In 1967, a joint team of climbers from Colorado and Seattle embarked on a mission to scale the highest point on the continent: 20,323-foot Mount McKinley (also known by its native name Denali). Of the 12 men who set out on the arduous trek to the fabled summit, only five returned alive.

As temperatures drop and daylight wanes, many cyclists hang up their bikes for the season and retreat to the sweaty comfort of spinning class. But with winter temps averaging in the mid-40s and plenty of Rocky Mountain sunshine before dusk, dedicated riders can enjoy cranking out miles all year long.

To some, the idea of spending a night outdoors in the cold, dark heart of winter is a miserable notion. But with the right gear and proper technique, the seldom-seen winter wilderness offers a pristine world of snowy marvels and crystalline, star-filled nights.

Its one of the wonderful problems to have in Colorado: picking the best place to ski or snowboard. Colorado boasts 26 major ski areas that range from the modest Howelsen Hill to the epic bowls of Vail. Picking the best ones for your style, budget and time can be tricky.

As the first snows dust the Front Range with the promise of winter, we bid farewell to the summer hiking season. Trekking in the chilly air has its own charm to be certain, but if you still hanker for one more summer-style weekend, head south to the impressive Spanish Peaks and Great Sand Dunes National Park.

I am absolutely thrilled that the mountain bike community, coaches, riders and parents are supporting this endeavor with such a high level of involvement, says Rau. I believe this will be the largest field of mountain bike racers in grades 9-12 in Colorado history.

One of the more poignant memoirs Ive read concerns a group of French soldiers in World War I. The men lost their way en route to the battlefield and mistakenly ascended a high, steep ridge. From that unintentionally safe vantage point, they witnessed the horrendous slaughter of their comrades in the valley below.

Linking together peaks on Colorado’s mountains is a great way to double — or triple or quadruple — your fun in the high country. Whether combining the lofty summits of 14ers or traversing humble hometown hills in Boulder, bagging bonus peaks gives added value to your wilderness excursions.

Boulder County’s mountain biking has enjoyed a steady evolution in the past five years. Led by the relentless efforts of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA), the network of trails available to fat-tire enthusiasts has grown and expanded the variety of riding in our backyard.

Colorado`s mountainous landscape is tailor-made for epic cycling tours. Whether you prefer the challenging high mountain passes or the long stretches of rolling alpine meadows, pedaling in the high country is a feast for the senses.