Some of them have been waiting years for construction timelines to gradually unfold.

Related: Four more local restaurants land at Denver International Airport

The Bagel Deli

Family-owned for three generations, the Bagel Deli — which operates its five-decade-old diner on East Hampden Avenue — is now open in the Concourse A Marketplace, serving “fresh bagels, stacked sandwiches, and authentic deli fare — perfect for a quick, satisfying meal before your flight or to take on the plane,” restaurant reps said.

The Bindery

Originally slated to open in early 2023, The Bindery will be serving its popular dishes — soups, salads, fish and more — near gates 24 and 26 in Concourse A. A spokesperson for the airport said it is now on track to open in May. (Its liquor license permit is currently pending with Denver’s excise and license department, which is a good sign.)

Cholon Modern Bistro

This popular Asian fusion concept from chef Lon Symensma opened in mid-December in Concourse C near Gate 62. The menu features “signature dishes inspired by Southeast Asia and Western Europe … from savory dim sum offerings to wok-fried creations,” DIA representatives said.

D Bar

Keegan Gerhard was one of Denver’s first star chefs, and although his cafe in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood has closed, he still runs a location in Central Park, specializing in desserts and other sweet treats. This weekend, D Bar’s newest location is scheduled to open near Gate A38 at DIA.

Finch on the Fly

An offshoot of longtime Denver cafe, Olive & Finch, this grab-and-go kiosk opened for business on Jan. 29 in Concourse A, serving “high-quality, healthy and affordable fare” from chef Mary Nguyen. Olive & Finch is in the midst of a big expansion that includes two new locations downtown.

Marczyk Fine Foods

This specialty neighborhood market with two locations in Denver has now expanded into DIA, where it sells a section of grab-and-go items; a curated menu of fresh-made, locally sourced sandwiches; salads and snacks. There is also a full wine and beer bar. Located near Gate C62.

Maria Empanada

Lorena Cantarovici opened her newest Denver restaurant earlier this year on E. Colfax Avenue, and she’ll add an airport version of Maria Empanada in May, according to a DIA. Located in Concourse A, near Gate 24, it will serve several versions of the South American specialty.

Osteria Marco

When it opens, possibly as soon as June, Osteria Marco will be the second airport restaurant operation for Denver chef and restaurateur Frank Bonanno. The other is Salt & Grinder, which no longer has a storefront in the city — Bonanno recently replaced it with a new concept called Dumplin’ — but lives on at DIA. Osteria Marco is known for fresh pasta and pizza and will be on the upstairs mezzanine on the B Concourse, near the escalator to the trains.

Teatulia Tea & Coffee Bar

Located in the River North Art District, Teatulia sources its organic teas directly from its garden in Bangladesh. At the airport, “Teatulia will feature its signature tea and coffee lattes, iced teas and wellness blends,” the company said. Look for it near Gate 62 in the C Concourse.

Tocabe

Tocabe, one of the only restaurants in Denver specializing in Native American cuisine, opened for business in DIA’s Terminal A on April 7.

Uncle

Uncle helped put Denver ramen on the map, and now that map will extend into DIA’s flight path as Tommy Lee’s restaurant is slated to begin slinging noodle bowls, beginning in May, near Gate A24.

Williams & Graham

Even if you’re not flying first class, you’ll be able to order some first-class cocktails at  Williams & Graham, which is expected to open on April 21, near Gate A38. Bartender Sean Kenyon’s award-winning Denver bar mixes up 60 classic cocktails, some of which will make their way to DIA.

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This week, Esquire unveiled its list of the best new hotels in the world, which reporters and editors culled “the old-fashioned way,” they wrote – by visiting a slew of new properties in person over the last year.

Denver’s nature-inspired Populus Hotel, which opened last October, was not only the sole local spot on the list but also earned the title of “hotel of the year” for 2025. Rising 13 stories into the skyline, the Populus is immediately noticeable for its white exterior covered in oblong windows, designed to mimic the eyes of aspen trees. In fact, its namesake is the scientific term for aspens, Populus tremuloides.

Esquire’s Jeff Gordinier gushed about the aesthetic, from the exterior with its arched windows designed to deter birds from flying into the glass to the sheets of reishi mushroom leather decorating the in-house bar, Pasque. The Rocky Mountains vistas from the rooftop bar, Stellar Jay, aren’t bad either, he wrote.

The mission behind the Populus also resonated. The property was designed to be the country’s first “carbon positive” hotel, meaning it aims to make a positive environmental impact. It does so with amenities like a biodigester that turns food scraps into compost, using only renewable energy resources, and planting trees for each night a guest stays there, The Denver Post previously reported.

“Traditionally, hotels are pretty bad for the environment, but every gesture at this curvy, revolutionary property has been created with the idea of honoring nature. That spirit happens to lead to a beautiful and restorative experience,” Esquire said.

The Populus Hotel topped the publication’s list of 42 hotels across the globe; you can take a virtual tour of it below. If you’re looking for an escape from Denver, see where else in the world Esquire recommends you should stay here.

