Every year we ask our readers to nominate their choices for the very best businesses, people, destinations and events in the Rocky Mountain region. Then they vote for the winners. The result is a listing of the personalities and places that make the outdoors pump. Read on to find out who took top honors and plan to advocate for your heroes and go-to spots next year.
BUSINESSES
Outdoor Gear Brand
Runner Up: Loki Gear
The Steamboat, Colorado-based outdoor gear manufacturer won this category for the second year in a row (and third time in four years) because it has built such a strong following here in the Rockies, both for its combination of ultralight and family friendly gear and for the way it treats it’s employees. Big Agnes even sent employees hiking on the Continental Divide Trail last summer.
Outdoor Innovator
Runner Up: Voormi
Smartwool made merino wool a household word, but the brand has not rested on its laurels: It has continued to develop smart new ways to use the wondrous natural fabric.
Outdoor-related Company to Work for
Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides
Runner Up: Backbone Media
What’s the only thing better than heading out on a trip with this multi-sport outfiitter that offers trips ranging from snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park to climbing Kilimanjaro? Landing a job as one of its guides.
Climbing Gym
Runner Up: Movement
Earth Treks opened the largest climbing gym in the world in the former Sports Authority headquarters in Englewood, Colorado in 2018, but the gym won here because it cultivates a true community spirit.
Outdoor Retail Shop
The Trailhead, Buena Vista, Colorado
Runner Up: Wilderness Exchange, Denver, Colorado
This independent shop, which includes the yummy plates of Simple Eatery, is a must-visit location in Buena Vista, Colorado, no matter if you want to buy a new tee, get your skis tuned or head out with Buena Vista Mountain Adventures.
Running Retail Shop
Boulder Running Company/Jackrabbit, Colorado
Runner Up: Runners Roost, Colorado
Boulder is gaga about running—and no one serves that community better.
Bike Retail Shop
Over the Edge Sports, Fruita, Colorado
Runner Up: Full Cycle, Boulder, Colorado
This iconic bike shop, which offers everything from demos to directions helped pioneer the bike culture and built-by-riders-for-riders trail system that has made the town of Fruita an international cycling destination
Climbing/Hiking Guide Company
Colorado Mountain School, Colorado
Runner Up: Jackson Mountain Guides, Wyoming
Colorado Mountain School employs more AMGA-certified guides than any other guide service in the state and offers clients everything from first-time top-rope excursions to training you for an expedition in the Himalaya.
Whitewater Guide Company
Runner Up: Whitewater Attainment, Buena Vista, Colorado
Founded in 1972, these paddling pros will keep you safe and smiling anywhere from a spash-filled run down Royal Gorge to a three-day trip in Browns Canyon National Monument.
Bike Guide Company
Beer & Bike Tours, Fort Collins, Colorado
Runner Up: Colorado Backcountry Biker, Fruita, Colorado
Hop in the saddle with Fort Collins’ Beer and Bike Tours—which has won this category three years in a row—and pedal to suds anywhere from Colorado to Japan.
Yoga Studio
The Yoga Tonic, Salida, Colorado
Runner Up: Corepower Yoga, Colorado and Utah
No gym with Ganesha trappings, this community yoga center offers classes that range from Anusara to dance.
Outdoor Non Profit
Runner Up: SOS Outreach
Through a range of programs, Women’s Wilderness empowers a diverse and inclusive community of women and girls by getting them out in the wild.
PEOPLE
Instagrammer
Runner Up: @loki
Artist and educator Andrea Slusarski’s illustration work offers a beautiful break from all those clinking-glass Boomerangs and bathing-suit selfies. She’s not just fishing for likes and follows either—Slusarski collaborates with everyone from Osprey packs to the Feral Mountain Co. retail shop to Westfax Brewing.
Blogger
Runner Up: Just a Colorado Gal
Blogging now for eight years, Brendan Leonard, the author of The Art of Getting Lost and Sixty Meters to Anywhere has created a new medium on Semi-Rad.com: the flow chart illustration that both makes you laugh and makes a deeper point about the silliness and joy of outdoor culture.
Photographer
Runner Up: Claudia Lopez
With stunning cover images on magazines from Powder to Eleavtion Outdoors (his work has appeared on our cover more than any other photographer), the Breckenridge-based adventure shooter has proved that he has not just an eye for action in big landscapes, but also that he understands how to capture an image that makes your heart beat faster.
