los Secretos De Taos

This Northern New Mexico town and its surrounding area are packed full of clandestine delights—both old and new.

Get Outta Town: Off-Season Travel Deals to Snag Now

We’re in the shoulder season sweet spot, which means great discounts at some of your favorite Colorado retreats.

First-Timer’s Guide: Paonia

With the state’s largest concentration of organic and sustainable growers, petite Paonia is a hotbed of fresh farm-to-table food—and wine. Here, a few suggestions for making the most of your visit to this scenic and friendly Western Slope town.

Photos: Backpacking the Four Pass Loop

This 28-mile trek, tucked in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area, is one of the most challenging—and spectacular—adventures in all of Colorado. 

First-Timer’s Guide: Grand Lake

This idyllic mountain hamlet, with its come-as-you-are watering holes, wealth of recreational activities, and legendary hikes, provides the quintessential Colorado summer vacation.

A New, Relaxing Hot Springs Opens in Glenwood

Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate, relaxing experience than its crosstown rival. 

First-Timer’s Guide: Palisade

From July through September, Colorado’s Grand Valley—with the town of Palisade located at its heart—is full of roadside fruit stands as well as eager agri-tourists. Here, a few suggestions for where to go, what to see, and how to best enjoy a visit to this stunning part of Colorado.

First-Timer’s Guide: Laramie, Wyoming

We’re crossing the border to explore everything that the Gem City has to offer travel-obsessed Coloradans. 

Summertime Adventures: Salida Art Walk

Don’t miss this unique celebration of local art in picturesque Salida. 

Denver Dispensaries: A Beginner’s Guide

Shops to visit, whether you’re looking to experiment or just highly curious (pun intended).

First-Timer’s Guide: Aspen

This luxury mountain getaway is a must-see in every season. Here are suggestions on living it up on your next visit, no matter your budget.

First-Timer’s Guide: Idaho Springs

Next time you’re cruising west on I-70, make a pit stop in this historic mining town. 

First Run: Crested Butte

Colorado is chock-full of places to explore—and it’s our job to do just that. Take a look at one of our recent stops.

First-Timer’s Guide: Frisco

Crested Butte Film Festival Is A (Sort Of) Homecoming for Filmmaker Jesse Zwick

First-Timer’s Guide: Glenwood Springs