The terms Backpacking and Colorado go together like no others. There are trails for backpackers of all skill levels. From strenuous treks up mountains with a height of over 14,000 feet to easy strolls through gorgeous, rolling terrain, you will find just the perfect trek amid scenery that is sure to amaze. With so many options and hundreds of miles of trails, it is just about impossible to pick a "Top Ten" or "Absolute Best" list, but here are five great trails that backpackers are sure to enjoy. Maps can be downloaded for all trails in the National Park System from the National Park Service Website.

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Trail: This trail system offers something for everyone. With over 105 miles of trails, backpackers of all skill levels looking for treks that are from easy to strenuous will find a great backpacking opportunity to see some of the greatest scenery along the Sawatch Range. The Continental Divide runs along 40 miles of the peaks of this mountain range. There are eight peaks along these trails that are over 14,000 feet. There are small day hikes available, but for those looking for a weekend backpacking adventure, these trails offer plenty of overnight camping opportunities with views that simply cannot be beat. While permits are not required, visitors are encouraged to register at trail heads.

Red Rock Canyon Trails: Visit some lands that have been in use for at least 9,000 years. This location attracted early settlers in Colorado. The area near Fountain Creek made a perfect landing place for early settlers. This is a family-friendly trek that can be completed in as little as half a day. Bring yourself back in time and take a look at this great land as the settlers saw it on the Red Rock Canyon Trails. This is an easy backpacking adventure to start with. Some trails can easily be done in half a day. Maps are available from the store at the visitors' center. This day hike is a great adventure, but hikers are asked to stay on the ground. While there are many rocks to scale, they should be attempted by only seasoned rock climbers. Check local regulations in Colorado Springs before you attempt to rock climb as certain areas and heights are subject to steep fines if climbers are found there.

Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is for more experienced backpackers and those used to higher elevations. It does, however, provide some amazing scenery and great camping opportunities. A backcountry/wilderness permit is needed to camp overnight and can be picked up at the Beaver Meadows visitors' Center Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Keep in mind the physical condition of the person with the least backpacking experience in your group when looking at the topo maps to decide your routes. Also keep in mind that higher elevations such as those found here can take days for some to become accustomed to. It is recommended that you spend at least one night at the lowest levels of the park (about 7,000) feet before climbing higher to avoid any high altitude sickness.

Needle Mountains Loop: This backpacking adventure is difficult, and for more experienced backpackers, but it is worth working up to. Eldorado Lake is a great place to make camp. It will take some doing, but you will be amazed by the scenery as well as the wildlife that is common on this trail system. Be sure that you are prepared to tackle this loop, however. It is not for the casual half-day traveler. Some suggest allowing a full week to complete this loop. This loop can be accessed twenty miles out of Durango, Colorado.

Glacier Gorge: You will marvel at the power of glaciers and the amazing landscape they leave behind on this moderate to difficult backpacking adventure. Glacier Gorge is located inside the Rocky Mountains National Park and is frequented by hundreds of hikers and backpackers every month that the weather allows. Plan your adventure carefully and you will come home with memories that are amazing beyond your dreams. There is one camp site available, so it is recommended to book a campsite early to ensure availability. There are also great opportunities to do some fishing while you're on your backpacking adventure in Glacier Gorge.

There are hundreds of miles of backpacking and hiking trails in Colorado. With mountains and streams and amazing rock formations, you are sure not to be disappointed with any adventure you take in the untamed outdoors of Colorado. In general, this state truly does have some of the most incredibly scenery as well as great backpacking opportunities for packers of all skill levels.

Human beings are great explorers. We have an urge to conquer the unknown. We yearn to discover new things and new places. These are some of the same reasons that backpacking is seeing a surge in popularity, but there are other reasons, too. Hiking and backpacking are great exercise. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of being healthier when you take up an activity such as backpacking, but you will get the chance to experience the world in a way you have never seen it before. Leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the great outdoors. Recharge your body and mind with backpacking.

To some backpacking can seem daunting at first. It is best to start out with small half-day or day-long treks with easier terrain, before taking on larger adventures. This will allow your body to get acclimated to carrying a smaller backpack as you will undoubtedly need less gear for an afternoon backpacking adventure than for a weekend's stay in the wilderness. Slowly increase the distance that you backpack as well as the amount of items that you carry. This will help you build up your muscles and cardio vascular system to take the more strenuous treks in stride.

It goes without saying that in order to go backpacking, you'll need a backpack. There are a variety of packs to choose from. You'll see internal frame backpacks as well as external frame backpacks. There are even backpacks that are shaped specifically for women. Some are more lightweight and others will offer you more storage space. There are smaller day packs that look very similar to the backpacks you used to bring to school as a kid. These are great for day trips where you won't need to pack much. You may also consider a hydration system which is essentially a wearable source of hydration for your backpacking hike. It may be best, when starting out, to speak with a knowledgeable outfitter or salesperson at your local outdoor store in order to find exactly what you need for your backpacking adventures. Keep in mind what you will need to carry as well as having enough space to hold provisions for the length of time you plan to be out on the trail. Your backpack will be one of your biggest tools, and you need to be comfortable with it. It must also serve the your purposes completely. With the variety of comfortable and high-quality backpacks available today, you shouldn't be hard pressed ot find exactly what you need.

