An Ode to the Trail-to-Brewpub Lifestyle in Colorado
The trail-to-brewpub phenomenon is nothing new in Colorado, who owes much of its history to its many watering holes. This time-honored tradition has its roots in the gold rush of the mid-to-late nineteenth century, when hopeful miners flocked to the foothills of the Rockies—then headed back to Denver, where they made sure the bars of Larimer Square stayed in business. At one point in the late 1800s, Denver alone had 55 saloons!
Early Colorado beer proprietors include Tivoli Brewing Company, which sold its brews to thirsty fortune seekers beginning in 1859 and, to this day, painstakingly recreates the beer flavors of the 1800s. And you’ve certainly heard of Adolph Coors, whose recipe, known then as the "Miner’s Banquet"—brewed with water from the Rocky Mountains—has been produced en masse in Golden since 1873.
Commercially produced beer has been creating jobs (and, of course, delicious flavors) in the Centennial State for more than a century, but it wasn’t until President Jimmy Carter legalized homebrewing in 1978 that the modern-day beer revolution began in earnest. When Carter did away with the remnants of the Prohibition era, homebrewers in Colorado could finally sink their teeth into beer innovation.
Emma Walker
A decade after the legalization of homebrewing, Colorado’s first microbrewery was born. Wynkoop Brewing Company was formed in 1988 by John Hickenlooper, who would later go on to become Colorado’s 42nd governor. With help from Hickenlooper and his business partners, Wynkoop combined innovative small brews with comforting food and a social atmosphere.
Several other microbreweries were hot on Wynkoop’s heels, and today, the industry has seriously taken off. Thanks to its healthy hop production, Colorado is now home to more than 300 craft breweries, along with the annual three-day Great American Beer Festival (GABF), which for 30 years has regularly sold out and drawn tens of thousands attendees. With more than 1.7 million barrels of craft beer produced annually, it’s no wonder Colorado is colloquially known as the "Napa Valley of Beer."
As the Centennial State was making a name for itself in the beer industry, its natural resources started drawing attention, too. Outdoor recreation has long been a driver to Colorado’s economy, and along with being an economic powerhouse, it’s a long-standing tradition. The state’s history is rich with tales of outdoor adventurers of all stripes, including miners, trappers, ranchers, and, most recently, skiers.
When a skiing renaissance hit Colorado in the mid-twentieth century—including the opening of more than two dozen ski areas and, enough enthusiasm to make a bid to host the Winter Olympics in 1976—the state was redefined as a recreational paradise. Today, Colorado leads the nation in overnight ski visits, and all those skiers know at least one French phrase: après ski.
That’s right—après ski, the French term for the entertainment following a day’s skiing, is a major part of Colorado’s recreational tradition, and these days, it doesn’t just apply to your post-ski beers. Brewpubs have popped up in some of Colorado’s most iconic recreational locations.
In Ouray for example, ice climbers can finish up a day in Uncompahgre Canyon and literally walk downtown to the Ouray Brewery. Mountain bikers can ride epic singletrack in Fruita, then enjoy a cold one at Suds Brothers. Gnarly kayakers regularly paddle Clear Creek, then quench their thirst at Golden’s Mountain Toad. Bigger outdoor meccas like Boulder—where outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, trail run, climb, paraglide, and any number of other activities—boast tons of microbreweries, each with unique flavors and crowds.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates that Colorado is home to over 15,000 miles worth of trails. All that space to explore, combined with hundreds of brewpubs, means that the trail-to-brewpub lifestyle in Colorado is basically a Choose Your Own Adventure novel.
So get out there Coloradans—first to play hard, then to kick back and support your local brewpub. You’ve earned it.
Written by Emma Walker for RootsRated in partnership with Choose Colorado and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
Featured image provided by Bochen Chen
Asa Firestone was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and has cultivated hospitality expertise in the picturesque landscapes of Lyons and Boulder, Colorado. As the co-owner of the A Lodge, his journey epitomizes dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.
Asa’s journey began with a profound appreciation for travel and exploration. His early experiences staying in lodges around the world ignited a passion for creating memorable experiences for others. Armed with this passion and a keen business acumen, he embarked on a mission to redefine hospitality in his own backyard.
In 2008, Asa’s vision came to fruition with the establishment of the A Lodge in Boulder, Colorado. Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, this Boulder hotel quickly garnered acclaim for its blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Under Asa’s guidance, the A Lodge became more than just a place to stay; it became a destination where guests could immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of Colorado while experiencing genuine hospitality.
However, Asa’s ambitions didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing demand for unique accommodations in Boulder, he expanded his footprint by acquiring and revitalizing a second property in the heart of Lyons. This expansion not only solidified Asa’s reputation as a visionary entrepreneur but also furthered his mission of providing exceptional hospitality experiences to a broader audience.
Beyond his role as a hospitality magnate, Asa Firestone is deeply invested in the communities he serves. Whether through supporting local initiatives, fostering sustainable practices, or championing the arts, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact at both the local and global levels.
Asa’s leadership exemplifies a harmonious blend of passion, innovation, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for hospitality in Lyons, Boulder, and beyond. As guests continue to flock to the A Lodge, they are not only welcomed into a warm and inviting space but also into the visionary world of Asa Firestone.