juliatakesahike (2024)

29/10/2024

I see why they call it colorful Colorado…

There are mountains colored with reddish iron ore rocks, hues of green from bushes to trees, and a backdrop of bright blue sky and cotton clouds — it really is nature’s painting 🎨🖼️

Can you see why this area is my favorite? 🥹

📍San Juan Mountains, Colorado

🌱Stay on trail, keep your dogs leashed, pack out your trash and leave it better than you found it!

14/10/2024

postcards from Moab, Utah 🏜️💌

my mom and two high school friends came out to visit and we road tripped to the desert!

some highlights ⬇️
✨arches galore! delicate arch, corona arch, double arch, sand dune arch, I can’t choose a favorite
✨desert sunsets are UNMATCHED
✨my second time canyoneering in Moab! thanks to for giving my friends an awesome first experience
✨visiting the 6th largest natural bridge in the world! and then rappelling down it 😮‍💨
✨revisiting arches & canyonlands national parks

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of visiting Moab. I’m always finding new things to do and the fact that you can drive from Denver makes it such a good weekend trip! 😍

have you been before or would you plan a trip?

26/09/2024

This hike in Colorado Springs has it all 🙌🏼

Aspen trees that turn yellow during the fall, unique rock formations, and bristlecone pines 🍁

📌SAVE this:
📍Crags Trail, Colorado Springs
🥾5 miles, moderate
🐕Dog friendly
🚻Facilities available
🍁Hike by Aspen groves on your way to the summit
🐦Lots of overly friendly birds and chipmunks - please do NOT feed them
💚Stay on trail, pack out your trash, and check conditions beforehand

Share with someone you’d want to hike this one with!

Follow for more Colorado hikes and outdoor travel content.

09/09/2024

How to find the BEST fall colors in Colorado ⬇️🍂

This method is tried and true, and a little bit old school!

📌SAVE this:
👩🏻‍💻Fall color Facebook groups!
🗺️Not only will you find fall color reports from all over the state, but you’ll get photos of recent conditions or popular hot spots
🥾🚗Hike recommendations & road trip ideas offered
🫂These communities are SO helpful and kind!
🍁Fall colors usually start in mid-September here!

Wherever you find your fall color hikes, please make sure you’re keeping these areas better than you find them. Pick up after pets, never carve into trees, and stay on trail even if other areas off trail might look more colorful.

Know where these photos are taken? Hint: 🥞

20/08/2024

postcards from the rockies ⛰️🫶🏼

it blows my mind that I can spend a “staycation” at places like this. that I get to live in a state that others vacation to. that national parks and mountain ranges are my backyard.

it’s the Colorado dream 💭💛

📍Estes Park, Colorado

Have you been before? I have an Estes Park guide on my account in reels too!

12/08/2024

How to find the best wildflower hikes ⬇️

This is my favorite resource to find wildflower hikes, check current conditions, get up to date photos, and more. And it probably exists wherever you live!

📌SAVE THIS:
💻Wildflower Facebook Groups
💁🏻‍♀️Why? You get the most passionate wildflower lovers sharing their photos, recent hikes, and mini recaps
💐Searchable by location
🗺️I’ve found lots of amazing wildflower hikes in Colorado by being in groups like these, and I know they exist in other states too! (even other countries)

Have you ever used Facebook to find wildflower hikes?

24/07/2024

Tips for enjoying Colorado during a heat wave 🥵🔥

It’s been HOT - but that doesn’t mean you need to stop spending time outside altogether.

📌SAVE these tips:
🥾Hike at higher elevation! Find hikes in the mountains where it’s cooler
🥾Shift the times you typically hike to avoid the peak heat of the day (closer to sunrise or sunset)
🥾Sun protection always - the sun is much stronger here & sunburn risk is reeeeal
🥾EXTRA WATER + electrolytes
🥾Choose hikes with water access if hiking with a pet
📲I’ve been using the app to check weather conditions & health risks before a hike! You can assess any concerning health conditions like heat stroke & get guidance for how to alleviate them (available offline), plus the premium versions comes with 24/7 access to wilderness medicine doctors!
➡️They gave me a code to share for one month free: JULIAHIKES (affiliate)

How have you been managing the heat? 😅 Let me know if you have additional tips to share and if you’re going to try 🤗

17/07/2024

A wildflower hike you don’t want to miss…

But before I share…
⏰Arrive EARLY (before 8am is recommended)
🐕Dog-friendly but keep them leashed
🐻Bears have been spotted in the area - take extra precautions
🐦Don’t feed the birds or other wildlife
💐NEVER pick or trample flowers
🪨If you need to get off trail to let others pass or take a toilet break, step on hard dirt and rocks
🪰Bug spray necessary this time of year (tons of flies)

📌SAVE this:
🥾Acorn Creek Loop, Silverthorne, CO
🥾4.7 miles RT, moderate
🔄I recommend hiking counter clockwise to get to most of the flowers first, then end through the forest
🗺️Download this OFFLINE - the trail splits off and is unmarked and can be hard to follow at times

Have you done this one yet? It’s a popular one this time of year and for good reason 🤩

📸Portraits by

11/07/2024

Hey, I’m Julia! 🙋🏻‍♀️

I haven’t done an intro in a longgg time, so here we are!

