This Memorial Day weekend was cold and even snowy at some elevations. The trails in the mountains aren’t quite open in the high peaks of Grand County, gas prices are at an all time high, and while traveling to the mountains was an exercise in futility, one of the next best things to being in the mountains, is reading about them.

Here are some reading ideas to help motivate you to get up to the mountains for your first hike of the year. I just received June’s edition. Getting this magazine in the mail motives me to get my big backpack out of the closet and head out on the trails for an overnight trip. When I get this magazine I read it straight through as soon as I get home. The magazine always has an interesting article or trip idea in Colorado. I love the photos and trip itineraries from northern New England that remind me of home and great hiking in the White Mountains.

Mountains – A Natural History and Hiking Guide.

I read a chapter from this book every year. This book motivates me to learn more about mountain climates. One day I will understand weather and what each type of cloud means.

Last year I bought Hiking Grand County, Colorado by Deborah Carr and Lou Ladrigan. Just looking at the pictures today make me want to put on my hiking boots, jump in the car, find the trail head and hike to the summit. My summer goal is to hike at least 10 hikes from this book.

It’s time to start planning a trip to the mountains. The trails should be opening more each week. If you need any trail planning tips or want to know if a particular trail in Grand County is open, check back to this site or email me: lodgek@gmail.com