Cairn Outdoor Guides

This summer I piloted an outdoor personal training program with someone who was four months postpartum and had limited experience in the outdoors. She wanted to find inspiration, build confidence, and set the ambitious goal of summiting a 14er before returning to work in October.

The program included an initial assessment, weekly customized guided hikes paired with independent homework hikes, and lesson plans that integrated strength training, aerobic conditioning, and outdoor skills instruction. Along the way, she also learned how to plan, pack, and prepare for a 14er and how to assess and manage risk in the mountains. Each week built on the last, creating steady progress toward her goal.

After three months, she can read clouds and anticipate weather, hikes without pain during or after outings, has built a strong foundation of strength and endurance, and today achieved her goal of summiting a 14er.

I couldn’t be more proud of the time, effort, and courage she invested to make this happen. For me, it has been inspiring to see how outdoor training can empower people to grow, heal, and achieve things they didn’t think possible.

This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue building this program to help more people discover what’s possible in the outdoors.

Horse at the trailhead, summit views at the top.

In Boulder summers, remember to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a rain layer, you’ll thank yourself later.

How many dusky grouse do you see in this photo? Comment your best guess then swipe right for the answer

Join fellow Peer Support Professionals (PSPs) for an evening of connection, restoration, and learning in the foothills of Boulder. This event is designed to apply components of the recently developed Cairn Guides PSP Training Manual in a relaxed outdoor setting, while offering space for learning, interaction, and reflection.

Learn more following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peer-support-professionals-in-the-park-nature-connection-reflection-tickets-1507919320279?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=92ff88022c861bcb4cd4e4a20928ca22f91c2905acc251bf97d39501a5014d8d4382ce781a6894152ce93165279a8e49f0164d15fcbdb960e6e37727b8b6b3c7313081a1f72db2fa1f6db26e1f

What to expect during the hike:

● A safety briefing and welcome
● A mellow sunset hike along the Ute–Range View Loop, a ~1.5 mile beginner-friendly trail with ~400 feet of elevation gain.
● A short, guided nature journaling exercise
● Overview of the individual and public health benefits of nature
● A short debrief and reflection
Enjoy scenic mountain views, potential wildlife sightings, and multiple viewpoints to take in the beauty of Colorado’s Front Range as the sun sets. The hike will take approximately 1 hour to complete, depending on group pace and weather conditions.

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring ~1 liter of water. Pens and writing materials will be provided for the journaling exercise.

When: Friday, August 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (please arrive by 6:15 PM)
Where: Realization Point Trailhead, Boulder, CO
Facilitator: Jordan Larson, MPH, Owner & Trail Guide with Cairn Guides
*This event is capped at 15 participants. If the event fills and you’re still interested, we hope to offer more opportunities in the future. For questions or to express interest in future events, contact Jordan Larson at [email protected].

Early alarms are worth it when the view looks like this 🌅 Grateful for wildflowers, golden light, and even better company.

🌄✨ Hiking in nature at sunset is a great way to release the stress of the day. The calming hues of the sky and the serenity of the mountains can work wonders for your mental health. It’s a perfect way to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. 🌅💚

Hiked with a teenager and her grandmother to honor the recent passing of a couple of their loved ones. Our conversations covered many topics, but one in particular was how nature has a unique way of offering solace and healing. Things like stirring of wildlife, flowers blooming, the gentle flow of a nearby river, or a cool breeze reminding us off life’s resilience and continuity.

Grieving isn’t easy, but nature can help connect you to something larger than yourself and allow you to see even ecosystems experience ebbs and flows.

Whatever you may be going through, try to find moments to cherish, community to lean on, and in our shared humanity, find the courage to heal and grow.

MANY STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT BEING IN NATURE BOOSTS OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING. NATURE CAN GENERATE POSITIVE EMOTIONS SUCH AS CALMNESS, JOY AND CREATIVITY. HAVING A CONNECTION WITH NATURE CAN ALSO HELP US TO BE MORE AWARE OF CLIMATE CHANGE, BY LISTENING TO THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND US WE CAN TAKE MORE TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO TAKE CARE OF IT.

Big and small, there’s a lot to be thankful for not just today but everyday. Check in with yourself today, take note of the things you’re thankful for , and share that gratitude with those around you

The kind of photo that peels like an onion, layer after layer