Mindy Sink grew up in Boulder and has spent most of her adult life in Denver. Thanks to her book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder, Sink says she has gained a new appreciation for the beautiful and majestic settings that surround the Mile-High City.

“I’m so glad I said yes to this project,” shares Sink. “It changed me and my relationship to my own body, how I can connect with friends on the trails, my appreciation for the seasons and reset my own mental health from time to time.”

For the third edition of this popular guidebook, Sink’s assignment was to select “60 of the best hikes within 60 miles of Denver or Boulder” and write about them. An avid hiker, she explored every trail she could find. The hikes were chosen for their proximity to Denver and Boulder, and Sink took special care to feature a variety of terrains, challenges and scenery.

“My motto as I did the research for this book and hiked over 70 trails in a year was that if I could do it, anyone can do it,” Sink says. “I am not an athlete or a risk taker. I simply kept putting one foot in front of the other and showing up.”

Within the book, full-color photography and a full-color map accompany each entry. At-a-glance information (such as distance, difficulty and hiking time) helps readers to quickly choose a trail that’s right for their needs. An in-depth description of the route and GPS coordinates aid readers in knowing where to go and what to expect along the way. This guide has everything a hiker needs to get out and find a trail in every season. It is an essential addition to every bookshelf in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and beyond.

Whether you are a once a year hiker, setting a goal of 52 hikes in a year or an experienced backpacker even, Sinks says there is value in having this book at hand for those quick jaunts into the foothills. She adds how it’s especially handy when you have visitors who want to try hiking for the first time, so you can choose elevation, distance and seasonal scenery to suit their abilities and preferences.  “When you set out on your first hike from this book, make a mental note of what you think you know about yourself,” says Sink. “Check back in every 10 or so hikes to see if you gained a new appreciation or understanding of what you are capable of with your body, your time. I learned that while I might not be a fast hiker, I sure enjoy taking the time to appreciate the trees, the leaves, the water, the flowers, the clouds and maybe some wildlife.”

Originally published in Summer + Fall 2022 Issue.