Colorado

There are few places in the US that have as much to offer up as Colorado which is interesting when you consider that over 70% of it is rural land. The other 30% has the most beautiful landscape you’ll ever see. I like to think that this 30% of land is filled with an escape from everyday life. It’s a nature lover’s playground. The Rocky Mountains put things into perspective for me. They helped me to realize that my bad day at work isn’t the most important thing in the world. It was almost like a form of meditation.

Denver (Base camp)

After living in Denver for a while, I realized that the largest city in Colorado struggles to be the main attraction for visitors. Much of the action in the city comes from tourists using Denver as a place to stay in between trips to the Rocky Mountains. At its closest, the mountains are only about 15 min away from the city. 

Fortunately, with the popularity of Denver rising, I could feel the culture of the city building emotionally and physically. There’s construction everywhere you look too as the city tries to catch up to the amount of people moving in. Denver has a bright future ahead of it and the city will soon become a destination instead of a base camp. 

Base of the Rockies

There are a few towns outside of Denver that provide beautiful views at the base of the Rocky Mountains. These are great if you’re looking to stay closer to the Denver area but still want a mountain experience. 

My favorite is Golden, Colorado. This town is a little bit smaller than other towns like Boulder or Colorado Springs and only about 15 minutes from Denver. It offers a scenic walk on the river that leads up into the mountains and a beautiful downtown area. 

There’s also Boulder, Colorado which is a much larger town and the home of the University of Colorado. I don’t know a town that has become more popular than Boulder in the last 5-10 years. Known for its proximity to hiking trails and exploding downtown, this is a great place to spend a day and only about 30 mins from Denver. 

The Sun

One thing I didn’t realize about Colorado is how sunny it is. On average, Colorado gets a little over 300 days of sunshine every year. Even when it’s freezing the sun is out and you still get a glimpse of that natural light. This is something I took for granted when living in that area. 

With the sun also comes the dryness of Colorado. When visiting this could be your downfall. Make sure to bring a ton of chapstick and lotion. I used to carry a pack of vaseline with me wherever I went because my lips would get dry within an hour so come prepared.