For Christmas 2020, my family made the decision to follow through with our vacation plans to visit Kona, Hawaii, for a week of “Mele Kelemaka” on the Big Island. The decision was not made lightly, and we seriously debated going, but we followed all of the guidelines and safely made it to the island on December 16th.  Taken from Kua Bay - our new favorite beach! It took a lot of planning to get to the island. We had to do much more than the usual “where to stay” and “what to do” research for our trip. The new COVID-19 policies almost deterred us from taking the trip, but we persevered, and figured out what we needed to do to get there safely. While doing our research we found others facing these same frustrations and hesitations, so I wanted to share exactly what we did to get to Hawaii safely.
*Please note that things may change before you arrive on the Island. We arrived December 16th, but things are constantly changing, so check Hawaii.gov to make sure you are up to date with current guidelines. Step One: Figure out Which Island To VisitEach island has different restrictions. Before we booked our flights we had to research each one to see where we wanted to go. We figured out where we should go by looking at different government and local websites (like HawaiiCovid19.com) to see how things were looking and learn about current restrictions. For example, Kuai had a mandatory 14 day quarantine requirement regardless of test results, so we did NOT want to book there!
Here are a few resources that we found helpful:
Step Two: Get The Correct COVID Test on The Correct DayScheduling our appointments and getting tested was by far the most stressful part of this process. All of these pandemic precautions are so new to everyone that we were all worried about doing something incorrectly. There is a lot of different information out there, and there were a lot of things we could have done wrong, but luckily, we figured it out and did everything correctly.  Viral story that hit right after we booked our flights! Essentially, we needed to find a testing facility near us that was on the Hawaii list of official providers and get the test within 72 hours of our arrival to the island. For us, this meant we needed to be tested after noon on Sunday for our Wednesday flights.
We chose to get tested at Walgreens and had back up appointments scheduled at Go Health Urgent Care, because both provided results within 24 hours, but Walgreens had appointments scheduled 3-days out where the urgent care was first come-first served. This gave us plenty of time to get our tests on the calendar and eased some of our concerns.
We arrived at the drive-through pharmacy window for our appointments, and all we had to do was show our confirmation emails and drivers licenses to the pharmacist. We confirmed for the hundredth time that we were getting the correct test to enter Hawaii before the pharmacist handed us our swab. Once we were handed our sterile swap, we swabbed our noses and handed them back. It was very easy!
Only about an hour later, we all received emails letting us know that we all were NEGATIVE! It was a major relief. Now, we had to prove it to get on our flights!
Step Three: Uploading Results and Declaring Our TravelOnce we had our emailed negative test results, we created traveler profiles on travel.hawaii.gov. 24 hours before our flight, we logged in and answered all of the required questions. They asked us to upload our negative results, take a health questionnaire, and declare our travel plans to the state. This was the easy part.  screenshot from travel.hawaii.gov
Step Four: Showing Your Code in The Airport
We landed on the island and kept our fingers crossed that everything would go smoothly.
It turns out that we were randomly selected to be tested again. We didn’t expect to get tested when we landed, because we had read that only 25% of people were being tested upon arrival, but it seemed like our entire plane had been chosen to be tested again.  The testing area in the airport.
In the meantime, we picked up our luggage and our rental car and drove to our Airbnb. In that time, about an hour had passed and none of us got a call! We had successfully and safely all made it onto the island!!! We were so relieved that we had all made it to Hawaii without incident! From here, our vacation and our relaxation was set to begin.  First round of celebratory drinks once we made it to Kona!
