Most areas have a classic nature writer. For example Colorado Plateau:Edward Abbey, Sierras: John Muir, or Alaska: Jack London/Robert Service.

Colorado doesn't really have one though. A few options I've come across are Anne Zmigger (Beyond the Aspen Grove) or Enos Mills (he seems a little dry though).

Another option would be Arthur H. Carhartt although I haven't been able to get ahold of any of his books and am confined to the short excerpt on the flat tops page (if anyone knows what book that is from please tell me)

Also Albert Ellingwoods account of the ascent of lizard head is good climbing literature though it isn't really nature writing.

Anyone?

Some consider renowned photographer John Fielder a good Colorado book publisher, but the text for his books is generally written by other folks. His book on the Colorado Trail was a nice one. However, John Fielder is not native to Colorado.

John Fielder also did an excellent book about Colorado "then and now." It's pricey. $200, but it's worth it if you love Colorado or grew up here (like I did). He did a spectacular job of recleaying the historical scenes as they appear today. Text was again supplied by other writers, but he describes in his own words what it took to put the book together. A follow-up companion book was outstanding as well.

A history teacher/writer, Robert L. Brown wrote some greatg books about Colorado's history. They're rare and hard to find now. I have his book on the history of the Holy Cross Wilderness. If you stumble on any of his writings, you've found a treasure. His best known Colorado book is "Jeep Trails to Colorado Ghost Towns."

In my opinion it's just as well not having other people tell you what to see.

"Roof of the Rockies"
"Above Timberline"
"Along the Colorado Trail"
"Along the Continental Divide Trail"

As a native western Coloradan, I've always found that Abbott Fay's writing hits close to home.

http://www.abbottfay.com/node/7