Hitchhikers Guide Adventure Co

Hitchhikers Guide Adventure Co Certified Guide curating offbeat backpacking experiences in CO for group and private trips.
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Did you know that you can see buffalo (more accurately, American bison) in several locations in Colorado? 🦬 Here are a f...
07/12/2024

Did you know that you can see buffalo (more accurately, American bison) in several locations in Colorado? 🦬 Here are a few popular spots:

📍 Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Located near Denver, this refuge is home to a herd of bison that roam freely within the protected area.

📍 Genesee Park - Near Golden, this is one of the closest places to Denver where you can see bison. The park has a dedicated bison enclosure.

📍 Terry Bison Ranch - Just south of the Colorado-Wyoming border, this ranch offers tours and close-up views of bison.

📍 Daniel’s Gate Park - Located just south of Denver, this park has a bison herd that can often be seen grazing in the open fields.

Head to one of these locations to enjoy the scenery, a picnic, or a hike while observing these creatures in their natural surroundings.

Actually, this is my first rodeo. 🤠
07/04/2024

Actually, this is my first rodeo. 🤠

I don’t know about y’all, but taking in the sunrise in silence is a key part of my morning routine. 🌅 It starts my day w...
06/27/2024

I don’t know about y’all, but taking in the sunrise in silence is a key part of my morning routine. 🌅 It starts my day with a sense of gratitude for this little life of mine and allows me to clear my mind and set my intentions before taking on the day.

✨ How do you start your day? Do you have any routines that help you get in the right head space for the day? Share your favorites below!

You’re going through your packing list, preparing for your backpacking trip, when you get to your kitchen. You take a lo...
06/20/2024

You’re going through your packing list, preparing for your backpacking trip, when you get to your kitchen. You take a look at your food list and—let me guess—dehydrated food pouches and packs of ramen? 🍜

🍽️ Look, I get it. Ramen is the undisputed king of cheap and easy backpacking meals, but after your third or fourth bowl, even the most die-hard noodle enthusiasts are going to start dreaming of something different.

🍽️ Fear not, I’ve got you covered. My latest Field Note includes 5 trail-ready backpacking meals that will make you forget all about those wavy, sodium-packed noodles.

👉 Click link in bio or visit hgadventureco.com to dig in for more details! Have a favorite backpacking meals? Share your trail-tested recipes in the comments below!

06/14/2024

Flew my pigeon at yoga tonight, so that’s cool. 🕊️

It’s hotter than a moose’s coochie out there these days. 🥵 We’re at higher elevation out here, which means thinner air a...
06/07/2024

It’s hotter than a moose’s coochie out there these days. 🥵 We’re at higher elevation out here, which means thinner air and increased UV radiation, so plan accordingly:

🧊 Pick trails with plenty of shade. How? Colorado peeps, check out the COTREX app (free!) and select a trail you’re interested in. Use the measure tool to plot a route and select the elevation profile. The black line indicates the trail and its elevation, while the green line indicates tree cover. The more green, the more shade!

🧊 Make sure you’re fully hydrated BEFORE your hike, and pack more water than you think you’ll need. Be aware of any water sources you might find on the trail (also visible on COTREX!) and stock up as needed.

🧊 Pack a hat and neck gaiter, wetting them often with water. This will help cool your blood as it circulates.

🧊 Most importantly, listen to your body and rest/rehydrate in the shade as needed. If you start to feel the onset of heat exhaustion (lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous), turn back to the trailhead and DO NOT push yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out to SAR in case of emergency.

For more tips on how to stay hydrated on the trail, be sure to check out my Field Notes (link in bio). Happy trails, y’all! 🌞

A Front Range trail with significant elevation gain and killer views? 🙋‍♀️ Hello, I love you, won’t you tell me your nam...
06/03/2024

A Front Range trail with significant elevation gain and killer views? 🙋‍♀️ Hello, I love you, won’t you tell me your name!!

📍 Located near the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Mt. Morrison Trail will give you a rigorous workout with stunning scenery.

📈 You’ll gain roughly 2,000 feet over 3.5 miles out and back on rough terrain, culminating with a mini class 3 scramble to reach the summit.

‼️ With little to no shade, this trail is no joke! If you bring your furry friends, be sure to hit the trail early and pack extra water. Be sure your doggo can handle the scramble or do like Zero and enjoy the view from a number of shady lookouts along the ridgeline.

⛰️ Almost immediately from the trailhead, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with overlooks of Red Rocks amphitheater and the Front Range. From the ridgeline, you’ll see panoramic views of downtown Denver to the east and the Continental Divide to the west.

