HOT SPRINGS ARE IN SEASON

WESTERN COLORADO IS HOT SPRINGS COUNTRY

TAKE A SOAK

Words by Lexi Reich | Photo courtesy of The Springs Resort

If you’ve ever dipped your toes in a natural hot spring, you know how deeply soothing and healing the water is. It’s no wonder why Native Americans have considered hot springs to be a sacred entity for thousands of years. Thankfully, the West Slope has an impressive amount of these mineral-filled pools — and they’re open to visitors year-round.

Simply put, a hot spring is produced by the emergence of geothermal heated groundwater onto the earth’s surface. As Glenwood Hot Springs Resort explains:

“When rain falls on mountain peaks near the state’s geothermal regions, it seeps beneath the surface through porous rock, enabling it to percolate deep underground. On its downward journey through the rock, it picks up a variety of materials — everything from calcium to sulfur. As it moves deeper and is increasingly under pressure, the water becomes hotter as it travels ever closer to the earth’s mantle. Eventually, it encounters a large crack or thrust fault. The heated water travels along the fault line, eventually reaching the surface.”

Hot springs range from hot to scalding and have a distinctive “egg-like” odor.

According to SCL Health, a nonprofit healthcare organization in Colorado and Montana, the steamy and sulfur-smelling water is a staple in spas, resorts and campgrounds around the world for good reason. The high amount of silica in the water naturally moisturizes and detoxes the skin, while sulfur helps persisting skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema. Soaking also boosts hydrostatic pressure around the body, resulting in healthy circulation that keeps hearts ticking and vital organs working well. Ailments such as joint pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia can be mitigated in the water, as well.

Medical professionals have even coined the term “balneotherapy” as the treatment of disease by bathing in thermal mineral waters. A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that hot-water bathers have good subjective health and happiness in general.

The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop lists Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs and Chaffee County as the best spots to embark on a geothermal pilgrimage.

The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, which Ute Indians named as “healing waters,” is home to the Guinness Book of World Records deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer. In 2011, it measured a depth of 1,002 feet, but locals say it could run much deeper (the plumb line ran out before it hit the bottom).

“We feel so fortunate to have this extraordinary natural resource, the Mother Spring, that feeds all of our 25 geothermal soaking pools,” says Sharon Holtz, director of resort wellness operations at The Springs Resort. “Our guests receive the benefits of the water helping to reduce muscle tension and pain, reduce inflammation in the body, boost blood circulation and promote a balanced immune response. It also eases anxiety and helps boosts a more positive outlook.”

The Springs Resort has won numerous awards for its over two dozen soaking tubs kissing the San Juan River and boasting superior mineral benefits. But, Holtz believes it’s not just the water that makes guests feel so good; it’s the surrounding community.

“After this time of so much isolation during the pandemic, it’s important to note that hot spring pools also have a way of fostering profound connections not just with the nature that surrounds them, but with the other people who are also enjoying the benefits of water,” she adds.

If you’re looking to get in a soak of your own this spring, check out this list of Colorado hot springs to visit. :

COLORADO HOT SPRINGS

Dunton Hot Springs

Dolores duntondestinations.com

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Springs hotspringspool.com

Hot Sulphur Springs

Hot Sulphur Springs hotsulphursprings.com

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Glenwood Springs ironmountainhotsprings.com

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa

Moffat joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Nathrop mtprinceton.com

Orvis Hot Springs

Ridgway orvishotsprings.com

Ouray Hot Springs

Ouray ourayhotsprings.com

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs strawberryhotsprings.com

The Springs Resort

Pagosa Springs pagosahotsprings.com

ABOVE IT ALL BALLOON CO. INC.

HOT AIR BALLOONING IN WESTERN COLORADO SOAR ABOVE YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Words by Lauren Farrauto

Waking up at five in the morning to venture out into chilly high altitudes doesn’t always sound like the most appealing adventure, but trust me, it’s worth it this time. Getting to travel through the air in a hot air balloon was one of the most astonishing experiences of my young life. My best friend invited me to the Napa Valley — near where we grew up — to celebrate her 16th birthday.

