Mountain Biking in Eagle, CO

 You could be amazed upon your visit to Eagle, Colorado. There are several reasons that this mountain biking weekend getaway should be included at the top of your list this season.

The city of Eagle is located in the high desert. This means that the season for biking lasts through the middle of December and trails accessible until the end of the month. The trails are more than 100 miles long. There are also paths that are paved for recreational use and are easily accessible from hotels or campsite, or even a pub in the downtown area. It is possible to bike through the high Desert single trails, aspen forests and evergreen forest densely 15 minutes away from Interstate 70.

Cycling on Oktoberfest in Eagle

Check out our article about Oktoberfest in Eagle, Colorado! It's one of the most fun times of year to get out to Eagle. Not only can you enjoy world-class cycling, but you can then grab a big beer or some Bavarian tasty treats - it's the best way to wrap up a fun filled day of cycling!

We hope that you'll consider making the move to Eagle from one of our well-known neighbouring resorts or take a second look at visiting some of our most well-known resorts near by after experiencing Eagle's warm mountain town atmosphere and growing biking culture. Mountain biking is a popular sport in Eagle. The trails around the resort are ideal for those who are just starting out, such as Haymaker or Eagle Ranch Loops, then riders can progress to the more technical Mike's night Out which is difficult to access however the downhill is well worth the effort. Families of all skill levels are sure to take pleasure in riding the Eagle Ranch Loops. The rider can modify the route to alter it to make it shorter or more long.

After leaving Eagle Ranch and climbing into the mountains to the top of the 3,000-foot high Firebox, which is the longest multi-pitch multi-pitch in America.

If you're not interested in mountain biking, it's okay! Cruiser bikes are perfect to ride the miles of paved trails. You can begin your journey in the downtown area and then browse through some interesting boutiques before taking a ride towards Eagle Ranch Village for a massage.

There are bike culture across the nation However, Eagle's cycling culture stands out due to its determination to build routes and opportunities that promote outdoor activities. National Geographic named Eagle one of the top 20 towns for mountain biking in America.

There are numerous biking trails in the downtown area as well as local beer breweries. We're right downtown at 2nd and Broadway If you're looking for new equipment or an easy tune-up. There are trails linking the lower mountains to the larger trail system just from the city; they connect to trailheads.

Laura Bob and Bob Turitz, two trail enthusiasts from Eagle and Bob Turitz, two trail enthusiasts from Eagle bike trail guidebook to help alleviate the issues of mountain bikers and offer details on trails as well as difficulties, terrain and trail locations. Through the book, novice off-roaders can get useful knowledge and plan their trips without trouble. Each description of a trail includes an overview of the level of difficulty and the time required. You can also make use of the online map tool.

Eagle located only minutes away from close to the Eagle River Valley and world-class resorts is the town with the largest heart. The town's mountain setting includes greater than 1200 acres in open space that is owned by the town, including public parks BLM properties, along with coffee bars that are unique. Around 7000 residents live in Eagle the town that is rapidly becoming a popular location for families as well as small-scale businesses. There is a wide range of inexpensive accommodation options in Eagle and Eagle Ranch Golf Course. Eagle Ranch Golf Course designed by Arnold Palmer. Eagle is also the home of events like the Colorado High School Cycling League State Championships as well as The Eagle Outside Festival.

Fly Fishing in Beaver Creek, Colorado

We went to Beaver Creek this past weekend to participate in the Western Colorado Fly Fishing Expo.  It was originally going to me, Steve Schweitzer and Mark McMillan, but Steve had to beg out as he had obligations he could not get out of.

Mark and I headed up to the Fryingpan River on Friday, March 30th to fish before we headed to GJ for the show.  It was good to get Mark back in the mountains trout fishing after his hiatus of chasing carp (golden bones).  We met up with our very own Sister Sue (Sue Kruetzer) at the Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt, picked up our new licenses for 2012 (everyone, don’t forget to do this for the new year, as we were promptly checked on April 1st).

Hopefully Mark has some pictures as well as what Sue had posted already.  Mark and I were tossing articulated streamers to start out with and caught several nice fish doing so, but we switched to micro stuff to solve a mid-afternoon hatch tha was going on.  We (Sue, Mark and I) never did successfully solve the hatch but were able to pick up some more fish with varying flies as we worked to find “the one” that would catch them all!

Sue left us after noonish to head back to town for something, or another, and Mark and I headed further up river.  We stopped just below the Covered Bridge and fished all the way up to the Bend Pool.  We only managed a couple until we got up to the Bend and then were able to catch a few more before heading to GJ to tie flies and hang out with all the tiers and shops at the Vail Marriott.