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But what if there is an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to these travel-size plastic bottles, bags and tubes?

Head to a refill store — and there are a few locally owned small businesses that offer items in bulk in the Denver metro area. There, you can purchase mostly plastic-free products for home and personal care.

New Moon Refillery and other refill stores are for more than just re-using your laundry detergent jug with a refill of concentrated soap. Most items in these stores can be composted or recycled, which is better for the environment than plastic materials. According to the University of Colorado at Boulder Environmental Center, “It takes more than 1,000 years for plastic to decompose. Every plastic bottle, straw and container ever thrown away is still intact and somewhere on Earth.”

There are a variety of items available in bamboo, agave fiber, cotton and other environmentally-friendly containers for home and travel. Consider these for your next trip (all found at New Moon Refillery in Lakewood):

• Toothpaste tablets in a compostable package or bulk, along with a bamboo toothbrush (the bristles are made from castor bean oil). This does take some getting used to, but it replaces the plastic brush and bristles as well as the plastic tube of toothpaste. There is also vegan dental floss made from wax and corn starch that come in a reusable glass jar. The toothbrush is only $5 and the tablets start at $12.
• Bar shampoo and conditioner can replace those sold in plastic bottles. They come in a reusable glass jar or a compostable box, depending on the brand. The Refillery also sells empty metal and glass travel-size bottles to fill with your own preferred hair products (some components, like a like or pump, are made of plastic). Priced at $10 to $24.
• Woven bags made of agave fiber are sold to hold bars of soap (or bars of shampoo and conditioner). These are $4 and can be used over and over again.
• Shaving soap made of bentonite clay and a mixture of oils is sold in a bar wrapped in compostable paper. Cost: $8.
• Lotion, deodorant and lip balm are all available in compostable cardboard tubes (which are often lighter and easier to pack than the traditional bottles).
• For concerns about traveling with anything wet — like a freshly used shampoo bar — look for heavy-duty reusable bags made from silicone, which is not compostable but can be reused more frequently than a plastic bag.
• Cotton and bamboo swabs can replace the kind made with plastic, and they can be used for personal care or cleaning delicate electronics.
• Small bamboo travel cases for storing sensitive items.
• Washable and reusable cotton flannel facial wipes that can be used instead of prepackaged wipes wrapped in plastic.

You can find many of these same items at Off the Bottle Refill Shop in Capitol Hill, along with some additional things:

• A bamboo utensil set. I’ve never taken utensils with me unless I’m camping, and then they are metal and reused, but even in that scenario I can see how the possibility of leaving something behind might be a risk.
• A set of charcoal water filters to use with local tap water so you reduce the need for plastic bottled water.
• Stainless steel straws (in assorted colors) and straw cleaning kit, or bamboo straws.

These refill stores will also allow you to bring in your own containers and fill them with a product they stock, such as lotion or soap. And if you’re ditching some old plastic items, bring them in to New Moon Refillery for recycling.

For food, Nude Foods Market (at 3538 W. 44th St.) is a bulk market where you can shop for items that are not all prepackaged. Some can make ideal travel snacks, with a nutritional punch that often is lacking in airline food. For example, beet chips or carrot chips can be put in your preferred reusable travel bag or box. For indulgences, there are items like flavored popcorn or chocolate-covered peanut butter cups.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that “containers and packaging make up a major portion of municipal solid waste, amounting to 82.2 million tons of generation in 2018 (28.1 percent of total generation). Packaging is the product used to wrap or protect goods, including food, beverages, medications and cosmetic products.”

There’s a lot to think about when preparing for a trip, but it can benefit you and the planet you are exploring to consider less waste in what you choose to take with you.

The Telluride valley will be alive with the sound of electronic dance music this summer when Denver-based producer Of The Trees stops by for a two-night run.

The artist – real name Tyler Coombs – visits the Western Slope Aug. 22-23 for back-to-back performances at Telluride Town Park where other renowned festivals take place throughout the summer. The event is expected to attract about 7,000 attendees and will include camping.

In addition to Of The Trees, electronic acts Tycho, Ott., EPROM, Jade Cicada, Thought Process (live band), Taiki Nulight, Curra and Air Castles are on the bill. Tickets go on sale via an artist presale on Thursday, April 17 before going on sale to the general public on Friday, April 18, via axs.com.

“My team and I are incredibly excited to bring a concert experience to a location where the natural beauty is perhaps an even bigger centerpiece to the experience than the show itself,” Of The Trees, who has previously sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre, said in a statement. “This is the beginning of realizing the dream I’ve always had of hosting events that bring people together to a place where nature and music are intertwined in a way such as this.”

Of The Trees’ appearance marks the first large-scale EDM concert in Telluride since 2016, when homegrown producer Pretty Lights played the same venue. Pretty Lights also played in 2015 and both shows live famously in local lore because of how different the vibe was compared to the town’s signature events like Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Blues & Brews.

