Holiday Gift Giving, New Years Resolutions, Hiking Apps and more
What hiking app do you use?
Voices of the Pikes Peak Region
The goal is to prevent becoming isolated
It’s time to move on and get a policy set.
How are the fall colors going to look this year?
What hikes should you do before the end of September?
Do these devices change what we’ve told hikers about how to be prepared for emergencies?
What are the details behind the shuttle and reservation system on Americas Mountain?
What will you need to do to visit Hanging Lake?
Terrain Hoppers open trails to people with accessibility challenges.
The controversy over the make-up of the CPW Commission is not over.
Why does it matter who is on the CPW Commission?
Someone is literally making a Federal case out of it.
Shop now for next winters hiking gear.
What happened to three missing hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Let’s help a fellow hiker
What is the mayors plan for addressing the backlog of needs and maintenance of Colorado Springs’ parks, open spaces and trails?
No one should be victimized while on a trail, nor are they to blame for hiking alone.
Leave No Trace wants trainers to pay them to teach their materials?
Where is the center of the United States? The answer might surprise you.
There are some fun events coming to the Pikes Peak region
Do we live in the best country?
No one has a right to harass and threaten trail crews.
No single user group holds the moral high ground
People who think they’re helping wild animals are actually doing the opposite.
Does the police department really care about what happens in our city parks?
What does a classic Rolling Stone song have to do with outdoor recreation?
What is a Terrain Hopper, and who can use one?
Seeing a mountain lion in the wild might be exciting, but it’s not a good thing.
If you want to visit Pikes Peak at sunrise, you’ll have a few opportunities to do so this summer
How is the job of a Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer the same – or different – than that of a city police officer or a sheriff?
What’s with all the uproar over setting FKT (Fastest Known Time) records on the incline?
What does it take to manage the Pikes Peak Ranger District?
Colorado is making it easier for low income people to visit its state parks
Should people who act illegally be given services for free?
How did Bauer get started working for the USFS, and what kind of positions has he held?
What were the significant accomplishments of the parks department in 2022 and what is instore for 2023?
What were some significant accomplishments of the department in 2022 and what is the department planning for in 2023.
The TOPS ballot is an extension without an increase/
The National Park Service is doing nothing to make sure lower income users have the opportunity to visit the most popular national parks.
The TOPS tax has been in existence for 25 years, and has purchased more than 7,000 acres of land. Voters will be asked to extend it for another 20 years.
The iPhone 14 has fallen victim to the law of unintended consequences
Where is Bob going on his next adventure, and why?
The Devils Playground Trail rebuilding is still underway. When will it be finished?
What is the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative ?
On this podcast, Bob continues his series with participants in the 2022 Give campaign, by chatting with advocacy group Wild Connections.
There has been tremendous support from the local community as Fishers Peak State Park has been developed.
What does TOSC do to support outdoor recreation and why you should donate to them during the Give! Campaign.
That other website is the :”Dunning Kruger” of outdoor recreation.
On this week’s episode, Bob and co-host Kevin answer listeners comments and questions. What do liisteners want to know?
On this week’s episode: An update on U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement in the Pikes Peak Ranger District, and co-host Kevin tells of his hike to a remote, abandoned powerplant.
The people who live on Old Stage Road say they have been abandoned by the sheriff’s office. Everyone agreed that they deserve better.
One advantage of using these companies is gaining access to otherwise inaccessible places
Should Colorado Springs close access to national forest land?
Colorado may not be the Arizona desert, but it still gets plenty hot, and you need to be ready. The summer heat will be around for a while.
All of these deaths were preventable had some simple “rules” been followed.
How can COSReady be useful for outdoor recreation?
Many hikers miss out on the trails in a beautiful and quiet part of Colorado that goes mostly unnoticed.
it should worry everyone that an aspiring politician is advocating forcibly taking private land solely for recreational uses.
The internal loads we carry are a result of many factors and can determine how well we perform our recreational activities.