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 Radium Hot Spring on the side of the Colorado River. One of my absolute favorite things about Colorado is the mountains. They are what draw most people to the state, but I love them not only for their beauty or fantastic skiing but for their geological make up. I know. Totally nerdy, but what's inside and underneath the mountains amaze me more than anything else I have had the opportunity to explore. The Continental Divide, to me, provides a window into the world below us, and the most relaxing manifestations of that world are hot springs.  The Lobster Pot at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa. Waters from the surface seep down so deep into cracks between tectonic plates that they are heated by the magma of our Earth's interior. To me, that is absolutely mind blowing! I cannot see and learn enough about these places, yet I have only been to about a dozen of the state's 93 geothermal areas! Even though I have only begun to scratch the surface, I want to share the locations I have been to, because each one is much different than the others! The Resort and Spa locations are listed first followed by Natural Springs. Each features directions from Denver, the cost of admission, and a little bit of my experience. You can read more about all of the hot springs and much more from across Colorado on my Colorado Travels Page, here! Resort and Spa Hot Springs Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. Since the hot spring waters have to travel such far distances underground to be heated, many of the pools host lots of sediment and minerals from the porous rocks they flow through. These mineral rich waters have been a part of Colorado's history for centuries. Native American tribes believe some spring waters are full of healing powers while others are considered sacred.  The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs. Over the years, these waters became large tourist destinations. To protect many of the springs and their fragile surrounding areas, safer soaking areas were created for large crowds of people to come. These areas often boast board walks, designated man-made pools, and other amenities. These are now the most common kind of hot spring you will find in Colorado, and I've listed the locations I have been to.  The Springs Resort and Spa was the very first hot spring I went to in Colorado! It holds a special place in my heart for not only that reason but for the fact that I had the ENTIRE spa to myself. It was because of a snow storm, but it was still very relaxing and enjoyable. Located in Pagaso Springs in Southern Colorado roughly 5 1/2 hours from Denver. Cost $35 for adults to enter. Click here to see more of my experience, or visit their website to book!  Indian Hot Springs is the closest spring to Denver that I've visited, and I cannot lie: It is one of my favorites. The indoor hot spring pool area doubles as a green house for huge tropical plants that surround the turquoise water. Plus, the geothermal caves are an incredibly therapeutic experience! Located in Idaho Springs off of Interstate 70 roughly 45 minutes from Denver. Cost $18-20 for adults depending on the day and $33-34 with access to the steam caves. Indian Hot Springs offers more amenities as well. Click here to see more of my visit, or visit their website to book!  Strawberry Park Hot Springs was another spring that I visited during a downpour of snow, but is was pitch black and the middle of the night! Strawberry park stays open very late into the night, and after dark, clothing becomes optional. It is the perfect place to soak after a long day of skiing! Located near Steamboat Springs about 3 1/2 hours from Denver. Cost $15 for adults, and no children are allowed after dark. Click here to see more of my night at the spring, or visit their website to book!  Iron Mountain Hot Spring is nestled in the side of the red walls of Glenwood Canyon and provided John and I with the best views of almost any hot spring I had been too. We went on a hot, summer day and enjoyed our time soaking along the banks of the Colorado River. Located in Glenwood Springs about 3 hours from Denver. Cost $25 for adults and children to enter. Click here to see how we spent the day in Glenwood Springs, or visit their website to book!  Desert Reef Hot Springs was an oasis on a blustery day in the desert of the Pike's Peak region in Colorado's southern foothills. Clothing becomes optional at the single, large pool after 6 p.m. Located in Florence, Colorado, in the Royal Gorge Region about 2 hours from Denver. Cost $20 for the day. See more about my experience here, or visit their website!  Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa boasts 22 different pools ranging in temperature and size. A girlfriend and I spent the entire afternoon exploring each and every pool and deciding which ones we liked best. Located in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, about 2 hours from Denver. See more about my visit here, or watch my YouTube video below.
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2. Make sure you can actually lift and carry your pack safely.
After hiking a few miles, I could barely lift my pack enough to get it on my back. There was one point I actually leaned over too far while trying to climb over a fallen tree and ended up flailing around like a turtle on its back, because I couldn’t stand back up with my bag on. This caused a much more serious problem down the trail when we attempted to cross a swiftly flowing creek (but that was part of the last and most important lesson learned).
After hiking a few miles, I could barely lift my pack enough to get it on my back. There was one point I actually leaned over too far while trying to climb over a fallen tree and ended up flailing around like a turtle on its back, because I couldn’t stand back up with my bag on. This caused a much more serious problem down the trail when we attempted to cross a swiftly flowing creek (but that was part of the last and most important lesson learned).