I’m a Colorado transplant from California with a huge love for the outdoors, and a belief that to enjoy the outdoors, one must also know how to protect and preserve it (and share how to do so). 🌱

I’m Filipina-American 🇵🇭, have a twin sister 👯‍♀️, and have a Golden Retriever with my fiance. 🐕💍

I founded the Colorado Hiking Girls for women to meet new friends on the trail and connect with others who love the outdoors (join the group in my profile!) 🥾

I’ve been doing social media for under 3 years (feels like a LOT longer) but I work part-time for a non-profit too. Side note: I can’t believe I have 60,000 friends on here, thank you so much!!! 🥰

Wildflower season is my favorite, along with sushi, Asian food in general, boba, baked goods, breakfast/brunch, and trashy reality TV 🤪✌🏼

I love a full day spent outdoors, but I prefer sleeping in an actual bed and having a shower 😌🚿 although camping vibes are always fun (s’mores are required‼️)

Sometimes it feels like I’m posting into the abyss, but whether you’re a consistent supporter or a lurker, just know I appreciate you & am glad you’re here. 🫶🏼

Let me know if we have anything in common! Always down to connect in the DM’s too 🤗

10/06/2024

this might just be the color of the summer 💚🌲🌱

I love matching Mother Nature ☺️

wearing the new Hattie Bike Short & Gwen Longline Lop in Verdant, plus the Pieper Fleece in Oat Milk (gifted)

I love a bright set - what’s your go to color?

20/05/2024

Camping mistakes I made so you don’t have to 🫣 PART TWO

Let’s get it out of the way - I’m a beginner camper (surprise) 👶🏻 Here are more things to make sure you have the best camping experience possible!

📌SAVE this:
📋Have a comprehensive packing list that you check each time before you go
➡️Things I’ve forgotten to pack: my tent poles 💀, enough extra water, spices for a camping meal, trash bags
☔️Have a plan in case of rain - do you have a tarp or awning you can use to cook meals under?
🦟Don’t forget insect repellent (I’ve been victimized by forgetting this one)
🔥Have a plan for starting a fire (tip: dryer lint + old beeswax wraps works well!) and drown your fires out completely
🐕If camping with a pet, make sure you have their equipment too (dog sleeping bag, car crate, enough food, etc,?)
😴A camp pillow goes a longgg way for comfort
🎶Don’t forget the ~vibes~: bring a speaker for some music (be courteous of neighbors!), cards, a book or other games
💤Sleep in your clothes for the next day - it saves you time and who wants to change in your tent into cold clothes anyways?
🩴Camp shoes! Your future self will thank you when you can change out of your shoes

If you missed part one, head to my account to read some tips!

You all were SO helpful in part one’s comment section - any other tips or stories you’d like to share?⬇️

17/05/2024

Camping mistakes I made so you don’t have to 😅🫣
PART ONE

📌SAVE these tips:
⛺️If camping with a group, don’t always rely on others to have the equipment for you
⛺️Have a list of multiple campsites in the area you can check out in case the one you’re planning for is full. Or, book one in advance on recreation.gov
⛺️Sleep is important - I pack earplugs, melatonin, and an eye mask and it makes a huge difference
⛺️Pack evening camp layers - beanie, gloves, fleece, puffer, joggers (especially needed at higher elevation)
⛺️Plan your meals in advance & go through each ingredient when packing
⛺️Other commonly forgotten items: toilet paper/paper towel, fuel for a camp stove & lighter in case the ignition doesn’t work, surplus water for cooking, insect repellent

What mistakes have you made before? Can you relate to any of this?

15/05/2024

A-frame in the woods kinda weekend ☺️

If you’re looking for a relaxing Colorado getaway - this is it! Reminiscing on this weekend stay two summers back at 🪵

The cedar hot tub, the nighttime fairy lights, the custom mugs, and the gorgeous little kitchen… treat yourself to a stay here! 🫶🏼

29/04/2024

The highest paved road in North America ⛰️

And the view at the end of it 🙌🏼

📌SAVE this:
📍Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area
🐐See mountain goats and bighorn sheep (they may try to come up to your car and lick the salt off of it!)
🥾Hike up 14er Mount Blue Sky
🎟️Reservations for this recreation area are required!
🗓️The road is scheduled to open on May 27 until after Labor Day
💰$15 entry + $2 application fee from 8am-6:30pm

‼️Need to know:
🌟Do not approach or feed wildlife - stay in your car if they come up to you and pass slowly
🌟Be prepared & do your research if you plan to hike the 14er up here (this should NOT be a spontaneous decision)
🌟Rapidly changing weather & thunderstorms are common
🌟Elevation sits at 14,265 ft - altitude sickness could happen

Have you visited this area yet? Share with someone you want to drive up here with!