When comparing a trail signs posted mileage, the mileage tracked by a GPS, and what COTREX said the distance should be, I quickly determined which one was most accurate
New Jersey isn’t all refineries, traffic and big cities!
When will the trail be finished? How much work has been done so far? How complex is the project? All and more are answered in this podcast.
What is it with people that makes them think it’s OK to build their own trails on public lands?
People need to wear life preservers and refrain from drinking alcohol until they’re done boating for the day.
The ParkScore rank is a comparison to other cities. It may not reflect on how well or poorly a parks system is doing.
Are we giving the ParkScore more weight than it’s due?
Why doesn’t the many hundreds of acres of open space in Colorado Springs count towards the ParkScore rating?
The Mile High Youth Corps trains and employs 18-24 year old’s to work in the outdoor recreation industry.
There’s a lot of news this week!
Why is the National Park Service not doing more to accommodate low-income, tax-paying, users?
Kevin Westendorf took over the podcast while Bob was away and did this very special interview for the 300th episode of the podcast.
Why was the messaging on the bridge project so muddled, and how can we clear this up? Also, lets celebrate our National Parks!
People who have permits to climb Mt Whitney have never hiked a 14,000′ peak before. Is this a good situation?
Should we acknowledge that there isn’t enough money or manpower to really fix all our parks capacity issues, no matter how hard our land managers try?
Why is traffic a problem in Eldorado Canyon State Parks, and why is Colorado Parks and Wildlife considering a timed entry system to alleviate traffic?
How many bear encounters were there in Colorado in 2021, and how does that compare to previous years?
How did authorities determine what happened to a family hiking in California? Why does Colorado need a law allowing kids to play alone?
Is the Grand Canyon really the most dangerous U.S. National Park? What is wrong with a website’s ranking of dangerous national parks.
What did the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department accomplish in 2021 and what’s ahead in 2022?
How is climate change affecting outdoor recreation? Also, why would someone intentionally go hiking in a storm and put rescuers at risk? Support this podcast by voting for it! See the link in the show notes.
What did the department accomplish in 2021, and how did the pandemic affect parks? When will we see new county parks open in 2022?
How did a guided hike on an easy trail on Cheyenne Mountain go so horribly wrong? Were the hikers abandoned by their guide?
Are people who take outdoor recreation seriously better prepared and have reasonable expectations of their government than those who don’t?
We’re thankful for everyone who make is possible for us to enjoy the outdoors. Also, why do some people disenfranchise other trail users?
What happened to the family while they were hiking, and what can we learn from the tragedy?
Should you be charged for the cost of a search and rescue mission? Who decides when to charge, and based on what criteria?
There are still plenty of opportunities to see Colorado’s fall colors over the next couple of weeks.
How could a hiker death have been prevented? What kind of winter will we have?
“If you’re the person vandalizing our city parks, your parents failed at raising you, and you should know better”
Why has another 14,000′ peak been closed, and should those peaks even be privately owned?
If Pikes Peak becomes a National Park, do we lose the ability to enjoy the peak as we do now? Is that good or bad?
A 5 year-old hiked the entire Appalachian Trail! Find out what Bob and Kevin think about that feat.
If it’s a life or death situation, drink the water instead of risking death due to dehydration
Where is Lake St. Kevin? And, lets help Bob get his photography on billboards!
What is the status of the Devils Playground Trail on the Pikes Peak, and when will it be completed?
Yet another popular hiking destination will require advance reservations. This will be the new norm.
How is the Bureau of Land Management different from other federal land agencies?
Trails in the Roosevelt National Forest that were burned at the same time as Waldo Canyon have been rebuilt, yet nothing seems to be going on here. Why?
If this is your first time hiking a 14’er, Pikes Peak may not be the best choice.
Have a plan A, B, C and even D in case the parking lot is full at the trail you want to hike. Be a responsible trail user.
Should Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs remain closed in North Cheyenne Canon Park?
Why did these bears attack a person, and how rare is it? Do hikers and campers need to worry, and what can they do to stay safe?