We woke before the sun had peaked above the hills that surround the vineyard-filled valley and drove out to our destination, still wiping the sleep from our eyes. After sitting through a brief safety lecture, we stepped out into a wide-open field where multiple hot air balloons lay dormant on the grass. While they certainly look impressive from the sky, hot air balloons are massive upclose; some have the capability to carry 12 people. I stood in awe of the foreign contraptions as they came to life, their colorful canvases billowing as they filled with hot air from what looked like flamethrowers attached to each basket.

Once all the balloons had floated idly for a bit while attached to the ground — testing crucial functions before flight — we were loaded into the basket with a small group of adventurers. Standing in the basket, a bit anxious and a lot excited, we were suddenly floating. In shock and awe, I watched the crew on the ground slowly get smaller. The rising sun blazed across the valley in glorious, golden rays as we drifted above the world below. Nestled underneath the warmth of the fire that kept the balloon afloat and accompanied by my best friend, I never wanted to come down.

While each experience in the air is different (different crew, different amenities, different location), I can guarantee that any hot air balloon adventure is well worth it for the one-of-a-kind views. If you’re interested in experiencing the thrills and wonder for yourself, check out these two amazing options in Western Colorado.

ABOVE IT ALL BALLOON CO. INC.

In 1996, Bruce and Pam Wood moved back to the Roaring Fork Valley to start both a family and their business, Above It All Balloon Co. Inc. Bruce Wood, who learned how to fly in the Snowmass

WILD WEST BALLOON ADVENTURES

Valley in the early 90s, is the main pilot. The couple enjoyed traveling around to different balloon festivals and flying as a hobby prior to starting their now-booming business.

“We offer hot air balloon flights year-round out of Snowmass Village, but we are busiest in the summer. We began with one main pilot, and then two, and eventually we needed three pilots each summer,” reveals Pam Wood.

The team flies at sunrise, carrying passengers up to the Elk Mountain Range and providing spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies. Each flight lasts about an hour and concludes with a champagne toast and some snacks. “We often say it is the flight of a lifetime, but like many of our guests, once you have experienced it, you will want to do it again!” she says.

Before booking, be sure to have the following information at the ready: how many passengers are in your group, how much each person weighs, a contact number while in town and credit card information to guarantee the flight. Above It All Balloon Co. Inc. offers both shared and private flights and do not allow children under the age of six.

To book, visit the website aboveitallballoon. com, email aboveitallballoon@gmail.com or call 970.963.6148.

WILD WEST BALLOON ADVENTURES

This Steamboat company was started in 1998 by local Ian Cox. By the mid-2000s, Cox was teaching current co-owner Bud Whitehead how to fly the balloons, which led to Whitehead and his wife taking over in 2018. “Our goal with Wild West Balloon Adventures is to ensure that every guest has the experience of a lifetime with us,” shares Stacia Whitehead, co-owner and marketing director.

Wild West launches next to the Yampa River, providing guests a special view of the surrounding mountains and valley below once in the air. You may even see some elk, deer, moose or even a bear on your journey. They also offer complimentary photos, so you can focus on the sights while the team capture your jaw dropping on camera.

“One of our main goals is to offer quality over quantity,” Stacia Whitehead emphasizes. “We limit our flights to two flights a day in the summer and one in the winter to enable us to spend more time getting to know our guests. We take pride in personally meeting and genuinely caring about all our passengers and have made many great friends through our balloon flights.”

As their sole pilot, Bud has flown well over 1,000 hours, so customers can be sure they’re getting the best experience in terms of quality and safety.

To book with Wild West Balloon Adventures, visit their website at wildwestballooning.com or call them directly at 970.879.9191. :

ABOVE IT ALL BALLOON CO. INC.

GEAR PROFILE PULL UP A CHAIR WITH STEAMBOAT’S TOWN HALL

Words by Jordan Martindell | Photo courtesy of Town Hall

When VF Corp acquired Smartwool and relocated its headquarters from Steamboat Springs to Denver, it lost some serious talent. But, what remained in Steamboat were two passionate, communitydriven, incredibly competent outdoor professionals ready to do something different.

