Teva Mountain Games hit Vail June 3-6

by Kraig Becker on

The Teva Mountain Games are set to get underway in Vail, Colorado next week, running from June 3-6. The annual event has become one of the top destinations for outdoor athletes who will compete in eight different sports and 24 different disciplines, including trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, whitewater kayaking and much more.

Returning to the Mountain Games this year is the Ultimate Mountain Challenge which seeks to crown a King (and Queen) of the Mountain by finding the best athlete across multiple events. Men and women competing in the UMC will take part in a 10k trail run, a cross country mountain bike race, a road bike time trial, and a 4-mile long kayak race. When all of the individual events have concluded, the athletes with the lowest total time across all four disciplines will claim victory.

The Mountain Games aren’t just about athletic competitions however, as there are plenty of other activities as well. For example, there is also an outdoor photo competition, an adventure film school, and plenty of live music all weekend long. The always popular Gear Town returns as well, with popular outdoor equipment manufacturers such as Eddie Bauer, Black Diamond, and of course, Teva, on hand to show off their latest gear.

If you’re an outdoor athlete looking for a little competition next weekend, that head on over to Vail to challenge yourself against athletes from around the world. If you’re in that same area and you’re looking for a little fun, while surrounded by fantastic scenery, than the Teva Mountain Games are just what you’re looking for as well.

[Image Credit: Teva Mountain Games]

Vegas day trip: Red Rock Canyon

by Grant Martin on

Should the endless glory of the Las Vegas strip ever cease to amaze you, consider heading to the local Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for a little bit of fresh air and R&R. Situated only 25 minutes northwest of the city, the nature reserve is a world away from the high frequency Vegas atmosphere, a serene, bucolic landscape where one can jump out of the car, hike around the massive, sandstone features and drink in the sprawling views of the Keystone Thrust.

Red Rock Canyon Road, a 13 mile one-way loop is the jagged, wandering backbone of the park, the starting point from which visitors can begin a day hike, technical climb or rock scramble and from where a long line of autos and bicycles gape at the surroundings.

It’s hard to not pull over at every outlook to jump out and take photos, but one of the first opportunities to do so is the best. About one mile into the park on the right, a precarious stacking of sandy red boulders and formations peers over the road, providing scenic hikes for all levels of adventurers. Fifteen minutes of this glorious nature will put any Vegas hangover at ease.

The scenic drive is open from 6AM until dusk and costs $5 to enter with a day pass. Make sure to arrive at least two hours before sunset so that you have plenty of time to enjoy the park.

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