🍽️ This hike will work up a sweat, so be sure to head into town after for some sweet eating. I’m a sucker for and .

Mt. Morrison Trail is proof you don’t have to head far into the Rockies to find big terrain with big views. 🙌

Spending   on my favorite local trail. I’m so grateful to call this state home. 💙🤍❤️💛                                   ...
06/01/2024

Spending on my favorite local trail. I’m so grateful to call this state home. 💙🤍❤️💛

Brought in my birthday the best way I know how: I went into the forest to lose myself and find my soul. Here’s to 40! 🍻 ...
05/24/2024

Brought in my birthday the best way I know how: I went into the forest to lose myself and find my soul. Here’s to 40! 🍻

Don Carjote has officially earned his rock crawling stripes!! 🙌 Took him out to the Moab Desert to get him properly dirt...
05/22/2024

Don Carjote has officially earned his rock crawling stripes!! 🙌 Took him out to the Moab Desert to get him properly dirty, and dirty he got. 🛻💨

THIS. TRAIL. HAD. EVERYTHING!!
🏜️ Steep grades reaching 30%
🏜️ Large boulders and step-ups
🏜️ Narrow and off-camber sections
🏜️ Exposed 3,000’ ledge drops

Thankfully, we had in the lead. With Monica’s insights and advice, we were able to pick up a few tips and tricks along the way:

🛞 Tire Pressure - Lower pressure increases traction and improves grip on rocky terrain. We deflated our tires to a 18 psi at the trailhead.

🛞 4WD Low Range - For more torque and control, opt for 4WD low. We found it much smoother navigating steep inclines and uneven terrain when we remained in low rather than up and downshifting repeatedly.

🛞 Choosing Lines - When approaching obstacles, assess the terrain and choose the optimal line of travel. If you can’t find one that fits, you’ll likely see rock stacks you can adjust and use to your advantage.

🛞 Momentum - Maintaining a steady pace is crucial. Go slow and steady, but once you commit to a line… commit!!

🛞 Spotting - Always use a spotter to navigate tricky sections and avoid potential obstacles. We discovered that communication is key, but so is trust.

Needless to say, this day was a win all around. 🏆 We took on some gnarly terrain, caught some breathtaking views, made memories with good company, and even got treated to a rainbow back at the trailhead. I’ll take it! 🤎

Experience an unforgettable journey through time on this 2-night guided adventure in Buena Vista, CO: ⛺️ Day 1 - Arrive ...
05/21/2024

Experience an unforgettable journey through time on this 2-night guided adventure in Buena Vista, CO:

⛺️ Day 1 - Arrive at camp and welcome the weekend with a bonfire happy hour. Enjoy storytelling and learning about the history, ecology, and geology of the river, ridges, and ruins nearby.

⛺️ Day 2 - Enjoy a riverside breakfast. Explore the ghost town of St. Elmo, once-thriving in silver mining. Embark on a moderate 7-mile out and back hike. Enjoy a picnic lunch with a unique view of the Collegiate Peaks. Take a load off soaking in a private natural hot spring and enjoying catered snack and drinks. End the day with dinner and stargazing back at camp.

⛺️ Day 3 - Greet the day with a gentle yoga flow and breakfast by the water’s edge. Break camp, but… just because you have to leave doesn’t mean you have to go home! Check out local points of interest with a self-guided itinerary provided by your guide upon departure.

Book now to join like-minded adventurous souls and catch a new perspective of life in Colorado or message for more info. Use code EARLYBIRD to save $75! Link in bio.

Day hikes may be brief, but to ensure a safe and successful journey, proper preparation is key. 💫 ☑️ Sometimes we overlo...
05/16/2024

Day hikes may be brief, but to ensure a safe and successful journey, proper preparation is key. 💫

☑️ Sometimes we overlook or feel the urge to skimp on packing certain essential items, which could end up making or breaking your journey.

☑️ An easy solution is to have a thorough checklist to run through before heading out to ensure you always have what you need.

☑️ Which type of hiker are you: Do you have a checklist for day hikes, or do you typically just wing it and grab whatever on your way out the door? If you do use a checklist, what’s one often overlooked or neglected item you recommend everyone add to their own? Mine is in the comments!

👉 Need a checklist? Check out my Field Notes (link in bio) for more info about what to pack for a day hike and why, and send me a message for a free copy of my Day Hike Essentials Checklist I send all clients before embarking on a journey. 📋

The best things in life always seem to be when the unexpected happens at just the right time. ✨I’m so grateful for tonig...
05/10/2024

The best things in life always seem to be when the unexpected happens at just the right time. ✨

I’m so grateful for tonight’s sunset!