3. Don’t assume that backpacking is the same as hiking.
We initially bit off a bit more than we could chew. Our first two days were eight and ten miles respectively, and they were a bit of a struggle. The weight of the packs made us move a little slower than anticipated. We only hiked at about half the speed we normally do.
4. Dig the hole before you go.
Just trust me on this one. When you are in the backcountry and have to go, you’re supposed to bury your business at least 6 inches deep. Make sure you remember this before your pants are down.
We initially bit off a bit more than we could chew. Our first two days were eight and ten miles respectively, and they were a bit of a struggle. The weight of the packs made us move a little slower than anticipated. We only hiked at about half the speed we normally do.
4. Dig the hole before you go.
Just trust me on this one. When you are in the backcountry and have to go, you’re supposed to bury your business at least 6 inches deep. Make sure you remember this before your pants are down.
5. Know where everything is in your backpack.
This applies especially to the things in your first aid kit. When John and I faced issues that needed medical attention, it was important that we knew where everything was in order to get it out as quickly as week could. If you want to read what we carried in our pack, check out our Gear Post here.
6. Keep your rain gear close and easily accessible.
In the backcountry there is rarely service to check the forecast, and the weather can change instantly. We learned that the 10-day forecast we had read was a sham on the first day when an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in. We also learned that when a storm like that rolls in, you don’t have much time to stop and search for your stuff. Keeping my rain gear at the bottom of my bag was almost a costly mistake, but I learned to keep it in the outside pockets from then on out.
This applies especially to the things in your first aid kit. When John and I faced issues that needed medical attention, it was important that we knew where everything was in order to get it out as quickly as week could. If you want to read what we carried in our pack, check out our Gear Post here.
6. Keep your rain gear close and easily accessible.
In the backcountry there is rarely service to check the forecast, and the weather can change instantly. We learned that the 10-day forecast we had read was a sham on the first day when an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in. We also learned that when a storm like that rolls in, you don’t have much time to stop and search for your stuff. Keeping my rain gear at the bottom of my bag was almost a costly mistake, but I learned to keep it in the outside pockets from then on out.
7. Always account for the weight of refilling water.
Some of our mornings, we would start off with nearly empty water bottles from the night before. I would always get used to the lighter weight and would struggle on the trail after we refilled our bladders and bottles. Also, leave room for the water in your bag. Don’t pack things too tightly when you are empty, because it’s a pain in the butt to have to repack every time you refill.
8. “Just because I can wear the same pants for four days, doesn’t mean I should.”
John learned that he didn’t quite pack enough pairs of pants. He only packed one pair of pants but several pairs of shorts. Shorts and swarming mosquitoes don’t mix. I’m sure his next trip into the backcountry will include fewer shorts than pants.
Some of our mornings, we would start off with nearly empty water bottles from the night before. I would always get used to the lighter weight and would struggle on the trail after we refilled our bladders and bottles. Also, leave room for the water in your bag. Don’t pack things too tightly when you are empty, because it’s a pain in the butt to have to repack every time you refill.
8. “Just because I can wear the same pants for four days, doesn’t mean I should.”
John learned that he didn’t quite pack enough pairs of pants. He only packed one pair of pants but several pairs of shorts. Shorts and swarming mosquitoes don’t mix. I’m sure his next trip into the backcountry will include fewer shorts than pants.
9. If your feet hurt, stop right away.
Both of the days that we averaged closer to ten miles, I got blisters on the outsides of my big toes. The first was on the left, and the second was on the right. The second time, I used moleskin to stop the rubbing much sooner than I had on the first which helped stop the swelling. I knew that once my socks started to bunch and rub, it would lead to nothing but pain.
Both of the days that we averaged closer to ten miles, I got blisters on the outsides of my big toes. The first was on the left, and the second was on the right. The second time, I used moleskin to stop the rubbing much sooner than I had on the first which helped stop the swelling. I knew that once my socks started to bunch and rub, it would lead to nothing but pain.