Writer
Runner Up: Tracy Ross
The longtime outdoor reporter for The Denver Post and one of the current journalistic giants behind the new, independent Colorado Sun, Jason Blevins has reported on everything from the expansion of the Ikon Pass to a guy who lives in a cave in Moab, gaining a reputation along the way as a top-flight reporter as well as a person who cares about the craft of writing and the world he covers.
Guide
Runner Up: Tommy Gram
Longtime Glenwood Springs fly-fishing guide Dustin Harcourt beat out a bevy of young-gun climbers to win this competitive category. Credit that voter support to a huge base of dedicated clients who have trusted the man to get them into fish.
Politician
Runner Up: P.T. Wood
Jared Polis made history last November when he became Colorado’s first openly gay governor, but he won the job because he has been an outspoken and committed champion of progressive and environmental causes in Congress.
Advocate
Runner Up: Luis Benitez
The Salida-based conservation director for the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) has dedicated her life to improving land stewardhsip and the lives of other people, working in the trenches for Southwest Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps before bringing her skills and passion to CMC in 2013.
Legend
Runner Up: Tommy Caldwell
Gary Neptune will always be associated with the iconic Boulder, Colorado outdoor retail shop and community gathering space that he founded in 1972. In fact, he still works there, curating his mountaineering museum which includeds everything from a signed Edmund Hillary boot to Malcolm Daly’s blackened toe.
Athlete
Runners Up: Daniel and Elaine Vardamis
Ho hum. Mikaela Shiffrin won her fourth consecutive World Cup this winter. The current most impressive athlete in the U.S. can add that feather to a stunning cap that includes three Olympic medals (two gold), three overall World Cup titles and 56 World Cup wins (with 78 podiums) so far… Maybe someday her agent will want to put her on the cover of Elevation Outdoors?
DirtBag
Runner Up: Sage Cattabriga-Alosa
We like that this honor is going to a man who will cherish it. A pro climber and filmmaker who is sponsored by The North Face, Mr. Wright has done everything from free-climbed El Cap in a day to honing his dirt-bag credentials along with Alex Honnold in the film The Sufferfest.
Entrepreneur
Runner Up: Kristin Carpenter-Ogden
The co-founder of Boulder’s Adventure Lodge—a lovingly remodeled low-key hotel and resort that caters to outdoor-minded visitors and hosts events including film nights with live music—Asa Firestone likes to describe himself as “a washed up explorer turned hotelier.” We see him as the type of visonary you want to share a beer with.
DESTINATIONS
Mountain Town
Runner Up: Eagle, Colorado
Buena Vista won this category by a huge margin (and many businesses in town won other categories). We think that’s because the welcoming town of 2,806 acitive souls situated on the banks of the Arkansas River has fully embraced the promise of outdoor recreation as the backbone of a thriving, sustainable mountain town economy. From the new Surf Hotel, built by former pro kayaker Jed Selby who oversaw the paddling-oriented development of the South Main neighborhood, to the inclusive vibes of gatherings like 14er Fest and CKS Paddlefest, this is a town where life revolves around fun.
Trail
Runner Up: Hanging Lake Trail, Colorado
Stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada across the backbone of the Rockies, The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is more than just a long walk. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated land managers and non profits like the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, it has become the poster child for how humans can respect their time trekking in nature.
Mountain Bike Ride
Horsethief Bench, Fruita, Colorado
Runner Up: Vitamin B, Buena Vista, Colorado
This 7.8-mile loop, which is a sidetrail off the outstanding Mary’s Loop, dishes out everything from fun slickrock that anyone can handle to technical problems that will help up your game to a section that most mortals will choose to walk—and it’s tough to beat the sweeping view of the Colorado River.
Road Bike Ride
Durango to Silverton, Colorado
Runner Up: Maroon Bells, Aspen, Colorado
The 50-mile, 5,700- vertical foot ride up the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Silverton will definitely up your heart rate as you spin into the heart of the San Juans. But do it as part of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic (May 24-26), when the road shuts down to traffic and erstwhile racers try to outpace the train to the top.
River Trip
Runner Up: Animas River, Colorado
Created by President Obama in February 2015, Colorado’s newest national monument encompasses over 21,500 acres of river, canyons and forest. The best way to experience it? Get wet and run the Arkansas River through raucous class II-III+ rapids.
Climbing Area
Runner Up: Shelf Road, Colorado
Sweet sandstone draws climbers here from across the planet. The state park appeals to a wide range of climbers with easier classics like The Yellow Spur (5.9), but there’s plenty of challenge here, too, with testpieces like The Naked Edge (5.11b).
