Durango, Colorado is home to some of the most unique mountains in the world — where desert mesas meet lush, aspen-filled peaks. In this episode of the TripOutside Podcast, we sat down with Colin Courtney, founder of Meraki Mountain Adventures, to talk about guided outdoor experiences, the magic of the San Juans, and why inclusivity matters in the outdoors.

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Meet Colin from Meraki Mountain Adventures

TripOutside: Colin, thanks for joining me today! Let’s start at the beginning — how did you get into guiding and eventually start Meraki Mountain Adventures?

Colin: I grew up in Wisconsin, but went to college in Gunnison, Colorado. That’s where I fell in love with the mountains — learning to climb, bike, backpack, and connect with other outdoor-obsessed students. Eventually I shifted my career path into outdoor education. After traveling and working in the industry for about 10 years, I moved to Durango and knew this was home. Instead of working for someone else, I decided to start my own guiding business — and that became Meraki Mountain Adventures.

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What Does “Meraki” Mean?

TripOutside: The name Meraki is unique — what’s the story behind it?

Colin: Meraki is an old Greek word that means to put your heart, soul, and creativity into what you do. That’s exactly how I approach guiding. I want every trip to reflect my passion for the outdoors and to create unforgettable experiences for guests.

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Adventures for All Abilities

TripOutside: One thing that really stood out in our conversation is your focus on inclusion. Can you share more?

Colin: Absolutely. Meraki offers guided trips for all ages and abilities — from total beginners to people who want to push their limits. Whether it’s adjusting a hike, setting up paddleboards as kayaks, or picking the right mountain biking trail, I meet people where they’re at. It’s about creating positive, empowering experiences in the outdoors.

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Why the San Juans Are So Special

TripOutside: For people who haven’t been here yet, how would you describe the San Juan Mountains?

Colin: The San Juans are where the desert meets lush mountains filled with aspens, streams, and wildflowers. You get abundant sunshine, massive peaks, and—unlike other parts of Colorado—quiet trails where you can still find solitude. That mix of desert and alpine makes this place truly unique.

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Guided Trips vs. Going Solo

TripOutside: Some people wonder why they should hire a guide instead of just planning their own trip. What would you say to them?

Colin: A guided trip takes away all the stress of planning — trail research, weather, logistics, and safety. I bring local knowledge, first aid training, and gear so guests can just focus on having fun. Plus, you’ll learn about local ecosystems, geology, and Leave No Trace practices along the way.

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Adventures You Can Book with Meraki

Colin offers a wide range of guided adventures in Durango, including:

• Durango Hiking Tours: Customizable trips in forests, deserts, and alpine terrain.
• Guided Mountain Biking Rides: Beginner-friendly rides to epic singletrack at Twin Buttes, Phil’s World, and Engineer Mountain.
• Guided Rock Climbing: Sandstone crags are perfect for first-timers or experienced climbers.
• Paddleboarding Tours Durango: Mountain lakes and calm stretches of the Animas River.

Each trip is tailored to your group’s ability, with transportation and even organic lunches included on longer outings.

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Protecting the Outdoors with Leave No Trace

TripOutside: Conservation is a big part of TripOutside’s mission. How do you incorporate that into your trips?

Colin: Education is key. I talk with guests about things like packing out toilet paper, not feeding wildlife, and why even apple cores take years to decompose in these ecosystems. It’s not about shaming, it’s about teaching the why behind Leave No Trace. When people understand, they’re far more likely to protect the places they visit.

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Where to Find Meraki Mountain Adventures

You can connect with Colin here:

• 🌐 Meraki Mountain Adventures Website
• 📱 Instagram: @merakimountainadventures
• 📍 Book directly on TripOutside

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Final Thoughts

Colin’s passion for guiding is contagious, and his mission to create inclusive, memorable outdoor adventures is what makes Meraki Mountain Adventures stand out. If you’re heading to Durango, booking a guided trip with Colin is one of the best ways to experience the San Juan Mountains.