Calling Colorado

This post is a little bit of a throwback...

I haven't been to Colorado recently, but it's definitely one of my favorite places. I've been twice now. Once in 2014 and again in 2018. I can't say enough about the beauty of the terrain, the awesome weather (praises for curly hair), and fun activities. So, in honor of one of my favorite places, here are my top five favorite things:

1. The United States Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs, CO

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is one of five service academies in the US (the other two are West Point, Naval Academy, Cost Guard Academy, and Marine Academy). Its first class was in 1959 and its stated mission is "to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation."

USAFA has a beautiful campus, most notably its chapel, and various hiking trails.This is one of my favorite places because two of my favorite men attended the Academy. It is undoubtedly, rich in history and beautiful.

2. Garden of the Gods

Let me just start by saying, Garden of the Gods is BEAUTIFUL. Like absolutely breathtaking. It's wonderful for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. They have various wheelchair accessible sites and lots of parking. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. The fee for admission is pretty modest, if I remember correctly.

3. Pike's Point

Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern front range of the Rocky Mountains. The 14,115-foot (4,302.31 m) peak is located in Pike National Forest. You can drive or hike to the top (we chose to drive, obviously). The drive is super nerve wracking. There are limited guard rails going up the mountain and we were very nervous driving up. Once on the top, there is a gift store with various nick-nacks. I got a shirt that says "Got Oxygen?" I'm always trying to be punny haha

Pike's Peak is about 12 miles from downtown Colorado Springs. You have to pay admission to drive up the peak, but the views are impeccable. In addition, you also get to drive through Christmas Town!! Fun fact, Pike's Peak was named for American explorer Zebulon Pike, who was UNABLE to reach the summit. The summit is higher than any point in the US east of its longitude.

4. The Incline

Do you like to hike? Oh, you THINK you do? Well, meet the hike that probably almost killed me.

It gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile. 2,744 steps, but who is counting?

For the record, I consider myself to be relatively fit, but like I said it almost killed me. I've run a half marathon, I cycle regularly, and work out on a regular basis, but this trail. Dear Lord. I was so glad when it was over, but I was so proud that I had FINISHED it. No worries, you can descend for a 4 mile hike on the Barr Trail.

5. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

***DISCLAIMER: I'm not a fan of zoos***

Okay, people, this zoo is AWESOME. I've been to a few zoos, but none hold a candle to this zoo.

At an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,100 m) above sea level it is the highest zoo in America. The zoo covers 140 acres, 40 of which are in use.The zoo houses more than 750 animals, representing nearly 150 different species, with more than 30 endangered species. The zoo was ranked the #4 best zoo in North America in 2018 by USA Today.

I LOVED this zoo because of the interaction you could have with the animals. Guys, I got to feed giraffes and elephants, ride over enclosures, walk with wallabies, and more. I would recommend this for children and adults.

I love giraffes and elephants. Cheyenne Zoo has had over 200 giraffes born at the zoo since 1954! For a nominal fee, you can feed both the giraffes and elephants. I was basically gleaming with joy.

So be brave friends! Go out to Colorado and experience the beauty of the great outdoors!

#colorado