Campground
Saddlehorn, Colorado National Monument, Colorado
Runner Up: Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Drive four miles up the switchbacks into the red-rock cliffs of the national monument and pitch a tent at these stunning sites on the edge of the mesa. You are just a short drive from world-class mountain bike rides or just stay up here and explore the canyons.
Ski/Snowboard Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado
Runner Up: Telluride, Colorado
Crested Butte may be a resort but, at heart, it has always been able to hold on to its authentic vibe.
Resort-accessed Backcountry Ski/Snowboard Terrain
Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Co
Runner Up: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A big part of why Crested Butte Mountain Resort continues to draw creative skiers and snowboarders and aspiring rippers is the terrain.Tucked away from the tourists on the back side of the mountain, the Teocalli Bowls are where aspiring and grizzled skiers and riders test their skills on drops, chutes and steep shots.
SUP Spot
Buena Vista River Park, Colorado
Runner Up: Upper Colorado River, Colorado
Winning this award for the third year in a row, Buena Vista River Park offers SUP-friendly tame and challenging rapids with five in-stream recreational features—all open to the public.
Fly Fishing River
Runner Up: Taylor Fork, Colorado
Aspen’s famed trout stream delivers when it comes to hooking rainbows and browns. Find a secluded spot to wade in away from the crowds, and be sure to bring mysis patterns to hit the famed Toilet Bowl section on the dam tailwaters on the Frying Pan.
Photo by: John Barnes/Basalt Chamber
Wilderness Area
Maroon-Bells-Snowmass, Colorado
Runner Up: Weminuche, Colorado
No view is more poscard-worthy than the stark pyramids of the Bells. But get out of your car and hit the 100 miles of trails that traverse the 181,535 acres in this special spot.
Kid-friendly Outdoor Destination
Runner Up: Vail Adventure Ridge, Colorado
BV is an ideal destination for your squirming groms, thanks in big part to numerous local programs that get kids out in the water and on the trails.
Dog-friendly Outdoor Destination
Runner Up: Snowmass Village, Colorado
It seems that everyone in Breckenriege owns a pup. Maybe that’s why the place is so empathetic to canine concerns. You can bring your best friend up in the gondola and most trails and many restaurant decks won’t bark if you enjoy them with Fido here.
Place for Outdoor Singles to Live
Runner Up: Durango, Colorado
You love the outdoors, yoga, music, craft beer, progressive causes, Patagonia, kombucha and college football? Your perfect match is here.
Adventure Park (Zip Lines, etc.)
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Colorado
Runner Up: AVA Rafting & Zipline, Colorado
Thrill rides accessed by a gondola alongside cave tours? Sign us up.
EVENTS
Running Race
Runner Up: Hardrock 100
The annual “Race across the Sky” has become the holy grail of ultra runners from around the planet. Racers tackle 100 miles of brutal terrain—from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600 feet. If you compete on behalf of one of the race’s official charities, you get guaranteed entry into the race. This year, it takes place on August 17, 2019. Read about how Katie Arnold won the 2018 race here.
Road Bike Race
Runner Up: Old Man Winter Rally
This road-ride classic traverses 120 miles and 10,000 vertical feet of Colorado’s high country from Evergreen to Avon. You can also sign up for the 30-mile Single Bypass or 75-mile Double Bypass. It will take place on July 13, 2019.
Mountain Bike Race
Colorado State High School MTB Championships
Runner Up: Grand Junction Off-Road
Forget football, track and glee club, teenagers in Colorado get out and hit the singletrack. Held in bike-crazy Durango this year, the event determines the best of this dedicated bunch with over 820 participants taking on the course on October 19-20.
Paddling Event
The Golden Games, Golden, Colorado
Runner Up: FIBArk, Salida, Colorado
For eight years this celebration of water and paddling ethos has rocked a town better known for beer. The water park takes center stage with fan friendly kayak and SUP comps. It has won this award every year we have run the poll. May 17-19, 2019.
Climbing Event
Ouray Ice Festival, Ouray, Colorado
Runner Up: International Climbers Festival, Lander, Wyoming
Founded by the legendary Jeff Lowe, this celebration of picks and front points has set the standard for how a town can embrace an outdoor sport community. Don’t be scared off: You can watch the best of the best but also have a chance to give ice climbing a try if you have never dared to scale frozen water. Date for 2020 is still TBD.
