5280 Magazine

For over 30 years, 5280 magazine has served its readers as an essential guide to life in the Mile-High City and beyond. Throughout those three decades, the publication has stayed true to its original mission: proudly locally owned and strongly committed to delivering award-winning journalism that tells Denver’s story with authority and style. Each month, 5280 covers the greatest and latest in dining, culture, wellness, travel, and adventure content.

5280 Magazine

Powder Hounds

PAUL KAROLYI • Freelance Writer

Home For The Holiday

Outside The Box • Nothing cuts through stacks of gift wrapped Amazon boxes like a holiday present you made with your own hands. If your crafting skills never evolved past popsicle sticks, don’t worry: Denver is home to dozens of workshops where the pros can help you create something truly unique to slip under the tree.

It’s Electric! • E-bike tax credits will shrink next year, making this the perfect time to invest in extra pedal power.

Common Threads

After The Storm • How a backcountry ski run turned into a tragedy for the small town of Salida.

CONTRIBS’ PAGES • O’Neil isn’t the only 5280 veteran with compelling work this year.

Eat & Drink

Riot Act • Riot BBQ is making a scene in Denver’s Overland neighborhood with its brawl-worthy smoked meats and Mexican flavors.

REGIONAL ACCENTS • Colorado-style barbecue may not be a thing, exactly, but we do have standout takes on regional specialties as well as some homegrown variations.

Antisocial Behavior • From nasty memes to online dogpiles, DoBetterDNVR brought Trump-style politics to Denver. But just when the social media provocateur was poised to become a serious power broker in city politics, it vanished—only to re-emerge promising a kinder, gentler approach to agitation.

BEST. WINTER. EVER • FROM A-BASIN TO WOLF CREEK, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE A KILLER TIME AT COLORADO’S 24 PREMIER SKI RESORTS, INCLUDING WHERE TO DROP IN.

Leaning ln • A Boulder home refresh proves that creativity thrives under constraints.

CULTURE HEROES • WITH FEDERAL ARTS FUNDING AND ARTISTIC FREEDOM UNDER ATTACK, HERE ARE 10 MEANINGFUL ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM.

SON OF A BITCH! • TEN YEARS AGO, NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS RODE THEIRDEBUT ALBUM FROM THE BLUEBIRD THEATER ALL THE WAY TO JIMMY FALLON’S STAGE IN NEW YORK CITY, LAUNCHING NOT ONLY THEIR OWN CAREERS, BUT ALSO A NEW ERA FOR THE COLORADO MUSIC SCENE.

Dining Guide

THE OVERSIMPLIFIED GUIDE TO: Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree • Forgo pricey farms and faraway national forests this year, and instead take advantage of a little-known program that allows you to chop down a Tannenbaum close to home. Andrew Perri, Denver Mountain Parks’ manager of forestry and natural resources, let us in on the holiday hack.