5280 Magazine

For over 30 years, 5280 magazine has served its readers as an essential guide to life in the Mile-High City and beyond. Throughout those three decades, the publication has stayed true to its original mission: proudly locally owned and strongly committed to delivering award-winning journalism that tells Denver’s story with authority and style. Each month, 5280 covers the greatest and latest in dining, culture, wellness, travel, and adventure content.

5280 Magazine

Take A Moment

THEO STROOMER • Photographer

Breaking The Mold

Up, Up & Away • Four ways to watch the Snowmass Balloon Festival’s 50th ascent.

I’m Sorry, Bo Nix • Ahead of the star quarterback’s sophomore season, 5280’s deputy editor offers a mea culpa.

Peak Curiosity

Out Of The Box • In honor of the Denver area’s quirkiest art museum turning 10 this month, we look back at some of Black Cube’s most impactful exhibits.

Field Work • How a Colorado medic supports the Ukrainian front lines.

Eat & Drink

Bean Stalking • Uncovering the roots of a giant, mysterious Colorado-grown bean that might be the most expensive legume in the country.

Upping The Steaks • Carne, Dana Rodriguez’s RiNo steak house, is a bold, ’70s-inspired take on the genre—and a timely immigrant success story.

Almost Famous • Denverite and DINK Chelsea Anderson recently surpassed a million followers by posting parenting hacks on Instagram and TikTok. And she did it in less than a year, mmkay?

FIND YOUR Calm • It’s been a chaotic and stressful year, and 2026 isn’t looking much better. Now’s your chance to leave it all behind. From hot springs to sound baths to bee therapy, we found 13 ways to slow down, breathe deep, and relax.

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND • A local photographer spent seven years chasing tumbleweeds through rural communities, laboratories, and pop culture—all on a quest to understand one of the West’s most humble, sometimes house-swallowing icons.

SIGNS OF THE CROSS • Nineteen years after Michelle Vanek went missing on Mt. of the Holy Cross, a fourteener near Vail, she reappeared—in a dream—to tell rescuers how to find her.

Dining Guide

THE OVERSIMPLIFIED GUIDE TO: Capturing Fall Foliage • You don’t have to be a professional to immortalize Colorful Colorado’s fleeting displays of gold, copper, and crimson. All you need is a smartphone—and these tips from Jeanette Burkle, who teaches photography classes at the University of Denver and Denver Botanic Gardens.