Climbing a 14er is on many Coloradans’ bucket list. Here are some tips on how to do it safely from someone who has climbed them all.
Dan England
Dan England has worked for Colorado media for nearly 25 years, including 20 at the Greeley Tribune. During his time at the Tribune he won more than 100 state and national awards, including Best of Show from the Colorado Press Association in 2015. Dan loves to write about the outdoors, as they are not just a job but an adventure: He has completed more than 20 marathons and 15 ultramarathons in addition to climbing more than 200 peaks, including all the 14ers in Colorado and Mount Rainier in Washington. Dan also plays trombone, but his wife, Valerie Vampola, deserves the spotlight more, as she sings for living, doing gigs as a solo artist and with Katie Quick in addition to guest appearances with bands across Colorado and teaching with the Loveland Academy of Music. Dan has three children, Jayden and his twin girls, Andie and Allie, and a heeler, Pepper, who in addition to training with him ran her first trail marathon last year in western Kansas.
Selected works by the author:
Linked by the Poudre
Photos by Dan England. Claire Sandford and her group of a half-dozen seniors have biked the George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota and explored many other world-famous paths across the country. On Saturday, they chose to bike the Poudre River Trail. That trail is a...
Workin’ Like a Dog
Ranch dogs prefer to punch the clock daily. They can also make great pets—with a little work.
Nature’s Nightlights
Colorado does have fireflies. Now there’s an effort to save them.
Something Good in the Neighborhood – Lindsey Fancher-Rule
Loveland woman honors late father and rodeo legend by becoming Miss Rodeo Colorado 2026
Kin Trips
Planning a family vacation for different generations is easier with these tips
Something Good in the Neighborhood – Heidi Calmus
Heidi Calmus – Dude Dad’s wife finds her own spotlight
Scout Like a Scholar
How to get the most out of college visits
Rescue, Rehab, Release
Rehabilitation centers give injured wildlife a second chance