As I leave Utah and head off to Colorado, I forgot to mention Moab is so underrated. What an awesome little city. Surprisingly great night life, so much to do for an outdoor enthusiast. Plus, Canyonlands > Arches but shhhh, keep that secret. I plan to go back and explore more next year, I wish I had more time this round, and a car with ground clearance. This would have been the most perfect trip in the Rav4.

SO, Colorado. You’d never guess who I am meeting up with, someone special who flew out just to hang out with me for a few days. My momma! Wootwoot! The First thing on our too do list is check out the Rocky Mountains.

It is so exciting to have someone, especially my mother, join me on my trip. Being very last minute and all, she hopped on a plane and showed up wherever I was and here we are in Colorado. This marks our very first out of state mother daughter trip. It’s a little cold here yet in June, but it’s so very beautiful.

We are staying in a little area called Granby, located about 20 minutes from the park entrance. Nice little town with plenty of options to sleep, camp, hike and drink coffee. Oh and did I mention hike? SO much hiking. My poor momma was not only jet legged from the flight but the altitude was kicking her butt. Some health issues were kicking her butt and here is her daughter, kicking her butt making her hike miles and miles. But she is a trooper, I will forever cherish this memory!

I have a specific goal today

I have to see a moose! They are actually everywhere in the park, its hard to not see moose and elk. Just be careful, the locals claim these are far more dangerous than bear. I would add wolves to the list, but it turns out there are no wolves here, which is so weird to me.

Why so many dead trees?

This began to bother me, so I looked into why Colorado has SO many dead trees. Turns out, extreme heat, dryness, fires and bark beetles. It’s almost like a scary movie in some locations, just death. I was blown away by these gray forests… Just grateful I got to see these lands before they continue to change for the worst.

On the not so sad part, back to our hiking and outdoor adventures.

How do I find these places?

The apps I find most helpful for hiking has been AllTrails (free with paid options) while the app I have found most helpful for overnight camping is TheDyrt (paid subscription) and iOverlander (free). There are also tons of groups on social media, some people are willing to share secret spots with you if they like you 😉

I ended up finding a really cool trail that led to a very secluded lake called Strawberry Lake, I enjoyed this much more than the park as it was far less crowded and free. Man, what a view. (Plus side is, mom is here to grab photos! here, get my good side)

There is so much to see and do with such little time. Oh, I’m not on a time frame right?

Wrong.

I just accepted a job offer

In Wisconsin, July 1st is my start date. I now feel rushed and anxiety kicking in. I don’t want to end my travels and get back to the 10-12 hour workday 5+ days a week grind, but here I am. Just enjoy it while I can. Plus, I am really missing Turbo, today is his birthday.

Time goes by too fast, I am now wrapping things up with my mother. These few days felt like hours and I wish we could go back in time to do it over again. Luckily the older my mother gets the more adventurous she seems to get. We are already planning another trip this summer to Montana. I think I am wearing off on her, wink wink.

I am not ready to head back just yet!

As I say my goodbyes to my mother, I hit the road back to the western part of the state. Steamboat Springs!

Cheers!