It’s all about outdoor recreation politics on this week’s podcast. Hear what the Colorado legislature is working on.
On this week’s podcast: A tragic incident in Death Valley National Park, and how tips on how to avoid a similar fate; and more.
What could possibly have happened on a trail for a hiker to stab a cyclist, and who is at fault? No user group is morally superior.
Bob and co-host Kevin discuss the recent blizzard to hit Colorado and what it means for recreation and the environment
What happened to a group of Russian hikers, so many years ago?
Bob and co-host Kevin reflect on the untimely death of a local trails and park legend; review a new app for National Parks, and more
Colorado may be on it’s way to becoming a “pay-to-play” state for outdoor recreation
What is the proper etiquette when encountering a muddy trail?
So many things went wrong, and they all could have been avoided.
We want to know what topics and which guests listeners want to hear on the podcast
Who’s fault is it that the Utah “Monolith” became a debacle?
Bob and Kevin’s recent hike on Pikes Peak required a lot of planning.
Now is not the time for non-profits to fail to recognize their supporters and volunteers
Will we ever know what really happened in Zion National Park?
Did the hiker who encountered a mountain lion do the right thing?
Fall colors update; is Colorado Springs a safe place?; City budget has increases for parks; more
On this week’s podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin give a fall colors update; talk about winter camping; Bob’s frustrations with GoPro and more. Websites mentioned in this show: PocketPals Trail Maps Fishers Peak State Park Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website Listen on Google Podcasts, Spotify and Apple…
Bob and co-host Kevin talk about how Bob decides what trails to write about, and the push-back he gets from readers who don’t want others hiking on “their” trails. Also discussed: Fall colors update; the Pikes Peak Apex bike race; a new park has just opened; the IndyGive is coming; the Tip and Trail of…
On this week’s podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss the recent unseasonable weather, and use it as an opportunity to talk about prepping for cooler weather. They also talk about the upcoming fall colors season; Bob’s observations about usage at Paint Mines park; the new trails off of the Manitou Incline and whether it’s proper…
On this week’s podcast, Bob and Kevin talk about Colorado’s #CareForColorado campaign, Cheyenne Mountain State Parks Trail Ambassador program, and “Leave No Trace” and how they all tie together. They also discuss Fishers Peak State Park and it’s progress towards opening. They discuss wildfires and how they can effect your health while hiking and your decision on whether or not…
On this week’s podcast, Kevin “Wild” Westendorf returns to the show and catches up with Bob on his recent hikes and future plans. They discuss the on-going closure of the Manitou Incline, and Green Mountain Falls considering closing it’s trails (they decided not to…). Also a reminder that a fishing or hunting license is needed…
On this show, Bob and co-host Kevin celebrate 200 episodes of the podcast (200 straight weeks!). They also discuss whether a legit hiking trail can be paved, Mt. Evans Road closed until July, Rocky Mountain National Park and other national parks starting to open, the slow recovery from COVID-19 closures, the Trail and Tip of…
Bob and co-host Kevin discuss hiking in the Lost Creek Wilderness, wildlife encounters, Barr Trail detour at the Pikes Peak summit, Tip and Trail of the week, and more. Visit our new sponsor American Back Country T-shirts, and use code BACKCOUNTRY10 for 10% off. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Links…
On this week’s podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss the phased re-opening of campgrounds in Colorado State Parks, Kevin’s 14 mile hike around Rampart Reservoir, discuss which maps they use, and introduce a new feature, the Tip and Trail of the Week, and much more. Visit our new sponsor American Back Country T-shirts, and use code…
On this week’s podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss a new rule that requires hikers to have a hunting and fishing license to hike on certain state lands in Colorado; Kevin is using a Garmin GPS watch, and what he thinks of it; new hours on the Pikes Peak Highway; reconsidering how to plan road…
On this week’s episode, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss a wide variety of topics, including hiking in 100 degree weather, whether we’re having a “normal” spring, hiking Bison Peak and Beaver Creek Wilderness Area. Also, hiking on Hankins Pass, and using COTREX and the US Forest Service on-line tools to determine trails are open or closed during COVID-19, planning for hiking during the…
Bob and Kevin are back on the podcast (remotely connected) and compare notes and catch up on how COVID-19 has been affecting them and outdoor recreation, and why Bob hasn’t been in Colorado for weeks (it’s only temporary). Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website…
On this week’s episode, Bob and Kevin discuss hiking in lesser known places such as Pueblo Mountain Park and Aiken Canyon, look for an answer to the question “why do I get winded going up hill?”, and the pro’s and con’s of Daylight Saving Time (and why do people get so worked up over it). Please consider becoming a patron…
