The OutThere Colorado Podcast
OutThere Colorado
Grizzly bears in Colorado? Alligator wrestling? Things to do each season? The OutThere Colorado Podcast covers a wide range of important topics related to outdoor recreation in Colorado. Follow along as we explore the natural playground of the Centennial State.
Episodes
A chat with the man who hiked a 2,021-mile loop around Colorado in 141 days
In this special episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth interview Donovan Rice, the man who just hiked a massive 2,021-mile self-designed loop around Colorado over the course of 141 days. Spencer chats with Donovan first about what the hike was like, followed by Seth talking with Donovan about his motivations for thru-hiking and how he got into the sport. You won't want to miss this one. Find videos from Donovan's journeys on Instagram at @greatcoloradoroute and @theicemanhiketh. Learn more about all of the segments along the route, see a map, and more at https://greatcoloradoroute.com
A very creepy Colorado story; How 'No Name' got named; What's new at Colorado's resorts; A town's push to buy a ski area; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about how the town of 'No Name' got its name, one of the creepiest Colorado stories you'll hear, an update on Nederland's push to purchase Eldora, what's going on at Colorado's resorts this season and the cheapest lift tickets you'll find around the state, an ultramarathon impacted by life-threatening weather, snow on the way, and more.
The silent killer threatening Colorado's trees and what's being done to stop it
If you've spent time in Colorado, you've probably noticed patches of dead trees on various hillsides around the state. In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer chats with Wesley Manney, the Founder and Director of The Mountain Pine Beetle Foundation. Their discussion covers the threat of pine beetles in Colorado and the devastation this insect species can cause – both in the backcountry and in your own neighborhood. Also discussed is what locals can do to protect their own trees and their greater community. Wesley Manney's organization offers property evaluations and more, with information available at mountainpinebeetle.org.
Bizarre town names explained; Snow and meteor showers; Historic attraction's fight to survive; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about some seemingly bizarre and uncommon town names and how they got named, use of the chairlift restraint bar and a new detection system, an upcoming meteor shower, incoming snow, Bent's Fort and its future, and an update on a stunning spot that could become Colorado Springs' next big natural attraction.
Are the sand dunes shrinking?; A dead horse and a UFO?; First completion of the 2,000-mile Great Colorado Route; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about whether or not the Great Sand Dunes are shrinking, the first official completion of the 2,000-mile Great Colorado Route, a spooky story that involves a dead horse and claims of extraterrestrial involvement, horror movies with Colorado ties, and more.
Kids disappear from campsite; How many wolves live in CO?; Could COS become a hub for water sports?; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a recent update on the number of wolves in Colorado (amid growing concerns), three children who went missing from a campsite, more bear conflicts to add to the list, an update on the Maroon Bells takeover, a lofty proposal that could forever change a Colorado creek, and more.
Haunted attractions to visit; Hiker killed by lightning; Climbing 13ers around Colorado; Seth's Oktoberfest victory; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about haunted attractions to visit, a hiker who was killed by lightning and some common lightning myths, climbing the state's 13ers, and a state park that's perfect for fall. Oh, and Seth is officially a stein holding champion thanks to his performance during a local Oktoberfest competition. Hear all about that, too.
Eldora State of Mind: What makes this Colorado Front Range resort so special with Tim Kenney
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer sits down with Tim Kenney, Snowsports Director at Eldora Mountain Resort. The two chat on what makes Eldora and Nederland a special part of Colorado, tips for getting into skiing and snowboarding, and two amazing deals – one that includes lessons, rentals, and a season pass and another that caters to more advanced skiers and snowboarders, featuring private group lessons at a great price. Plus, Tim shares some restaurant recommendations for Boulder County. As one of the closest resorts for many Front Rangers, Eldora Mountain Resort is looking ahead to the start of the 2026-2027 season. This podcast episode is unscripted sponsored content, created in partnership with Eldora Mountain Resort.
Easy-to-access great views; $9 lift tickets; New luxury resort; UAP sighting; Historic trail; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a historic trail, a UAP sighting, $9 lift tickets, a resort's big jump into luxury, safety concerns at a Colorado climbing crag, easy-to-access great views, a new professional football team that's coming to Colorado, and more.
