Originally our family is from Colorado. We all grew up in Southern Colorado and had the fortune of the Rocky Mountains in our backyard.

One thing I have realized since becoming a Texan is that Colorado is waaay more fun to visit. As a resident we enjoyed the beautiful scenery, great camping and winter sports, but not as much as we do now. Planning a Colorado vacation is one of the greatest and most difficult tasks – what do we want to do this time? With so many options it might be daunting but thankfully there are no bad options.

This past summer we had the pleasure of attending a sunrise wedding in the gorgeous Maroon Bells (just outside of Aspen). The wedding was scheduled in early July and the weather could not have been more perfect. Sunshine and a light breeze kept us comfortable the whole stay.

Travel

It is about 50/50 whether we travel by car or plane when heading back home. To meet our time restraints for this trip we opted to fly. Flights from Dallas to Denver are reasonably priced for most months of the year. As a family we are light packers and tend to choose economy over comfort. With this particular trip I found flights with Spirit Airlines to be most cost effective. I know that there is some bad press when it comes to Spirit but we have never had any issue. And when you can fly round trip for less than $ 100/person – I mean com’on! 🤷🏻

Upon arrival we picked up our rental car that I booked with RentalCars.com. I love RentalCars.com because their app is user-friendly and they have the option to “Book Now, Pay Later”. I love this feature because it gives me the ability to book a rental car even if the trip is still a distant possibility.  Cancellation is free up until right before the reservation so it gives you the freedom to lock in a great rate without the commitment. After a quick turnaround at the checkout counter we were on our way, headed west on I-70. Mountain Bound!

Lodging

While we were in Aspen, Colorado we stayed at the beautiful Gant Hotel. Our room featured three bedrooms on a split level floor plan. The condo had a full kitchen, dinning room and living area. The kitchen was stocked with all the cookware and serving utensils you could need and the couch pulled out to feature even more sleeping area. It was a wonderful space for wedding prep and family chit-chat – our room was the hub for family throughout the stay. Adreena enjoyed the beautiful grounds, pool and hot tub with her friends. While Aaron and I enjoyed the walk ability of Aspen. We would gather up and walk as a group from the hotel to lunch, drinks and dancing. It was amazing how close everything felt. Other than the wedding I am pretty sure we never moved the car!

Colorado

On our way back down the mountain we opted to drive through the historic town of Leadville, Colorado. Leadville is known as the highest incorporated city in the United States. It is a former mining town that still has all the charm from its yesteryear. Downtown Leadville features one long drag lined with historic buildings from saloons to candy shops – it really is a wonderful place. Throughout the year Leadville features many festivals and events. Some of my favorite include Boom Days and Skijoring. We stopped for lunch and then were back on the road headed for Denver.

Colorado

Many times when we are in Colorado for play we visit Grand Mesa Lodge. The Grand Mesa is the largest flat top mountain in the world and is located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. At the lodge you will find fun things to do regardless of your age, ability or the season. Grand Mesa Lodge features 14 individual cabins and even some hotel rooms for rent. During the summer months there is hiking, biking, four wheeling and water sports. The winter months are full of snowmobiling, sledding, cross-country skiing and of course epic snow ball fights. Near to the lodge is Powderhorn Ski Resort – a smaller resort with a personal feel. We thoroughly enjoy skiing/snowboarding at Powderhorn. Of course if you prefer to just snuggle up in the rustic cabin with a hot cup of coffee – the lodge has you covered there too.

On the way back to Denver you pass by Glenwood Springs (home to the worlds largest hot springs pool), many other ski resorts and great shopping. With all these distractions it can be challenging to make back to the airport in time! 😅

What your favorite thing to do/see in Colorado?

Can you pick just one? 🤔

Let me know in the comments below!

xo

Carolyn

 


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