Robin Hall and Jay Lambert (Town Hall’s current CEO and COO) partnered with industry expert Joe Solomon (current VP) and started canoodling on what they could do with their diverse pool of talents, while also creating jobs in Steamboat. After months of dreaming big, challenging current processes and asking big questions, they landed on intimately supporting their local community, giving the planet a more hopeful future and serving an often-overlooked demographic: kids. And, with all of that, Town Hall Outdoor Co. was born.

The name “Town Hall” is not a happy accident. A town hall is the heartbeat of a community — where people gather to enjoy each other’s company, ask hard questions and demand change for their immediate experience. This vision seeps into every aspect of this new company’s vision, and the founders want the brand to be known as the jolly, inclusive, approachable neighbor, not the elite, inaccessible, “cool” guy in the room.

The pillars of Town Hall are environmental stewardship, community, quality and trust. Every step of creating the business has been intentional: from research and development, identifying respectful partnerships for manufacturing and creating a sense of community.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Each of the founders intimately understand the urgent need to do things differently to help secure a healthy planet for their children’s future. For example, their current ski jacket is made of 95% recycled materials. Their biggest hurdle is sourcing sustainable and good quality Velcro and zippers, but their ambitious goal is to be 100% recycled by 2023. Not only is sustainability important in their product process, but the factories they work with are WRAP certified, and developing respectful relationships with their manufacturing partners is paramount. They also embrace sustainability in other ways, like offering local bike delivery in Steamboat (when possible), eliminating poly-bag packaging and using dead-stock materials off their cutting room floors.

COMMUNITY

Because one of Town Hall’s missions is to keep jobs in the founder’s treasured small mountain town, Steamboat has become part of the brand’s identity. The company is committed to hiring locals for all contract positions and intends to add five full-time employees in the next three years. Slow, sustainable growth is important to ensure the integrity of the brand is protected. Ultimately, Town Hall wants the brand to give back to the community — the community that inspired the brand. While there aren’t any plans for a brick and mortar store yet, a kid’s coffee shop/retail

shop/community gathering place is possible in the future.

QUALITY

Town Hall is serving a fast-growing customer (children), so heirloom pieces are at the heart of their lines. “Vetting the product is number one,” says Hall. “We are wholly focused on kids, researching with kids and working with kids.”

And, with a combined six kids under the age of 13, the founders use this resource in every aspect of the business. From color, fit and features, kids are at the heart of the company’s decision making. Their big dream is to bring manufacturing to Northwestern Colorado.

TRUST

To earn trust in the community, Town Hall is committed to making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Town Hall wants to get all kids outside. Whether they’re simply playing in their backyard, biking around the neighborhood or going hiking in the surrounding areas, the owners are committed to taking elitism out of the outdoors. To help with this initiative, 3% of the company’s profits are donated to various organizations each year. This year, their philanthropic efforts are focused on supporting immigrants’ navigation, integration and education through Integrated Community and helping children in Steamboat’s local Boys and Girls Club.

FOUNDER’S SUPER POWERS

When Hall isn’t whipping up a batch of gingerbread cookies, she is busy keeping others motivated through enthusiastic positivity and epic fun. She is also exceptionally skilled at juggling a million things at once (what mom isn’t?!)

Lambert is about as even-keeled as they come. With a steady (and inventive) mind, he is the ultimate connector who ensures Town Hall’s relationships are respectful, honest, transparent and rewarding. And, according to Hall, he is the most amazing dad.

Solomon is a kid in the candy store of life. His epic vision, business acumen and ability to challenge the way people typically do things is admirable. And, while he might be in charge of “the boring stuff,” he also makes it incredibly fun — a feat in and of itself! :

Ready to SPRING into a new home?

Call your team of trusted real estate advisors at 970.260.8362 Experience. Service. Commitment.