10. Know when it is safe and how to cross a body of water.
If you haven’t seen how I was swept by a two foot deep creek, check out this video and post. We instantly learned that we did several things wrong in this scenario. For one, we misjudged the current and depth. Secondly, we didn’t link arms, and thirdly, my pack was too heavy for me. The swift current caused me to lose my footing and fail to regain it. It was almost a disastrous mistake but luckily all it led to was some bumps, cuts and bruises.
If you haven’t seen how I was swept by a two foot deep creek, check out this video and post. We instantly learned that we did several things wrong in this scenario. For one, we misjudged the current and depth. Secondly, we didn’t link arms, and thirdly, my pack was too heavy for me. The swift current caused me to lose my footing and fail to regain it. It was almost a disastrous mistake but luckily all it led to was some bumps, cuts and bruises.
A screenshot of the most unfortunate hiking accident I've experienced. Don't underestimate creeks or rivers.
Bonus* - Don’t be ashamed to turn around. There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing safety over continuing. Sadly, this isn’t the first time John and I have had to turn around, because some of Colorado’s 14ers have gotten the best of us. Slipping in a gushing creek forced us to turn around on Yellowstone’s Thorofare Trail and showed us that we need to be more careful when crossing flowing water.
See more of our Yellowstone backpacking trip on our YouTube channel here!
Backpacking is incredibly rewarding, but it requires more planning, research, and preparation than day hiking or camping in developed areas. The additional requirements may seem burdensome, but the payoff of waking up miles away from anything but wilderness is well worth the extra time, money, and effort.
Before our 2019 Fourth of July trip, Taylor and I ended up planning three different trips. We originally thought we could complete segments 24-27 of the Colorado Trail, but recent avalanche damage made some segments impassable. Next, we planned to circle The Cirque of The Towers in the Shoshone National Forest but found that it was holding snow drifts nine feet deep! This caused a temporary panic just one week before we were scheduled to set off, but our previous planning would not be in vain.
Taylor and I realized that we had created a pattern of how to best perform our research and planning, so we were able to map out and pack for an entirely new 60 mile trail in Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry in just five days. These next few steps are exactly the steps we took to plan, prepare, and pack for our very first backpacking trip on the Thorofare Trail in the southeastern corner of Yellowstone.
Taylor and I realized that we had created a pattern of how to best perform our research and planning, so we were able to map out and pack for an entirely new 60 mile trail in Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry in just five days. These next few steps are exactly the steps we took to plan, prepare, and pack for our very first backpacking trip on the Thorofare Trail in the southeastern corner of Yellowstone.
Planning:
Planning a trip into the backcountry is usually defined by a window of travel. Taylor and I knew that we could be travelling for eight days, and that window of time kept our search within areas like Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and some other surrounding states. We limited driving time to ten hours in hopes of limiting our total days on the road to two. From here, we started our search for specific trails.
AllTrails map showing trails 20 miles or longer. The most time consuming aspect of planning a backcountry trip is choosing a trail or combination of trails that can be completed. There are thousands of trails that range from less than one mile to thousands of miles, so selecting a trail or combination of trails can seem overwhelming. A few factors helped us to further narrow our search.
Taylor and I knew that we wanted to spend at least three nights camping in the backcountry. Secondly, we knew that the trail had to be a loop trail or out-and-back trail, since we would only be taking one car. Once we’d established these two factors, we were able to discuss what we’re capable of.
Taylor and I knew that we wanted to spend at least three nights camping in the backcountry. Secondly, we knew that the trail had to be a loop trail or out-and-back trail, since we would only be taking one car. Once we’d established these two factors, we were able to discuss what we’re capable of.
We knew that pack size would really affect speed, but we hadn’t established our speed with weighted packs over multiple days. Without weighted packs, Taylor and I average three miles per hour and can travel up to 20 miles in a day. Our packs were going to be between 40 and 50 pounds and is much more than we have ever carried. We felt comfortable planning for half of our average speed and distance limit.
Later in the post we go into more detail on exactly how we packed our bags, but you can read this separate post to see exactly what we carried!