Triathlon
Runner Up: 2019 XTERRA Indian Peaks, Eldora, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado prides itself on tight pants and people who can hammer you while Snapchatting and selling green tech stocks. Show them up at this the true test of who is the best at exercise. June 9, 2019.
Toughest Race
Runner Up: Hardrock 100
Yes, you will suffer. That’s sort of the point of our reader’s favorite race, right?
Music Festival
Telluride Blues & Brews, Telluride, Colorado
Runner Up: Camp Out For the Cause, Buena Vista, Colorado
The crisp vibes of fall, craft beer and a killer lineup make this one a winner.
Multisport Festival
14er Fest, Buena Vista Colorado
Runner Up: GoPro Mountain Games, Vail, Colorado
This homegrown Buena Vista fest brings together all disciplines of outdoor play: off-roading, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and trail running. Add in trail events, clinics, camping, live music and local libations and you have the premier event celebrating life among the peaks. Be here September 27-29 for the fun.
Beer Festival
Telluride Blues & Brews, Telluride, Colorado
Runner Up: San Juan Brewfest, Durango, Colorado
Telluride’s other big music event is steadily becoming the premier ticket in town. Credit that popularity to a lineup that has included giants like Bonnie Raitt, ZZ Top, Taj Mahal, Peter Frampton and the Violent Femmes. Oh and the beer? Sip on 170 styles of sudes from 56 craft breweries. The big event will take place September 13-15, 2019.
FOOD, DRINK AND RELAXATION
Brewery
Eddyline, Buena Vista, Colorado
Runner Up: Ska, Durango, Colorado
Ever since 2009, when owners Mic and Molley Heynekamp first opened the doors, Eddyline has anchored the social scene and growing outdoor-centric ethos in Buena Vista. Here you can hobnob with river rats and backcountry skiers while you sip on a treat like the Innerglow Red Chile Porter or Raspberry Wheat.
Distillery
Deerhammer, Buena Vista, Colorado
Runner Up: Peach Street Distillers, Palisade, Colorado
In 2010 Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer distillery with a tasting room right on Buena Vista’s Main Street with a focus on making independent artisan whiskey. Stop by to check out how the process works and sip on the Straight Bourbon.
Vino Salida Wine Cellars, Poncha Springs, Colorado
Runner Up: Wines of the San Juan, Blanco, New Mexico
Right by the shuttle for the Monarch Crest Trail, Steve Flynn crafts impressive wines with grapes from Colorado’s Western Slope. But don’t stop there: Try the outstanding vermouth and honey meade, too.
Cidery
Runner Up: New Mexico Hard Cider, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Stem Ciders opened in 2014 in Denver’s RiNo district in the midst of the once-blighted and now-trendy area’s revival. With a space that’s easy to enjoy and a wide selection of ciders on tap—including special releases such as a killer whiskey barrel-aged apricot cider—it’s no wonder the place is leading the charge when it comes to putting cider on top.
Restaurant
House Rock Kitchen, Buena Vista, Colorado
Runner Up: Hot Tomato, Fruita, Colorado
Our readers have proven time and time again in these polls that they appreciate a taste of the good things in life after a big outdoor session—but they don’t want pretentious meals. Case in point, House Rock where you can enjoy a delicious chiplote burger on the patio with likeminded souls.
Bar
The Lariat, Buena Vista, Colorado
Runner Up: The Mangy Moose, Jackson, Wyoming
This classy standby is the place to be in BV, whether you are palling around with hundreds of friends at CKS Paddledfest or just down from a solo Collegiate Peaks scramble.
Coffee Shop
Bestslope Coffee, Fruita, Colorado
Runner Up: Salto Coffee Works, Nederland, Colorado
More than just an outstanding coffee house with baristas who create perfect crema and single-origin beans from around the planet, Bestslope is where Fruita locals go to share beta and stories from the trail.
Food Truck
Runner Up: Big Mike’s Pork N Wings
BV locals Anna Sitton and Evan Winger serve up comfort food just outside Deerhammer distillery.
Kombucha
Runner Up: High Country
Happy Leaf first began selling its magic beverage at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market in 2013. The brand remains committed to organic, locally sourced ingredients in concotions such as the palate-pleasing cranberry lavender.
Dispensary
Tenderfoot Health Collective (THC), Salida, Colorado
Runner Up: Native Roots, Colorado
Providing leaf, edibles and tinctures, Tenderfoot cultivates 100 percent of its signature Craft Cannabis in Colorado’s Boulder County, using zero pesticides. But the caring, engaged staff are the real difference-maker here.
