Dear Just Be: You've been sharing great Colorado destinations each week- what do you suggest for this week?

Yes, we do love this state of ours- such a fabulous playground of sorts to take advantage of anytime of year. This week, we'd like to highlight Steamboat Springs, located in the Yampa Valley.

Just an easy 3 hour drive, or 157 miles northwest of Denver, Steamboat can be a destination for a long weekend get away. From Denver, take I-70 west to Silverthorne, Exit 205 (67 miles). Take CO 9 North to Kremling (37 miles), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles).

Steamboat Springs was home to the Ute Indians, long before white men traveled through the area in the early 1800's. The name Steamboat Springs is said to have originated in the late 1820’s when three French Trappers, traveling along the Yampa River, heard a ‘chug chug’ sound. Thinking they had reached a major river, one yelled, “a Steamboat, by gar!” Upon further investigation, they discovered the sound came from a natural mineral spring, to be named Steamboat Springs. The Steamboat Spring still sits at the far end of town; however, it ceased to ‘chug’ when the railroad bed was laid above it in 1908.

We love the peacefulness and natural beauty of this area. Not only can you take advantage of just about every activity during your stay, you can also choose to stroll through this western town and relax at the end of the day at one of Steamboat's fabulous hot springs!

Nowadays, Steamboat Springs in one of Colorado's more idyllic playgrounds- complete with activities for everyone anytime of year. In the summer you can hike, rock climb, fish, play a round of golf, take a gondola ride to the top of Mt. Werner, mountain bike, raft, horseback ride and more.

Steamboat Springs also offers a wide range of entertainment and dining- from music festivals to art shows and rodeos. You can grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy a brunch with a view after taking the gondola ride. There are even gourmet hiking treks available.

So the next time you are planning a fun, or peaceful, get away in Colorado, think of Steamboat Springs!

Dear Just Be: I want to climb a 14'er this year, but need some difficult training hikes. Can you suggest some that aren't too far from Denver?

Good for you- that is a great goal for this summer! Did you know that Colorado has 58 mountains over 14,000 feet (4,266 meters) in height but only 53 are noted as '14ers'? To qualify as a 14er the peak must be 300 feet higher than saddle of an adjacent peak. A notable exception is North Maroon Peak so 54 has become the 'official' number.

One great training area is to climb or run the stairs at Red Rocks Ampitheatre.

If you want to get into the mountains though we suggest the following two hikes; one is moderate and the other is more difficult. It is good to know your own fitness level before heading out.

1. Jaque Peak- Moderate Hike
Distance: 4.1 miles to summit. 1.4 miles back to trailhead (loop)
Time: Up in 145 minutes. Down in 55 minutes.
Elevation Gain: 2,225 feet

Directions: Drive south from I-70 at Copper Mountain towards Leadville on CO-91 for 4 miles. Turn off CO-91 onto a paved road going northwest for .9 miles. Then take the dirt road going to your right and ascend northwest for 3.4 miles. Park at an open area on your left at a sign saying, "Searle Pass Parking Area." This road is passable for normal cars.

The Hike: You will start out on an old mining road heading up Searle Gulch. Follow the pink ribbons on the trees, which lead you to Searle Pass. After the pass, you will head east over grassy slopes heading up to the right of a subpeak to the true high point which is marked by a cairn and registry in a jar. You will descend steeply downward in the southwest direction over tundra and through trees and end back at your vehicle.

1. Bandit Peak- More difficult hike
Distance: 5.0 miles to summit. 3.2 miles back to trailhead (loop)
Time: Up in 214 minutes. Down in 122 minutes.
Elevation Gain: 3,246 feet

Directions: From US 285, 2.7 miles northeast of Bailey, or 4.5 miles wouthwest of Pine Junction, drive north and then northwest on Park County 43 for 8.3 miles to Deer Creek Campground, and then .8 miles further to a parking area and a trail sign nearby. Park here.

The Hike: Take the trail to the right labeled, "Tanglewood Trail." Hik ealong Tanglewood Creek and at the fork, one mile up from the trailhead, take the right fork.. You will pass Rosalie Peak on your left and several rocky knobs roughly at 2.25 miles. The trail continues north and down to Roosevelt Lakes and Beartrack Lakes. Leave the pass and the trail by going to the west (left) and south around the cirque for about 1.5 miles to the north ridge of Bandit peak and ascend to the south easily to the top where there is a cairn waiting for you. Descend by going south over the tundra and through the trees to meet up with Rosalie Trail which parallels Deer Creek. Turn left (east) on this trail for about 2 miles to return to the trailhead.

Remember to dress appropriately, bring plenty of water, tell someone where you are going and have fun!

Dear Just Be: I need some Father’s Day gift ideas.

It is rumored that Father’s Day was first thought up by a woman named Sonora Dodd in Spokane, Washington in the early 1900s. Dodd was raised by her father after her mother died and she felt her father needed to know how special he was to her for all that he had done and sacrificed. She organized the first Father's Day celebration on the 19th of June 1910, because June was the month Dodd’s father was born. From this idea and first celebration, the observance expanded across the country. In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. In 1956, Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress, and then in 1972, President Nixon created a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.

To honor and recognize the fathers in your life, below are just some gift ideas to give this Sunday. These gift ideas range from the traditional to the more unique.

1.) Gift certificate to spend the day doing whatever the father in your life likes doing (i.e. playing golf, going hiking, watching sports, going fishing, etc.)

2.) Microbrew of the Month subscription

3.) Shirts (casual or professional)

4.) Tickets to a sporting event or concert

5.) Ties

6.) Family or personal photographs and frame

7.) Gift certificate to his favorite restaurant

8.) A hammock

9.) Tools/Gadgets (drills, iPhone, grilling thermometer etc.)

10.) Book(s)

11.) Movies or Music (CD, DVD, iTunes card)

12.) Magazine subscriptions