With ten miles per day and up to six days of hiking in mind, we focused in on hikes totalling 40 - 70 mile. We scoured backcountry websites, hiking trail websites, and national park maps for options. In all, we saved and compared nearly 20 trails but were able to narrow it down to a handful of favorites using recent reviews, comments, and pictures. Once we started researching each trail, the Thorofare Trail quickly emerged as a favorite.
Later in the post we go into more detail on exactly how we packed our bags, but you can read this separate post to see exactly what we carried!
With ten miles per day and up to six days of hiking in mind, we focused in on hikes totalling 40 - 70 mile. We scoured backcountry websites, hiking trail websites, and national park maps for options. In all, we saved and compared nearly 20 trails but were able to narrow it down to a handful of favorites using recent reviews, comments, and pictures. Once we started researching each trail, the Thorofare Trail quickly emerged as a favorite.
Research:
Research is more important than we realized at the onset of this project, and there is a difference between planning and research. Planning involves building an overview of what the trip can be and selecting what seems achievable within that overview. Research involves making sure that selection is safe and accessible. Factors like trail conditions, weather history and forecasts, trail terrain, required permits, and trail opening dates were critical aspects of our research.
Snow melt also leads to lots of mud. We were fully aware of this before hitting the trail. How’s The Trail?
The most important thing to research once a trail has captured your intrigue is current trail conditions. As we learned, this research is important during any time of the year but especially important if there could still be snowpack. There are several means for checking trail conditions to avoid planning to take an impassable trail.
The most important thing to research once a trail has captured your intrigue is current trail conditions. As we learned, this research is important during any time of the year but especially important if there could still be snowpack. There are several means for checking trail conditions to avoid planning to take an impassable trail.
Thorofare Trail condition report from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm When researching a national park trail, national forest trail, state park trail, or any other trail maintained by the United States government, condition updates can most likely be found on the trail’s respective website. If no trail updates can be found online, there are phone numbers listed that can be used to contact the ranger district responsible for managing the area you’re researching. We found that calling and speaking directly to a ranger about our trail ambitions was the easiest way to gather information. It’s also how we found out our first two planned trips would be impassable.
Backpacking and hiking online communities are also excellent resources for condition information and updates. Some like AllTrails allow users to post comments and record the path they took. Recordings are useful for viewing actual trial times and routes taken. Other online forums like Facebook groups are places where questions may be posed for members to answer. We found that these forum styled websites were the best online option for learning about current trail conditions and potential alternative routes.
Making lunch before a rainstorm on our fourth day on the trail. What’s The Weather Like?
Weather records can help provide a glimpse into future weather and may provide an idea of conditions on the ground. Well known sources for weather data provide general data, but there are many resources for specific and historical weather information. The National Centers for Environmental Information website is an excellent resource for specific data such as current snow depths and drought analyses. Weather forecasts are less likely to impede trail exploration, but certain forecasts may encourage additional gear or clothing.
That being said, forecasts should be used to gain an idea of possible weather but should not be trusted completely! The forecast for our week in Yellowstone was sunny with little cloud cover, but we experienced more days with afternoon rain showers than days without. No matter the forecast, it is a good idea to, at the very least, prepare for rain.
Weather records can help provide a glimpse into future weather and may provide an idea of conditions on the ground. Well known sources for weather data provide general data, but there are many resources for specific and historical weather information. The National Centers for Environmental Information website is an excellent resource for specific data such as current snow depths and drought analyses. Weather forecasts are less likely to impede trail exploration, but certain forecasts may encourage additional gear or clothing.
That being said, forecasts should be used to gain an idea of possible weather but should not be trusted completely! The forecast for our week in Yellowstone was sunny with little cloud cover, but we experienced more days with afternoon rain showers than days without. No matter the forecast, it is a good idea to, at the very least, prepare for rain.
Thorofare Trail to Beaverdam Creek map with elevation profile. Made with Google Earth Pro featuring Earth Point Topo overlay. What’s Over The Hill?