Follow along for more Colorado guides & things to do this summer!

28/03/2024

Happy birthday Hampton 🐾🎉

My best furry friend is 9 years old today 🥹 everyone wish him a happy birthday!!

Things Hampton likes:
✨Going on hikes
✨Food
✨Leaning on people for pets (also sitting on them)
✨Holding items in his mouth
✨Eating goose p**p
✨Sleeping upside down

Hampton does not like:
✨The clothes drying rack at home
✨Vacuums or balloons
✨Getting a bath
✨Being ignored

📸: or (we can’t remember 😅)

13/03/2024

Back from a week in Iceland 👋🏼

I recently hosted my second ever group trip in Iceland with 15 other women - exploring the country, soaking in hot springs, chasing waterfalls, admiring glaciers, and seeing the northern lights! 🥹

Some things I LOVE about group travel: the likeminded people you meet who love the outdoors & new experiences, and the fully planned, stress-free experience of just showing up and knowing that each day is going to be packed with adventure. And this trip was no exception! 🥰

Huge thank you to these women for joining me and making this trip a blast!

Wanna see what we did? Check out my 🇮🇸girls trip story highlight!

And if you’re interested in other group trips, join my “girls trip” channel in my profile! We’re going to South Africa, Alaska and Washington this summer 🥾🏕️✈️

10/03/2024

The sun is back!!! ☀️

Longer days, post-work hikes, and my favorite season (summer) is getting closer now and I am HERE FOR IT!

I can’t wait to be spending even more time outside and frolicking among the wildflowers and planning my summer trips… what about you?

26/02/2024

Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary 🏄⛱

The tallest dunes in North America can be found in Colorado!

📌SAVE this one-day itinerary:
📍Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
🐕 Dog friendly (but make sure your pet is also prepared!)
🥾Hiking:
While there are no established trails among the sand dunes, you can explore wherever you want, including these notable dunes:
🏖High Dune, 2.5miles RT
🏖Star Dune, 6+ miles RT
🛷Sandboarding or sledding
Rent at the Oasis Store, 4 miles from the visitor center (open spring - fall)
💦Picnic at Medano Creek (currently flowing now!)
⛺️Camping: individual or group sites available, reservations required (get them on recreation.gov)
🎒Backpacking: camp 1.5+ miles into the dunes, permit required

➡️While the sand dunes may seem like a large playground, they’re not a trash can. Pack everything out!
⚠️Temperatures at and on the sand dunes can get extremely hot & can change quickly. Be cautious of afternoon thunderstorms, bring plenty of water & sun protection, and protect yourself and/or your pet.

✨BONUS:
🥾Hike the nearby Zapata Falls, 20 mins away (0.9 miles RT, easy)
♨️Visit the adults-only Great Sand Dunes Swimming Pool a unique hot spring soak

Have you visited this national park yet? Surprised it’s in Colorado? 🙌🏼 Share with a friend!

Here from reels? Follow for more hiking and national park content!

20/02/2024

The best travel tips you didn’t know you needed ✈️

Here’s a list of travel tips I’ve accumulated to make travel more efficient, comfortable and stress-free. Some of these tips have saved me multiple times 🙌🏼

📍Photo from Iceland because I’m so excited to be back SOON!🤭

📌SAVE this:
🌟Get TSA Pre Check (IT IS WORTH IT)
🌟Purchase air tags for your checked & carry on luggage
🌟Get a credit card with airport lounge access & zero foreign transaction fees (I am Venture X’s biggest fan)
🌟Use contact lens cases to store small items like medication or ear plugs
🌟Wear clothing with pockets
🌟Email yourself a copy of your passport & ID
🌟Carry a portable charger with you
🌟Bring a universal charging adapter with multiple ports
🌟Download the Mobile Passport Control app to skip the line at customs (not all airports accept this though!)
🌟If checking a bag, pack a carry on with an extra change of clothing, toiletries, and anything absolutely essential to your trip
🌟For better sleep on flights: eye mask, noise canceling headphones or ear plugs, neck pillow, melatonin
🌟Wear compression socks on long flights to increase circulation (I like or )
🌟Always pack medication *just in case* (allergy, cold/flu, motion sickness, upset stomach)
🌟Purchase a Bluetooth adapter to watch plane movies with your own wireless earbuds
🌟Get an eSIM before traveling or switch to a phone plan with international data ( offers unlimited roaming 😌)
🌟Bring your own refillable water bottle
🌟For pet sitting needs, check out . You pay an annual fee and get *unlimited* house sitting when you’re out of town. Use code HIKE25 to save 25%

Which of these are you going to implement? Any tips you rely on? Continue them in the comments! 🤗

What trip are you looking forward to next? 👀 Share with someone who could use these tips!