Closest Airport to Beaver Creek

A couple of our friends were a little confused because someone had told them that there was an airport at Beaver Creek, but we had to explain to them that the closes airport to Beaver Creek would actually be Eagle Regional Airport

It's not a far drive, and they just used Blue Sky Limo in Beaver Creek to meet us at out hotel, so everybody arrived in plenty of time to set up our fishing expedition for the next day.

We headed back to Vail  before night fall and got up early enough to be the 3rd and 4th people at the Bend.  We intended to fish the Bend for a bit and move downstream but didn’t move from there.  We did catch fish right off the bat and caught fish, pretty much, all day until almost dark.  The fishing was with the usual stuff, #22-#24 midges but there were fish hitting leeches and other stuff as well.  We were met up by several of the other tyers from the show a little later in the day, and we fished with them as well as the standard Frying pan fisher folks.

After flinging micro stuff for most of the day, Mark and I went back to streamers and were able to get several fish to come to hand via the “tug”.  Ya know, the tug is the drug.

Here are a couple of pictures that I had, although I had to use my cell phone, which I was reluctant to take out often.

Transporting Fish in Beaver Creek

We all waded along the Beaver Creek section for Thursday afternoon on May 12.  The water was reported running at 5300cfs but was still very fishable.  We were able to manage a few fish each but were all tired by the long 4.5 hour drive, so we went to eat at the infamous Riverview Inn/Sunset Grill.

We all woke up early to hit the river by 7:00am for our float on Friday, the 13th!!  Although that is a bad day for superstitious types or omen folks, we all were feeling very positive on our chances.  We even started from the night before, a bet as to who might catch the biggest fish of the day.  Since we are all fisher folks, we decided that the fish had to be measured by the guide only and we would have to have a photo of the winner.  At first I was not going to be allowed to “play” but I did manage to convince everyone that the biggest, not the most, would be a harder thing to win and would be based on more luck than skill, so I was allowed to join in.

The cool guys over at Blue Sky Limo in Beaver Creek actually allowed us to bring our caught fish in their vehicles. It was so great. We did of course have to put down some plastic seat covers and all the fish were stored in coolers with ice, but the cars of Blue Sky Limo had tons of cargo space, so we were able transport all that fish from Beaver Creek to the nearest airport by calling Blue Sky Limo: Beaver Creek Shuttle

BLUE SKY LIMO | BEAVER CREEK LUXURY AIRPORT SHUTTLE

https://g.page/beavercreekshuttle 

I was able to manage a 24incher (photo included here) and thought I would be able to win this thing.  This one I caught early for the day.  We all stopped for lunch just upstream of Lusby, and low and behold, Dan Haggar, fishing with Kray, floated by with a “hog” on the line.  We all watched as they floated by and went far downstream to try to land the fish.  This one was a bone-a-fide 26 incher (photo attached as well), and Dan won the $400 prize for the day!  Good for him!

After treating ourselves to a guided trip on Friday (I suggest everyone do this at least once a year or even more if affordable) we all decided to wade the Miracle Mile and the Fremont Canyon for Saturday.  Perfect idea!!  We all had very good wade fishing on the mile and canyon and it was a very manageable wade even at a flow rate of over 8000cfs for the Mile and 3000cfs for Fremont Canyon!   Lots of fish feeding along the soft water on the edges.  There were very few folks on the Mile or Fremont Canyon.  Great place to fish, I’ll tell you what!

I will be getting back up there pretty soon, I am certain of that!  This is a great, productive fishery.

Wilderness Adventures - Women’s Hiking Boots

Exploring the wilderness of Colorado and hiking in rough terrain are all part of an outdoors lifestyle that many women enjoy. One of the most common pitfalls of hiking is simply fatigue and accidents that are a result of inappropriate footwear for the terrain. If you’re going to be exploring the great outdoors, you will need the right protective footwear such as women’s hiking boots or shoes. Of course you’re going to need other equipment such as a good backpack, hiking clothing, trekking sticks, perhaps an outdoor watch that can tell direction, altitude and atmospheric pressure. You’ll only need such a watch per group, not everyone needs to get one. But let’s get to our boots! 

Best Hiking Trails in Colorado:

https://www.alltrails.com/us/colorado

Shoes are generally more popular as they offer just enough support to ensure that your feet aren’t in pain. In addition, shoes are lighter weight and they allow you to cover more ground in less time. However, in Colorado hiking shoes are only deemed appropriate if you’re going on a short hike on a well-known trail and carrying a light load. For all other types of terrain or for a long trip, we always recommend women’s hiking boots to get the job done! There may be special cases when you need your boots to fit your specific situation. For instance, you may be looking for the best hiking boots for women, or for wide feet, or for high arches, or plantar fasciitis etc.

