Most Coloradans love the outdoors—but few devote both their personal and professional lives to protecting it. Conor Hall, director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), has made sustaining Colorado’s landscape his full-time mission. Before leading OREC, Hall served as a senior advisor to Governor John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and helped generate billions of dollars for conservation and climate initiatives during his time at the Trust for Public Land. In 2022, Governor Polis appointed him to his current role, where he now leads efforts in economic development, conservation, and education around the state’s natural spaces. He’s also the host of the PBS TV show Colorado Uncharted, an avid outdoorsman, and serves on several nonprofit boards, including Better Together Denver, Stand for Courage, and the Colorado Outdoor Equity Fund. When he’s not at his desk shaping policy, you’ll find him out in the wild putting advocacy into action. Here, Hall shares his favorite outdoor destinations across the state.
Out and About
Favorite weekend getaway: Camp Hall, our few acres spread below St. Mary’s in Alice, CO with a probably haunted cabin
Favorite place to clear your head: The great outdoors— from my local park to the deep wilderness
Best swim: Valley View Hot Springs
Best annual festival: FIBArk
Best mountain music venue: Mishawaka Amphitheatre
Favorite museum/gallery: Ute Indian Museum in Montrose
Favorite concert venue: The TANK Center for Sonic Arts in Rangely
Favorite spot to take out-of-town friends: Staunton State Park
An under-the-radar gem: Moffat County in Northwest Colorado
Best hike: Willow Lake in the Sangre de Cristo Range
Best paddle boarding spot: Alta Lakes in the San Juans
Favorite farm or flower garden: Chokurei Yak Ranch in the San Luis Valley
Best non-hiking mountain town activity: Skijoring
Favorite small town: Crestone
Favorite railroad trip to take: Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge
Favorite mountain spa: Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Spa in Glenwood Springs
Favorite hotel bar: The Historic Bar at the New Sheridan Hotel in Telluride
Dining and Drinks
Favorite artisan market: The market at the Ute Mountain Tribal Park Visitors Center
Best restaurant in a mountain town: Shavano in Salida
Best mountain town food hall: Warehouse Food Hall in Craig
Favorite farmers market: Any around La Junta— Hanagan’s, Hirakata’s, or Vanhook’s
Favorite après spot: The Ritz at Bachelor Gulch
Favorite brewery or distillery: Carver Brewing Company in Durango
Favorite outdoor/roof deck: Devil’s Kitchen in Grand Junction
Favorite pizza joint: Secret Stash Pizza in Crested Butte
A restaurant you’ve been dying to try: Meander Eatery in Pagosa Springs