As part of trail condition research, a trail’s terrain should not be overlooked. It is important to become familiar with the land and be prepared for any accompanying features like dramatic altitude changes. Topographical maps are an indispensable resource for researching and planning a backcountry adventure outside of national or state parks. The United States Department of Agriculture website has many topographical maps available for download, and Google Earth is also an excellent tool for creating custom trail paths and analyzing altitude changes along the path.
Some trail features are not as obvious or easily discovered through research. Taylor and I were underprepared for the number of vicious mosquitoes that would accompany us on our trek through the wilderness.
As part of trail condition research, a trail’s terrain should not be overlooked. It is important to become familiar with the land and be prepared for any accompanying features like dramatic altitude changes. Topographical maps are an indispensable resource for researching and planning a backcountry adventure outside of national or state parks. The United States Department of Agriculture website has many topographical maps available for download, and Google Earth is also an excellent tool for creating custom trail paths and analyzing altitude changes along the path.
Some trail features are not as obvious or easily discovered through research. Taylor and I were underprepared for the number of vicious mosquitoes that would accompany us on our trek through the wilderness.
Peep all the 'skeeters around my hat. If a trail features standing water, make sure to include gear to repel or protect from mosquitoes and other biting bugs. We carried ours in our first aid kits.
No matter how much research is performed, each trail will most likely have a lesson to teach once the journey starts. You can read about the 10 Things We Learned on our First Backpacking Trip to see what we mean!
No matter how much research is performed, each trail will most likely have a lesson to teach once the journey starts. You can read about the 10 Things We Learned on our First Backpacking Trip to see what we mean!
Are There Regulations?
Some backcountry trails (especially national park and state park trials) require permits and fees to legally access. These requirements are easily found by visiting the trail’s particular website or contacting the managing ranger station.
Taylor and I each paid $3 per night for our permits to camp in the Yellowstone backcountry. The fines for ignoring such regulations greatly exceed the costs of permits, but there are plenty of wilderness areas like National Forests and Bureau of Land Management Areas that do not require payment for access.
Though Taylor and I had to learn its importance the hard way, research is imperative to effective backcountry planning and preparation. Once we had properly researched the area we planned to visit, we knew exactly how to go about preparing for our journey into the wilderness of Yellowstone.
Some backcountry trails (especially national park and state park trials) require permits and fees to legally access. These requirements are easily found by visiting the trail’s particular website or contacting the managing ranger station.
Taylor and I each paid $3 per night for our permits to camp in the Yellowstone backcountry. The fines for ignoring such regulations greatly exceed the costs of permits, but there are plenty of wilderness areas like National Forests and Bureau of Land Management Areas that do not require payment for access.
Though Taylor and I had to learn its importance the hard way, research is imperative to effective backcountry planning and preparation. Once we had properly researched the area we planned to visit, we knew exactly how to go about preparing for our journey into the wilderness of Yellowstone.
Preparation:
Preparing is the most costly phase of taking a trip into the backcountry. It consists of verifying and checking all of the gear you already own, purchasing any missing gear and consumables, and packing it all together. It’s not the most fun, but watching all of the research and planning come together is one of the most exciting sensations.
It is important that owned gear be verified and checked for quality before departing. Carrying around a piece of defective gear in the wilderness is disheartening and avoidable. We laid out every piece of gear we owned and tested it before packing up. We had a lot of what we needed from previous trips, but this process also helped us build an accurate list of gear that we needed to purchase. Check out all of the gear we used in Yellowstone in this more detailed post.
First aid, and food are, by far, the most important consumable supplies for a backcountry expedition. Our first aid kits needed to be beefed up after we’d taken multiple day hikes. Comparing our kits to several online products and a kit inside REI helped us make sure that ours was complete. Here is a list what we decided to carry in our Yellowstone first aid kits.
First aid, and food are, by far, the most important consumable supplies for a backcountry expedition. Our first aid kits needed to be beefed up after we’d taken multiple day hikes. Comparing our kits to several online products and a kit inside REI helped us make sure that ours was complete. Here is a list what we decided to carry in our Yellowstone first aid kits.
