Flying to Denver and Driving to Estes Park

In our last stateside year (2021) we visited six national parks- Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier. We made plans then to visit the four national parks in Colorado on our next stateside year (2025). In mid- May we set off on that trip.

 

We had wanted to do it in July while already in the U.S., but our summer schedule filled up quickly. Instead, we went from Guatemala. We made it a combined trip celebrating the end of the school year, successfully completing our first year of high school, Cruz’s 15th birthday, and the upcoming end of our fifth term of service.

 

To say we were excited would be a huge understatement! We were all ready for some wide open, fresh air, outdoor, scenic spaces!

 

Here's my first of many posts about our incredible family vacation trip to Colorado.  

These are the places we planned to visit on this trip. 

 

 

on the plane ready to get the adventure started 

 

We flew Guatemala City to Los Angeles.  Here is a view of SoFi Stadium as we were landing.  The boys were excited to see it. 

 

 

A view of the ocean as we took off in Los Angeles. 

 

 

Next stop, Denver!!! 

 

 

A gorgeous view of the snow covered Rocky Mountains as we flew over them. My eyes filled with tears as I looked out and saw this view.  I think I was more excited about this trip than any trip I have ever taken in my life.   

 

A rainbow in the distance as we landed in Denver 

 

It was nearly 10:00 pm when we arrived at our Denver hotel.  There was a Chick-fil-A next door but the dining room was closed.  We got our food to-go and ate it in the room.  We could not wait to enjoy that delicious chicken!!

We were up early the next morning eager to get on the road.  We had breakfast at the hotel and then set out for Wal-Mart.  We love Wal-Mart and could not wait to get there! We picked up lunch picnic supplies for the week and then drove on towards Estes Park. 

The boys loaded up and ready to go. 

 

Our first view of the mountains in the distance. 

 

We drove through Boulder and passed by the University of Colorado.  Yes, we looked around for Coach Prime, but we didn't see him. 

driving to Estes Park 

 

Once arriving in Estes Park we stopped for coffee and then headed towards the national park.  We passed by the famous Stanley Hotel on the way there. It was fun to see it in person.

 

Next I'll share about our first visit to Rocky Mountain National park.  It was a snow filled day and one we will never forget.