Frozen dead guy; 90 MPH mountain train; 'Glacier' disappears; Colorado's vampire; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a proposed mountain train that travels 90 miles per hour, a chocolate factory you've got to check out, the sudden disappearance of a Colorado 'glacier', a new 'urban night sky' spot, stories of a Colorado vampire, the famous frozen dead guy, and more
Bear breaks into bedroom; Tarantulas emerge; Two 14er deaths; Mudslide at the Maroon Bells; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about recent bear attacks, a mudslide at the Maroon Bells (and potential management changes), two 14er deaths, tarantulas on the move, elk rut in Estes Park (and some interesting Estes Park elk history), parking concerns on the mountain pass, the Broncos' loss, and more.
Fall destinations and recommendations; Jail time for snowboarder?; Stunning hike 'above the clouds'; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about their favorite spots for fall, a major update on a 14er, a stunning hike in Rocky Mountain National Park that visits a 'pond above the clouds,' a snowboarder who is facing jail time, and more.
Politician dies on 14er; Sewage leaks into river; Top roadside attractions; Historical maps of CO; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about 4.2 million gallons of sewage that leaked into the Arkansas River, the 'Fat Marmot Week' winner and the research behind the buzz, the death of a politician on Quandary Peak, flooding in the Grand Canyon, an awesome new book related to Colorado's historical maps, and more. Plus – Spencer and Seth do a 'blind ranking' of the 10 great roadside attractions – all of which you should add to your travel list.
Invasive species that clones itself; Historic structure in trouble; Extended closure at stunning lake; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth talk about an invasive species that clones itself to result in rapid infestation, the extended closure of a popular mountain lake, trouble brewing at a historic destination in Colorado, a place to put your archery dodgeball skills to the test, and more.
Four bear attacks in 5 days; Sandy beach at 10,000 feet; Fat Marmot week and the research behind it; Updates on the 'other' dunes; & More
We're back! In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer talks about his recent trip to Greece, as well as four bear attacks that occurred while he was away. Seth chats about a sandy beach found at 10,000 feet and some concerns that have been expressed about illegal activity at Colorado's 'other' dunes. Also – the Savannah Bananas game at Coors Field and Fat Marmot Week!
Trivia time (hard edition); Amazing sandwich spot; Horse removal effort; Stunning mountain town venue; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a lot of things, buckle up. We cover declassified UAP sightings, a mountain town with globally acclaimed tap water, a great sandwich spot you can't miss, a wolf that was killed in a case of mistaken identity, a fire that's got a mountain town on pre-evacuation notice, a great mountain town venue to visit, the winter outlook for 2026-2027, new trails at the state's second largest state park, an invasive bug that poses a major threat, the country's most turbulent flights (hint: DIA is often involved), Summit County recommendations, and more. Oh – and Seth and Spencer try to stump each other with some of the trickiest trivia questions each could muster.
The infamous 'Colorado Brown Stain'; Meteor shower incoming; Hiker falls 50 feet; Another wolf killed; Number of 14er hikers; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about an upcoming meteor shower you won't want to miss, the infamous 'Colorado Brown Stain' and it's impact around the globe, another wolf that was killed, a 50-foot-fall in dangerous terrain, how many people climbed Colorado's 14ers last year, our favorite state parks, and more.
Creekside hot spring pools; Fall color outlook; More info on firefighter deaths; Record at 14,115 feet; and More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth talk about a world record set at 14,115 feet, new information that was released about the wildland firefighter deaths, a bear spotted eating a bear (and numbers behind why this happens), a fall color outlok, the many fishing closures in place, creekside hot spring pools, and more.
Hiker gets impaled; One-of-a-kind music venue; Hypothermic hiker in monsoon rains; Flooding; New fire sparks; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about recent flooding and the state's deadliest flood ever, a hiker that got impaled on a hiking pole, a new fire in southwest Colorado, a one-of-a-kind music venue we've been teasing for a long time, the best Mexican food in Colorado Springs, a recent incident at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a hiker that got lost after being caught in monsoon rainfall, and more.