Contrary to common wisdom, I would suggest you go with hiking shoes whenever you can. Did you know that thru-hikers actually trek over thousands of miles wearing running shoes and not boots? That’s because it’s been proven that weight on your feet is 4-6 times more taxing on the body than weight on your back. In other words, taking 1,5 pounds off your feet is like taking 12 pounds off your backpack. The numbers are truly like this! And with comfortable shoes on, you minimize the risk of getting blisters, which you’re more likely to get when you wear rigid boots. There’s also the fear to not wear waterproof boots. It’s however preferable, especially in the warm season, that you wear light shoes that dry out quickly, than boots that take a long time to dry, and get a lot heavier when wet.

Information About Colorado Hiking Boots

Colorado hiking boots offer better protection as well as ankle support, therefore, they’re much more appropriate for a longer wilderness trip or hike. The one setback of choosing boots is that they have a stiffer construction that may take a while to break-in, but the tradeoff is, of course, full protection of your feet.

You will find that hiking boots are a great option if you have to tackle rough terrain for prolonged periods of time. As an additional bonus, you need to take into consideration that the right boots offer protection against insects, tarantulas or even snakes! One can never be too careful when hiking outdoors as there are plenty of critters to take into consideration.

Beginner hikers in Colorado can also experience the benefit of ankle protection during the hike and the prevention of tweaked knees. As you hike more, your muscles grow accustomed to the fatigue and the rough terrain, but until you reach that point, it’s best to find supportive footwear such as women’s hiking boots.

A Few Shopping Tips for Hiking in Colorado

• When you’re ready to go shopping for hiking boots, it’s important to give your purchase some thought. Though we always advise that you buy your boots in-person, that’s not always a possibility. Here are a few shopping tips:

• Only opt for boots that have quality construction and are weather-resistant. You do get what you pay for, so be prepared to spend a bit of money on the right boots.

• Arch support is a must-have in hiking boots as hours spent on your feet can prove to be painful and lead to a number of problems.

• For durability, choose natural leather shoes as they can be waterproof and with time, leather can stretch to fit your feet better.

• Never purchase boots that are too small! You should have an index finger’s amount of space between your heel and the heel of the shoe to ensure the fit is right.

If you’re ready to see what the great outdoors holds for you, tackle your adventure with the right pair of boots and we guarantee there will be no hiccups during your outing.

Colorado Attractions and Parks Worth Visiting

National Parks in Colorado

There are many National Parks in Colorado that local residents as well as tourists desire to make use of when visiting this great state. In fact, there are so many parks and Colorado attractions that it can often times be quite difficult for visitors to determine which parks they should visit. It should also be noted that many of these parks and Colorado attractions don’t charge a fee for admission, or they have free days throughout the year. This is something you may want to keep in mind if you are looking to save money while at the same time seeing everything that Colorado has to offer.

One way that you can go about discovering what Colorado attractions are available is to make use of a travel agent when planning your trip to Colorado. You can tell your travel agent what type of parks you would interested in and they can very easily provide you with a full listing of parks that meet your standards and needs. However, when using a travel agent you will have to of course pay for their services. This may not be beneficial if you are attempting to save money when planning your next trip to Colorado. 

Many people will simply conduct research on their own in order to determine which Colorado attractions and parks meet their needs. These people will simply do a general Internet search in order to obtain the information they are looking for. The problem with this is that this task can take you hours and hours to find the relevant information. Additionally, you may not be able to find all the information that you are looking for, or you may miss out on discovering some of the most popular attractions in Colorado.

Garden Of The Gods And Why Is It So Popular!

If you are looking for things to do with kids in Colorado, a visit to the Garden of the Gods is a must. The Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs and is one of the most visited and majestic free parks in Colorado. It includes paved hiking trails wherein you can enjoy a stroll in order to take in the breathtaking views. The Garden of the Gods also offers horseback trail rides and bike trails too. One of their most popular features is rock climbing!

When visiting Colorado you simply can’t miss an opportunity to visit this amazing park! If you are seeking out park and attractions then you simply can’t pass up the Garden of the Gods. For more information on this unique park and other great attractions in Colorado you should visit:

https://www.nps.gov/state/co/index.htm 

Best Ski Destinations in Colorado

In the skiing world there is no place like Colorado. Boasting 13 world-class resorts and 41,648 feet of vertical rise, Colorado is a winter paradise for skiers and boarders alike. Host to the magnificent Rocky Mountains, Colorado ski resorts offer superb conditions for all levels and some of the most breathtaking scenery.

