Every now and then, I need a trip that pulls me out of routine and drops me straight into wonder. Colorado was exactly that.
We flew into Denver, grabbed a rental car, and pointed ourselves toward Estes Park — the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. We rolled in just before sunset, checked into Ponderosa Lodge, and soaked up the sounds of the river outside our window.
The next morning? Sunrise over the mountains with elk herds grazing in the golden light. I still remember how quiet it was — just breath, cold air, and the soft rustle of grass. We stood there like something sacred was unfolding, and honestly? It was.
We took the scenic route through the Rockies, winding through fiery orange aspens and snow-dusted peaks that felt unreal. Somewhere between stops, we rode the historic train in Georgetown, and I tried elk meat for the first time at a local butcher shop — but not before a French man told me "absolutely not" when I asked for it well done. (He was right. Medium-well was a game changer.)
Our trip wrapped up in Crested Butte, where we stayed at the Nordic Inn — a cozy mountain lodge with views that belong on postcards. The town itself felt like something out of a Hallmark movie, tucked between towering peaks and the quiet hush of fall. The kind of place you could run away to for a slow elopement, a deep breath, or a fresh start.
We even caught a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre — Louis the Child lit up the sky with beats bouncing between the rocks and stars overhead. It felt electric and grounding all at once.
Why I Travel Like This
Trips like this remind me why I photograph the way I do — chasing light, emotion, and connection. Whether it’s an elopement in the mountains or just a weekend away, I’m drawn to places that feel alive, real, and a little bit wild.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in the mountains or planning a wedding surrounded by nature, let’s make it happen. Estes Park, Crested Butte, Georgetown, Red Rocks — every inch of Colorado is overflowing with magic.
