Our First Real Adventure: Colorado or Bust
Red Rocks
Rocky Mountain np
Emerald Lake
When we decided to take our first real adventure, I had absolutely no idea where to begin. Up to that point, our “traveling experience” had been limited to a few all-inclusive resorts (thanks to our trusty travel agent) and a couple of Florida trips in condos I’d found on Airbnb. So, to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement.
And, because the universe has a sense of humor, a few of our friends decided to tag along. Suddenly, I wasn’t just responsible for planning a trip for us – I was also in charge of other people’s flights, lodging, and schedules. No pressure, right?
The Planning Phase (a.k.a. Organized Chaos)
We started by making a list of five places we thought we might want to check out. Then we set an approximate date range and I got to work hunting for flight deals. Out of our five dream destinations, Denver ended up being the most budget-friendly.
I played around with the dates and discovered we could save a significant amount of money by flying out Saturday morning instead of Friday and returning Tuesday evening instead of Monday. My husband was still using two vacation days either way, so why not save a little cash in the process?
Research Mode: Activated
Once we had our destination, I made a list of all the places we might want to visit within a two-hour drive or so from Denver. Then, because I’m me (you know… my lists and OCD), I divided it into three categories:
- Must See
- Would Like to See
- If We Have Time
Having that list helped me figure out what areas of Colorado we’d be spending the most time in. From there, I dove into details – cost, time needed to explore, drive times, nearby restaurants, and lodging.
And can we talk about Pinterest for a second? It’s basically a travel planner’s dream. I searched “Weekend in Colorado” and boom – endless recommendations: what to do, where to eat, what’s worth the hype, and what isn’t. I’m a sucker for a good deal, and Pinterest (and my fellow travel bloggers) came through with plenty of local gems and off-the-beaten-path spots.
And let me tell you – we’ve definitely taken “off the beaten path” to a whole new level before… but that’s a story for another day.
Locking It All In
Once I had all the info, I could estimate how much time we’d need in each location. Lodging can vary wildly depending on your comfort level. We’re definitely middle of the road travelers. Once we had our dates, airfare, and destinations, I booked the rental car and started building our itinerary.
Colorado, here we come!
Day 1: Lost in Boulder (Literally)
We caught our 6:50 a.m. flight and landed in Denver just after 8:00. Our first stop? The Denver Biscuit Company for breakfast…yum!
Fueled by carbs and caffeine, we drove to Boulder, changed into hiking shoes, and set off for the Royal Arch Trail at Chautauqua Park. It was supposed to be a quick 3.5-mile hike… except we got lost. On our first hike. Not my proudest moment – but hey, the Flatirons were stunning, and that counts for something.
Day 2: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods
We kicked off the day at Urban Egg in Colorado Springs – busy, but worth it. After breakfast, we started the long (and slightly terrifying) drive up Pikes Peak. The entry fee varies by season (currently around $65 per car), and trust me, you’ll want to fill up on gas first. It’s about 30–40 degrees colder at the top, so layer up!
At 14,115 feet, the view… and the altitude… take your breath away. Literally. (Altitude sickness is no joke!)
Tip: Downshift on the way down so your brakes don’t overheat.
After descending, we visited Garden of the Gods, where we explored the stunning red rock formations before heading back to Denver for the night.
DAY 3: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS
Breakfast at Snooze Eatery in Boulder was the perfect start to the day before heading to Rocky Mountain National Park. The entry fee is $30 per vehicle per day, or you can grab an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80… totally worth it if you plan to visit multiple parks.
We hiked the Emerald Lake Trail (3.6 miles roundtrip) and passed Nymph Lake and Dream Lake along the way to Emerald Lake. You can extend it to Lake Haiyaha for about 5 miles total. Bring plenty of water and take it slow – the elevation can sneak up on you.
After our hike, we drove the Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile scenic stretch connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. The views are unreal, and if you love elk… Estes Park is your spot. They’re everywhere.
Day 4: Red Rocks & Goodbyes
Our final morning, we checked out of our hotel and drove to Morrison, Colorado, where we found a charming family-run spot called The Cow An Eatery. The Cinnamonster was divine, and the Bloody Maria didn’t disappoint either.
Before heading to the airport, we stopped by the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre… absolutely breathtaking. It’s on my bucket list to see a live concert there one day.
We wrapped up our trip exploring Union Station in downtown Denver before heading home – tired, happy, and already planning our next adventure.
The Beginning of Something New
That Colorado trip was more than just a vacation… it was the start of something much bigger for me. It sparked my love of exploring new places and, honestly, of exploring myself.
If you want to read more about that part of my midlife journey, check out this post – where I share how stepping out of my comfort zone changed everything.
