PUBLIC LANDS

I recently watched Inaccessible, a short film from OnX. At first glance, it looks like a ski film. Big lines, remote terrain and wide open Western landscapes. But that’s not really what the film is about.

It’s about public land. Who it belongs to. Who can actually get to it. And what it means when that access quietly disappears.

The concept of public lands, and their value, is uniquely American. Especially in the West, where the vast majority of the country’s public land is located. And yet, thanks partially to antiquated land use patterns from the railroad era, millions of acres of public land are effectively locked away. Inaccessible. 15 million acres to be exact.

So what is legally public and practically reachable? Some of it can be accessed with proper planning, but some is essentially locked off. Then there is the corner crossing conundrum, which has recently been in the news. Maybe the tide is shifting from that recent ruling, but that was a battle and don’t expect landowners to go down without a fight. And even that ruling only applies within the 10th circuit (CO, WY, MT, UT, NM, KS, and OK). It’s a gray area at best still.

Public lands aren’t just about recreation. For many, they’re a source of grounding and healing. Time outside can be restorative. They offer space to reset, to struggle productively, to find perspective. Landscapes are transformative that way—especially when shared with others.

Our public lands are always under threat. The debates resurface again and again, often framed as “practical” solutions created by folks who live thousands of miles away—development, revenue, housing—like the recent proposal to sell public lands under the guise of affordability. The talking points come and go, but the pressure never really disappears.

Once you give up access you’re rarely getting it back. The freedom to step into these places is a privilege. If you value public land, you have to protect it. If you love it, you have to fight for it.

THE BRIEFING

SUNRISE 6:45 AM
SUNSET 7:24 PM

SNOW FORECAST: Some storms rolling in later this week, but finding skiable terrain may be tough

PROPERTY: Unique one with some great views

CREW CONTRIBUTION

Foothill Crew runs on curiosity, strong coffee, and the occasional delusion that people actually want to read about local history on a Tuesday morning. Turns out, some of you do. Your contributions go directly toward keeping Foothill Crew alive and well — a few bucks goes a long way. We appreciate any and all support!

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TUESDAY

Colorado Tap House, Arvada- Nomadic Fire Mobile Sauna, 5-9pm. Come chill

Green Mountain Brewery, Lakewood- Weekly Run Club, 6pm. Run, then beers

Lair of the Bear, Golden- Jeffco Mountain Bike Club Weekly Ride, 5:30pm. Great trail

WEDNESDAY

Buffalo Bill Museum, Golden- Free Museum Day, 10am-5pm. Check it out

Bella Colibri, Golden- Miércoles de Vino-Wednesdays are for wine. 30% off wines!

Miners Saloon, Golden- Live music Wednesdays, 6-9pm.

Willow Creek, Evergreen- Wine, Women, & Wealth, 6:30-8pm. Meet friends

THURSDAY

Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden- Cheese Night w/ Cheese Ranch, 5-10pm. Beer pairings 

Runner’s Roost, Golden- Weekly Run Club, meet at 6pm

BP Run Co, Wheat Ridge- Weekly run club, starting at 6pm. Lace ‘em up

Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Thank you Thursday. Locals get 10% off all day while the kitchen is open, and a great warm up for Open Mic Night 👇️ 

Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Almost Famous Open Mic Night, starting at 7pm

Earth Sweet Boutique, Golden- Herbal Sourdough Bread making Class, 6-8pm. Delicious

Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden- Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling, 6pm. Woah

New Terrain Brewing, Golden- Music by the Mesa: Grateful Holler, 6-9pm. Get hollerin’

Buffalo Rose, Golden- 2026 World Tour Paddling Film Festival, 6:30pm. Whitewater

The Woodcellar, Evergreen- The Almighty Open Mic Night, 7pm.

FRIDAY

Foothill Art Center, Glden- Artist Demo- Bonnie Campbell, 1:30-5pm. Oil painting

Cheese Ranch Artisan Deli, Golden- Fondue Friday, 5pm. Yummy

Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden- Rails & Cocktails: Evening of Colorado History, 7-9pm. Settle in

Buchanon Park, Evergreen- Easter Egg Hunt. Staggered time by age

The Woodcellar, Evergreen- Wild Love Tigress, 8pm. Nine Piece Band

SATURDAY

Parfet Park, Golden- Easter Egg Hunt, 10am. Be on time!

Snowpack Taproom, Conifer- Saturday Morning Yoga, 10-11am. Flow state

Arvada Bread Barn, Arvada- Sourdough Bread baking workshop, 10:30am-1:30pm. Low stock

Goosetown Station, Golden- Dylan Kishner Band, 6:30pm. Get tickets

Snowpack Taproom, Conifer- Live music w/ Tincup, 6pm. Mountain music

Buffalo Rose, Golden- The Petty Nicks Experience, 8pm. Stop draggin’ my heart

SUNDAY

Aspen Peak Cellars, Bailey- Easter Brunch, 10am. More info

Golden Mill, Golden- Easter Egg Hunt, 11am. Special golden eggs

Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden- Board Game Night, 5pm-close. Have fun

MONDAY

Golden Game Guild, Golden- Teach Me to Play Mondays, 6-9pm. Learn new games

New Terrain Brewing Co, Golden- Yoga on Tap 🧘 Yoga from 6-7pm, beers anytime. Get your ticket

Loveland Winter Sports Area, ~1940

🤝 If you think someone else would enjoy these updates, please pass along. The more the crew grows, the better it gets for everyone.

💌 If you have good friends who were kind enough to forward this to you, skip the middleman and join the crew directly! 👇️ 

See you around the next bend!