Fall Break 2020 (CO - UT)

Colorado and Utah in October did not disappoint. We had beautiful weather, the leaves were stunning and we just enjoyed making memories with our family. 

Day One: flew into Denver and then drove a couple hours to Buena Vista, CO. 

 

We enjoyed a lovely stroll along the Arkansas River in Buena Vista

Thanks to this girl being in the 4th grade, we got a free pass into all the National lands, saving us a bundle

We stayed in an amazing VRBO in Buena Vista. It had more than enough room for all of us, a game room,  hot tub and views of the collegiate peaks (Mt. Princeton, specifically). We could have easily stayed here all week! 

At night we could see the Milky Way and would watch for shooting stars from the hot tub

Morning view from the deck

Day 2: James and I hiked our first 14er. Mt. Yale. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. 1. We should have waited a day or two to completely acclimate to the altitude. 2. We should have brought some oxygen with us. But by some miracle, we made it to the top. It just took a LONG time. By the time we hit 13,000 feet, I could only take about 25 steps at a time before having to stop and rest. I legit wanted to quit on two separate occasions but James never gave up on me and encouraged me the whole way. And now that it's over, I'm glad we stuck it out! It was a beautiful day! 

The kids spent the day with David and Debra exploring Cottonwood Pass. 

Fun in the game room with Just Dance. My legs were toast! 

Day 3: We said goodbye to Buena Vista and our awesome VRBO and set off on a day-long road trip across Colorado. 

National Park #1: Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Ended the day in Grand Junction at the Colorado National Monument

Devil's kitchen was one of the highlights of the whole trip. In fact, it was Debra's favorite! 

Day 4 and National Park #2: Canyonlands

Whale Rock

Upheaval Dome

Mesa Arch

We loved our swanky hotel in Moab

The fire pit at the HooDoo Moab was one of my favorite things! 

Day 5 and National Park #3: Arches

Delicate Arch

And then a little Colorado River rafting to wrap up a great day! 

We did NOT have enough time in Moab so we will have to go back one day. Until next time ...