That was part of the appeal of booking a show with a single headliner, said Zach Tucker, vice president of production company Planet Bluegrass. The company throws Telluride Bluegrass Festival every year and wanted to offer a different kind of concert, in terms of format and genre.

In fact, the company had been in talks to bring Pretty Lights back to Telluride, but couldn’t get approval to use the venue quickly enough to make a competitive offer, Tucker said. (Pretty Lights recently announced a two-night stint in Buena Vista in late June.)

“It’s a challenge that a lot of people who have tried to bring events to Telluride have faced. How do you (the artist) commit without an event? But then how do you approve an event without knowing who’s playing? That is the constant back and forth struggle,” Tucker told The Denver Post in January.

Tucker was happy with the amount of faith the town council put into Planet Bluegrass, which was approved to use Town Park before securing an artist – perhaps a testament to its history running the bluegrass festival for more than 30 years. The idea of bringing a different kind of act also seemed to be appealing to local leaders and as did having a nighttime concert, which allows fans to enjoy the mountains, shops and restaurants throughout the day.

“I think there’s excitement for some fresh, new change,” Tucker said.

Though Of The Trees is projected to bring millions of dollars to Telluride, where the tourism economy is king, the pitch received pushback from some locals. Organizers of the Telluride Mountain Run, which is slated for the same weekend, said having thousands of concertgoers in and around Town Park would impede their event’s success, and maybe even end it altogether by introducing “a completely different and incompatible atmosphere,” the Telluride Daily Planet reported.

The reason Planet Bluegrass chose those specific dates was because almost every other weekend in Telluride is already booked with long-standing events, Tucker said. The company coordinated with the Telluride Mountain Run on camping and logistics to ensure both events could still happen. After August, Planet Bluegrass plans to work with its partners in town to evaluate if the event was successful and could be replicated in future years.

“We’re excited to have those conversations and hopefully they’re all positive and we prove ourselves,” Tucker said.

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The iconic 6-mile roundtrip hike is in a red-ribboned rock formation in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness (which are actually in Arizona, near the Utah border). But because of its delicate nature, would-be visitors have to enter a daily lottery to get a permit, helping limit the number of people tramping over the sandstone. The in-person lottery has since been replaced by a daily online lottery that is monitored by a “mobile geofence system,” meaning you have to be nearby to fill it out. There is also an advance lottery four months out.

It wasn’t my lucky day, though, and the trip is still a goal.

The Wave may be one of the oldest (since the 1980s) and most familiar examples of land managers instituting a system to protect special places from excessive use, but it’s not alone. Perhaps thanks in part to social media, some spots are just too popular for their own good.

Below is a list of some of the best and most famous lotteries. It’s by no means complete, and you can find more under the “permits” tag at recreation.gov.

UTAH/ARIZONA

The Wave in Coyote Buttes North

As mentioned above, if you want to hike the Wave, plan to spend some time in the BLM office in Kanab, Utah; that’s where you’ll go to pick up the permit and attend a safety lesson. Understand more about the process at blm.gov. If you strike out with The Wave, you can still have a pretty epic day of hiking in this area, though. We ended up at nearby White Pocket. You must have a high-clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead as it is on unimproved roads with sand drifts. Or, speak to the experts at the BLM about how to get to the trailhead or hire a local guide. Other hikes with groovy natural formations in the area include the Sand Caves and Red Canyon Slot.

Angels Landing in Zion National Park

As someone with a fear of heights, I can’t understand the appeal of Angels Landing, but lots of other people do, which is why it is so popular. This 5-mile hike includes narrow strips of rock with sheer drops on both sides. The payoffs are 360-degree views and bragging rights.

To obtain a permit, go to the National Park Service website, and pay a $6 non-refundable fee to enter the lottery up to seven days in advance for up to six people at a time. You will be redirected to recreation.gov, which manages all permits. If you score a permit, you’ll pay $3 per person to do the hike. Note that due to limited cell phone service, you need to print or download the permit before coming to the park. Hiking choices are limited to the next day (not the day of) or a week in advance. Getting to the trailhead requires taking a shuttle, so check the schedule or you’ll miss your time slot.

Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park

In 2006, the National Park Service switched from a waitlist to a lottery for noncommercial rafting permits on the portion of the Colorado River that snakes through the Grand Canyon. In season, about 450 permits are awarded for 12 to 25-day raft trips. Before the lottery system, the waitlist was exceeding 25 years for some boaters!

This is a “weighted lottery” where a person’s previous experience — or lack thereof — is factored in. This is not a trip for novices, so the permitting process includes meeting park service standards for the skills to raft this river.

Once you get that permit, know that it can’t be traded, deferred, or changed. And bring your wallet — the lottery application fee is $25, a river permit costs $90 per person, and an entrance fee is $20 per person. There is also a trip deposit of $200 to $400.

Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon

The Havasupai Indian Reservation is in Havasu Canyon, which is part of the Grand Canyon. Supai Village is only accessible by foot or horseback (or mule), and no day hiking is allowed. Depending on your final destination, the village or campground, it’s an 8- to 10-mile hike down into the canyon and along the bottom. Temperatures can exceed 115 degrees in summer.