Deadly lightning strike on 14er; Uptick in bear reports; Best hikes in Colorado; Ski resort's improvement plans; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about top hikes around Colorado, the uptick in bear reports, a lightning death that occurred on one of the state's 14,000-foot peaks, a hiker that's traveling 1,700 miles around Colorado on an epic route, Arapahoe Basin's improvement plans, and another person who fell into a toilet – trying to grab something even less valuable than a pair of sunglasses.
Surviving the Trail: An interview with author Dr. Rob Scanlon
In this interview episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer chats with Dr. Rob Scanlon about his book, Surviving the Trail: Five Essential Skills to Prepare Every Hiker for Adventure's Most Common Perils. The discussion includes hiking safety tips from water safety to navigation to hydration and beyond, stories from Rob's adventures, and more. If you're planning on hitting the trail this summer, this is one you're going to want to listen to, for sure. Find Dr. Rob Scanlon's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robscanlon/ Find his Surviving the Trail book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493090127
Best summer concert venues; Mudslides shut down travel; New wolf pack forms; Tragic water rescue; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth talk about their favorite summer concert venues, recent mudslides, a bear on a 14er, a new wolf pack that has formed in Colorado, a tragic water rescue and the important lesson that comes with it, and more.
Bear spray ban?; Waterfall to visit; Bear wants Taco Bell; Scary flash flooding; Wildfire update; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth discuss a push to expanding highlining potential, serious flash flooding in recent days, how California bans bear spray at some parks, a waterfall worth checking out, wildfires around the state, why you shouldn't take selfies with fish, and some new downhill mountain biking trails PLUS Seth shares about his first trip to the famed Renaissance Festival and Spencer talks about the time a bear tried to steal his Taco Bell.
New canyon to visit; Best mountain towns for summer; Hiker rescued from mountain pass; Brewery wins big; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a new canyon to visit, a Colorado brewery that was dubbed second-best in U.S., a rescue near a 14er (and how the hiker did everything right), the best mountain towns for summer, a major upgrade at a popular water park, and more.
Pilot dead in fight against wildfire; Beloved lodge destroyed; Historic alpine drive reopens; Ski area dreams big; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth cover wildfire updates (including the death of a pilot – note, a later update on that story has since clarified that a helicopter was involved in this crash), upgrades at a historic hot spring destination, a place to get dinner and a show, a look at the future of Monarch Mountain ski area, a historic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park (that's not Trail Ridge Road), the Dante documentary, and more.
Fire destroys 275 homes; Death on Longs Peak; BASE jumper rescue comes with harsh words from sheriff; State's 'best drivers'; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Tim chat about how 4th of July Weekend went in Colorado, four key wildfires burning around the state and the fate of Bishop Castle, the rescue of a BASE jumper and the two-sided story that came out of it, a death on Longs Peak, drought, and how two Colorado cities were dubbed among the 'best driving cities' nationwide.
Meet Dante Liberato, the man who ran 500 miles while on psychedelics
In this interview episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer sits down with Dante Liberato – the subject of an upcoming documentary titled Dante: 500 Miles on Psychedelics. The film, set to be released on July 11, follows Dante as he runs from Colorado Springs to Moab in about 9.5 days while using psychedelics. Spencer chats with Dante about what that run was like, what led him to taking it on, and more. Learn more about the documentary here: https://dante500.com/ Find Dante on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/buffalowarrior/
Fatal fall on 14er; Lightning hits golfer and starts fire; Two waterfalls to visit; Spencer's paragliding experience; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about the ongoing wildfires, a death that took place on one of Colorado's most technical fourteeners, lightning that hit a golfer (and started a fire), Spencer's paragliding experience, two waterfalls to visit, an update on Boulder's work to solve trail crowding, and more.
Three firefighters dead as multiple fires rage; Wolf crosses I-25; Prettiest alpine lakes; Vault toilet rescue; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about fires raging around Colorado and the three firefighters who were killed, a wolf crossing I-25, how a new study may indicate moose are native to Colorado after all, a very interesting plant that's thriving, tensions related to a stunning lake that could become the next state park, the prettiest alpine lakes to visit this summer, more bucket list items, a rescue in a vault toilet, and more.
