How do Colorado colleges compare in terms of outdoor activities?

I love hiking and skiing, so I'm looking at colleges in Colorado. Besides academics, I'm curious which schools offer the best access to outdoor activities. Any recommendations or experiences from current students?

Colorado is a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts, so you're considering the right location! Most colleges in Colorado provide excellent access to outdoor activities, thanks to the state's natural beauty and varied landscape.

1. University of Colorado Boulder: Touted as one of the most outdoor-friendly universities in the nation, CU Boulder is close to many hiking trails and parks. It's about a half-hour drive to Eldorado Canyon State Park, where you can hike, rock climb, and picnic. In winter, Eldora Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding, is less than an hour away. There's also an active skiing and snowboarding club on campus.

2. Colorado State University: Located in Fort Collins, CSU is near the horsetooth reservoir and about an hour away from Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is a paradise for hikers and cross-country skiers. CSU has a robust Outdoor Program that organizes trips and provides classes and equipment rentals.

3. University of Denver: While it's an urban campus, DU is in close proximity to many ski resorts. Plus, the outdoor club at DU hosts regular hikes and skiing trips for students.

4. Colorado College: A unique aspect of Colorado College is its block plan, where students take one class at a time for 3.5 weeks. This allows for frequent long weekends, perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Students can visit the nearby Garden of the Gods, a stunning natural landmark, or hit the slopes at one of the several ski resorts within driving distance.

Remember that involvement in outdoor activities can also be a great way to find a community in college. Many schools have outdoor clubs or organizations where you can meet other students with similar interests. So, when looking at these schools, check out student organizations and recreational offerings to find out about group hiking trips, discounted ski passes, and so forth. The outdoor access these schools provide makes for a great balance to academic life.