Takeaways From My Trip to Colorado

Evergreens and rocks of red dust. Wooden fences and snow on the rooftops. Streams that glitter under the harsh sunlight. Air that feels dry and crisp.

A few weeks ago, I went on a trip to Colorado, and I was amazed by all the beauty that could be found in that wonderful state! It was such a blessing to be able to spend some time away from home, get a break from my daily routine, and see a new piece of this big and beautiful world. I definitely came back with a clear head and lots of inspiration for new articles!

One of my favorite parts about the trip was getting to travel through several different cities. While on the road, I saw some stunning views of the mountains, and seeing the White River and Routt National Forests took my breath away.

I love staring out a view with the mountains underneath a wide sky because it reminds me of how we’re a part of something so much bigger than we can comprehend. And it reminds me of the One Who made it all.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.”

~ PSalm 121:1-2

I also got to see snow for the first time in nine years! When I was little, I often dreamed about playing in the snow, and finally getting that experience was so much fun. I might’ve acted a little bit ridiculous in it, however… Those of you who are used to snow would have probably been laughing at me, haha.

Keep reading for the rest of the details about the trip—I hope you enjoy hearing about it. (:

Denver

Our flight landed well into the night, but I woke up early the next morning to head out to Lakewood for a tour of Colorado Christian University. The campus was amazing! And so was their chapel service and community. It definitely encouraged me to see a school so firmly rooted in God’s Word.

Some other highlights from Denver included exploring the downtown parts of the city and Union Station. We also did some beautiful hiking at the Red Rocks Amphitheater before starting the drive to Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs had an amazing view of a snow-capped Pikes Peak from almost every part of the city. I loved getting to wake up early and see the sun rise behind the mountains and illuminate the grass while I ran.

Also, I loved the walk to Seven Falls in the morning—It felt so peaceful and relaxing! And the waterfalls were beautiful (and partly frozen!). Garden of the Gods had some gorgeous sunsets and rock formations.

I also went ziplining in Colorado Springs! Personally, I love heights, and the excitement was so much fun.

As we left Colorado Springs and dove further into the mountains, I looked out the window the whole way. I could see a thick layer of snow piled beneath the trees, sparkling in the sunlight (not an everyday sight for me!). At one point, I got out of the car and looked from the mountains to see a view of the forest. The evergreens looked beautiful against the bright white snow, and it’s one of my favorite memories the trip.

Vail

After another stop to explore the ski town of Breckenridge, I found myself in beautiful Vail. At over 8,000 feet, there was a lot snow, and I loved getting to experience something so different from back home.

Another part I loved was running here—The town had a lovely trail that dipped into a valley. It ran alongside this beautiful brook, and I loved listening to the sound of the water rushing as I ran past. Add to that some pine trees and puffs of snow, as well as a rising sun, and… It was amazing.

The hotel room also had a stunning view of the mountains, and here I made myself warm by the fireside at night as I worked on an article that had been on my heart for a long time. I got so much inspiration on this trip, and I’m so grateful for the overflowing notebooks and many memories.

During the stay in Vail, we also made a day trip to Copper Mountain and went snow tubing. And, I went on a rollercoaster through the mountains and forests, which brought more beautiful views of the snow.

Steamboat Springs

The drive to Steamboat looked like a winter wonderland outside my car. Light flurries of snow kept falling, fluttering gracefully and leaving white specks upon the deep green leaves. It felt magical!

Steamboat itself looked like an old-fashioned Western town, especially in the downtown area (which was full of adorable shops and restaurants). We also went further into the rural area for the Strawberry Hot Springs, which was relaxing and beautiful.

One morning in Steamboat, I started walking from the hotel room to the elevator to go on my run. I was delighted to see more flurries of snow dancing outside that window! It was my first (and only) run with snow falling, and I had fun time with it. I felt as if I were in a snow globe, and I’ll always treasure that memory.

Heading home

After Steamboat, we made a stop in Georgetown, another small mountain town with a vintage feel. And after a train ride with some more wonderful views, the chapter of this trip began its close.

During the drive back to Denver, I remember looking out the window, just trying to take in all the last moments of this trip. It took a while for it to fully set in that I was leaving such a beautiful place, but…

Our trip had come full circle. I found myself back in Denver, the grass there looking a little greener and my memory trying to process all those new experiences.

And that’s what seeing these other pieces of the world can do to you.

All these places suddenly feel significant in your life. You carry them in your heart even while you’re at home. And you can’t help but wonder if God is going to do anything with that.

I don’t know what places life’s road is going to lead me through next, and yet… There’s something so exciting about not fully knowing.

Flying out of Denver and looking out at the airplane window to see a view of the Rockies, reaching so high from the ground and yet now looking so small from up in that plane… Seeing those mountains turn into deserts, and those deserts turn into my city, seeing the ocean come into view…

This country is so big and so beautiful. This world is so big and so beautiful. And it has so much to offer.

I’ve always felt this wanderlust, this innate desire to get out and see the world. And I hope you enjoyed getting a little glimpse at how I see that world, or at least a little piece of it—Colorado.

I feel like I’ve been talking about myself so much in this post. So I want to close by saying that—no matter where you are in this world, and no matter where you find yourself—I care about you.

And God cares about you, too. He’s holding the whole world in His hands, but He’s holding you, too. <3

If you enjoyed reading this, subscribe to my mailing list here.