The attraction here is the icy blue waters that tumble across red rocks, including Havasu Falls. Devastating floods wrecked the area in 2024, but it has since reopened and is still a stunning locale that attracts many more requests to visit than it can handle.

Which is why there is a lottery system; reservation requests are made through the Havasupai tribe’s website and aren’t managed by the National Park Service.

If you aren’t going to set up your own camp, you can make a reservation at the lodge in Supai Village. There are detailed rules for when you can hike in and back out based on your reservation dates, along with a need to have a group leader and to bring your paperwork. Another option, which I used with success, was to go with a commercial guide who secures the permits so you don’t leave it up to chance. You will be camping with your group, and not staying in the lodge, which means carrying more gear on your hike.

For the lucky ones who score a permit for a non-commercial excursion, don’t expect to buy any supplies in Supai Village. Pack in everything you need, and pack everything back out with you.

COLORADO

Maroon Bells

The most photographed destination in Colorado, the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells, outside of Aspen attract 300,000 visitors every year, according to tourism officials in the area.

Once you’re here, there are many hiking options, from easier ones like the one-mile loop around Maroon Lake to harder trails, like the 11-mile one-way trek across 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass to Crested Butte.

Unless you are riding your bicycle here, you’ll more than likely need a reservation to take the shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands during peak months. Reservation costs range from $10 to $20, depending on whether you’re parking your own vehicle or taking the shuttle. Note that there is a fee between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to get picked up by a friend, and all commercial ride services are not allowed for drop off or pick-up.

Much harder to get are backcountry permits for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, which go on sale each year and allow access to the famed Conundrum Hot Springs, as well as Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and the Four Pass Loop.

Hanging Lake

Tucked inside the White River National Forest in Glenwood Canyon is Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark thanks to its exquisite beauty.

The trail is only a little over a mile long, but it is steep and rocky. The reward for your efforts is a waterfall pouring gently into clear, bluish-green lake. A wooden walkway hugs the side of the lake and provides a clear place to remain on land, not in the tempting cool waters.

What could be called a series of unfortunate events — overuse, wildfire, debris runoff — culminated in multiple closures of the trail in the past few years for repair and restoration. It’s now scheduled to reopen as of July 1, 2025. And reservations are required. There is a $12 per person permit cost; no dogs are allowed. Permits are available with rolling availability through visitglenwood.com.

CALIFORNIA

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Half Dome is one of the most recognized places in Yosemite National Park for its unique shape: one sheer face and three rounded sides, making it look like a dome cut in half.

The 400-foot climb to the top is one of the more sought-after experiences in the park, so there is a seasonal permit lottery system. The fixed cables that make this climb possible are put in each spring and removed in the fall, so access is limited.

There is a preseason lottery and then the daily lottery for two days in advance with six permits per application. Only 225 hikers are permitted per day through recreation.gov. The cost is $10 for each lottery application and each award hiker pays $10 for their permit.

A climbing harness is recommended, but not provided. This is not a guided experience so each hiker is responsible for their own safety.

TENNESSEE

Synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky National Park

Surprisingly, one of the most limited and dicey lotteries is the one to view the synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky National Park during eight days in June. Everything about this is limited, and then there are no guarantees that the wildlife will perform on cue.

The lottery for a vehicle reservation opens on April 28 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes by 8 p.m. on May 1. Less than 1,000 vehicles are allowed during the entire event, predicted to peak June 4-11. There is a $1 nonrefundable application fee and a $24 registration fee if you win a permit.

For those who do get a permit, there are strict guidelines about the lighting you bring with you, such as using a red flashlight rather than a bright cell phone light.

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It wasn’t until years later, when she took a job with the Rails to Trails Conservancy, that Stark learned about the path’s hidden history as a railroad track.

Chances are, you, too, have used a rail-trail without knowing it. Since the 1960s, communities nationwide have reimagined decommissioned railway lines, transforming old train tracks into a national network of scenic “rail-trails” that offer modern recreators a glimpse into the past while inviting opportunities for exercise and active transit.

The rail-trail movement really took off in 1963, when American naturalist May Theilgaard Watts wrote a letter to the editor of The Chicago Tribune envisioning a path along an abandoned course of the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad. A few rail trails were already built, and in addition to helping create the Illinois Prairie Path, Watts’ letter sparked a national grassroots effort that paved the way for 25,934 miles (and counting) of rail trails in all 50 states.

The Rails to Trails Conservancy formed in 1986, and while the group’s focus has since shifted to the advancement and development of all trails, rail trails will always be a cornerstone of the conservancy’s mission.

“The rail-trail is a great concept because we’re reusing existing corridors,” said Stark, RTC’s senior editor.

Since railroad lines linked communities, rail trails typically function as connectors, too. While there’s no standard rail-trail surface – developers choose surfaces to best meet local needs – the vast majority of rail trails are low-grade since it was cheaper and easier to construct railroad tracks on level terrain. In the mountains, though, there are certainly some exceptions to that rule.