04/02/2024

this is 26 🥳🎉

what a year it’s been. I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful for the life I get to live. 🫶🏼

And for another year around the sun & around the world✈️

Weather in Colorado has been heavily snowy this weekend, but I’m making the most of it despite canceled plans - and looking forward to celebrating in the desert next weekend! 🏜️

I hope this year brings a lot more hikes, bucket list experiences, epic travel, and happiness ✨

Happy birthday to my twin who I’ll see next weekend too 🥰

(also the day we get kicked off of our parent’s insurance 🥲 ha ha)

#26

02/02/2024

Imagine soaking in a hot spring in this winter wonderland…

in Ouray, Colorado!

Winter things to do in Colorado *if you don’t ski or snowboard* part eleven ⬇️

📌SAVE this:
📍Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray, CO
🏔️Gorgeous, snow capped mountain views
💰$16-26 per adult, depending on age (children under 4 & seniors over 75 are free)
♨️Sulfur free hot spring
💦Choose from the Overlook Pool, Hot Pool, Lap Pool, Shallow Pool, and Activity Pool
🗓️Open year round (with some holidays as the exception)
🚪Daily admission gives you access to the pools the entire day - you can leave & come back!
🛝Waterslides closed during the winter

Hot springs are my favorite during the winter - what about you? Share with someone who hasn’t been yet!

08/01/2024

Winter activities to do in Colorado *if you don’t ski or snowboard* part five ⬇️

Hike to a glacier 🤯
(well, technically it’s a semi-permanent snowfield)

📌SAVE this:
📍St. Mary’s Glacier, Idaho Springs, CO
🥾1.6 miles RT, moderate
🐕Dog friendly
❄️Lake is fully frozen over, microspikes are helpful to bring!
💰$20 parking - recommended to carpool with others
⛷️You might even see skiers or snowboarders going down the “glacier!”

This easy hike is great for visitors or out of towners as it offers beautiful views without much elevation gain/mileage.

Do you think the $20 fee to hike this is worth it?

03/01/2024

Garden of the Gods DUPE 👀

Winter activities to do in Colorado *if you don’t ski or snowboard* part four ⬇️

Visit the Denver area’s version of Garden of the Gods 😉

📌SAVE this:
📍Roxborough State Park, Littleton, CO
🥾The best trails: Carpenter Peak, Fountain Valley Loop, South Rim Loop, Lyons Overlook
🎟️$10 entry or state park pass accepted
🚫No dogs, drones, mountain bikes or camping allowed
💚Roxborough is a partner - do your part and stick to the trails and pack out your trash!

Do you see the resemblance to Garden of the Gods? Would you hike here?

27/12/2023

Unbelievably grateful for 2023 🥹

A year of change, growth, and opportunity - and if you’ve been here since the start… thanks for sticking around 🫶🏼

Some milestones and memories I’m proud of this year:
🌟Maintaining authentic friendships who support your wins & make you laugh
🌟Hosting my first ever girls trip to Patagonia
🌟Buying a home
🌟Taking my parents on their first brand trip to Oregon
🌟Becoming a six figure creator
🌟Getting engaged in Italy
🌟Gaining confidence in negotiation skills
🌟Celebrating my second year on this app
🌟Prioritizing doing what I love 🥾✈️☀️

Anyone else reminiscing on 2033? What’s one of your favorite memories or milestones from this year?

#2023

05/12/2023

Winter things to do in Colorado *if you don’t ski or snowboard* Part 1!

Double winter waterfall hike in Colorado ❄️💦

This hike in Steamboat Springs has TWO waterfalls, but most visitors turn back after the first one… which means if you continue on, you might have it all to yourself! 😉

📌SAVE this hike:
📍Fish Creek Falls, Steamboat Springs, CO
🥾4.5 miles RT, moderate
💰$5 fee
💦Lower Fish Creeks Falls overlook is accessible only a 1/4 mile into the trailhead (second photo)
💦 Continue on to Upper Fish Creek Falls, 2 miles later (first photo)
❄️This trail gets icy - bring microspikes and trekking poles for extra traction
⛰️Beautiful mountain view’s
🐕Dog friendly
🚻Facilities available
⚠️Always check trail conditions before you go. Dress warmly & bring water, and pack out all your trash.

Would you hike to the lower falls or the upper falls? Share with a friend! 🥾

juliatakesahike