Boulder crushes man; Arson in backcountry; 14er improvements incoming; Bear attack; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a suspected attempt to start a forest fire, improvements on Colorado's 14ers (and a celebration of hiking them), two animal attacks (bear and moose), a recent trail death, six things that are on our summer bucket lists, and more.
UFO over mountain?; Death on 14er; Mispronounced 'Colorado' words; A rugged drive we recommend; Private ski resort; & more
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a UAP that was reportedly spotted over a Colorado peak (going through partially redacted FBI documents), a great rugged drive through an overlooked part of Colorado, the first home that's for sale at Colorado's only private ski resort, a death on a fourteener, a 'hideaway cocktail bar' in the mountains, risks associated with a flesh-eating parasite, a pizza recommendation, mispronounced Colorado words, and more.
Scariest road; Tragic death of a MTBr; Roads blocked to non-residents?; Trail project in the San Juans; Bear encounters; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about the roads that scare us the most, how a small town may be making moves to keep many non-residents out, our favorite animal encounter stories, an overlooked Front Range park with red rocks, the tragic death of an experienced mountain biker and an important safety message, fires on the western slope, a pricy 14er trailhead to park at, an update on the Manitou Springs Coffin Races that were described as 'at-risk,' a major trail system project in the San Juans, and more.
Camping death; June skiing at two spots; Popular spot to start charging; $1 million bike park; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about two ski areas that will be offering June skiing (with one offering skiing all summer), a popular spot that's set to start charging, a four-year-old who died on a camping trip, another rafting season outlook, a rumor about Mexican gray wolves in CO (and details about a gray wolf that died), another great spot for mountain biking, and more.
Trail leads to dinosaur tracks; 'What surprised you as a transplant?'; The 'Wonders of Colorado'; Historic amphitheater you've never heard of; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a historic amphitheater you've never heard of, the data behind transplants and what surprised us both the most when moving to Colorado, a trail that leads to dinosaur tracks, a footrace series you've gotta check out, and more.
INTERVIEW: What rafting season will look like in Colorado following record-setting snowpack lows
In this interview episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer chats with Bob Hamel, the Executive Director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. The conversation digs into what river recreation will look like following a winter season of record-setting snowpack, also taking a look at how rafting outfitters are adapting to the conditions.
Death on Manitou Incline; Movie being filmed in CO; Trip to Glenwood Springs; Tensions in Telluride; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about the recent death on the Manitou Incline, a movie that's being filmed in Colorado, Seth's trip to Glenwood Springs (donuts, an iconic trail, hot springs, and more), tensions in Telluride, proposed changes at the Maroon Bells, what Colorado is better at than any other state, and more.
How the 10th Mountain Division forever changed combat and outdoor recreation
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer McKee chats with Christian Beckwith, veteran alpinist and climbing historian, about the US Army's iconic 10th Mountain Division. Topics discussed range from how the 10th's need for mountain combat gear influenced a lot of the outdoor recreation gear still used today to how a seemingly impossible 10th Mountain Division mission in treacherous terrain changed the course of World War II. Christian Beckwith is the host of the Ninety-Pound Rucksack podcast, which provides a deeper dive into the topic of the 10th Mountain Division. Listen to Christian's podcast via all major podcast providers. This episode was originally published in October of 2024, republished for Memorial Day of 2026.
Serial killers claimed 32 in CO; Best scenic drives for summer; Colorado snubbed in 'best places' report; Popular event at risk; and More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a beloved mountain town event that might be at risk, how 'America's first serial killers' were likely three man in Colorado, the best scenic drives for summer, a book recommendation, Colorado getting snubbed in a 'best places to live' ranking, and more.
Death on the Boulder Flatirons; Miller moth forecast; CO's best BBQ; Remembering the 10th Mtn. Division; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about this year's Miller moth forecast, Colorado's best BBQ, a death that occurred on the Boulder Flatirons, a dangerous stretch of road for cyclists, the 10th Mountain Division, and more.
