Experience Colorado during Fall Foliage: 3 Reasons Why You Should Road Trip

Fall indeed is one of the best seasons of the year. Nothing announces the beginning of a new season like the leaves changing color and the cool air. I can finally order a pumpkin spice later and drink ciders, unapologetically. So many sweet moments to recognize during the transition from summer to fall; foliage is my favorite part of it all. As I watch the changing trees in the landscape, I remind myself that I made it through the toughness of summer – I'm finally ready to unplug with friends and bask in the beauty that is nature.   

3 reasons why you should consider a road trip 

1. Reconnect and recharge in preparation ahead. Road trips are one of the best times to unplug and recharge ahead of the new season change. Stepping out of our everyday norms allows you to gain a fresher perspective as you focus on the journey ahead. It is truly one of the best experiences when it comes to preparing for a refreshed mindset. Bring a journal, and write down all your ideas, awes, disappointments, dreams, visions, etc. There's power in the tongue, but there's also power in preparation, and road trips create space for that. 

2. Experience the beauty all around you in its rawest form. I started traveling more after discovering what nature had to offer. The transition between summer and fall – foliage, is one of the priceless gifts you could ever experience. The mind-blowing thing here is it's free. The vast landscape of yellow leaves as you drive through scenic mountains; once in a lifetime experience. Roadtrips allow you the freedom to take it all in at your own pace.

3. Grow a deeper connection with your travel partner(s). Nothing strengthens a relationship like a tight, uncomfortable space. The closeness forces you to get raw in a sense. You discover things about each other, creating a closer and more profound bond. On my road trip with the girls, I got to see parts of them that I didn't like; they were too close for comfort. We laughed, got upset, laughed again, and at last said, 'love you.' That was the ultimate truth because we had shared something that would connect us forever. Roadtrips foster that forever kind of love, and we all need to experience that.  

My girls and I, in partnership with Visit Durango, planned a road trip in the Midwest to welcome fall. No better place to witness foliage than a long drive with no set destination. Just kidding, that's wild. We had a goal in mind; the quaint town of Durango. We planned to fly into Denver, rent a jeep, and drive out six hours to Durango. Thank you to the Durango team, who did a wonderful job hosting us.

Why not fly into Durango directly, you ask? You miss out on the good stuff; conversations with your friends, bonding over moments shared, landscapes upon landscapes of mountain views and foliage. The Midwest is home to the top outdoor attractions; I mean, the scenic treats are endless.  

Why Land into Denver? 

Denver is the best hub to kick off your Mid-West road trip. So much to do and see in Denver, Colorado. Depending on how much time you have, you can start with brunch downtown. We checked out this Black-owned restaurant called Mimosas. I've genuinely never met a chicken and waffle combo I didn't love. Make sure to order the mimosas flights. I felt like I was taking off without lifting – so yummy. 

For authentic Mexican food, also add La Hacienda to your restaurant list. They have a few locations throughout Colorado, including Denver. We enjoyed every bit of our Magheritas and pot roast.

While in Denver, I would recommend that to check out the Red Rocks. It's a symbolic place in Denver, not just because of the massive red rocks, but its history. From an amusement park to the world-class concert venue, the Red Rock amphitheater has had legends like the Beatles perform there. With an altitude of 6,400 feet, you have the opportunity to learn about the park's geology, history, and performance. Pretty insane stuff!

Denver to Durango: A Detailed Itinerary 

1. Land into Denver, Colorado, and begin your journey. Tickets to Denver are incredibly cheap, especially off-season. We flew in from Washington, D.C., and paid about $335 a ticket! Check travel apps like Skyscanner and Google Flights for cheaper dates and flexible flights.

2. Brunch in downtown Denver and visit the Red Rocks. Everything you do will depend on how much time you got, but this is the best way to kick off your road trip. I recommend that you allocate two days or more to Denver because that's a city with many cultural attractions.

3. Scenic drive from Denver to Durango. Did you know that the small historic town of Durango is known for its big mountains, wild national forest, and the Silverton narrow gauge railway? Well, neither did I. While driving from Denver to Durango, the scenic landscape was something I had never experienced before, and Mt. Princeton was something out of a novel. If you don't know, Mount Princeton is a high and prominent mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.

4. Hop on a jeep tour with Mild 2 Wild. Once in Durango, you absolutely must try the Mild 2 Wild Jeep tour through the Durango & Silverton area. We traveled back in time and over 2 miles above sea level as we explored majestic peaks of La Plata Canyon, cascading rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and Colorado's spectacular wildflowers. One word to describe what my eyes couldn't quite comprehend - magnificent. God did a remarkable thing with earth. Imagine reaching an elevation of 12000 ft., with cascading aspen trees in perfect fall transition—one of the best ways to experience fall foliage in Colorado.

1. Learn about the Midwest ranch life with James Ranch. The ranch is ten miles north of Durango, Colorado, in the beautiful Animas River Valley. Take an educational tour and learn about their sustainable approaches and farm-to-table initiatives. The Self-Guided Tour follows a path around the dairy barn and terraces with designated stops.

2. Spend an evening at Durango Hot Springs. I love the fact that mountain views surrounded the spa, so that was priceless. I also loved that the resort combines the benefits of natural mineral hot springs soaking with therapeutic and relaxation massage and a full complement of spa treatments. They are open till 10 pm with libations, so that's a perfect Saturday or Sunday evening.

3. Dine like a royal at the Historic Strater Hotel. This historical and live museum/hotel has been home to some of America's elite; John F. Kennedy is one of them. The food was exquisite – we tried the ribeye steak and enjoyed it. Strater Hotel is in the heart of Durango, so lots to do and see all around.

We loved our time there together as friends, but here's what I will say. It's the Midwest, and they're not used to a diversified audience, so be also mindful of that. We stuck out like sour thumbs, but we made the most of our time there. Honestly, I never met a crowd we weren't willing to take on, but I want you guys to be mindful of these small details because it shapes your entire experience. 

3 cozy destinations to reset and soak in autumnal colors.

Let me know if you have any questions, please. Always happy to answer them and get you started on your journey.
Xx, Kris