Can you name these Colorado native wildflowers?💐🌺🌻🌼🪻🌸💐As an outdoor educator, I’ve found that in order to fully apprecia...
05/08/2024

Can you name these Colorado native wildflowers?

💐🌺🌻🌼🪻🌸💐

As an outdoor educator, I’ve found that in order to fully appreciate what you’re seeing, you’re going to want to know what you’re looking at. 🧐

☝️How many of these common wildflowers can you identify? Share your guesses below, and I’ll update with the correct answers in the comments tomorrow.

The pasques are starting to bloom in the mountains, so you know what that means… Spring has finally arrived to the Rocki...
05/07/2024

The pasques are starting to bloom in the mountains, so you know what that means… Spring has finally arrived to the Rockies! 🙌

🌸 The name pasque comes from French word for Passover since the flower typically blooms in early spring. Often the first wildflower to arrive, they signal the end of winter.

🌸 These flowers have distinctive purple petals and a bright yellow center, making them a striking sight against the sometimes still snowy landscape of the Colorado mountains.

🌸 Pasque wildflowers are native to the Rocky Mountains and are often found in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands.

Keep your eyes peeled as you head into higher elevation for more seedlings starting to sprout. You’ll likely find early flowers in areas with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight this time of year. 🌱

Looks like we had company on the trail today! With temps warming up, the animals are out and about and looking for food,...
05/06/2024

Looks like we had company on the trail today! With temps warming up, the animals are out and about and looking for food, increasing your chances of wildlife encounters. But what do you do if you come across a mountain lion on the trail??👇

🐾 Stay Calm - Avoid sudden movements. Panicking or running may trigger the mountain lion’s predatory instincts. Instead, stand your ground or slowly back away.

🐾 Make Yourself Big - Open your jacket, raise your arms and/or trekking poles, and wave them deliberately to make yourself appear larger. This can intimidate the mountain lion and discourage an attack.

🐾 Maintain Line of Sight - Keep your eyes on the mountain lion as you slowly back away, but avoid direct eye contact as it may be perceived as a threat.

🐾 Speak Loudly - Speak firmly and confidently to assert your presence, showing the lion that you are not prey.

🐾 Throw Objects - If the lion approaches aggressively, throw stones, branches, or any available objects at it to deter it from advancing further.

🐾 Protect Yourself - If the mountain lion attacks, use whatever you have at hand to defend yourself. Focus your blows on the lion’s face and eyes, as these are its most vulnerable areas.

🐾 Report the Encounter - Always report encounters to local land management authorities or rangers. This will help them monitor their activity and take appropriate measures to ensure public safety.

It’s important to note that mountain lion encounters are rare and typically end without incident. But familiarizing yourself with these tips will help ensure that if you do, you’ll be well-prepared. 💫

📍Located near Idaho Springs, Colorado, Chief Mountain Trail is an excellent option for a quick but challenging day hike ...
05/05/2024

📍Located near Idaho Springs, Colorado, Chief Mountain Trail is an excellent option for a quick but challenging day hike this spring:

🔹 The trail is about 3 miles out and back and is considered moderately difficult. Expect some steep sections and rocky terrain.

🔹 You’ll gain nearly 1,000 feet in elevation during the hike, promising a good workout. It’s worth the effort with a big payout at the summit. At 11,709 feet in elevation, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Front Range and beyond.

🔹 Expect the hike to take about 1.5-2 hours to complete, depending on trail and weather conditions, pace, and breaks.

Did you know? 👀 Chief Mountain primarily consists of Proterozoic basement rocks, which are the oldest rock layers in the Rocky Mountains. 🤯

Are y’all seeing what I’m seeing? 🗿 I didn’t even realize til I went to edit, and I’m kinda obsessed with this shot now....
05/05/2024

Are y’all seeing what I’m seeing? 🗿 I didn’t even realize til I went to edit, and I’m kinda obsessed with this shot now.

The Ten Mile Range is situated along the Continental Divide. Its name originates from the collective length of the peaks...
04/30/2024

The Ten Mile Range is situated along the Continental Divide. Its name originates from the collective length of the peaks within the range, which extends approximately 10 miles. Check out trails on these key peaks:

🏔️ Peak 1 - Close to the town of Frisco, Peak 1 offers various trails and climbing routes with views overlooking the town and Dillon Lake.

🏔️Crystal Peak - Sitting just below 14,000’, Crystal Peak offers panoramic views and mountain goat sitings.

🏔️ Quandary Peak - It’s not only the highest peak in the range but also one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado.