Colorado claims at least 40 rail trails, according to the conservancy’s TrailLink app (traillink.com). Many of our regional rail trails wind through iconic locales and jaw-dropping settings. In case you need another reason to hit the trails, April 26 marks Celebrate Trails Day, an annual Rails to Trails Conservancy observance prompting pedestrians nationwide to walk, hike, bike and roll into spring.

Here are a few rail trails to kickstart the 2025 hiking season.

Aspen to Glenwood Springs

Length: 42 miles

End points: Herron Park, 108 Neale Ave. (Aspen) and Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Road (Glenwood Springs)

Trail surfaces: asphalt with some sections of concrete and compacted gravel

Set high in the Rockies, serving an average of 85,000 users annually, the Rio Grande Trail is Colorado’s longest rail trail. For a short bike ride, or a longer day hike, explore the 8-mile segment from Aspen to Woody Creek, the laidback mountain town that Hunter S. Thompson called home. Woody Creek Tavern, 2858 Upper River Road, is a popular hangout offering lunch and dinner seven days a week.

You might also consider a pit stop in Basalt, an old railroad town, where you can’t go wrong with Westbound & Down, 371 Market St. Or bring provisions to enjoy at one of the picnic tables and benches along the route.

Regardless of how far you venture out, be ready for a seriously scenic excursion as you follow the Roaring Fork River past towering mountain peaks, sagebrush plains and ranchlands. Look for anglers on the banks of the water, along with feathered fishermen such as bald eagles, osprey and blue herons.

Hikers who’d rather tour the trail’s western reaches can start in Glenwood Springs, at Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Road, and begin walking south, away from town. Treat this segment as an out-and-bike hike, or haul it to mile marker 6.8 and catch a bus back to town. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority operates multiple lines with stops along the Rio Grande Trail; visit rfta.com/how-to/bike-ride for details.

You’ll have a couple of options for soaking tired legs in hot springs: Iron Mountain Hot Springs, 281 Centennial St., and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, 401 N. River St. (the latter is a family-friendly property). There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the newish outdoor dining area under the bridge, in Bethel Plaza, 704 Grand Ave.

For a daylong excursion, start in Aspen – try Aspen Collection, 611 E. Durant Ave., or Four Mountain Sports, multiple locations, for rentals – and coast 2,000 feet downhill to reach Glenwood Springs in 3 to 4 hours.

Be advised: The Rio Grande Trail is open year-round, but the section between Rock Bottom Ranch and Catherine Bridge is closed seasonally until April 30 to protect wildlife. If you try the ride later this spring, and aren’t too keen on the uphill climb back to Pitkin County, two bike-accommodating bus lines – the L and BRT routes – will cart riders between Glenwood Springs and Aspen, from early April through November. Free bike loading is first-come, first-served, and you’ll have to get on at a designated bike loading stop. A map is available on RFTA’s website.

Leadville

Length: 11.7 miles

End points: The dirt pullout near 999 S. Highway 24 (Leadville)

Trail surfaces: Asphalt

Most rail trails are straight and relatively flat, but Leadville’s Mineral Belt Trail is one of the rule-breakers. The wide path forms a circle around North America’s highest incorporated town, maintaining an average grade of 3 percent – though some spots are steeper. Expect undulations as you loop past a slew of historic mining relics that have been preserved for trail users. Interpretative signs also bring Leadville’s colorful past to life, making this outing as educational as it is scenic. (Psst, parents: Ask kids to look for the Bigfoot cutouts around mile markers 3 and 9.)

To reduce the intensity, start your adventure at Mile Marker 0, located north of Colorado Mountain College Leadville, at the dirt pullout servicing Dutch Henry Tubing Hill. Portable toilets are available at this trailhead, and if you travel clockwise, you’ll be moving downhill on the steepest trail segments.

At over 10,000 feet in elevation, the Mineral Belt integrates portions of three major rail lines that served Leadville in the early 1900s. Hikers and bikers get sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks and Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest mountain. In March and April, bring your snowshoes, Nordic skis or fat bike: This trail is snow-packed and groomed through early spring; it should be cleared for regular walking and biking by May.

Those who would prefer a shorter undertaking can start in the town’s mining district. Park on East Fifth or East Seventh streets, at the pullouts near the Trail Street intersection, and treat your walk or ride as an out-and-back excursion.

Afterward, check out the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, 120 W. Ninth St., or take a ride on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad, 326 E. Seventh St., a tourist train offering scenic, roundtrip rides. Be sure to book your Winter Express reservations online in advance.

You’ll also want to spend some time perusing Leadville’s charming shops and restaurants, including The Famous, at 313 Harrison Ave., a pizza joint and sports pub located next door to Cycles of Life, 309 Harrison Ave., where riders can procure rentals for the day. Those starting from Mile Marker 0 might try Two Mile Brewing Company, 101 Harrison Ave., just south of town.

“Leadville is Colorado’s two-mile-high city,” Stark reminds trail users, adding, “Be prepared to be a little winded.” Pack plenty of water and layers since the weather can change in an instant in the High Country.