There are also several high-quality hand held GPS and mapping electronics available on today's market. Companies such as DeLorme, Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance and others have made incredible improvements to their hand held GPS systems in recent years. In addition, many different maps are available for these hand helds. It is best to check which mapping software is compatible with each type of GPS system. Make sure that the areas where you will be backpacking are well covered by the software available for the GPS you choose. It is also a good idea to talk to other backpackers who use hand held GPS units to find out what they like and don't like about each manufacturer or software.

Backpacking can be a safe and fun adventure, and nothing can beat the scenery. Take some care out outfit yourself properly, and you will find yourself making memories that others can only dream about.

First and foremost you will want to take care of your feet. They are, after all, going to carry you on all of these adventures. You will want to spend some money on your hiking boots or shoes. You want them to be of the highest quality you can afford. Having extra moleskin on hand is also a good idea.  Keep in mind that you will most likely be backpacking in all kinds of conditions so waterproof shoes or boots that fit your feet perfectly should be your highest priority.

When we think of fly fishing, we think of mending a line in a crystal clear mountain stream with all of the sights and sounds of nature around us. We imagine stripping line and bringing in the most beautiful of catches from those streams and rivers. This is exactly the reason so many fly fishermen flock to Colorado every year. With so many great fly fishing opportunities, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of fly fishing in Colorado. Keep in mind that catch and release is always preferable from a conservation and environmental standpoint. However, stocked waters in Colorado are meant as catch and keep fisheries. Still, keeping only what you will eat in a short period of time is the way to ensure great fisheries for generations to come. Here are a few great opportunities you can start with in Colorado.

The Colorado River: The Colorado River runs through The Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers many opportunities for fly fishing. The scenery from spring straight through to fall is sure not to disappoint any angler, and the fishing opportunities are incredible. The Colorado River can be accessed through several public access points including Paul Gilbert, Breeze Unit, and Sunset Ranch. Large populations of Trout can be found as the river winds her way downstream. Fishing regulations in The Rocky Mountain National Park are dynamic, and current regulations should be consulted before fishing. Certain areas of the park are catch and release only, while others allow no fishing at all. No live bait or worms are allowed in any area of the National Park System in Colorado, which makes the park system a perfect setting for fly fishing.

Taylor River: Many believe this particular river has some of the biggest Rainbow Trout in Colorado. They are not the easiest of fish to catch, however. They seem to have gotten wise to the ways of the average fly fisherman. But there are still great fish that can be had on the Taylor River. In fact, several Colorado state record catch-and-release Rainbows have come from this river. It's well worth taking the time to learn what these fish want in order to catch yourself some good-sized Trout. If you're near Gunnison County, Colorado near the Continental Divide, you won't want to miss the Taylor River If you're looking for a great mountain stream to fish! This beauty will bring you right to the heart of the Central Rockies.

South Platte River: The fish in the South Platte can be difficult to catch, but they still hold their curiosity for different looking lures. Try thinking outside of the box when mending your line here. Give these Trout something they haven't seen a hundred times and chances are you will come up with some good fish. The South Platte, near Denver, has been termed by some at the premier fly fishery in the state. Both Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in this river have been known to be larger than in many other rivers in Colorado, but it will take a wily angler to bring in one of these elusive beasts.

Los Pinos River: This river runs through the Weminuche Wilderness Area and is subject to some special regulations. Fishing here is subject to a two-fish bag limit and only flies and lures are allowed. There are over 50 miles of stream here open to the public. Tribal lands are also opened to permitted non-tribal members. Rainbows, Brooks, Browns, and Cutthroat are all known to lurk in the waters of the Pine, or the Los Pinos. It is said that, in areas where the water is more swift, the Trout seem to be less particular and tend to strike at anything passing by that looks like a meal. The Los Pinos is definitely one to add to your list of stops in Colorado.

The Gunnison River: This particular location may be best floated with a reputable outfitter. Some of the best water here is below the Blue Mesa Reservoir. An angler can hike it, but the terrain is incredibly difficult and not recommended for any but the most experienced hikers. Once the Black Canyon begins, two dams create some excellent tail water-type of fishing. It is not recommended to attempt to float this section of the river alone, but it is unparalleled for its fishing and incredible scenery.

There are dozens of other incredible places to fly fish in Colorado, but don't forget to visit the Colorado State Parks and Wildlife Website to get a license. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid Colorado license. The pristine terrain of Colorado and the opportunities for big fish cannot be stressed enough. While one can surely find these opportunities on his or her own, it may be best to hire an outfitter or guide on the first few trips. These individuals will give you invaluable information about the area, fishing techniques, and a wealth of other things. Guides will also have the ability to take you on some great trips on private lands to which you would otherwise not have access!

Colorado, undoubtedly, has some of the best fly fishing opportunities of any state. Plan your trips and take care to know where you are going and how you will get there, and you will have a great time fly fishing Colorado. A few things to remember are: If you're over 16, you will need a fishing license. Always check the regulations for the spot you wish you fish. For some you may get a "second line" permit, while in other areas that is not allowed at all. Especially when you are fishing in an area within the National Parks system in Colorado, you should make sure that you can keep the fish you catch in any specific area, as this can change from year to year or even from season to season.