Welcome
I really started The Outdoor Gems to share outdoor experiences through photography and storytelling to inspire more people to get outside. If more people got outdoors; took a walk, hike, went snowboarding, sat around a campfire, and surfed in the ocean, I think the world would be a better place.
-Jeremiah
Greatest Places to Go
Best Mountain Towns, The complete Adventure Guide to Salida Colorado
Somewhat of a sleeper mountain town, Salida is a place where one would find just about every outdoor Colorado adventure there is to offer. Not far from Buena Vista, Salida also feels like a surf town, but with a 1960’s feel to it. I first discovered Salida after hearing that they had river surfing. I ventured over from Breckenridge and realized how unique and adventurous the town and surrounding mountains felt, so I knew I had to explore the area more.
Best Colorado Hikes, Making your way to Lost Lake near Buena Vista
Chaffee county Colorado, one of the most unique areas of the state with mountains, alpine desert terrain, river activities, and of course plenty of hiking trails. Small towns Salida and Buena Vista in the area both offer tons of outdoor recreation. A favorite hike just outside of..
Beginner Hikes in Colorado, Trekking the Monarch Pass Loop near Salida
Looking to explore one of many Colorado Mountain Passes? With Colorado having numerous amazing mountain passes to drive along in the summer and fall, Monarch Pass is one you should add to the list. The top of Monarch Pass is actually right where the ski resort is, Monarch Mountain. A smaller mountain with a local vibe. In the summer there is a scenic gondola and also a few hiking/biking trails. If you’re staying in Salida, this is an awesome place
Favorite Trails near Salida Colorado, Hiking to the Tenderfoot Hill Tower and Loop
After discovering river surfing in Salida Colorado, I started to take trips to Chaffee County in the summer and this past summer I ended up spending some time in Salida, not just river surfing, but exploring a lot of the outdoor recreation this area has to offer. The actual town reminds me of something out of the 1960’s as it has an old fashion feel to it, with Brick Buildings, small shops, and even a revamped drug store that sells ice cream. It’s a more quiet town which is why I like to visit the area so much in the summer. If you love the outdoors especially river activities, Salida is one of the best if not the best places in the state for that kind of outdoor passion.
Right in town is an awesome trail that you can either loop it or just hike up to the watch tower and back down into town. I decided to hike the entire loop starting in the afternoon and was racing the clock towards the end as the sun
Hidden Gem Hikes in Colorado, Hiking the Waterdog Lakes Trail near Salida
So you might be visiting Salida Colorado for a day or maybe you are looking for something new or different in Colorado for hiking. If you’re looking for day hikes in the Chaffee county area, Waterdog Lake up near Monarch Pass is a good simple hike with some nice views towards the top. It’s a shorter hike, but one of my favorites from the summer
Meet Jeremiah
Growing up, I loved being outside. I took a lot of cool trips with my family, whether it was camping, going to the beach, road trips, and national parks. Even though I didn’t fully appreciate those experiences at the time, as I got older I started getting more into the outdoors and traveling, reconnecting with my past. The feeling of traveling or going somewhere new always seems to give a sense of excitement or adventure.
Snowboarding and boardsports in general have been a passion of mine for over 20 years. I always loved the culture that came with it; from local retail shops to magazines and videos, to riding with friends as well as geeking out on the latest gear, it’s all part of the experience. After working in snowboard/outdoor gear shops for the past decade along with traveling to different outdoor places, I decided to put all of that experience in digital form to inspire and connect with other people.