In Colorado, there’s a phrase that explains a lot with very few words: We’re heading to the mountains. It’s something we say casually on a Friday afternoon, over coffee, or in a text when someone asks what we’re doing this weekend. No explanation required. Everyone knows what it means.
It might mean an early start and a cooler full of snacks for any unforeseen I-70 happenings. It might mean a quiet cabin and a stack of books. Maybe it’s hiking boots and a trailhead or a patio overlooking a river with a cold drink in your hand. The details change, but the feeling is always the same: the pull of higher elevations, fresh air, and the simple reset that comes with putting a little distance between you and your daily routine.
The mountains are part of the rhythm of life here. They’re where we go to celebrate, to recharge, to show visiting friends what makes this place special. They’re the backdrop to weekends and road trips.
This issue is our love letter to those places. Inside, you’ll find a guide to some of our favorite mountain towns, each with its own personality and pace. Because in Colorado, the mountains are rarely far from our thoughts. Or our weekend plans. Here’s to higher ground.
For the print-exclusive “See You in the Mountains” feature story, download the digital magazine or pick up a copy from select local King Soopers, Safeway, Tattered Cover, or Barnes & Noble locations.