Manitou Springs

Length: 1 (very tough) mile

Access point: Barr Trailhead, 98 Hydro St. (Manitou Springs)

Trail surfaces: Uneven wooden steps; dirt

For a serious workout, Stark suggests the Manitou Incline. This wildly popular rail-trail route offers a heart-pounding, mile-long ascent up a series of stairs. Breathtaking panoramic views are the reward for major physical endurance. (Actually, forget the vistas: It’s mostly the climb that’ll have you gasping for air.)

Originally built in 1907 as a funicular servicing a nearby hydroelectric plant, the Incline has since been converted into a staircase, essentially, with some 2,700 wooden steps running along the path of the old rail line.

Take note: These steps are uneven and can be as high as 2 feet at points, making this hike notoriously tough. With an average grade of 45 percent, the Manitou Incline ascends 2,000 feet in under a mile. About 300 steps below the final summit, there’s a soul-crushing false summit that marks the beginning of a 68-percent-grade segment. This will be your last chance to bail before reaching the summit. Two additional bail-outs precede the false summit, allowing climbers to hop onto Barr Trail, which zigzags up the mountain.

If you’re up for the challenge, carry at least 2 liters of water (more is better), along with electrolyte drinks and high-energy snacks. Don’t forget sunscreen, sturdy athletic shoes, and layers; some people find trekking poles help with balance during the ascent. Start early, especially in summer, to avoid the heat, and remember to pace yourself.

Despite its demanding course, the Manitou Include is a popular workout spot, drawing some 70,000 visitors annually. A reservation system helps to manage the growing number of hiking enthusiasts. Be sure to make your reservation in advance online at coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/manitou-incline. Through April 30, winter hours are from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Once you reach the top, the Barr Trail provides a gentler (but not exactly gentle), miles-long descent through sparse forest on dirt singletrack. Parking is available, for a fee, at the Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot, 10 Old Man’s Trail. A free shuttle takes hikers from this lot to the trailhead. For a closer option, you can park at Iron Springs Melodrama, 444 Ruxton Ave., for $15.

There’s no trail parking permitted at the Pikes Peak Cog Railway’s Manitou Depot, 515 Ruxton Ave., but if you’re digging the rail-trail theme, then you might want to book a roundtrip seat to the top of Pikes Peak on this scenic line. You can also hike up the fourteener, via the 13-mile Barr Trail, and ride the Cog back down. Or take the Cog up, and bike down.

Post-adventure, you should definitely reward yourself with lunch in the quirky town of Manitou Springs. Totally Nuts & Company, 919 Manitou Ave., sells great homemade lemonade. Once you’re hydrated, choose from a handful of restaurants in downtown Manitou Springs – they’re all locally owned and operated.

Last year, more than 20,000 people nationwide participated in Celebrate Trails Day, and there will likely be Colorado events to commemorate the special day. Visit railstotrails.org, and click on the Celebrate Trails Day link to access a running list of events in your area.

“Celebrate Trails Day events are awesome,” Stark added, “but we also encourage people to go out on their own, to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with family and friends.”

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On Feb. 14, 2025, the National Park Service laid off about 1,000 probationary employees, targeting those hired less than a year ago, as part of efforts to downsize the federal workforce under the Trump administration. Additionally, over 700 employees opted to resign, further reducing staff levels. These staffing changes occurred just weeks before the busy season, typically from May to September, creating operational challenges across the 428 sites within the national park system, Outwander reports.

The effects of these cuts vary across parks:

• Grand Teton National Park: Reports indicate that 16 of 17 supervisory positions were eliminated, leaving only one person to manage seasonal hiring.
• Shenandoah National Park: At least a dozen positions, particularly in maintenance and fee collection, were cut, potentially affecting trail accessibility.
• Yosemite National Park: The park has halted reservations for 577 camping spots and reduced service hours, with some visitor centers facing closures.

Conservation organizations, including the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), have raised alarms about both immediate and long-term consequences. The NPCA highlights a growing maintenance backlog exceeding $22 billion, which could worsen with reduced staffing. Additionally, gateway communities—towns reliant on park tourism—may face economic ripple effects if visitor experiences deteriorate.

Despite the cuts, the NPS plans to hire approximately 5,000 seasonal workers for summer operations, a temporary measure to address immediate needs. However, this cannot fully compensate for the loss of permanent staff. For travelers, preparation is key:

• Research current conditions at specific parks before visiting.
• Consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons.
• Bring additional supplies and expect fewer services.
• Prepare for potential facility closures or reduced hours.

Despite these challenges, visitation remains high. In 2023, the NPS recorded 325.5 million visits, and 2024 saw a record 331.9 million visits, a 2% increase. Interestingly, the NPS has been instructed not to publicize these record figures, as reported by SFGate (SFGate).

To address staffing gaps, parks are exploring expanded partnerships with nonprofit organizations. The NPS has long collaborated with groups like the National Park Foundation, and these partnerships may help mitigate some operational challenges.

