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A day out | A night in

Make the most of your summer

Want to make the most of these warm, sunny days in Colorado? Here are a few recommendations for exploring the natural world. 

Eldorado Canyon Trail
Boulder, CO
This is a scenic seven-mile, out-and-back trail just outside of Boulder. A moderately challenging hike, be prepared to climb more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain in the first mile before relaxing into a steadier climb – but the view is worth it. Be on the lookout for a plethora of Colorado flora and fauna and for the passing trains in the distance. Note: This hike is in a state park. All Colorado state parks have entrance fees. Annual passes are available.

North Table Mountain
Golden, CO
It’s accessible, scenic, but not so out of the way or challenging that you can’t hike it on your own. The landscape includes beautiful open spaces, wildflowers, small ponds and even the Denver skyline. While the hike up is challenging at first, it’s very moderate once you make it to the top of mesa. Extra tip: This hike lacks coverage, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water.

 

Outdoor apps

AllTrails
Enjoy birding while canoeing with your dog? AllTrails is a free app that allows you to search nearby trails and filter by your specific interests and skill levels. Join the community to rate, review and post images of your hikes.

SkyView
This is a free augmented reality app that lets you explore the astronomical universe. Simply point your device at the sky, and SkyView gives you detailed information about constellations, planets, satellites and more.

Project Noah
Be a scientist for a day with this nature exploration and documentation app. Snap pictures and document local wildlife to help in ongoing scientific research and discover native species in your area.

 

Park life

Grab the family and head to any of these area parks for some fun in the sun.

Barr Lake State Park | 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton
   Great for: birding, boating, hiking, picnic areas

Elaine T. Valente Open Space Park | E. 104th Ave., Thornton
   Great for: fishing, hiking, biking, picnic areas

Pioneer Park | 5950 Holly St., Commerce City
   Great for: sports facilities, skate park, barbeque pits

Rotella Park | Coronado Pkwy. and Nueva Vista Dr., Thornton
   Great for: fishing, picnics, walking paths, sports facilities

Trail Winds Park & Open Space | 13385 Holly St., Thornton
   Great for: sports facilities, dog park, walking paths, skate park

A night in...

Relax indoors with these summertime movie recommendations, available for instant streaming with hoopla digital. All you need is your Anythink card. 



Beat the heat by making your own ice cream at home 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup milk 4 cups crushed ice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla 4 tablespoons rock salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:
Mix together the milk, vanilla and sugar in a
quart-sized bag. Seal tightly, removing as much
air as possible. Additionally, seal the bag with
duct tape.

Fill a gallon-size bag with the ice and salt. Place
the quart-size bag in the gallon-size bag; remove
as much air as possible from the gallon-size bag
and seal.

Shake and massage the bag, making sure the ice
surrounds the quart-size bag. Five–8 minutes of
shaking/massaging should be sufficient to make
ice cream! 

(Source: www.tablespoon.com)