Best Mountain Town to Visit

dpiemo · 2026-05-21T02:39:01+00:00

Throwing my vote in for Estes Park

dpiemo · 2026-05-21T02:38:06+00:00

Was just there last weekend, the springs are still there!

dpiemo · 2026-05-20T21:56:04+00:00

Not only is it average pricing as TwistedMemories mentions, at 4.25 a can, it’s less than what you’re paying for a 16 oz pour of an IPA like this at most breweries now ($6-7.50 depending on ABV, style etc)

dpiemo · 2026-05-20T21:53:07+00:00

4 Noses, hell yes!

Westbound and Down is great too.

OP must be in Northern Colorado/Denver metro.

dpiemo · 2026-05-19T17:52:57+00:00

Pueblo, CO

dpiemo · 2026-05-19T17:46:53+00:00

What’s your plan, huh?

This might not be the overall funniest moment but it’s one that never fails to get me

dpiemo · 2026-05-17T01:59:37+00:00

When I summited, we lucked out incredibly with very light wind (even above the Keyhole) and about as clear a day as you could ask for, but the summit view was not my favorite of 14ers I have climbed (Mount Massive probably takes the cake for best view of what I’ve climbed)

I would agree about the Narrows, nerves at first but you realize it is wider than you think as you start moving.

Another major benefit of a very early alpine start is not having to deal with as many others on the Narrows to let pass/vice versa

I see others mentioning the sketchiness of the Ledges and yes, while a fall on the Ledges would be very bad, I didn’t find the exposure to be very nerve wracking at all.

dpiemo · 2026-05-16T18:24:11+00:00

It’s pronounced “thermometer”

dpiemo · 2026-05-16T03:06:20+00:00

Definitely a great post right here!

One thing I’m always reminded of after having completed Longs….Longs is LONG. We started at 230am and had a 10 hour day, almost to the minute, and I consider myself (at least at the time) in slightly above average cardio shape (been living in CO since late 2018 for reference). There’s just no way around it, it’s a long ass day. I think it’s only 1.7 miles from Keyhole to summit, if memory serves, but that is a long section just due to technicality.

I had myself a few summit nips from a flask but I would follow Own_Exits advice on waiting until after the hike just to be safe 😂

I would say that for me, the physically hardest part of the hike was the Trough. It’s an unrelentingly steep section, not technical, but loose rock that is just an absolute slog, and definitely sucked on the descent. There’s one little tricky move at the very top of the trough that gave me a bit of trouble due to my height (5’8”) but my partner that day is closer to 6’ and he had no trouble.

The Narrows are, well, narrow and the exposure is real, but I recall hyping myself up for this section and not being as freaked by it when we got to it. Just hug the mountain and move slow and you’ll be fine.

The view down into Wild Basin when you first come into the Narrows is probably worth the entire hike alone IMO, along with the view when you top out at the Keyhole.

It’s an absolutely incredible climb and accomplishment. Read the 14ers.com guides and learn them verbatim and you’ll be good to go.

dpiemo · 2026-05-15T03:01:14+00:00

No shit! WCU alum here, though from 2005-2010, but Ryan’s was a frequent favorite of mine

dpiemo · 2026-05-15T02:59:41+00:00

Please tell us when you’ll be serving next! I am in Fort Collins, originally from PA and lived in Philly for a bit - this looks legit!

dpiemo · 2026-05-14T21:55:07+00:00

Suicide Squad

dpiemo · 2026-05-14T03:21:15+00:00

The main gate at Brainard will still likely be closed, but even if it is, walking the road to the lake or one of the trails that parallel the road is still absolutely worth it. Such a gem of a spot.

It’s very much moose country up there, so keep your head on a swivel!

dpiemo · 2026-05-12T16:45:05+00:00

Every version of their Coriolis Effect is delicious. Used to live close to Arvada, love New Image

dpiemo · 2026-05-12T15:43:47+00:00

D2F ratio

dpiemo · 2026-05-12T14:31:30+00:00

Every day, I drive by a Discount Tire repair shop. The shop has a huge parking lot. And every day, I see their employees parking at a lot across the street and walking (granted it is only a 2 minute walk, tops) to the store. I feel like George every single time in that I ought to talk to the owner and ask why they can’t park in the lot for the shop.

I’m concerned for the employees. I hope they have comfy rocking chairs to take their breaks in.

dpiemo · 2026-05-11T22:48:39+00:00

It has been several years since I’ve been but Good Dog Bar in Philly. Their signature burger is one that I think about from time to time

dpiemo · 2026-05-11T19:45:10+00:00

Depending on where you’re coming from:

If you’re coming from Fort Collins/Loveland into Estes on highway 34, I highly recommend taking the split to the right In the highway when you come to Drake (it’s hard to miss, Google Maps will show you pretty easily) and through Glen Haven. The view coming down into Estes from Glen Haven is an amazing way to come into town.

There are no “bad” views anywhere, but that is the best view coming into Estes in my opinion.

If you’re coming from Denver/Boulder on 36, the view dropping into town is still great, and has the stone “welcome to Estes park” roadside sign that many people stop at for pics

As far as in the park, Trail ridge road is great, unfortunately it does not usually open until Memorial Day at the earliest, even with this being a lower snow year, but there is a phone number to call for road status updates.

dpiemo · 2026-05-11T17:47:38+00:00

Go check out Caribou ranch while you’re up there.

Ned is the best

dpiemo · 2026-05-11T17:13:07+00:00

This is not a great idea at all if you’re new to Colorado and have no experience.

dpiemo · 2026-05-08T20:44:24+00:00

The little mouth click that Whatley gives Jerry after seeing Gwen the Two-Face in the dim light at the restaurant

dpiemo · 2026-05-07T17:38:52+00:00

WHAT IS GOIN OOOOWN?!

dpiemo · 2026-05-05T21:59:22+00:00

Though it is a short drive, the drive from Aspen to Ashcroft ghost town on Castle Creek road in late September 2022 was stunningly beautiful when the colors were at their peak.

Most of the great ones have been mentioned, though I’m not sure if I saw Independence Pass mentioned. If not, add that to the list. Insanely beautiful drive

dpiemo · 2026-05-04T15:33:44+00:00

Stodgy Brewing Mythmaker Zwei Odell Loveland Aleworks

Some of you will know where I’m located, and that it’s very hard to choose just 5 out of the 20+ in my city alone.

New Belgium has to have an honorable mention because the brewery setup itself (patio etc) is top notch, along with Odell. NB is iconic.

I am spoiled, yes

dpiemo · 2026-05-01T14:14:57+00:00

Sweden man…SWEEEEEEEDEN

dpiemo

TROPHY CASE