Why Being Active & Outdoors Helps Recovery

Recovery doesn’t only happen in meetings or therapy sessions—it can also take place on a trail, by a lake, or under a wide Colorado sky. Moving your body in nature is powerful: it clears the mind, releases stress, builds resilience, and anchors you in the present moment.

If you’re in or around Teller County, Colorado, here are some fantastic outdoor options to explore—and ways New Visions Recovery Solutions can help you use them as part of your recovery journey.

Why Being Active Outdoors Supports Recovery

Boosts mental health: Physical activity releases endorphins and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression—common triggers for relapse.
Enhances clarity: Spending time in nature improves mood, lowers blood pressure, and sharpens mental focus.
Provides structure: Activities like hiking, biking, fishing, or horseback riding help create routine and meaningful goals.
Builds connection: Time outdoors fosters deeper connection with yourself, with others, and with something larger than immediate struggles.

Outdoor Activities in Teller County

There’s something for every fitness level, energy level, and preference in Teller County. Here are some local favorites:

Hiking & Walking Trails

Mueller State Park — 55 miles of trails, plus camping, biking, and year-round wildlife watching.
Pike National Forest Trails — Explore Lovell Gulch, Crags Trail, Rampart Reservoir Trail, or Signal Butte.
Manitou Park Lake & Centennial Trail — Gentle, reflective walks with picnic areas and lake views.

Water Activities

Fishing & Kayaking — Try Manitou Lake, Skaguay Reservoir, or Rampart Reservoir for mountain streams and lakes just minutes away.

Camping & Backpacking

Spend a night under the stars at Mueller State Park campgrounds or explore backcountry camping in Pike National Forest.

Mountain Biking, ATV & Dirt Biking

Adventure seekers can explore Teller County OHV & ATV trails and mountain biking routes.

Horseback Riding

Experience the outdoors at a slower pace with horseback riding trails and outfitters across Teller County.

How to Use Outdoor Activities in Recovery

Start small & stay consistent — Try a 30-minute walk three times per week or an easy hike on weekends.
Mix it up — Explore new trails for variety, but also revisit favorites for comfort and grounding.
Find accountability — Join a hiking group, cycling club, or go with peers in recovery.
Make it mindful — Reflect, breathe, and journal while outdoors. Pay attention to sights, sounds, and smells.
Stay safe — Dress in layers, bring water, share your plans, and use trail maps.

Local Favorites to Try

Mueller State Park — Trails, camping, and wildlife.
Manitou Park Lake & Centennial Trail — Gentle nature walks and picnic spots.
Lovell Gulch Trail & Signal Butte Loop — More challenging hikes with rewarding views.

When the Outdoors Isn’t Enough

Outdoor activities are powerful tools in recovery, but they work best when paired with professional supports like therapy, peer groups, and medical care. That’s where New Visions Recovery Solutions can help.

How New Visions Recovery Solutions Can Support You

At New Visions Recovery Solutions, we believe recovery is holistic. Nature, movement, and connection are healing—but they’re most effective when woven into a complete recovery plan that includes:

Safe, personalized activity recommendations
Structured goals for outdoor integration
Therapy, peer support, and coping strategies

👉 Take the first step today: Contact New Visions Recovery Solutions. We’re here to walk (or hike!) with you on your journey to lasting recovery.