Celebrate Valentine's Day by taking a walk at the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve in Lafayette, where some birds are already getting into the spirit of things. Full Story

Iran starts trial of detained Americans

TEHRAN, Iran -- Two Americans accused of spying appeared in a closed-door Iranian court session Sunday to begin trial after an 18-month detention that has brought impassioned family appeals, a stunning bail deal to free their companion and backdoor diplomatic outreach by Washington through an Arab ally in the Gulf. Full Story

A winter walk along Longmont's St. Vrain Greenway

One Christmas Eve, we walked in golden light around Golden Ponds, at the west end of the St. Vrain Greenway Trail in Longmont. Full Story

Freed hiker wants friends, life back

OAKLAND, Calif. -- An American hiker recently freed by Iran said Saturday she is still haunted by images of her friend and fiancé in their cramped jail cells and won`t have her life back until they have been released. Full Story

Iran: Americans should face trial

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran reiterated on Sunday that three Americans jailed a year ago should stand trial on charges of illegally crossing the country`s borders. Full Story

Catching 'the Wave' at Utah-Arizona border

Glenn Cushman

The Wave, a phantasmagorical sandstone chute, surges up from the floor of the slickrock country on the border of Utah and Arizona. Full Story

Trail tale: Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the quickest and best ways to get a view above Boulder County.

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Trail Tale: Try a unique hike at Hogback Ridge

The Foothills Trail north of Boulder is a popular and sunny spot, but there is an enjoyable, less-traveled option for those looking for a different route. Full Story

Taking a ride on the Wave

So there I was, standing with about 30 other hikers, jammed into a room in a one-story government building in Southern Utah. Full Story

Backyard backcountry shuttle hike

From the south ridge of South Boulder Peak the expansive plains of Boulder County can look small.

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Trail Tale: Options abound at Brainard

Several trails are accessible at Brainard Lake, just west of Ward.

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Trail Tale: A snowy trip along the creek

Ceran St. Vrain Trail

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Trail Tale: Find solitude just outside Boulder

As part of the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, the brief hike to Saddle Rock is appealing to families with small children and folks hiking in Boulder for the first time coming from sea level. Full Story

Trail Tale: Betasso Preserve worth a fall visit

Although Betasso Preserve is one of the more popular local open spaces, it's an especially beautiful place in the fall.

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Wild surroundings in Wild Basin

When you look at the trail map you're given at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the distances look manageable and the contours look smooth. Even on my USGS topographic map, the contour lines advanced steadily and didn't look too close together. Full Story

Finding some exercise in the corn maze

TRAIL TALE: Lone Eagle Peak

TRAIL TALE: Kelso Ridge

Sand, scenery at Lory State Park

Shavano and Tabeguache make for a good day's hike

Secret solitude: A quiet diversion off a popular trail

TRAIL TALE: Doudy Draw

TRAIL TALE: Lake Isabelle

HIKE OF THE WEEK: Lake Irene in Rocky Mountain National Park

Try a trip to Chasm to fill an alpine void

HIKE OF THE WEEK: Lost Lake

Hike of the week: Wild Basin Trail