Sarah and Jam at the Welcome to Colorful Colorado sign

Colorado

Our home state, our favorite playground, and the place that stole our hearts before we even knew we were moving here.

We fell in love with Colorado during a visit in the summer of 2025. We were celebrating our second wedding anniversary with a drive to the summit of Pikes Peak, and it happened to be part of a bigger family vacation with my siblings and parents. We spent those weeks exploring the best of what Colorado has to offer and by the end of the trip, something shifted. What started as planning a destination vacation turned into finding our future home state.

Now that we live here, it honestly feels like we never have to go on vacation because we already live in one. The mountain views from just about anywhere, the access to nature, the dog friendly trails where Tira can explore right alongside us. We are truly happy to be here. And we still have so much more to explore, both within Colorado and on road trips to neighboring states that start right from our front door.

This page is our growing collection of Colorado guides, hikes, national parks, and road trips. Bookmark it and check back often because we are always adding more.

Explore Colorado

National Parks in Colorado

Colorado is home to four national parks, and as of May 2026 we have visited all four. Whether you are planning your first visit or looking for the best trails and itineraries, these guides cover everything you need to know.

See all the national parks we have visited →

Hit the Trail

Hiking in Colorado

If there is one thing Colorado does better than anywhere else, it is hiking. From easy lakeside loops to high altitude scrambles, we have been hitting the trails since we moved here and documenting every one of them.

Maroon Bells Colorado with a dog

Maroon Bells With a Dog: The Ultimate Guide and 2 Nights Camping

Sunrise at the most photographed peaks in Colorado, plus camping nearby with Tira.

Tunnel Drive Trail in Cañon City Colorado

Tunnel Drive Trail in Cañon City: A Dog Friendly Hike

Three tunnels, Arkansas River views and a flat, easy trail after one steep start.

Sky Pond Hike Rocky Mountain National Park

Sky Pond Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

A waterfall scramble and one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in the park.

St. Mary's Glacier Colorado Hike Guide

St. Mary’s Glacier: 7 Best Tips and 1 Mistake to Avoid

A short, steep hike to a permanent snowfield, one of the most accessible alpine views near Denver.

Ouray Perimeter Trail Dog Friendly Hike

Ouray Perimeter Trail: Stunning Dog Friendly Hike

A 5.6 mile loop through the Switzerland of America with Tira leading the way.

Scarp Ridge Loop Crested Butte

Hiking Scarp Ridge Loop in Crested Butte: 10 Best Tips and 1 Mistake to Avoid

Wildflowers, ridgeline views, and everything we wish we knew before this one.

Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel Colorado Day Trip

Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel Day Trip

A one of a kind castle and a peaceful alpine lake with an easy shoreline trail, all on the same drive.

See our full hiking hub →

Hit the Road

Road Trips and Weekend Getaways

One of our favorite things about living in Colorado is how many incredible trips are right at our doorstep, from a quick afternoon out to a full weekend getaway to a road trip across state lines.

Colorado Weekend Getaways

First time in Colorado road trip itinerary

Our First Time in Colorado: The 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado Springs, Red Rocks, Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. The trip that started it all.

Colorado fall road trip Aspen Maroon Bells Telluride

Colorado Fall Road Trip: Aspen, Maroon Bells and Telluride

Four days of golden aspens, one of the prettiest drives in the state and a box canyon town.

1 day in Aspen Colorado with a dog

1 Day in Aspen With a Dog: Downtown and Independence Pass

Dog friendly downtown stops and the scenic drive over Independence Pass.

1 day in Telluride Colorado with a dog

1 Day in Telluride With Your Dog: The Perfect Fall Itinerary

The free gondola, Bridal Veil Falls and our new favorite mountain town.

First Time in Crested Butte Colorado Wildflower Itinerary

First Time in Crested Butte: The Complete 3 Day Wildflower Itinerary

Wildflower season, mountain town charm, and everything we did over three days.

Crawford State Park Camping Near Ouray

Crawford State Park: Dispersed Camping Near Ouray

A quiet, dog friendly basecamp for exploring Ouray and Black Canyon without the crowds.

Colorado Day Trips

Road Trips Starting from Colorado

More road trips coming soon.

Discover Colorado

Explore by Region

Northern Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Grand Lake, Winter Park, Sky Pond

Front Range and Foothills

Mount Blue Sky, St. Mary’s Glacier, Idaho Springs, Red Rocks, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods

Southern Colorado

Bishop Castle, Lake Isabel, Great Sand Dunes, Cañon City, Royal Gorge, Tunnel Drive Trail, Skyline Drive

Western Slope

Aspen, Maroon Bells, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crawford State Park, Crested Butte, Scarp Ridge Loop, Cottonwood Pass

Southwest Colorado

Telluride, Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, Mesa Verde National Park

Plan Your Trip

Planning Your Colorado Trip

A few things that make planning a Colorado trip easier. These are the same sites we use when we book our own trips, and using our links helps support the blog at no extra cost to you.

Getting There

Flights and Rental Cars

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the biggest hub, and Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is a smaller, easier option for the southern half of the state. Compare flights to Denver or flights to Colorado Springs.

Public transit will not get you to most trailheads, so plan on a car. Compare Colorado rental cars before you go.

Where to Stay

Our Favorite Home Bases

Things to Do

Tours and Activities

Want to leave the driving to someone else for a day? Browse Colorado tours, from jeep tours to guided hikes.

Near Cañon City, walk the Royal Gorge Bridge, ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad or see more Cañon City tours.

Good to Know

Before You Go

Rocky Mountain National Park uses timed entry reservations in the busy season, and dogs are not allowed on park trails. Our 1 day RMNP itinerary has the details.

First time at altitude? Start low, drink lots of water and read our first time in Colorado guide before you go.

Find a Place to Stay

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Sarah and Jam — Through Her Eyes Travel
Sarah & Jam

Colorado-based travelers with a serious case of wanderlust. Road trips, national parks and pet friendly adventures are our love language.

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