Monica Nigon Avatar

Monica Nigon

Monica is a freelance writer, ski patroller, and raft guide based out of Colorado, and is passionate about mountain biking, rock climbing, and playing Irish music on her fiddle in her spare time. Growing up in rural Minnesota, she learned how to brave the cold in the pursuit of adventure from an early age.

In the winter you’ll find Monica skiing at her home resort of Wolf Creek, near Pagosa Springs, which she now calls home. In the summer, you’ll find her guiding the Class III-IV whitewater of the Arkansas River nearby. She’s also taught skiing, environmental education, kayaking, and canoeing. 

Her favorite adventures have involved backpacking the Rockies with her best friends and mountain biking the slick rock of the deserts of Utah. Even better are long meanders through the woods and mountains on her backcountry skis. She’s also done irresponsible things internationally like sledding down a volcano in Nicaragua and surfing off the northwest coast of Ireland. 

She holds certifications in avalanche rescue, professional ski instruction, and wilderness medicine. She enjoys reading and writing about all of the above.

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Trees growing out of sandy dunes at sunset at Ludingstone state park

Best Camping in Michigan: 15 Sites For Fun Family Vacations

Our list of the best camping spots in the Wolverine State includes fifteen must-see tent and RV-camping locations where you can enjoy all the magic Michigan has to offer.
Monica Nigon
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Best Hikes in New York: 14 Surprisingly Wild, Thrilling Hiking Trails in NY State

In this article, we introduce you to 14 beautiful hikes in New York State for all ages and abilities. From testy trails in the Hudson River Valley to forest hikes in the Catskills and Adirondacks, our list has it all!
Monica Nigon
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How to Make Coffee While Camping: 11 Easy Methods

Not willing to sacrifice your morning brew when camping? In this guide, we’ll teach you 11 caffeine-delivery methods that’ll let you get that all-important fix!
Monica Nigon
View of Devil's Lake from the trail up to Balanced Rock

The 15 Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin

Head to beautiful Wisconsin and check out the multitude of activities and attractions you’ll find in and around 15 of the best campsites in the state.
Monica Nigon
Sleeping bag laid out on rocks in front of snowy mountains

Best Cold-Weather Sleeping Bags of 2024

Keen to carry on camping through the cold season? Check out our buying guide and reviews of this year’s top sleeping bags for camping in cold weather.
Monica Nigon
Woman wearing small backpack looking out over hills

Best Women’s Daypack for Hiking: Top 9 Recommendations

In this buyer’s guide, we introduce you to 9 awesome, women’s-specific backpacks for day hikes. From ultralight, minimalist models to fully-featured gear-haulers, our list has something for everyone!
Monica Nigon
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Best Camping in Florida: 18 Idyllic Spots for RV & Tent Camping

Ready to have some fun in the sun? In this guide, we introduce you to 18 awesome tent camping locations in the Sunshine State, from basic tent-camping campgrounds to more elaborate private RV parks.
Monica Nigon
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Best Camping in Washington State: 19 Awesome Campsites 

In this guide, you’ll find 19 of our top picks for camping in the Evergreen State, from spartan dispersed sites for hardy tenters to full-hook-up sites for RVers.
Monica Nigon
Tent pitched in wilderness with a tarp pitched over it

How to Put a Tarp Over a Tent – Both With and Without Trees!

Looking for the best way to hang a tarp over your camping shelter? In this guide, we’ll teach you two foolproof ways to help make sure your tent stays dry on those rainy days at camp.
Monica Nigon
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