Colorado - 2025

Nature, Healing, and a Whole Lot of Food

This trip marks my 18th state—and honestly, it’s been one of my favorites so far. Colorado is absolutely stunning and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The peaceful atmosphere and incredible landscapes brought us so much happiness and comfort when we needed it most.

This week, I lost my grandmother at the age of 88. She was an amazing role model, a loving mother and grandmother, and a traveler herself. This trip had been planned long before her passing, and with the funeral scheduled after we return, we decided to still move forward with it. In a way, it was a gift—one that brought calm in the chaos. Being in nature gave me space to reflect, process, and grieve in a quiet, meaningful way. There’s truly nothing like sunshine, blue skies, and snowcapped mountain ranges to help you through a hard moment. God’s creation is so healing.

Denver

Our journey started in Denver. My husband flew out Friday night for a business meeting, and I stayed behind to help my mom with arrangements. Saturday afternoon, I caught up with him and we went straight to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. We drove through miles of preserved land, spotting bison, birds, and other wildlife. I was amazed—bison are huge! The backdrop of the Rocky Mountains made it feel even more surreal.

From there, we headed to Inspiration Point for a short trail walk and an unforgettable sunset. The 360-degree views of the Rockies were unreal. It feels like no matter where you are in Colorado, those mountains are always nearby, standing tall and breathtaking.

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We checked into our first hotel—DoubleTree in Denver. Major letdown: no warm cookie at check-in! But it was conveniently located next to a Target and Starbucks, so no real complaints. And let’s talk about food—Colorado is a food lover’s dream. We ate our way through everything from Carl’s Jr. to seafood drive-thrus, Whataburger, and tucked-away local gems. One of our favorites? Cherry Cricket, where we devoured massive burgers that had us knocked out in a full-on food coma.

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Avon & Glenwood Springs

Early the next morning, we were on the road again—6 a.m. Colorado time, but really 8 a.m. for our New Jersey bodies. Our first stop: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, an open-air venue built into natural rock formations. It’s a hotspot for concerts and fitness fanatics alike. When we arrived, people were doing Zumba and running stairs like it was no big deal. The elevation hadn’t hit me yet, but I’m sure if I tried that workout, I’d feel it fast. The views from here are wild—huge red rock formations, trails, and a small tunnel carved through stone that makes you feel like you’re stepping into another world.

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Quick shoutout to Sean, the owner of Why Stay at Home, a Christian clothing brand that explores the beauty of God’s creation through adventure and faith. I wore one of his hats (yes, the one that says “Why Stay at Home”) and it felt so fitting for this trip. Thanks, Sean—it kept me warm and matched the vibe perfectly!

After picking up a new sticker for my collection, we hit the road toward Georgetown, where we stopped at the Bighorn Sheep viewing area… but didn’t spot any sheep. Instead, we found ourselves in a little snow-dusted western town surrounded by turquoise water and rustic charm. It seriously felt like a scene from a Hallmark movie.

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We grabbed a quick bite at Carl’s Jr.—I went for the country burrito with waffle fries and tots (because why not?), and wow… delicious! Next, we stopped in Silverthorne for photos and then finally made it to our hotel in Avon: The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa. Total luxury ski vibes. There was a cozy fireplace in the lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the slopes, and our room was a dream. Full kitchen, spa bathroom, private patio… washer AND DRYER???—it even came with lavender sleeping oil and scented towels. Talk about boujee! Not my usual experience but I will take it!

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After dropping our bags, we continued on to Glenwood Springs. The drive through Glenwood Canyon felt like something out of Utah or Arizona, with red rock walls, twisting canyons, and views of the Royal Gorge train slicing through the cliffs. We grabbed dinner at Slope & Hatch, a funky spot where we ordered a Coney dog and Carolina dog, both loaded with toppings, plus two tacos on the side. The food coma continued.

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The highlight of the evening was soaking in the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Though the site is under construction, the setup was impressive. With general admission, we got access to 16 mineral pools, a freshwater pool, jetted spa, towel service, lockers, and an on-site café serving drinks and snacks. Soaking in those warm waters with mountain views all around was the perfect way to relax and reset.

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Colorado Springs

The next morning, we were back at it—7 a.m. on the road for a three-hour drive to Colorado Springs. We made the most of every stop along the way. First up, a scenic drive through White River National Forest, where snow-lined rivers ran beneath tall bridges surrounded by mountain peaks. We cruised the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, winding through postcard-worthy landscapes.

We stumbled upon Twin Lakes, tucked within San Isabel National Forest. This spot was magical—two lakes framed by interlocking mountains and unbelievably blue water. Then came one of the wildest drives of our trip: Pikes Peak, also known as “America’s Mountain.” Though we could only drive up to mile 13 because of snow, the views were both beautiful and absolutely terrifying. Giant snowplows cleared the roads and “avalanche” and “Big Foot” warning signs added to the adrenaline!

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We ended the day at Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark known for its dramatic red rock formations and hiking trails. The whole place gives off Utah vibes (which is still on my 2026 list). After climbing the rocks and snapping photos, we visited the visitor center for some water, restrooms, and—you guessed it—a sticker!

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Of course, all that walking meant more food. Colorado seems to have 15 Mexican restaurants in every town, and we landed at Tacos El Amigos #2. We ordered birria tacos, a birria burrito, and horchata. 10/10. The food was authentic, flavorful, and huge. Just know, when the building is painted in 10 different colors and looks like a hole in the wall… That’s how you know it’s gonna be good. Even my husband, who’s part Mexican (and lived there), gave it his stamp of approval.

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We wrapped up our trip with a stay at the Colorado Springs Marriott. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know we’re Marriott people through and through. If you travel often, signing up for a hotel membership or using travel credit cards can seriously enhance your trips—free upgrades, lounge access, complimentary meals, and more. It’s a game-changer.

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Tuesday morning, we packed up and flew out of Denver, heading back home. While we wait for our flight we took advantage of the Capital One Lounge. There are lounges in most of the large/international US airports. These lounges include commentary buffets, showers and other amenities, Togo food and open bars. Other lounges such as the American Express lounge can be accessed through your credit cards. Take a minute and look up what features you may have! Maybe in another blog post I will go into further details on how to access these lounges.

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Final thoughts? I feel satisfied and at peace. This trip was everything I didn’t know I needed. It allowed me to grieve, reflect, eat well, explore nature, and feel closer to God. My grandmother’s legacy—and my father’s too—lives on in these travels. They are the reason I find so much joy and healing in the beauty of this earth. There is so much to see in this world, so as a friend once said…. “Why Stay At Home”.

@victoriaam