13 Of My Favorite Spots In Colorado's Great Outdoors

Colorado’s wilderness has inspired us since the earliest days of the Centennial State's long history. These outdoor treasures support our special way of life and offer us all the chance to have an adventure, raft one of our iconic rivers, summit a 14er and create memories that will last a lifetime. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, I'm sharing some of my favorite Colorado wild places — both wilderness and other special spots — and the moments they’ve shaped. Share yours at #COwilderness50.

1. Crested Butte's backcountry

USFS/Mark Udall / Via fs.usda.gov

I met my wife Maggie in Crested Butte, and it's still one of our favorite places to explore together — including the nearby Raggeds Wilderness.

2. Making friends along the trail

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August in the San Juans. The climb is steep, but these guys don’t mind.

3. Rafting through Browns Canyon

Via Flickr: senatormarkudall

It's a true Colorado gem — and one of the best adventures in the state.

4. The top of Independence Monument

Mark Udall/NPS / Via nps.gov

And climbing the four-pitch, 5.9 Otto’s Route to fly the American flag 5,700+ feet high on the Fourth of July.

5. The James Peak Wilderness

USFS / Via fs.usda.gov

I led the successful effort to protect this special place more than a decade ago, and I’m proud it’s still as magnificent as ever.

6. Mt. Democrat — and its bipartisan neighbor, Mt. Lincoln

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Reaching for the sky, no aisle in between.

7. The view from the top

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At the summit of Square Top Mountain last year, with a perfect view of Colorado's famous 14er duo — Grays Peak and Torreys Peak.

8. Looking out from Columbia Point, just outside the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness

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The Alps have nothing on Colorado.

9. Taking my kids into the backcountry

Mark Udall

We don't inherit these special places from our parents — we borrow them from our children.

10. The Great Sand Dunes

Mark Udall

Every corner of our state is full of its own unique treasures.

11. Climbing in my own backyard

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An afternoon in Eldorado Canyon, just a short drive from home.

12. Discovering hidden treasures

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Like this tarn, at the head of Ruby Creek in the San Juans — with Pigeon Peak looming behind.

13. The Colorado Centennial Peaks

Mark Udall

Summiting Dallas Peak just two weeks ago, and reaching my goal of climbing all 100 of our state's tallest mountains.

Join the celebration and share your own photos with me at #COwilderness50.