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Trail Tales & Adventure Insights
Explore our outdoor journal featuring upcoming adventures, essential wilderness skills, community gatherings, and Colorado's rich outdoor heritage. Each post connects you deeper to nature whether you're planning your next trip or appreciating the cultural foundations of our mountain lifestyle.
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Forget More Toys. Give Your Kid an Adventure.
It's that time of year. The gift lists grow. The toy catalogs pile up. The pressure to buy more stuff ย intensifies. But here's a question: What do your kids actually remember from last Christmas? The toys? Or the experiences? Experiences Beat Objects (Science Agrees) Research consistently shows experiences create longer-lasting happiness than material possessions. But you don't need studiesโyou already know this from your own life. Your best childhood memories aren't about to
Andrew Hartman
Dec 23, 20252 min read
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Yes, Your Kid Can Handle Winter Adventures (Here's How)
"Isn't it too cold?" We hear this constantly. Parents worry winter outdoor time means freezing, miserable kids. Here's the reality: With proper approach, kids stay comfortable and have an absolute blast in winter. We've watched thousands of kids discover this. The Secret? Progressive Exposure You don't throw kids into a blizzard. You build winter confidence gradually. Start with short walks in snow. Add layers as needed. Build to longer adventures. By mid-winter, kids who sta
Andrew Hartman
Dec 11, 20252 min read
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This Thanksgiving, Skip Black Friday. Hit the Trails Instead.
Thanksgiving week: A time for gratitude, family, and... fighting crowds for deals on stuff nobody needs? What if you did something completely different this year? The Problem with Consumer Holidays Toys excite kids for about 48 hours. Then they join the pile. Meanwhile, you've spent money, battled crowds, added stress, and taught your kid that love = buying stuff. There's a better way. Outdoor Gratitude in Action Take your homeschooler on a Thanksgiving week adventure. Hike t
Andrew Hartman
Nov 26, 20252 min read
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Winter is Coming (And That's Actually a Good Thing)
Most families hibernate when temperatures drop. Indoor activities. Screen time. Waiting for spring. But here's what they're missing:...
Andrew Hartman
Nov 13, 20252 min read
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How to Beat Screen Time Without Actually Fighting About Screen Time
Let's be real: The "put down the iPad" battle is exhausting. You can't just remove screens and expect kids to magically choose...
Andrew Hartman
Oct 30, 20252 min read
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Why Fall is Colorado's Secret Weapon for Homeschool Learning
Picture this: Your kid is staring at a textbook about photosynthesis. Chlorophyll. Carotenoids. Their eyes glaze over. Now picture this:...
Andrew Hartman
Oct 15, 20252 min read
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Embrace the Spooky Season ๐ป๐
October is a month of transition in Colorado, as the fall colors fade and the first snows start to fall in the high country. It's also a...

XP Adventure
Sep 24, 20251 min read
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Autumn's Alpine Glory: Colors & Craft
๐บ Blues, Brews, and golden aspen views! Telluride showing off why September in the San Juans is pure Colorado magic โจ

XP Adventure
Sep 17, 20252 min read
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Reading Weather in the Wilderness: A Guide to Natural Forecasting
โ๏ธ Can you read nature's weather signs? Learn how clouds, winds, and wildlife behavior predict weather changes that could affect your adventure!

XP Adventure
Sep 10, 20253 min read
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Welcome the Fall Colors ๐๐
Welcoming the fall colors in Colorado! ๐๐ September is a month of stunning views and crisp mountain air, with scenic drives, colorful hikes, fall camping, and planning ahead for unique festivals.

XP Adventure
Sep 3, 20252 min read
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Gold Rush Redux: How Aspen Trees Created Colorado's Fall Recreation Boom
September gold fever in Colorado hits different - instead of mining claims, we're staking out perfect aspen groves and sunset spots. This month's wild history connects mining roads to leaf-peeping routes, creating the autumn traditions we love today.

XP Adventure
Aug 26, 20252 min read
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Sweet Summer Days: Harvest & Harmony
๐ Living that sweet Palisade life! Nothing beats biting into a fresh Colorado peach while gazing at the mesas. Welcome to fruit heaven!

XP Adventure
Aug 19, 20253 min read
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Wilderness First Aid: Beyond the Basic First Aid Kit
๐๏ธ When help is hours away, your first aid skills become critical. Learn the essential differences between urban and wilderness medicine that could save a life!

XP Adventure
Aug 12, 20253 min read
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Savor the Late Summer
Savoring the late summer in Colorado! ๐๐พ August is a month of transition and adventure, from scenic drives and rock climbing to wildflower hikes and planning ahead for fall foliage.

XP Adventure
Aug 5, 20252 min read
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Peak Celebrations: The Birth of Colorado's Mountain Festival Culture
July in Colorado's mountains: where past meets present in a celebration of outdoor culture. From miners' competitions to modern mountain sports festivals, our high country towns have always known how to celebrate summer in style.

XP Adventure
Jul 29, 20252 min read
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Midsummer Masterpieces: Art in the Altitude
Art with altitude! Cherry Creek Arts Festival bringing world-class creativity to the Mile High City. Where culture meets Colorado sunshine!

XP Adventure
Jul 22, 20253 min read
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Wilderness Navigation: Essential Skills Beyond GPS
Lost in the wilderness? Not with these essential navigation skills! Discover how to read the landscape and find your way home - no batteries required

XP Adventure
Jul 15, 20254 min read
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Welcome to XP Adventure: Where Families Connect with Nature and Guides Build Sustainable Careers
Originally featured in Shoutout Colorado The Problem That Changed Everything After years in the nonprofit outdoor education space, I...

XP Adventure
Jul 9, 20254 min read
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