Travel and Outdoors in the December Issue

Unprotected | Fifty years after the Wilderness Act, many of our landscapes remain exposed. How much longer can our iconic environment last? We example seven stunning places that are currently unprotected.

The Slow Rebirth of South Platte River | After more than a generation of mistreatment, Metro Denver’s urban waterway begins to return to health.

40 Ways to Be Greener Every Day | We hate to break it to you, Colorado, but very few of us are as eco-friendly as we profess to be. Here are 40 ways to change that.

Can a Water Plan Actually Work? | James Eklund has one crucial, nearly impossible task: overseeing the state’s first comprehensive water plan.

Preserving Our Natural Heritage | Legendary writer and nature photographer John Fielder reflects on preserving the delicate balance between Colorado’s ecology and economy.

High + Dry | For decades, Crowley County’s farmers sold off their water, gallon by gallon. No one could have anticipated what would happen next.

Mapping Colorado’s Ever-Changing Landscape | A 30,000-foot view of the unremitting changes affecting our land.

The Ride of a Lifetime: Cat-Skiing Irwin | After years of being shuttered, one of Colorado’s best snowcat skiing operations is back on track.

The Forest Scoreboard | Aspen environmentalists give Colorado’s forests an annual checkup.

Office Space | A greener way to work.

Where to Take Your Kids This Ski Season | Four Colorado ski resorts beef up the on-mountain family experience.

U.S. Nordic Combined Team Fights for Funding | After the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association slashed the Nordic combined ski team’s budget, two Colorado brothers lead the hunt for survival.

Ride Along | ICEDot calls for help when you can’t.

Ride ’Em All | One season, 24 resorts: one dad’s quest to show his sons Colorado’s ski country.

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 | Outfit his, her, and their winter closets with these ribbon-ready gift ideas from Colorado companies.

Follow senior editor Kasey Cordell on Twitter @KaseyCordell.