Spring is in full swing, which means warmer temperatures, longer days, and melting snow/ice. Before venturing out on any...
04/30/2024

Spring is in full swing, which means warmer temperatures, longer days, and melting snow/ice. Before venturing out on any frozen lakes, be sure to look out for:

🧊 Ice Thickness - At least 4” of clear, solid ice is usually considered safe for walking or ice fishing solo. For group activities, aim for a minimum of 5-6”. Snowmobiling typically requires at least 5-7”.

🧊 Cracks / Fissures - Indicate areas of potential weakness or danger. Avoid areas with extensive cracking, as there may be thinner ice or recent movement.

🧊 Wind Patterns - Wind can affect the formation and distribution of ice on a frozen lake. Pay attention to wind patterns and their impact on the ice, as areas with less wind exposure may have thicker and more stable ice.

🧊 Snow Cover - The depth and distribution of snow on the ice can affect its stability and safety. Fresh snow can insulate the ice and slow its freezing process, while heavy snowfall can create drifts and uneven surfaces.

🧊 Color / Texture - Indicate variations in thickness, density, and stability. Clear blue ice is generally stronger and denser than white or cloudy ice, which may contain air pockets and be more prone to cracking.

Always use caution and good judgment when going onto frozen bodies of water and inspect the ice in any recreational activities. It’s amazing what we can learn if only we know where to look!

TFW you’ve got a camping trip on the books, but the weather’s got other plans. Oops! I went skiing again. 😂🤷‍♀️         ...
04/29/2024

TFW you’ve got a camping trip on the books, but the weather’s got other plans. Oops! I went skiing again. 😂🤷‍♀️

Prepared for a “slight breeze” on our hike, but Sniktau was feeling sassy and decided to give us the full Continental Di...
04/22/2024

Prepared for a “slight breeze” on our hike, but Sniktau was feeling sassy and decided to give us the full Continental Divide experience yesterday. Windy, but worth it! At 13,234 feet, Mount Sniktau serves up some of the best views of the Continental Divide. 🌬️

🗻 The name “Sniktau” is derived from the Ute language, meaning “sunset” or “red paint,” which is appropriate given its first row seat to the sunrise and sunset.

🗻 The trail is known for its challenging yet rewarding terrain with steep inclines, rocky paths, and snowfields. With 1,555’ elevation gain over 1.8 miles to the summit, it’s a rewarding hike for varying skill levels. Short, steep, and sweet, Sniktau checks all the boxes for an accessible day hike from Denver that won’t disappoint!

Get in losers, we’re going off-roading! 🛻💨In my next Field Note, I’m taking you on a ride through the heart-pounding tur...
04/21/2024

Get in losers, we’re going off-roading! 🛻💨

In my next Field Note, I’m taking you on a ride through the heart-pounding turns, jaw-dropping cliffs, and breath-taking vistas of Kane Creek, Hurrah Pass, Catacomb Rock, and Chicken Corners OHV trails in Moab, UT.

👉 Stay tuned for more details on these routes, or get the inside scoop by visiting hgadventureco.com/fieldnotes or clicking link in bio.

Last but not least: Dancer’s Pose. You can build strength and stamina in *ALL* muscles utilized hiking and backpacking i...
04/19/2024

Last but not least: Dancer’s Pose. You can build strength and stamina in *ALL* muscles utilized hiking and backpacking in this one power-packed pose:

🦵 Legs - Your standing leg bears much of your body’s weight, which will engage your quads to maintain stability and support. At the same time, your standing foot actively grips the ground, engaging muscles in your foot/ankle for balance and stability. You’ll also be engaging both hamstrings simultaneously to maintain an extended position.

🍑 Glutes - Holding Dancer will engage both your gluteus maximus and medius to stabilize your pelvis and maintain balance.

🏋️ Core - As you hold this position, you’ll activate your abs and obliques to support your spine and pelvis in an upright position.

Dancer’s Pose helps hikers and backpackers:

🏃 Increase Endurance - Stronger quads, hamstrings, and glutes, mean hikers can tackle inclines and uneven terrain with greater ease and efficiency.

⚖️ Enhance Stability - The activation of core muscles and the engagement of ankle and foot muscles contribute to better balance and stability, crucial for navigating rocky trails and uneven surfaces with a backpack.

⛑️ Prevent Injuries - Strengthening muscles around your knees, hips, and ankles can help reduce the risk of common hiking-related injuries like sprains and strains by providing greater support to the joints.

