- Great Sand Dunes National Park - Garden of the Gods -
- Boulder - Rocky Mountain National park -
Great Sand Dunes National Park was... intense. I thought, 'Sand dunes, how hard can it be?' Turns out, really freakin' hard. I tried hiking up the tallest dune (High Dune on the First Ridge), and the sand was so relentless that I barely made it halfway. It was the most exhausting hike I've ever done. It's crazy to think those dunes were built up over thousands of years from windblown sand, and they're the tallest in North America! Even though I didn't conquer the dune, the views were spectacular, and the whole place is just so unique. It definitely left a lasting impression, even if my legs (and lungs) were screaming.
After we hiked the dunes, we went across the street to the Montville Nature Trail, and Sam snapped some cool pictures of plant life! Then, we enjoyed some food at Brues Alehouse and found some cool artwork.
Garden of the Gods is a truly remarkable natural wonder in Colorado Springs. It's a landscape that feels both ancient and awe-inspiring. You can explore the park via paved trails which is perfect for leisurely strolls, but don't let the heat surprise you! Definitely pack water and snacks, because there is little shade to be found along the paved trail. The sheer scale and unique beauty of the park make it a must-see for anyone visiting Colorado.
Not too far from Garden of the Gods is Red Rock Open Space. If you crave a little more isolation with beautiful views, this is your place to hike! We spent the golden hour here after enjoying dinner at Tokki (a cool Korean restaurant), and it was one of the best evenings of our trip!
Our next destination was Rocky Mountain National Park. We started off the day with lunch at Tocabe, and set off on the trails!
The Emerald Lake Trail is a hike that truly lives up to the hype. Setting off from the Bear Lake Trailhead, the path winds through dense forests, offering glimpses of the towering peaks that surround you. The first stop, Nymph Lake, is a tranquil spot, with lily pads dotting its surface and reflections of the mountains shimmering in the clear water. The next stop, Dream Lake, is a stunning expanse of turquoise water framed by jagged peaks. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and it's easy to see why this is one of the park's most popular trails.
Finally, reaching Emerald Lake, you're rewarded with a postcard-perfect view: a deep blue lake nestled beneath Hallett Peak. While the trail is popular and can get crowded, the stunning scenery makes it well worth the effort. You might even be lucky enough to make a squirrel friend along the way like we did!
We spent our last day in Colorado strolling down Pearl Street in Boulder, and we decided to take the city's Public Art Walking Tour. It was a delightful surprise! It's not just your typical "look, a sculpture" kind of walk. Every corner seemed to hold a story. Boulder definitely knows how to weave art into its urban fabric, making a simple walk into a visual feast. If you're visiting, grab the map and let the art lead the way!
After a killer day of walking in the heat to enjoy the artwork, we cooled off by having lunch at Pizzeria Alberico. We had delicious pizza and ice cold water!
Other honorable food mentions: Izzio Bakery at Denver Central Market, Dochi, Dewey Beer Co., Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, Toastique, and La Fillette Bakery.