After considering several dehydrated meal brands and packages, Taylor chose to order Mary Jane’s Farm’s, “Alone at Last,” package of 7 breakfasts, 9 meals, 5 soups, and 3 desserts. These meals were more delicious and filling than I could’ve imagined. You can see some of the comparisons Taylor made in her post about making the choice.
Packing everything together is the last and most exciting phase of preparing to enter the backcountry. There are several ways to fit gear, clothes, and consumables in a backpack, but I’m always surprised at the amount of stuff I can stuff. No matter how much stuff you can stuff, it is critical to try the pack on once it’s ready for the trail. I always find that something needs to be altered, and those alterations are better done at home than on the trail.
Packing everything together is the last and most exciting phase of preparing to enter the backcountry. There are several ways to fit gear, clothes, and consumables in a backpack, but I’m always surprised at the amount of stuff I can stuff. No matter how much stuff you can stuff, it is critical to try the pack on once it’s ready for the trail. I always find that something needs to be altered, and those alterations are better done at home than on the trail.
Planning, researching, and preparing for a trip into the wilderness is a long process, but it’s a process best done thoroughly. The process will help you become familiar with where you’ll be and will make it much easier to deal with any changes that must be made to the plan once you’re on the trail. The wilderness is a place of immense beauty and wonder, but it is a place that can take your life. Go prepared and enjoy the treasures of the wild.
If you want to see how our trip turned out you can watch our YouTube videos here!
If you want to see how our trip turned out you can watch our YouTube videos here!
Three years ago, I made my first trip out to Colorado for a spring break trip to Breckenridge during my senior year of college. Like many other people who visit Colorado, I fell in love with the mountains, the people, the atmosphere, and just everything. I made it a loose goal of mine to move to Colorado “or somewhere out west” after that trip (and a few others that same year to Durango and Mesa Verde National Park). I am a goal driven person, but I still cannot believe that this goal became a reality for me!
 Skiing in Breckenridge, 2016 |  The Balcony House - Mesa Verde National Park, 2016 |
That first trip was three years ago, but I packed up my life and moved to Denver three months ago! It was the greatest decision of my life thus far. I have already been able to see and do so many things, yet I have so much more planned for the upcoming months!
In my first week here, when my moving crew (aka my dad, sister, and John) were still visiting, we went to The Coors Brewery, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, Casa Bonita, and saw American Aquarium in concert at The Bluebird Theatre.
In my first week here, when my moving crew (aka my dad, sister, and John) were still visiting, we went to The Coors Brewery, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, Casa Bonita, and saw American Aquarium in concert at The Bluebird Theatre.
 Outside of The Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado |  Buffalo Bill's Gravesite atop Lookout Mountain in Golden, CO. |  Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant - as seen on South Park |
The Chainsmokers at Bootsy Bellows in Aspen. Later that month, I went to Aspen for The X-Games. Sadly, though, I didn't make it to any actual X-Game events due to sober-ride scheduling and lack of concert tickets.
Instead, my friends and I had a wildly lucky time downtown and got to see the Chainsmokers for FREE in a small downstairs club at a surprise concert!
Nothing that awesome has happened again, but I have made two other trips to mountain towns for back to back weekends.
Instead, my friends and I had a wildly lucky time downtown and got to see the Chainsmokers for FREE in a small downstairs club at a surprise concert!
Nothing that awesome has happened again, but I have made two other trips to mountain towns for back to back weekends.
The first one was to Keystone to take a second try at skiing! This attempt was much more successful and fun than my first attempt three years ago in Breckenridge. This time, I had a little bit of guidance from the friends I went with.
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The second mountain weekend was spent in Steamboat Springs, and it was one of the best weekends ever. John and I had planned for months to attend WinterWonderGrass to see acts like Trampled by Turtles, Town Mountain, the Infamous String Dusters, Billy Strings, and Railroad Earth.
We didn't make any other plans for the weekend, yet we somehow went to a hot spring and managed to squeeze in some skiing. It was incredible.
We didn't make any other plans for the weekend, yet we somehow went to a hot spring and managed to squeeze in some skiing. It was incredible.