GET OUTSIDE! GEAR FOR THE SEASON

Compiled by S+B Staff

Outdoor Vitals NovaPro Jacket Weighing in at only 14.5 ounces, this lightweight down jacket uses insulation that combines 850 Fill Power HyperDry down with a small percentage of synthetic LoftTek. Known as DownLT insulation, it’s much more stable than typical down, and will stay lofted even when soaked. The fabric is neither bonded nor stitched, but woven into place, increasing warmth, water resistance and durability. $249.95 outdoorvitals.com ORCA Walker Tote As the weather heats up, you’ll need an easy-to-carry cooler for outdoor gatherings, road trip adventures and more. This insulated tote can be a river companion too, featuring a waterproof zipper and water-resistant front pocket for your phone, keys and other essentials. $199.99 orcacoolers.com

Ibex Travel Henley Long Sleeve Available for men and women, this 100% merino wool shirt will be a must-wear in every season. The natural fabric is super soft to the touch while boasting the moisturewicking, odor-resistant and thermoregulating properties of wool. It’s also wrinkle resistant and lightweight, so you can pack it down during travel and wear it for days without washing. $135 ibex.com

Giro Helios Spherical Helmet Road cyclists, gravel enthusiasts and adventure riders will all appreciate the design and performance of this helmet. The ventilation and antimicrobial padding stand up to sweaty sessions, while spherical technology allows the helmet’s outer liner to rotate around the inner liner during a crash for ultimate head protection. $250 giro.com Camelbak Podium Flow 4 Belt Waist Pack For quick minimalist rides, this waist pack is comfortable on the low back while still offering a cargo capacity of four liters and holds a 21-ounce water bottle. Zippered pockets keep essentials secure, and an integrated tool pouch keeps everything organized and within easy reach. $55 camelbak.com

Outdoor Research Moab Sun Hat Spring is desert time, and sun protection is a top priority. You can snap the brim up when you’re on the go or keep the brim down to fend off the day’s harshest rays. $45 outdoorresearch.com

EREM Xerocole Desert Hiking Boot The Xerocole (Zee-RaKohl) is ideal for hiking in destinations like Moab, Utah and Sedona, Arizona. The boot is comfortable and breathable while providing proper protection on the trail. The footwear company is committed to leaving a positive impact on the earth with its sustainability practices, as well as giving back to the land the product is created to explore. $169.99 eremlife.com Arcteryx AR-395A Harness Designed for climbers in the realms of sport, alpine, ice and granite, this harness is versatile enough for any type of ascent. The design disperses pressure, and adjustable leg loops create comfort and freedom of movement when you need it most. $159 arcteryx.com

Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash Keep your pup close even when you’re both on the move. This stretch-webbing running dog leash can be hand-held or worn around the waist for a dynamic hands-free leash experience. $39.95 ruffwear.com

ATHLETE PROFILE KAREN HOSKIN: RUNNING + RUM

Words by Micah Ling | Photos courtesy of Mantanya Distillers

It started on a beach. When Montanya Rum founder Karen Hoskin was 21, she had her first taste of rum, and that started a 30-year obsession. She had just finished living with a Hindu family in Goa, India, where she had been following strict guidelines with no alcohol. But, a bartender on a beach in Goa introduced her to Old Monk, an aged Indian dark rum. From there, she set out to learn everything there was to know about rum and its history as a highelevation spirit.

Today, Montanya Distillers ships rum to 44 states and seven countries. But, it wasn’t a straightforward climb to the top. In an industry that’s dominated by men, Hoskin was questioned and not taken seriously many times. For that reason, it’s important for Hoskin to employ women. In 2019, Montanya became the first distillery to receive investment from the Focus on Female Founders Venture Fund at Constellation Brands. “We’ve got women doing everything from driving the forklift to bottling and serving,” Hoskin shares.

LIFE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Keeping with the history of the high-elevation spirit, Crested Butte sits at nearly 9,000 feet. To most, it’s an outdoor playground, and that’s true for Hoskin, too. When she’s not making rum or running the business, she’s playing in the mountains.

“In the summer and fall, I mainly hike and trail run, and I love to camp in my tiny teardrop camper even just a few miles from the house if work is busy,” Hoskin says.

In the winter, it’s all about backcountry and skate skiing. “One of my favorite backcountry tours is an early skin up the flank of Red Lady

Peak (also called Mt. Emmons) and a descent through the trees along Red Coon Glades or Red Lady Glades in some new powder. Not so much at dawn, more like a reasonable 10 a.m.”

For someone who works and plays so hard, Hoskin isn’t afraid to relax. She’s an avid reader and loves to hang out with her two sons, who are 21 and 23.