As summer approaches, visitors should adjust their expectations while recognizing that America’s national parks remain extraordinary destinations worth exploring with proper preparation and a flexible mindset.

This story was produced by Outwander and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Meanwhile, DIA officials promise improved conditions for everyone.

Delta Airlines will build a bigger Sky Club facility on Concourse A after extending its lease at DIA through 2035, airport officials said. It is expected to include a premier bar. Delta officials stayed mum about details.

American Airlines spurred competition with an upgrade of its Admirals Club Lounge, a Concourse C refuge overlooking runways that includes a children’s playroom, dining booths and a refreshed “regionalized menu” featuring “maple strawberry chia overnight oats” and “honey mustard pork loin with spring onion and sage.”

United Airlines contractors have begun an expansion of a United Club on Concourse B, to open this summer, featuring wellness rooms for meditation and prayer, on-site staff to answer traveler questions, five messaging Vestaboards, and food such as Denver omelets, Colorado honey and pork green chile. A new bar inspired by Denver’s beer scene will serve 10 local and craft beers on tap. A vibrant blue mural by artist Charlo Garcia Walterbach will celebrate the joy of discovering new places.

That expansion will bring United’s exclusive club space at DIA — including another United Club and a Club Fly for grab-and-go frequent fliers — to more than 100,000 square feet, United spokesman Russell Carlton said.

The exclusive accommodations for elite air travelers align DIA with a national trend toward comfort and convenience for frequent fliers, first-classers and premium credit card holders.

Over the past two decades, the amount of time Americans spend in airports has increased, largely due to post-9/11 Transportation Security Administration screening. International Air Transportation Association data shows a global increase in air travel at an average rate of 5% a year since 1995 reaching a record high in 2024.

Travelers typically gain access to these clubs by amassing sufficient frequent flier loyalty points or by purchasing first-class tickets. Those with military IDs or who hold premium credit cards can enter certain lounges, as well.

Travelers also can purchase annual or day passes. For example, day passes to the Capital One Lounge at DIA for “walk-ins” cost $90 a person.

DIA’s website touts a new American Centurion Lounge covering 14,000 square feet in Concourse C for premium American Express credit card holders, who can savor rotating selections of locally brewed beer, “a live-action cooking station featuring a locally sourced Italian menu designed by Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson,” and a game room. The Capital One Lounge offers showers. There’s also a United Service Organization lounge in Concourse A for military travelers that includes a library.

The airport sets no limits on exclusive lounges.

“We always welcome discussions with our airline partners about maintaining or upgrading these club spaces,” DIA vice president of airline and commercial affairs George Karayiannakis said.

The airline lounge expansions and renovations are happening as DIA contractors work to complete a $2.1 billion overhaul of DIA’s 2.6 million-square-foot terminal by the end of 2027, when work will begin on another $12.8 billion in renovations over a dozen years.

United officials said they’ll also install a Polaris Lounge (“spa-like shower facilities,” “daybeds,” “gentle white noise,” “soft lighting”) at DIA, catering to long-haul international travelers who fly in business class and premier Star Alliance cabins. International air travel has emerged as a driver of DIA’s overall passenger growth that last year hit a record 82.3 million travelers.

The expansion of luxury lounges is driven by “feedback from our customers” and is intended “to match the way their travel has evolved in recent years,” United director of clubs and lounges Alexander Dorow said. “We’re growing our hub in the Mile High City, and the expansion and renovation of United Club locations represents our commitment to Colorado and our customers’ experience.”

For economy travelers, DIA’s guiding principles include a commitment to ensuring comfort for everyone.

DIA will provide “unique and enjoyable experiences, from rest and recharge areas to outdoor decks to a wide range of amenities to fit the needs and desires of all our passengers,” airport officials said in a statement. Upcoming construction to add new gates for airlines also will bring “state-of-the-art restrooms, nursing rooms, workstations and tabletops, and plenty of comfortable seating.”

Travelers seeking peace in Concourse A can retreat to a mezzanine equipped with recliner chairs along with plugs for charging devices. Those seeking sunshine on outdoor decks around the airport can find firepits and views of aircraft coming and going.

Expect increased public art, play areas for children, massage opportunities, and holiday celebrations for travelers as DIA expands, airport officials said in their statement.

DIA also offers simulated golfing where travelers who have time can practice their swing between flights, hitting a ball toward a screen. The cost is $20 for 15 minutes.

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But one thing is different this year: Uncertainty. Lots of it. With only two months until the peak visitor season begins at one of America’s most popular national parks, the Trump administration has not announced whether visitors will be required to have reservations to enter, creating confusion.

Last year, in an attempt to cut down on traffic gridlock and overcrowding during busy summer weekends, Yosemite officials required that visitors obtain an entrance reservation for their vehicles between April and October. A similar system was in place from 2020 to 2022 during the COVID pandemic.

Environmentalists generally praised the system. Some businesses opposed it.