 WinterWonderGrass 2019 |  Strawberry Park Hot Springs |  Skiing at Howelsen Hill |
After that great weekend, my family came into town for my little sister’s spring break, and we had a jammed packed week seeing all of Colorado’s best including my living room for two days while a blizzard hit!
Even during a “bomb cyclone blizzard”, we managed to fit in a trip to Colorado Springs for The Broadmoor’s Seven Falls and Garden Of The Gods, an Avalanche hockey game, Rocky Mountain National Park, and a stay at the haunted Stanley Hotel!
Even during a “bomb cyclone blizzard”, we managed to fit in a trip to Colorado Springs for The Broadmoor’s Seven Falls and Garden Of The Gods, an Avalanche hockey game, Rocky Mountain National Park, and a stay at the haunted Stanley Hotel!
 Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs |  The Broadmoor's Seven Falls, Colorado Springs |  The Pillars of Hercules at The Broadmoor's Seven Falls, Colorado Springs |
 Rocky Mountain National Park  The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park |  Big Horned Sheep in Rocky Mountain National Park |
In between these big trips, there have been several hikes around town. Some of which I took by myself, some with friends, and some with complete strangers! You read that correctly! Part of my journey out to Colorado has been to discover more about myself, be more open and outreaching, and to make new friends.
 Boulder's Flatirons via the Flatirons 1 and 2 trail. |  Castlewood Canyon State Park  Castlewood Canyon State Park |
Since my move, I have discovered wonderful communities like Women Who Hike and Women Who Explore. They are both full of inspiring and motivated women, and I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of these women for hikes close to home!
I’ve met members for hikes in Morrison (near Red Rocks Amphitheater), Boulder, and most recently Rocky Mountain National Park! I also went on a Galentine’s day indoor rock climb with nearly a dozen ladies through the Women Who Hike - Colorado chapter.
I’ve met members for hikes in Morrison (near Red Rocks Amphitheater), Boulder, and most recently Rocky Mountain National Park! I also went on a Galentine’s day indoor rock climb with nearly a dozen ladies through the Women Who Hike - Colorado chapter.
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Meeting these new people has been my favorite part about moving to Colorado. It is so easy to find like-minded, adventurous, and outgoing people here. Every day I can find motivation to get out and do something with one these communities or the other friends I have made.
Now that the weather is starting to warm up and spring is finally showing itself, I am even more excited for all of the adventures to come! I already have lots of plans in the work for this upcoming spring and summer. Thanks for the wonderful welcome, Colorado. I am just getting started!
Now that the weather is starting to warm up and spring is finally showing itself, I am even more excited for all of the adventures to come! I already have lots of plans in the work for this upcoming spring and summer. Thanks for the wonderful welcome, Colorado. I am just getting started!
No matter where we go, John and I end up using Uber to avoid the burden of driving. A friendly chit chat always seems to make our ride more enjoyable no matter the distance. We've developed a few simple questions to ask any driver if the conversation stalls.
How long have you been driving for Uber?
How long have you been driving for Uber?
- This question is always a great starter question, because it requires the driver talk about themselves. If you get a talkative Uber driver, you may not have to ask another question before the ride is over. Even if your driver isn't uber talkative, this question always leads to opportunities to continue the conversation.
I feel like the term 'millennial' is being thrown around more and more in a negative way. The more negatively we are portrayed, the more proud I am of my generation. I've also found that I have become more disappointed in the previous generation as mine has been disparaged. I believe we millennials have our problems, but the more I see fellow millennials try to do what is right, the more proud I become.
I don't know what it will take for millennials to lose the bad wrap, but we aren't the "snowflakes" people think we are. We are catalysts for change, and I think our generation will do great things. I just hope we don't go about things the wrong way.
I don't know what it will take for millennials to lose the bad wrap, but we aren't the "snowflakes" people think we are. We are catalysts for change, and I think our generation will do great things. I just hope we don't go about things the wrong way.
Talkin' 'bout Tacos
I'm Taylor, aka Tacos! I am sharing my journeys and experiences from across the world hoping to inspire travel and adventure in all who read!
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