Snowshoeing Mt. Shavano in Buena Vista, Colorado
I am a Colorado native, and this picture reveals the rugged beauty of my home state. Just outside of the little mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado stands Mt. Shavano, the first 14er I summited on foot (or, technically on snowshoe). This picture harnesses several elements Colorado is known for; blue skies year-round, mountains, hiking, beautiful views, high altitude, snow, sun, and unpredictable weather. Shortly after I took this picture, immersed in the quiet calm of the summit, a snow storm blew straight into us without warning. Luckily, some of us had brought roll-up sleds, and as a result, I had my first slide down a 14,000’+ mountain. One snapped trekking pole and face-altering sunburn later, I had achieved my first 14er just outside the town where my great grandparents had set up home before I was born. They chose a gorgeous view, where I challenge anyone to be bored.
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Anything outdoors, adventure, traveling, exploring. This quote sums it up:
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.”
–EDWARD ABBEY
Beautiful views, unending adventure, purple mountains majesty, craft beer obsessed, schizophrenic weather, sunshine all year, incredible sunsets… and there’s ALWAYS something to do. People who really love Colorado most likely believe that quote from Betty in Mad Men: “Only boring people are bored.”
A gorgeous hike, followed by one of our fun breweries and some good food.
It’s hard to get to. The feeling of accomplishment at reaching the summit of a 14er in winter, married with being away from the rat race. Working together to reach the top. The VIEWS. The sledding. All of it!
It’s hard to get to (best and worst thing about it). The weather is unpredictable, so you could be cold or hot in less than a minute. That’s Colorado, but it’s even more exacerbated at the summit of a 14er like Shavano, where the weather moves even faster.
The weather, and probably snowshoeing up the “angel,” which is a long, tough hike. However, the view from the summit is equally surprising and spectacular.
John Wayne, Pocahontas, or Annie Oakley.
Name:Morgan Cook
City:Buena Vista
Favorite place to eat:
Eddyline Restaurant and Brewery (river location)
Favorite place to drink:
Favorite shop:
Sundance & Friends (across from Eddyline by the river), or The Trailhead (outdoor gear)
Local Tip:
The locals pronounce the town’s name, Buena Vista, like “b-yoo-nah” vista. Before you get angry, remember that Los Angeles should be prounounced “lohs ahn-hell-he’s.” 🙂
Must Do:
Check out Eddyline Brewery by the river, Deerhammer Distillery, Mt. Princeton or Cottonwood Hot Springs, ski Monarch or Cooper, raft/kayak/SUP in the summer, hike the abundance of 14ers, snowshoe, ride ATVs/dirtbikes, camp.