Top Rated Colorado Ski Resort Destinations:

Aspen

Offering glitz and glamour, Aspen is one of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts, hailed for its extreme terrain and expert runs. Noted for catering to the rich and famous this ski town offers high-end shopping, chic clubs and first-rate dining. Visitors have a variety of accommodation options to select from, ranging from executive condos to premium vacation home rentals.

Snowmass 

Snowmass is a traditional ski village touted as a family-friendly resort. Known as a “cruiser’s mountain” this ski town is great for beginners and 95% of its lodging provides ski-in/ski-out access. The village mall offers a variety of shops, restaurants and ski services and the availability of both luxury lodging and comfortable accommodation will appeal to a variety of vacationers.

Beaver Creek

With the unhurried feel of a true alpine village, Beaver Creek offers world-class skiing for all ages and abilities. Reputed as a kid-friendly resort this private destination is ideal for families. The resort is comprised of 3 distinct villages, each offering a variety of executive and luxury accommodation rentals.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is known for having some of the best terrain park equipment in the world, making it a popular destination for snowboarders. This ski locale is a haven for beginners, offering some of the best learning terrain anywhere. Rental accommodations at this resort are available for all budgets and its fantastic historical architecture provides a unique twist to the typical mountain resort.

Vail

Hailed as the best ski mountain in North America, Vail combines world-class skiing with a friendly, small-town feel. A favorite of skiers and boarders, this premier ski resort boasts over 5 000 acres of terrain making it the perfect place to find fresh tracks any time of the day. Comprised of 3 areas with varying terrain and riding experiences, Vail is the perfect locale for all levels and abilities. At the heart of the village guests will discover trendy shops, art galleries and an array of accommodation options, including full-service resorts and private vacation home rentals.

Keystone

Noted for having Colorado’s largest night skiing operations, Keystone is an amazing ski resort comprised of 3 mountains. Dercum Mountain boasts a top-ranked terrain park and is popular with boarders, while The Outback offers some of Colorado’s best tree-skiing. The 7 villages offer premium lodging, some with ski-in/ski-out access and others within convenient walking distance to the slopes.

Telluride

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers a mix of premium terrain in all areas making it a perfect vacation destination for skiers and boarders of all levels. Uniquely, beginners and intermediates can experience riding to the tallest peaks and enjoy terrain and views normally only experienced by experts. Telluride Mountain Village offers convenience, luxury and breathtaking scenery, as well as 92 acres of restaurants, shops and world-class accommodations, ensuring there is something for everyone at Telluride.

Map of Best Ski Destinations in Colorado

Learning How to Fly Fish in Colorado

Fly fishing in Colorado is the ultimate angling challenge and experience. Fishing with an artificial fly tests the skills and patience of even the best anglers. There are many challenges to the sport of fly fishing, such as choosing the most effective patterns to match the conditions, getting the flies to drift correctly, knowing where the fish are holding, and much more. 

Once the angler has matched the fly or nymph, he then needs to make it look like a natural. The way your fly drifts is very important and essential if you want to catch fish. The best way to start fly fishing is to go with someone experienced, hire a guide, or take a class.  Learning to fly fish in Colorado can be one of the most frustrating and rewarding experiences. Like anything else it takes practice to improve

Getting Started With Colorado Fly Fishing

Before you hit the river there are a few pieces of equipment you will need to get started.  Having a reliable rod and reel is very important. Fly rods come in many sizes from a 1-weight to 12-weight. For Colorado a 5-weight is a good all-around rod. Make sure the line on your reel matches the weight of your rod. (example: 5-Wt rod/reel = 5-Wt line) You will also want to invest in a pair of waders, and wading boots. There are many companies that make these products and any of which will due. Waders range from $50-$700, and as you become more active and experienced, I would recommend upgrading to a higher-end wader, and the same goes for the boots.

Polarized sun glasses are one of the most important pieces of equipment. These glasses allow you to see through the glare on the water and spot fish. These glasses range from $30-$300, and again don’t break the bank until necessary. You will also most likely need a vest or pack of some sort, net, fly box, flies, bug float, forceps, indicators, weights, leaders, tippet, and much more. Don’t rush out and buy all of this at once. If you are just getting started, buy the essentials, and borrow what you can. Over time you will acquire most of this stuff.

