Hey Reader,

August has been a Colorado-heavy month around here, plus a little Italian mountain drama I can't wait to tell you about next month. Here's what's new, what's been refreshed, and what's coming up.

New in Colorado

Three brand-new posts went up this month, and they're some of my favorite hidden gems yet.

• ​Colorado's Chimney Rock National Monument: Home of Ancient Astronomers — Twin sandstone spires, a 1,000-year-old astronomical alignment, and a view that's easy to have almost entirely to yourself.
• ​Pagosa Springs Hot Air Balloons: A Unique Colorado Sunrise View — Watching the San Juan Mountains light up from a basket floating above the pines. Yes, it's as good as it sounds.
• ​Paint Mines Colorado: Stunning Hoodoos, History & Hikes — Candy-striped clay spires that look like a sci-fi set, and it's a free, easy hike near Colorado Springs. No excuse not to go.

Freshly Updated

I also went back into two reader favorites to update the details and add more of what you actually asked for.

• ​25 Best Hikes in Colorado Near Denver — Updated with current trail info, difficulty breakdowns, and a full gear list so you're not guessing what to pack.
• ​15 Charming Mountain Towns in Colorado — Still one of my favorite guides to the Colorado towns most people drive right past.

Dolomites Diaries

Here's the big one: after years of the Dolomites sitting on my bucket list, Chris and I leave soon for a trip built entirely around day hikes across three home bases in Italy's South Tyrol. We have done a lot of training on Colorado trails this summ, our boots are broken in, and the packing list is basically final.

If you missed it, 10 Best Things to Know for Planning a Dolomites Hiking Trip covers everything that went into getting ready: flights, hotels, gondola reservations, training, and what will actually make it into our suitcases. If you're even loosely dreaming about a Dolomites trip, start there.

And coming soon: the full Dolomites itinerary, day by day, hotel by hotel, mountain pass by mountain pass. Ten days, three valleys, loads of pictures, and a rental car that will spend more time in second gear than fifth. I'll be sharing exactly where we based each night, which passes were worth the detour, and what I'd change if we went back. Keep an eye on your inbox.

In the meantime, here's the free Dolomites Packing List PDF we put together for this trip. No need to sign up for anything, you're already on the list. Just grab it.

Talk soon, Jo