---

I love when long weekends line up with inexpensive flights — it feels like the universe is giving you permission to go have an adventure. With that perfect combination in place, we jumped at the chance for a quick trip to Colorado, ready to fill our souls with crisp mountain air.

We flew into Denver early in the morning and set off on a loop through the state, spending the next few days meeting up with friends, reconnecting with family, and soaking in the scenery along the way.

Colorado is always beautiful, but autumn gives it a certain kind of magic. The aspens shimmer in shades of gold, transforming the mountainsides into a glowing tapestry that makes the whole landscape look as if it’s laced with sunlight and treasure.

There was plenty of driving packed into the weekend, but every mile was worth it — for the views, the laughter, and the chance to share those golden mountains together as a family.

1. When Blog Friends Meet : Handstand Around the World
2. Horses & Hiking Around Westcliffe
3. Driving Across Independence Pass
4. Ski Towns & Golden Aspens in Vail

---

When Blog Friends Meet : Handstand Around the World

When we settled on Colorado for our long weekend, the very first thing I did was reach out to my blogging friend Diana from Handstands Around the World to see if she might want to meet up. I was thrilled when she said yes. She and her husband joined us for lunch at Lariat Lodge Brewing Co., where both the food and the company were fantastic.

Whenever I think of Diana, I think of sweeping mountain views, incredible trails, and those dreamy moments in nature she captures so beautifully. I even admitted to her that whenever I get homesick for the mountains, I often pull up her latest post and just let her photos fill my screen.

Our time together was filled with easy conversation and plenty of laughter. We swapped stories about where we’ve been and where we’re headed, compared notes on daily life, and even chatted about other blogging friends we follow and have met. It reminded me how special this online community is — people scattered across the world, yet connected through a shared love of travel and storytelling.

Meeting Diana and her husband in person after years of online was such a delight — one of those full-circle blogging moments that make this space so fun.

---

Horses & Hiking Around Westcliffe

After lunch, we followed the rain clouds south to the town of Westcliffe, nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. From one end of the valley to the other, the mountains dominate the horizon with breathtaking views.

Beyond its natural beauty, Westcliffe is also known for its thriving artistic community. Local galleries and shops line the streets, each one showcasing the creativity of the people who call this valley home.

Adding to its small town charm, Westcliffe is a certified dark sky community — dedicated to preserving its dazzling night skies. With strict rules limiting light pollution, it’s one of the best places for stargazing. They often host special events under the stars.

We spent a couple of days visiting my aunt, who lives in Westcliffe and is deeply woven into its community. An artist herself, she helps lead many of the local activities and has also co-founded an organization that rescues mustangs, training them to support people working through psychological trauma with the calming presence of these incredible horses.

Tessa was absolutely thrilled when she got to ride one of the mustangs bareback with the towering mountains as her backdrop. She also cherished time with her great-aunt, painting side by side and sharing in her creative world.

---

Driving Across Independence Pass

From Westcliffe, we headed northwest to take on Independence Pass. The road wound sharply back and forth through the canyon, each turn revealing another sweeping view, as if the mountains stretched endlessly in every direction.

At the summit, we pulled over to walk around, immediately realizing how much our lungs had adjusted to Tennessee’s lower elevations — the thin air at over 12,000 feet left us breathless in more ways than one.

Like everyone else, we lined up for a photo with the iconic sign marking the top of the pass. This spot sits along the Continental Divide, the famed ridgeline that determines whether rivers and streams flow east to the Atlantic or west to the Pacific.

The drive down was just as stunning as the climb up. Pockets of gold began to shimmer in the trees, the first hints of autumn lighting up the slopes. Few things bring me as much joy as the sight of aspens, their golden leaves swaying together like waves in the breeze.

---

Ski Towns & Golden Aspens in Vail

My husband is an avid skier, so naturally, the top stops on his wish list were the ski resorts. We began at Vail — arguably one of Colorado’s most famous and beloved destinations. But Vail is more than a ski resort; it feels like its own alpine world, complete with storybook-style architecture, winding pedestrian streets, and a wealth of shops and restaurants.

Since we came between seasons, the resort was quiet. A few mountain bikers zipped down the slopes, while others lingered over long meals on patios. We decided to hike a short way up one of the trails, eager to be surrounded by groves of golden aspens. The thin air made every step a reminder of how long it had been since we’d tackled this kind of elevation, but the glowing aspens were worth every breathless pause.

If you plan a trip to high altitudes like this, a word of advice: drink plenty of water, take it slow, and don’t overdo it. Altitude sickness is no joke, and it’s much easier to enjoy the beauty around you when you’re taking those precautions along the way.

---

With that we made our way back to Denver for our flight home. It had been a quick weekend and a lot of driving, but we loved it. Getting to meet up with friends and connect with family was wonderful. And to be back in the glorious Rocky Mountains was everything we needed the weekend to be.

Thanks for coming along on this weekend road trip through Colorado. May mountain views and golden aspens fill your soul with joy.

---

Follow along for more adventures near and far!

---