Our very own gem of a state, Colorado, is full of hidden treasures and unlikely hot spots.  With one of the most active and healthiest populations nationwide, Coloradans sure don’t waste a minute within the stuffy walls of our homes and schools when the great outdoors and blue skies are calling.  Spring is beckoning as we speak, and as we have all been cocooned inside from the wintery weather, all of Colorado’s outdoors-men are itching to get outside without going numb at the fingertips.

We have our fair share of hikers- our friends who know of every hidden side-trail leading to the best views.  Air Academy is lucky enough to be within a five minute drive to USAFA’s Stanley Canyon trail.  With a round trip of 4.4 miles, and slightly thrilling steep slopes, the trek is no walk in the park.  The trail, beginning on the Air Force Base, brings its hikers into the Pike National Forest, gaining elevation quickly as it snakes up through the canyon.  The incline is well worth the effort, showing off a creek and it’s waterfalls, as well as breathtaking views of the Academy and Colorado Springs on the hike up.  The end of the trail will bring you to the top of Rampart Range to Rampart (Stanley) Reservoir.  Hidden between the trees, the reservoir is also a great place to kayak and swim in the great summer weather!

In the folds of Cheyenne Canyon’s winding slopes and valleys, Seven Falls features a 181 foot, seven-tiered waterfall formed from Pikes Peak’s crystal clear runoff.  Deemed Colorado’s “Grandest Mile of Scenery,” the short, one-mile hike is easy and definitely not worth rushing past the flowered landscape and hidden hideouts.  Seven Falls will have its grand reopening this spring, 2015, after improvements to the 224 steps that take its curious customers to the falls’ splash-zone and then to two trails that take devout hikers farther up the canyon past the falls.

Colorado Springs is carved with beautiful hiking trails right at the foothills of the Rockies.  For more ‘Springs trail finding, visit http://cospringstrails.com/.

For our road-trippers: Have you ever wanted to take a day to get away from the city?  Located just 10 miles outside of Glenwood Springs, Hanging Lake offers its beautiful contribution to Colorado’s hidden collection of nature’s finest work.  A mile’s hike, filled with hideaways to either side of the trail and fantastic photo-taking views, brings its travelers to a breathtaking sight in the form of a lake formed from travertine deposits, better known as “limestone deposited by mineral springs.”  As soon as school’s out, hop in the car with a few friends and check it out!

While you’re at it, be sure to visit Guffey Gorge, more commonly known as Paradise Cove, “a hidden canyon and natural pool near Cripple Creek.”  A half-mile hike one way will take you to a perfect afternoon of cliff jumping into deep, cold water– a refreshing summer excursion, but probably not so much in the colder season.

Ever heard of Ouray? This small mining town in southern Colorado is the perfect all-season experience for a family three-day-weekend!  Hiking trails draw Coloradans in the summer, while hard-core ice-climbers and mountain snow-men dominate the scene in the winter season.  In the middle of town, Ouray’s hot springs pool is often the center of attention for families.  The window shopping opportunities are no less alluring, as a short walk up and down the main street will show you all of the retail and dining options!  For more information, visit http://www.ouraycolorado.com/.

A listing of other various hot spots in Colorado:

Glenwood Hot Springs

Salida– a great getaway for a weekend

Durango– A summer of white water rafting at its finest

Mesa Verde– a glimpse of the past: desert canyons or homes of natives?