ALWAYS RUM SEASON

All of Montanya Rum is certified gluten-free, using water from a snowmelt-fed aquifer that runs below the bottling facility. They use sugarcane grown in Louisiana “by families we know personally and love greatly,” Hoskin adds. And, who are paid fairly.

By far the cocktail Montanya sells the most is the Maharaja, made with their Oro rum, housemade chai spice, simple syrup, lime, fresh ginger and cardamom — just the right amount of heat and sweet.

While rum sometimes has a reputation as a tropical spirit, Hoskin assures visitors that it very much belongs in the mountains. And, whether it’s trail running, mountain biking or ski season, Montanya pairs well with any postmountain adventure. :

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UNDER A PRISTINE, STAR-FILLED SKY

Words by Kimberly Nicoletti | Photo courtesy of Top of the Pines

VALENTINE SZWARC

An astrophoto taken June 22, 2020 shows Jupiter and Saturn touching the pine trees at Top of the Pines.

Sitting under a clear night sky instills a deep, mystical sense of wonder; it engages the imagination like no other natural phenomenon. For eons, humans have been humbled by the vast stretches of the universe, forging a personal connection with its larger dimension through stories and myths. But, modern nightlife and distractions have removed us from the ageold tradition of stargazing, which is why the International Dark-Sky Association’s (IDA) work is so essential.

IDA founded the International Dark Sky Places program in 2001 to encourage communities, parks and other regions to preserve dark sites through responsible lighting and public education. In November 2021, IDA certified Top of the Pines (TOP), a 175acre wilderness recreation area at the foot of Sneffels Range in Southwest Colorado, as a dark sky park. It is the sixth IDA-certified dark sky park in Southwestern Colorado and the 10th in the state. Located near the IDA-certified dark sky communities of Ridgway and Norwood, TOP offers a stunning place to learn, explore and cross-country ski or hike in the San Juan Mountains by day and experience the awe of a truly pristine star-filled sky at night.

TOP’s dark sky is among the darkest in Colorado, according to its sky brightness measurements. Visitors can easily see the Milky Way year-round, though summer (through September) is the best time for viewing, since its brightest core emerges a few hours after summer sunsets. From late August through winter, the Milky Way’s sister galaxy, the Andromeda galaxy, is visible through binoculars, which highlight a fuzzy oval. TOP’s open meadow offers great views of meteor showers, from the Perseids

in August to the Geminids in December. Best viewings occur on cloudless, moonless nights.

“Viewing the nightscape from a pristine dark location like TOP is a magical experience of unparalleled beauty and awe that the Ute Native Americans and early pioneers of this area had as a part of their lives,” according to IDA’s website.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DARK SKIES

Dark skies don’t just connect us to a more expansive realm; they’re also important to our health. Artificial light, particularly blue light (including LED and compact fluorescents) can disrupt circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep. It also suppresses melatonin, which helps boost the immune system and regulate sleep, cholesterol and the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes and adrenal glands.

“Light pollution is another form of pollution, but only in the last few decades has it been recognized as an issue,” explains Valentine Szwarc, a member of TOP’s board of directors and co-chair of the ROCC’s Dark Sky Committee who led TOP’s dark-sky designation application process.

Artificial light also disrupts the ecosystem, from wildlife to plants. It can draw baby sea turtles away from the ocean, make migrating birds wander off course, alter nocturnal animals’ cycles, diminish cover for prey and significantly reduce insects (including bees), which species rely on for food and plants rely on for pollination.

“Near cities, cloudy skies are now hundreds, or even thousands of times brighter than they were 200 years ago,” states research scientist Christopher Kyba. “We are only beginning to learn what a drastic effect this has had on nocturnal ecology.”

AND, UNFORTUNATELY, IT’S GETTING WORSE

“The dark sky is a rapidly-escaping resource,” says Bryan Cashion, president of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society. “Not many places in developed countries have dark skies, so it’s important to maintain that asset.”

That’s why Szwarc and his team spent two years applying for the dark sky designation. They filled out about 75 pages of paperwork, which included stringent criteria for interior and exterior light management, public outreach regarding dark sky education and support letters from quality organizations like county commissioners, Black Canyon Astronomical Society and neighboring towns.