🙆 Improve Flexibility - Dancer’s Pose also stretches your shoulders, chest, thighs, and hip flexors, promoting greater flexibility, which can help prevent muscle imbalances and reduce the risk of strain from hiking long distances with a heavy pack.

Because Dancer engages the same muscles I use on the trail, this pose is a no-brainer to incorporate into my regular fitness routine. 👉 For more details about this pose and other asanas you can use to build strength and stamina on the trail, visit hgadventureco.com/fieldnotes or message. Happy training!

Zero’s out here crushing trails and bulldogging myths about who’s able to hike what, so what’s holding you back from doi...
04/18/2024

Zero’s out here crushing trails and bulldogging myths about who’s able to hike what, so what’s holding you back from doing the same??

Hiking and backpacking killer trails may seem out of reach, but they can actually be very accessible and inclusive activities for any body type. Why? Because they can be tailored to fit individual preferences, fitness levels, and abilities to ensure your trip is safe, successful, and satisfying.

👉 Regardless of your goals, Hitchhikers Guide Adventure Company can help you achieve them. Visit hgadventureco.com or message for upcoming group/private trips and tips, reviews, and other articles to help you plan your next big adventure.

Whole body strengthening in one yoga pose? I’m down, dog! 🐶 Incorporate these powerhouse poses into your training routin...
04/17/2024

Whole body strengthening in one yoga pose? I’m down, dog! 🐶 Incorporate these powerhouse poses into your training routine, and you’ll be tackling terrain with more energy and confidence this summer:

🏋️ Downward Dog and Three-Legged Dog poses are excellent for hikers and backpackers because they strengthen key muscles in your arms, shoulders, core, and legs.

🦵 These poses also improve flexibility in the hamstrings and calves, which can help prevent injuries and increase endurance on the trail.

🎒 Additionally, they encourage proper alignment and posture, which you’ll want to maintain energy and avoid strain on long hikes with a heavy pack.

👉 Visit hgadventureco.com/fieldnotes or click link in bio for more details, tips on getting into and holding the poses, variations, and additional asanas for hikers and backpackers to boost strength and stamina this shoulder season!

What’s the best way to keep cool hiking in the desert? 🤔 💧 Estimate your fluid loss based on the trail, the weather, and...
04/16/2024

What’s the best way to keep cool hiking in the desert? 🤔

💧 Estimate your fluid loss based on the trail, the weather, and other impacting factors.

💧 Listen to your body. There’s no loss of pride for turning around. These rocks have been here for millennia, they’ll be there next week!

💧 Know where your water sources are! Be sure to do your diligent research prior to your trip: study maps, research reviews, read trail reports, and speak with a ranger. This will help guide you in how much water to pack.

💧 Just in case, it’s always a good idea to pack extra water and a hydration system if you’ve got it so you can keep your focus on adventure.

Visit hgadventureco.com/fieldnotes or click link in bio for more tips on packing water for your hike and staying hydrated on the trail.

While arches may be the big draw for many hikers in the Moab Desert, it’s the mesas that unveil an unexpected tale of th...
04/15/2024

While arches may be the big draw for many hikers in the Moab Desert, it’s the mesas that unveil an unexpected tale of the region’s history. From top to bottom, each layer sheds light on tens of millions of years of life on the Colorado Plateau:

🔸 Mancos Shale - This formation dates back to the Cretaceous Period around 90 million years ago and consists of shale and mudstone. Fossils found in the Mancos Shale provide insights into the marine life that inhabited an ancient inland sea.

🔸 Entrada Sandstone - Dating back to the Jurassic period roughly 150 million years ago, this formation features distinctive red and white layers that witnessed ancient ecosystems through trace fossils and dinosaur tracks.

🔸 Navajo Sandstone - These ancient sand dunes are frozen in time, whispering secrets of Jurassic winds and landscapes from 180 million years ago. Look for cross-bedding patterns for clues about past wind directions.

🔸 Wingate Sandstone - Formed during the Early Jurassic Period, around 200 million years ago, this layer showcases massive cliffs and canyons. Its cross-bedded sandstone suggests a vast desert of continually shifting sand dunes.

🔸 Chinle Formation - Deposits in this layer built up during the late Triassic Period, about 225 million years ago. It contains a mix of sediments, including sandstone, shale, and mudstone, shedding light on ancient river systems.

🔸 Moenkopi Formation - Dating back to the Triassic Period about 245 million years ago, this section is canvassed with colorful layers of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone, painting a picture of alternating wet and dry climates with rivers depositing sediments in an arid environment.

The next time you find yourself in Moab, be sure to take a journey through time on a canyon hike, and see if you can spot these mesa tells along the trail.

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