On this week’s show, Bob chats with Lauren McDonald from Fox 21’s morning news show in Colorado Springs. She talks about her history in broadcasting, how she ended up in Colorado Springs, and how it met her expectations. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website
Bob and co-host Kevin discuss the use of e-bikes on trails and their concerns over users “hacking” the bikes; President’s Day hikes; winter is back and where to go snowshoeing; Bob’s new photography website. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website
This week, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss the latest in the Waldo Canyon rebuilding, what kind of backpacks they use while hiking, ask “where is the snow?”, a special offer for new patrons, and more. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website
This week, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss Bob’s recent photography trip to Yellowstone National Park with National Geographic, Kevin’s recent hikes, and they examine the recent controversy surrounding Colorado Springs Parks. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website
On this week’s show, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss whether a popular outdoor recreation newsletter is “click-bait”? Bob and Kevin focus on the positive about Colorado and ask why there is so much focus on the negative. Also, they discuss last years accomplishments and look forward to the new year, and upcoming events. Please consider…
On this week’s show, Bob and co-host Kevin talk about responsible winter hiking, last minute holiday gift ideas, “First Day” hikes, a record setting Grand Canyon hike, and more. This week’s podcast is sponsored by Victorinox, the creators of the Swiss Army Knife Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking…
Bob and co-host Kevin talk about “hidden gems”, parks or trails that fly under most people’s radar, or that are unmarked or unmapped. Also, #OptOutside and #FreshAirFriday, IndyGive, and is Colorado Springs going to lose professional baseball? Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website
On this week’s episode, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss a report that recommended that the National Park Service privatize campgrounds, bring in food trucks, Amazon deliveries and wifi to National Parks. Find out what Bob and Kevin think of the plan. Also, the IndyGive! is under way. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast!…
On this week’s episode Bob and co-host Kevin talk about how early winter seems to have arrived in Colorado and their favorite local places to go snowshoeing. Also, the end of Daylight Saving Time, Veterans Day, new signage for TOPS open spaces and more. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information.…
This week, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss a report that shows that a record number of people climbed Colorado’s 14,000′ peaks in 2018. Also discussed are rescues made on Cheyenne Mountain, and steam engine 168 inaugural run after being rebuilt. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild…
On this week’s podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss the approaching winter weather; Kevin’s recent trip to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Trail; the challenges with hiking in different terrain than Colorado’s; Bob’s book now for sale at REI; photo exhibit at Denver International Airport. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast!…
On this week’s show, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss Bob’s observations of how people behaved near elk in Rocky Mountain National Park; the lack of fall colors and when leaves should be changing; Kevin climbs Huron Peak; hiking preparedness during fall weather; National Public Lands Day, and a whole lot more. Please consider becoming a…
On this week’s show, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss hiking in Colorado’s state parks and national forests, the advantages of checking multiple sources for trail information, fall colors, hunting during hiking season, and cyclists and helmets. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
On this week’s show, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss negative on-line reviews of National Parks, and explore some possible reasons why people are dissatisfied. Also, Kevin’s recent first time visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, and more If you like this podcast, consider becoming a patron! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf…
Bob and co-host Kevin talk about Kevin’s hikes in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and Bob’s hike in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. They also discuss an incident where a Colorado Park Ranger was assaulted, and an incident where a group of 44 hikers had to be rescued in the Arizona desert. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website …
On this week’s show, Bob and Kevin discuss the new permit system for visitors to Hanging Lake, and what can be done to manage visitors to local parks and trails. Also, recent hikes, upcoming plans, and an update on an aggressive bear in Colorado Springs. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
On this week’s podcast, Bob talks about his recent hiking road trips, and Kevin talks about how he dealt with getting sick on a recent hike. Also, upcoming free entry opportunities at Colorado State Parks in August. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram The Nomadik: https://www.thenomadik.com/hikingbob Enter promo code “Hikingbob” Enter to win a free The Nomadik…
How have we benefited from the space program?