Dark sky parks like TOP are subject to more rigorous criteria than communities, like Ridgway. They must present specific dark sky brightness measurements averaged over a year or more and include astrophotographs showing light domes from nearby towns. Once certified, IDA requires annual documentation of how TOPS continues to protect the dark sky through lighting ordinance compliance, at least four major outreach activities and sky brightness monitoring.

• Learn more about TOP: topofthepines.org • Learn more about protecting our dark sky: darksky.org • TOP is about six miles from Ridgway. For stargazing events (late spring through late fall), visit RidgwayColorado.com • Get started with these astronomy apps:

Starwalk, Google Sky Map, Exoplanet, Skyview,

Skeye Astronomy, Nightly Star Charts

THE WOW FACTOR

Cashion refers to the most common reaction people have when they view a dark sky as “the wow factor.”

“People are just awed at all of the stars and the meteors,” Szwarc says. “As they become more aware of the dark sky, they make more trips and bring their cameras, binoculars or telescopes. But, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. That’s one of the advantages of TOP; you can just use binoculars to see (clusters of stars like the Pleiades). And, the gaseous nebula in Orion is pretty spectacular.”

“TOP is an exceptional educational and recreational asset to Ouray County and its surrounding areas,” he shares, adding that it hosts events, schools and other organizations. “It’s an excellent location for astrophotography and simply appreciating the starry night sky in Southwestern Colorado.” :

FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE IN THE FUTURE

HIKING ETIQUETTE FOR KIDS TODAY

Words by Melanie Wiseman

JUILANE LIEBERMANN

There is no better way to encourage the development of a life-long relationship with the great outdoors than by teaching children to be good hiking stewards. It may be common sense, but we are nature’s guests. We have a unique opportunity to teach kids the joys of hiking, as well as the etiquette.

Educator, Grand Valley Audubon Society president and avid hiker Cary Atwood shares, “As with any activity you learn and use for a lifetime, such as rules of the road for driving a car, hiking etiquette is about consideration of others who use the trail after you. Leave the trail, plants and animals as wild and beautiful as you found them. Take only memories and pictures; leave only footprints.”

It’s natural for children to be impulsive and excited while hiking, which may not lead to the best decisions. Every sport, including hiking, has rules to teach children appropriate behavior just as you would in any other situation.

Local hiking expert Steven Spydell has crisscrossed the country hiking the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, to name just a few. Like Atwood, the simplicity of the mantra “Take only photographs, leave only footprints” that he learned in his youth has stuck with him his entire life.

“To see the beauty nature has created, we must see it without the damaging touch of mankind’s actions,” Spydell believes. “Wilderness areas need to be respected by leaving them as is, letting nature wave her own paintbrush.”

On the Appalachian Trail through-hike experience, Spydell shared with his son the importance of clean water for survival and practices to protect wilderness water sources as paramount lessons.

First and foremost, be a good role model. However explicit instructions may be, modeling good trail etiquette is a great way to teach. Children often do what they see others do.

Hiking is a sport of passion and love of nature. Make it fun and not just about rules; identify plants, animal tracks and scat. Encourage them to stop and take in the sights, sounds and smells

of a scene. They will naturally become more mindful and respectful of their surroundings today, and leaders in passing on trail etiquette to future generations. Although trail etiquette is synonymous with common courtesy, it isn’t always common sense among the masses. Here are some important hiking etiquette rules to teach children.

1. Stay on the trail. Staying on the trail teaches respect to fragile ecosystems. Leaving the trail can also create confusing alternate trails for other hikers. Single track equates to single file.

2. Enjoy nature as you find it. Avoid the temptation to whack plants with a stick, but instead touch plants gently. Watch the busy activity of an ant hill verses kicking it. Be respectful of animals, keep your distance, talk in a “hiking voice” and do not feed animals, as this could make them sick.

3. Leave no trace. It can be common practice, but a bad idea, to toss apple cores, banana peels and other biodegradable goods into the woods. Decomposition can take months, and you could be introducing non-native seeds to the environment or feeding animals foods that aren’t good for them. Best practice is garbage in, garbage out, even if this means packing out trash you find on the trail — leave the trail better than you found it!