But now the Trump administration isn’t telling park officials whether to put it in place again this summer. Travelers from around the world and across the nation are calling hotels in gateway communities, saying they aren’t sure they want to book a vacation if they don’t know whether they will be able to get into the park.

“It’s difficult. Nobody knows,” said Jessie Fischer, whose family owns Yosemite View Lodge and Cedar Lodge Yosemite, on the park’s western edges. “We all wish we could give our travelers peace of mind. We know how difficult it is to plan a trip. If people were planning to go to Disneyland, and they didn’t know if they could get in, not many people would go.”

Park officials aren’t talking. They are awaiting word from Washington, D.C. Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon retired in February and hasn’t been replaced.

The park’s website says: “Yosemite National Park anticipates sharing details about this year’s reservation system early in 2025. We recognize the importance of providing clarity on that system as soon as possible to accommodate peak summer season travel planning.”

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, sent a letter March 11 to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum asking for a decision, and urging him to continue last summer’s system.

“The uncertainty surrounding the plan’s approval is directly affecting visitors who are trying to make their summer plans now, as well as gateway businesses who depend on summer tourism to survive,” Padilla wrote.

On Friday Padilla’s staff said he hadn’t received a reply.

Asked about the letter and the Trump administration’s summer plans for Yosemite, Jennifer Peace, a spokeswoman for the Department of Interior said via email: “While we do not comment on congressional correspondence, the Department of the Interior takes all correspondence from Congress seriously and carefully reviews each matter. Should there be any updates on this topic, we will provide further information at the appropriate time.”

She did not respond to additional questions.

Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Modesto, whose district includes Yosemite, said he has asked Trump officials not to impose a reservation system this year.

“I expressed my opposition to continuing the reservation system to the administration last month,” McClintock said. “And the sooner it is scrapped, the better.”

McClintock has been a longtime opponent of entrance reservations at Yosemite.

“It might be convenient for the park staff to discourage visitors,” he said. “But it is devastating to the surrounding gateway communities that rely on tourism for their livelihoods. I am confident that new management at the park will adopt a more visitor-friendly attitude.”

Last year, visitors from who didn’t have reservations at a campground or hotel in the park between April and October were required to book a reservation for their vehicle on recreation.gov. If visitors came before 5 a.m. or after 4 p.m., they didn’t need one.

Yosemite dropped reservations in 2023. The park reported waits of 2 hours or longer to get in on busy summer weekends with traffic jams and full parking lots.

“With reservations, you can still welcome the same amount of people, but with the certainty of getting in — without getting stuck in traffic for hours and having overcrowded facilities,” said Neal Desai, regional director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an environmental group. “It basic. You are spreading people out throughout the day, and the week and the month during the busy season.”

Desai noted that 4.1 million people visited Yosemite last year, up slightly from 3.8 million in 2023 when there wasn’t a day-use reservation system.

Last month, the Trump administration fired roughly 1,000 of the National Park Service’s 20,000 employees, including 10 at Yosemite, to cut costs. The park was slow to hire summer seasonal workers due to a hiring freeze Trump imposed after taking office. On Friday, Yosemite announced more summer campground reservations will be offered for sale after recent delays.

Several other big national parks are using a day-use reservation system this summer, including Rocky Mountain in Colorado, Arches in Utah and Glacier in Montana. National parks officials approved those plans before Trump took office.

In Yosemite, park planners held public meetings and drew up hundreds of pages of plans. They completed the process in August and sent the materials to national parks leaders in Washington for final approval. But the plans weren’t acted on before President Biden’s term expired in January.

Some local residents say at this point, they just want clarity one way or the other.

“Bookings are down. People don’t know,” Mariposa County Supervisor Rosemarie Smallcombe. “You have a spouse and two kids and you are trying to plan your vacation. Is there going to be a reservation system? How do I make a reservation? It’s creating a lot of uncertainty, which is having implications for our tourism economy.”

Campspot, a website and app that helps campers book campsites, has a few local suggestions. On Tuesday, the company announced the winners of its fourth Campspot Awards, which recognize campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada that offer “unforgettable outdoor experiences,” according to a statement.

Three Colorado camping destinations earned recognition in 2025, including an RV park on the Front Range, a new campground near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and a Western Slope orchard that allows guests to camp among the fruit trees. The award winners were chosen based on data like Campspot’s user ratings and park features, among other criteria.

The Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Granby ranked No. 4 among North America’s top RV campgrounds. In 2023, Campspot named it one of the best glamping destinations and, in 2022, the website touted it as one of the best campgrounds for first-time campers.

Further west, Big B’s Delicious Orchard in Hotchkiss nabbed the No. 5 spot on the list of unique campgrounds. The venue has campsites for tents, RVs and trailers in the shade of its peach, apple and apricot trees. In the summer, the orchard regularly hosts live music.

Ramble, which opened near the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Alamosa in 2023, also earned a shout-out as the No. 5 tent camping spot in North America. The company has since opened a second campground near Mesa Verde National Park and plans to expand significantly in the coming years.

Looking to explore beyond Colorado? Check out the full list of Campspot Award winners here.

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