Bob and co-host Kevin talk about some recent hikes, water safety concerns due to the runoff from this winter’s large snowfall amounts, wildflowers are in bloom and more. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram The Nomadik: https://www.thenomadik.com/hikingbob Enter promo code “Hikingbob” Enter to win a free The Nomadik box: https://win.thenomadik.com/hikingbob
What could the lost hiker in Hawaii done differently to prevent getting lost or to reduce how long it took to find her?
This week’s podcast is another one suggested by a listener
In this podcast, we continue with listener suggested topics, with co-host Kevin discussing what is in his pack, and also his choice of boots. Also, Bob and Kevin discuss a recent incident that resulted in the death of a hiker in Arizona. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram The Nomadik: https://www.thenomadik.com/hikingbob Enter promo code “Hikingbob” Enter to…
On this week’s episode, Bob and co-host Kevin talk about the rapidly changing and variable spring weather in Colorado; getting ready for summer hiking; big changes for Hanging Lake hiking; bears coming out of hibernation; is La Plata Peak the best hike in Colorado? Also, are there more mountain lions than in the past? And,…
On this week’s episode, Bob and Kevin catch up on hikes they did while Bob was away, and discuss the difference between hiking in Colorado’s mountains vs Arizona’s deserts. They also discuss thier plans for the coming spring and summer, including “road trip” hikes. Some places discussed include Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos State Park, Black Canyon…
On this week’s show, Bob and Kevin discuss the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park, the upcoming 50th anniversary of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, a new national park in Indiana, and much more. Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
On this week’s podcast we discuss an update on the recent mountain lion attack and why you shouldn’t wear noise cancelling ear buds while hiking, putting together your own loop hike, an update on the progress of proposed rule changes in El Paso County Parks, and another giveaway! Mountain Lion attack survivor video Hiking Bob…
On this week’s episode: Bob and Kevin discuss a recent mountain lion attack, videoing hikes, recent hikes, current winter recreation conditions, skin cancer and prevention Links for this podcast: Skin Cancer report Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
On this week’s episode, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss snowshoeing conditions in Colorado, tracking your hikes on Google Earth, and what determines who survives or doesn’t survive a bad situation. Also, a FREE give-away! Links for this episode: Pocket Pals Trail maps Hiking Bob on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website Wild Westendorf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Bob and co-host Kevin talk about new and revised maps from Pocket Pals Trail Maps, proposed changes to El Paso County Parks rules, how a popular hiking and running tracking app help capture a murderer (and what that means to everyone else who uses it), why a couple fell 800′ in Yosemite National Park, how…
Bob and co-host Kevin discuss how a social media post killed an event, and how to be a good steward of our open lands. Also, how do you define a trail? Waldo Canyon open house, lunar eclipse, Bob teaching a winter photography class, and more. Links for this episode: Bob’s photography workshop at the Garden of…
Bob and co-host Kevin talk about what they accomplished during 2018 and what they plan to do in 2019 and what resolutions they made for the coming year. Also, some discussion about the affects of the government shut down on National Parks and a reminder about new fees at Colorado State Parks.
Bob and co-host Kevin talk a little bit more about Kevin’s 45 mile hike; other podcasts they listen to; what the “Motorless Morning” in the Garden of the Gods was like; getting ready for hiking in winter weather.