Colorado July Stay!
Our summer in Colorado! 🏔️ We spent the entire month of July living up in Nederland, the little mountain town above Boulder, and it was the best way to fall in love with the state. Red Rocks, the Maroon Bells, Rocky Mountain National Park, fishing at the reservoir, rafting the Colorado River, Ava’s birthday and so much more. It felt like a trial run for mountain life, and spoiler: we loved it.
Settling Into Nederland
We spent the whole month of July living in Nederland, the little mountain town up the canyon from Boulder. Our home base for the summer came with mountain views, a quirky little town and even a robot waiter!
Fourth of July in the Mountains
We celebrated the Fourth with the small-town parade, splashing around in the creek and fireworks over Boulder.
Red Rocks!
A concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, all of us in our red Fourth of July shirts. One of the coolest venues anywhere.
First Mountain Lake Hike
Our first big hike up to an alpine lake surrounded by peaks.
Boulder Falls and Boulder Treats
A stop at Boulder Falls in the canyon, plus treats from Boulder Baked.
Mountain Town Life
Lazy days around town: local eats, a big bear statue, pizza nights and new LEGO sets.
Horseback Riding
Saddling up for a trail ride through the pines.
Fishing at the Reservoir
Barker Reservoir was right in our backyard, and the girls became real anglers. Lots of fishing, lots of catches and the most beautiful reflections on the water.
Exploring Town
Cupcakes, giant crystals, dinosaur tracks, a blacklight gallery, the skate park and a ride on the carousel.
Trail Days
More hikes through the forest and up to the high country.
Rocky Mountain National Park
A day in Rocky Mountain National Park, with wide-open views and plenty of wildlife.
Hammond’s Candy and Ava’s Birthday
A tour of Hammond’s Candies in Denver, and then the big one: Ava’s 10th birthday, celebrated with a feast and cake. Happy birthday, Ava!
Elk, Rivers and Rock Climbing
Elk grazing right outside, splashing in the river and the girls climbing up the big boulders.
Tiny Town
A visit to Tiny Town in Morrison, with its little houses and a ride on the mini train.
Lake Days
Paddling, skipping rocks and picnics at the lakes.
Alpine Coaster and Summer Fun
The alpine coaster, patio lunches, fountains and frozen drinks.
Maroon Bells
The most photographed mountains in Colorado. We hiked around Maroon Lake with the Bells towering over us, and the wildflowers were unreal.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Thrill rides on the edge of the canyon, including the giant swing out over Glenwood Canyon, plus a tour of the caves.
More Mountain Hikes
One last round of high-country hikes and lake views.
Colorado River Rafting
We hit the rapids on the Colorado River as a family. What a ride!
Great Sand Dunes and the Road to Texas
We wrapped up the summer at the Great Sand Dunes before hitting the road, with a stop at the Big Texan in Amarillo. What a month!