Rattlesnake bites hiker; New flower fest; Underrated BBQ spot?; Scenic road reopens; & More
In this mid-week episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a big development on an iconic mountain biking trail, a man who was bitten by a rattlesnake, a mountain town that's hosting an inaugural flower fest this year, a scenic drive that's officially open for the season, a report covering how hikers get injured, a new (proposed) approach toward management at one of Colorado's most popular spots, and more.
Overlooked MTN towns for summer; Town without water; Hikers get the trail one day, bikers get it the next?; Annual wolf report; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about our favorite 'overlooked' mountain towns for summer, a proposal that would mean hikers get the trail one day and bikers get the trail the next, Colorado Parks and Wildlife's annual wolf report (lots of information in this one, from population to deaths to depredation and more), a resort that just extended its ski season AGAIN, a water shortage in a Colorado mountain town, and more.
Movies filmed in CO; 'Bermuda Triangle of the West'; Ghost towns hidden by flooding; Big snow hits; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about movies filmed in Colorado, big snow and what it means for snowpack, a part of the state sometimes referred to as the 'Bermuda Triangle of the West,' how much skier visits were down in the Rockies, the death of a conservationist, ghost towns that are now flooded, and more.
3-plus feet of snow possible; Best 'dark sky' places to camp; Long list of summer festivals to look forward to; Docuseries worth checking out; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about some of the state's best 'dark sky' spots (for camping), a long-list of festivals that will take place over the next few months, a big May snowstorm that's set to hit this week, and a rock climbing docuseries that's worth the watch.
Family-friendly Colorado travel (that's fun for all ages); Major reclamation project; A few great Colorado whiskeys; School lunches; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about family-friendly Colorado travel (that really caters to all ages), a major update related to a reclamation project, expanded preservation near Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a Colorado whiskey that was just dubbed the 'best whiskey on the planet,' and more. Bonus: We discover the origin of Seth's favorite water bottle and venture into the topic of school lunches.
When wildflowers appear (and where to see them); 5-year-old falls from lift; 'Lost canyon' worth checking out; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about when wildflowers will appear and the best places to see them, Colorado breweries winning big at the 'World Beer Cup,' parents facing felonies after a child fell from a ski lift, when the state's last resorts will close, one new spot and one growing spot for outdoor recreation in the Denver metro, and more.
Major reservoir to be drained (and closed); Lyme disease in CO?; Expensive trail grows; Annual camping report; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about The Dyrt's 2026 'Camping Report,' what's perhaps Colorado's 'most expensive' trail and the latest developments, reports that Lyme disease has made it to Colorado, a popular reservoir that's set to close after draining, major improvements coming to a mountainside zoo, and more.
Hunter missing near 14er; Pros and cons of 'pay-to-play'; TV series features Colorado; Top aprés-ski spots; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about the pros and cons of 'pay-to-play' in outdoor recreation, a 27-year-old turkey hunter who went missing in the area of a 14,000-foot peak, a potential expansion for Colorado Gators Reptile Park, changes that may impact access in Summit County, a hit new series that features Colorado, top 'apres ski spots,' and more.
70-vehicle pile-up; 9 'red rock' destinations around Colorado; New wildfire; 3 waves of snow possible; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a massive 70-vehicle pile-up that caused chaos on I-70, 'red rock' destinations to visit this summer, recent snowfall and what might be in store for the rest of the month (plus a snowpack update), a new fire that's sparked, and more.
Clothing-optional hot spring; Haunted mansion for rent; Colorado & the Civil War; Pay-to-play pros and cons; & More
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about a clothing-optional hot spring destination, a mountain lion that was spotted in a historic part of Colorado Springs, Colorado's role in the Civil War, a haunted mansion that's renting out rooms, pay-to-play in the outdoor recreation space, Colorado Springs and the development of its biking infrastructure, Seth's trip to Golden, Spencer's trip to Cañon City, charges filed in the fatal snow plow crash, and more.
Best waterfalls; Top MTN biking towns; Colorado's 'most difficult' hike; and more
In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about the state's top mountain bike towns, the best waterfalls to track down, Colorado's many 'staircase' hikes and whether or not a certain route is the most difficult hike in the state, Manitou Springs, and more.