Great canned beverages to sate your hiking thirst

By Natasha Lovato

Colorado roots run deep when it comes to the outdoors and craft libations. The state’s many trails beacon explorers to enjoy wines, meads, seltzers and canned cocktails from the peak point of their hikes. Just remember, take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints and dispose of those cans properly.

For Elevated Seltzer’s owners and Golden natives Hunter Wood and Warren Wood, they are quite familiar with the celebration of a boozy beverage from the peak point of a good hike.

“We will be doing a new seltzer release monthly and sometimes bi-weekly, so there will be plenty of choices this summer for outdoor recreation,” Warren said. In addition to the many different options of hard seltzers at Elevated, there are other portable beverage options. Breweries, distilleries and wineries around the state are conveniently located close to some extraordinary hikes.

North Table Mountain Hike and Elevated Seltzers

Just a short drive from the Arvada seltzery, North Table Mountain offers incredible views of the entire metropolitan area. Sip your seltzer, sit back and enjoy. The steep climb will work up a thirst that can easily be quenched by a refreshing hard seltzer.

Red Rocks Trail and Cocktail Squad

Walk among wildflowers and towering rock formations on the Red Rocks Trail in Boulder, the home of Cocktail Squad. You can find numerous canned cocktail options in liquor stores around the state, and Red Rocks Trail in particular makes the perfect end point for a canned cocktail. Cheers!

Mt. Garfield Trailhead and Colterris Winery

Look for Colterris wine in a can. “Canterris” can be enjoyed from atop the picturesque mesa of Mt. Garfield while overlooking the miles of vineyards in Palisade. There is white, red or rose Canterris. If you are outside of the Palisade area, you can also find Canterris at various liquor stores.

The Crags and Annapurna Mead

At no more than 6.5% ABV, the easily drinkable cans of mead are the perfect celebratory drink to enjoy from the finish line at the Instagramable hike just outside of Colorado Springs. The Crags feature vertical red rock slabs that make for an impressive background, which calls for an impressive beverage to match the experience.

Green Mountain and Candid Cocktails

Not too far west of Denver is Green Mountain, where on top you will be able to see from DIA to Boulder. There are many trails to choose from, leading through pastures of deer, elk, wildflowers and bird species. It’s hard to believe this piece of paradise sits in the midst of a metropolitan area. And, something that good needs an equally good beverage to accompany it like a Candid Cocktail hard tea or bourbon apple juice.

The Ridge and The Hard Seltzer by Ska Brewing

Enjoy a blood orange, hibiscus lime or black raspberry Ska Seltzer from The Ridge, a hiking trail that will take you in a loop overlooking every inch of Durango. It is five miles of bliss and a tasty seltzer for a reward.

Rabbit Mountain Open Space and Slalom Fox Cocktails

The multiple trailheads at Rabbit Mountain Open Space in Longmont allow for easy to moderate options and plenty of sunshine. Embark on the perfect hike for beating cabin fever matched with a Gin Spritz to wet your whistle.