4. Don’t knock over cairns or climb on ruins.

Cairns are human made piles of rocks to help guide you on the trail. The general rule is to not topple or add to them. Respect ruins and their history. If everyone climbed on ruins, we would not have any left to visit.

5. Potty away from the trail. The one time it’s okay to leave the trail is to go to the bathroom! Go at least 200 feet away from the trail or water source to do your business.

Dig a hole for poop and pack out used toilet paper. 6. Take a picture, not a souvenir. This is a tough one. Trails provide a wide range of interesting plants, critters and rocks that capture the attention of all hikers. Within a

U.S. National Park, collecting anything is a no-no. Outside national parks, teach children to be respectful about what finds its way into their pockets.

7. Follow pet rules for the trail. Keeping your dog under command or leash control is respectful to other hikers. Even if your dog is a “friendly dog,” not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Pack out their poop and do not let them bother the wildlife.

8. Respect trail right-of-way etiquette.

Downhill hikers yield to uphill hikers.

Technically, mountain bikers are to yield to hikers, but common sense should come into play if it’s easier for the hiker to step off the trail. Hikers should move safely out of the way of horses and their riders.

9. Smile and greet other hikers. Connecting with like-minded hikers on the trail provides a sense of community.

10. If other etiquette questions pop up and you’re wondering, “Should I let my kids do this?” a simple suggestion would be to ask yourself, “If everyone did this, what would happen?” :

JENNA STENSLAND

RIFLE ARCH TRAIL

Words + Photo by Melanie Wiseman

Rifle Arch Trail is a little-known hidden gem — easily accessible, family friendly and dog friendly. At just 1.5 miles each direction to the unique arch destination, this moderate trail is great for hikers of all ages and abilities.

Although a great year-round hike, late spring is the perfect time to enjoy the freshness of new green grasses and cactus blooms. Rifle Arch Trail varies between double and singletrack, traversing a wash, open sage brush meadows and denser, shady areas of aromatic juniper and pinion. Between flats and gentle uphill slopes, the elevation gain is just under 900 feet. Allow two to three hours round trip.

Be sure to take time for breaks along the way to turn around and look back on where you came from to be rewarded with stunning views. The ultimate reward at the end, however, is the unexpected Rifle Arch itself.

As a first-time hiker to the arch, I wasn’t sure of its location. From a distance, the trail leads to a massive, lengthy, craggy, sandstone wall of cliffs where I expected to see the faces of Mt. Rushmore rather than an arch. I continued to be baffled but kept my eye on an unusual comma or crescent shape shadow half way up the massive wall. Ultimately, the shadow was the creation of this unusual arch.

A bench sits at the base of the wall where you can rest and look uphill to the arch. Because of its unique location, the arch can still be difficult to see at this point. If you’re up for the challenge, the last tenth of a mile is a rocky scramble up a fairly random, steep trail. As you climb, the arch becomes more prominent.

Once you reach the arch, take time to enjoy the slickrock amphitheater behind it and the breathtaking, arch-framed views of the Colorado River Valley and mesas beyond. Change locations and angles while within the arch and look skyward to enjoy the great variety of artistic rock formations the arch can reveal.

If you take the hike in the summer months, it can be extremely hot, so hikers should carry plenty of water. Appropriate footwear is also a must as the trail, especially the last climb to the arch, because it is very rocky.

A bonus for those living in the Grand Junction to Eagle area is the ease it can be done: a half-day, spur-of-the-moment outing. The land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are no fees.

With the addition of many new mountain biking trails from the same starting point, the parking area has been enlarged and a restroom added to the dual-purpose trailhead. There is an excellent trail map at the trailhead illustrating hiking verses biking trails. There are a few occasions where the bike trail crosses the hiking trail, but the same trail is never shared.

Having both types of trails from the same trailhead really serves as an advantage for a family or group with mixed interests. Just remember to close the gate between the parking lot and trailhead behind you! :

• From Grand Junction, take the West Rifle exit #87, to bypass downtown Rifle. • After 2.7 miles turn left (north) on

Hwy 13 toward Meeker. • Stay on Hwy 13 where you will see a prominent parking lot on the right (east) side of the road at mile marker 7.