Introduction guide to new activities!

Note: This is not all the information you need but a helpful start if you have never tried something. Do your own research and know your limits when recreating outside.

Other good resources sorted by topic

Every sub-topic should be linked to another website!

Camping basics

Camping for beginners

How to set up a tent

Campfire basics

Camping checklist

Campsite organization

Camp sleeping tips

Winter camping

Hiking & backpacking

Backpacking for beginners

Beginners guide to backcountry hiking

Backpacking checklist

Backpack planning

Adjusting backpack fit

How to choose hiking clothes

The Ten Essentials

Hiking safety: when to bail

How to stargaze

Safety & first aid

Hiking safety (NPS)

Managing risk in the outdoors

Wildlife safety tips

Hiking injuries

Treating cuts & scrapes in the backcountry

How to treat a sprained ankle

Blister prevention & care

Altitude sickness

Water safety guide

How to climb injury-free

Weather & lightning

Lightning safety (American Hiking)

Lightning safety (Rocky Mountain NP)

Colorado backcountry safety tips

Colorado backcountry tips (12 essentials)

Hot weather hiking

Cold weather hiking

Winter activities

Avalanche basics

How to read an avalanche forecast

Avalanche risk reduction

Avalanche snow tests

Backcountry skiing & snowboarding

Tips for skiing or snowboarding

Planning your first ski/snowboard trip

Snowshoeing: first steps

Snowshoe checklist

Quick tips for snowshoeing

Winter trail etiquette

Winter driving preparedness (CDOT)

Recreating responsibly in Colorado winter

LNT in winter

How to dress in cold weather

Leave No Trace & etiquette

Leave No Trace principles

Camp etiquette (NPS)

Hammocking responsibly

Hygiene & sanitation

Bear-resistant canisters

Wildfire safety for outdoor rec

Smokey Bear (fire prevention)

Climbing ethics

Clothing & layering

Layering basics

How to choose hiking clothes

How to dress in cold weather

Food & nutrition

Planning your menu

Food handling & storage

Food handling & storage

Biking

Getting into biking

Mountain biking for beginners

Urban bicycling

Road biking in the dark

Riding in traffic

Water sports

Paddle boarding: launching & standing

Water safety guide