Species

There are many species of sport fish in the state of Colorado. Most fly fisherman are traditionally after Trout, but there are those who find sport in other species. The fish listed below are the most common species targeted by fly fisherman:

• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Cutthroat Trout
• Brook Trout
• Rocky Mountain Whitefish
• Carp
• Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth)
• Pike
• Wiper
• Sunfish

Casting

Casting is the motion/action in which you get the fly line and fly onto the water. A fundamental skill of fly fishing, casting is the first step to becoming a fly fisherman. While there are many types of casts, the most basic is the overhand cast. This consists of taking the rod and line from the 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock positions, with a slight pause at the end of each motion.  It is important to keep a firm wrist and not be whippy with the fly rod.  A nice fluid motion will produce the best results.  There are many fly shops and guide services that offer casting classes with certified casting instructors.  This is a great way to learn the proper techniques and fundamentals of casting. Like anything else, this is a skill that needs to be practiced to be perfected.

Mending

An essential part of fly fishing in Colorado rivers, is mending the fly line. To be a great angler you must know how to mend, when to mend, and mend often.  Mending is the technique of picking up and moving your fly line upstream or downstream, to allow your line and fly to drift as natural as possible. Every cast should be followed by a few mends. Without mending, your line will “bow” and drag your flies in the water.  This will cause the fly to wake and drift un-natural, and rarely will entice a fish to strike. A good drift and presentation is a must if you want to catch fish.

Dry Fly Fishing

When Trout are feeding on the surface, dry fly fishing is a classic way to catch fish in Colorado. When a fish takes a fly from the surface it is called a “rise”. Rising fish are a good indication that there is some sort of bug activity happening on the surface. Most of the time, when this occurs there is a “Hatch”. A “Hatch” is when the nymph’s in the river rise to the surface, emerge from their nymph stage, and turn into a fly. 

Most insects hatch on or just beneath the surface of the water, which is known as an “Emerger”. Once hatched the fly floats down the river on the surface and dries its wings in preparation to fly. This is when the fly is most vulnerable and become easy prey for trout. Dry fly fishing is a favorite of most, and a fun way to catch trout. It is great for beginners because they learn to watch the fly float down the river, and see the trout come up and take it. Dry fly fishing is a great technique on creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes.

Nymphing

When you do not see fish rising or feeding on the surface, nymphing is a great technique. Fish that are feeding subsurface will often take a nymph when they refuse a dry.  Colorado river fish are constantly feeding and will eat 80-90% of its food subsurface.   When nymphing, it is very important that the fly/nymph is getting down to the fish and into the zone where they are feeding. This is normally accomplished by attaching a small split shot or two onto the line 12-14″ above the flies.

 Another way of getting the fly down is to use flies with tungsten beads and/or weighted flies. If fishing with an indicator, it is usually attached to the leader 3-4 feet above the split shot. The indicator is watched by the angler, and any twitch, pull, or tug lets the angler know when a fish has taken the fly. If you see a flash underwater or there is hesitation or a strange tick in the indicator, set the hook. Nymphing is a great technique that will always catch fish. It takes years to get good at nymphing, and a lifetime to master it.   All great anglers are great at nymphing.

Streamers

Another way to catch fish on a fly rod is using a Streamer. These are larger flies that are dead drifted and/or stripped back to the rod. They represent smaller fish, crustaceans, leeches or larger insects that are present in the body of water.  A great way to fish both lakes and rivers. This style of fishing usually triggers an aggressive or predatory strike. An effective technique for certain situations, and a great way to catch larger fish.

Ethics

While there are no written guidelines for fly fishing, there is a code of ethics that many anglers live by. Fly fishing in Colorado is a sport, and every sport has rules and ethics. The following are a few of the rules and ethics to follow:

17 Golden Rules of Fly Fishing in Colorado

1. Respect nature.
2. Respect your fellow angler’s.
3. Respect the fish.
4. Practice catch and release, to preserve our sport.
5. If you pack it in, pack it out.
6. Respect other angler’s space.
7. Ask before crossing above or below another angler.
8. First person to a hole or stretch of water is entitled to that hole until they leave.
9. Be quiet when on or around the water.
10. Never try to snag a fish.
11. Respect private property.
12. Know the regulations and guidelines of the waters you fish.
13. Use barbless hooks for easy release.
14. Pack out all old leaders and line.
15. Avoid fishing to spawning fish.
16. Avoid walking or crossing through spawning beds.
17. Always use common sense

Colorado Fly Fishing Resources: 

https://www.5280.com/2015/05/the-beginners-guide-to-fly-fishing-in-colorado/

https://eunicehampton916.wixsite.com/rocky-mountain-news/post/10-places-to-fish-with-the-family-in-colorado
https://flylordsmag.com/fly-fishing-colorado/
https://www.orvis.com/s/top-10-fly-fishing-rivers-in-colorado/14672
https://www.uncovercolorado.com/fly-fishing-tips-guide-colorado/