COLORADO

Colorado has a way of drawing you back, each time revealing a different layer of its rugged personality. From the high-altitude solitude of the north to the red-rock cathedrals of the south, your journeys across the Centennial State have evolved from a solo transit into a backdrop for deep-rooted reunions.

2012: The Introduction (Denver and Rockies)

My relationship with the state began over a decade ago. This first visit laid the groundwork for what would become a recurring theme of mountain escapes, marking my first footprints in the Rockies.

2020: The Scenic Transit (Steamboat Springs)

Amidst the uncertainty of a cross-country drive from Los Angeles to Missouri, Colorado offered a moment of fall-colored clarity. Passing through Steamboat Springs during the peak of autumn, we caught the state at its most vibrant. The glowing aspens and crisp air provided a necessary, scenic reprieve from the isolation of the road during the pandemic.

2022: The Silver Milestone (Colorado Springs)

The mountains became a place of celebration for our 25th School Reunion. Based in a shared Airbnb, this trip was defined by legacy and long-term friendship.

• The Broadmoor: A sophisticated lunch at this historic landmark offered a refined contrast to the rugged terrain outside.

• Garden of the Gods: We walked among the towering sandstone fins, reconnecting with classmates against one of the most photographed backdrops in the world.

2025: The Mile High Mini-Reunion (Denver)

Returning for a focused weekend with two college mates, I used Denver as our basecamp for a meetup. 

• The Ascent to Glen Cove: On the way to the clouds, you drove up to the historic Glen Cove Inn. Sitting at 11,440 feet on the shoulder of Pikes Peak, it served as our final dramatic high-altitude final stop before pushing back down. 

• Returning to the Garden: A second visit to Garden of the Gods solidified its place as a cornerstone of my Colorado experience.