I was so excited when I planned this trip to Colorado. The thought of traveling with my friend made it even more exciting. We were already talking about trying new food, exploring different places, enjoying a few drinks, and figuring things out as we went along. It felt like the perfect adventure.
But unfortunately, at the very last minute, her trip got canceled due to a family emergency.
And there I was – suddenly going all by myself.
I was nervous, scared, and anxious. It wasn’t that I had never traveled solo before. I had gone to Ladakh on my own with a women’s tour group, which was intimidating in itself—sharing a room with a complete stranger. I had also taken my son to Hawaii. Although I was the sole decision-maker on that trip, I still had someone with me and a responsibility to focus on.
This trip was different.
Technically, it should have been easier. There was no responsibility, no one else’s preferences to consider, no schedule to follow except my own. I was completely free to do whatever I wanted. Yet somehow, that freedom made it harder.
Maybe being a millennial has something to do with it. It’s easy for people to say, “Enjoy your own company” or “You should be able to do things by yourself.” But actually embracing solitude is a different challenge altogether. When you are in your twenties, your appetite for risk feels limitless. You jump into adventures without overthinking every possible outcome.
Now, things feel different.
Still, once I decided I was going alone, I gathered every bit of confidence I could find within myself. I took a deep breath, prayed, trusted the process, and began my solo journey to Colorado.
And just like that, the adventure started.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but every step brought something new. As the journey unfolded, a few things quickly became my favorites:
Garden of the Gods
My first stop in Colorado was Garden of the Gods, and it was a great way to start the trip. It is the second most-visited city park in the United States, and it was easy to see why. The huge red rocks looked beautiful against the bright blue sky. I spent some time walking around, taking pictures, and enjoying the views. Every corner seemed to reveal a different rock formation. One formation was especially interesting; it looked like two camels kissing each other.
One of the best things about Garden of the Gods is that entry is free. The only challenge is getting there, as public transportation is limited, so having a car makes the visit much easier.
As I was leaving the park, I had an unexpected wildlife encounter. A deer crossed the path right in front of me, so close that I could clearly see it. A few moments later, another deer crossed just a few feet away. It was such a calm and peaceful moment, and surprisingly, the deer wasn’t scared at all. Seeing wildlife up close on my very first day in Colorado made the visit even more memorable.
Manitou Springs
This was my stop for lunch, and there were plenty of food options to choose from. After eating, I spent some time walking around the town. The small shops and local stores gave the place a nice charm and made it enjoyable to explore at a relaxed pace.
One of the interesting things about the town was the natural mineral springs located on the streets. These springs are known for their mineral-rich water and are believed to have healing properties. I tried water from a couple of them, and honestly, the taste caught me by surprise – it was very salty! Even though I wasn’t a fan of the taste, it was a unique experience and something I had never tried before.
Pikes Peak
This was my favorite place on the entire trip. The drive up Pikes Peak was an experience in itself. As we climbed higher, the views kept getting better and better. What made it even more special was the snow. Seeing snow fall in the month of June was something I never expected. It felt exciting, magical, and a little unreal at the same time.
I spent some time at the top enjoying the weather and taking in the views before heading back down. There is also a train ride available that takes visitors to the summit and brings them back, which looked like a fun way to experience the mountain. At the top, there is a small museum, a restaurant, and plenty of places to stop and admire the scenery. Standing there surrounded by snow in the middle of summer is a memory I will not forget anytime soon.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the places I was most excited to visit, as it is one of Colorado’s biggest attractions. I had booked a day tour through GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be one of the best days of the trip.
Before entering the park, our tour guide took us to a couple of local spots that are not usually included in every tour. We first stopped at a local coffee shop and then visited a local artist shop. These small stops gave us a chance to experience a different side of the area before heading into the mountains.
Once we entered Rocky Mountain National Park, we made several stops along the way and did a few short hikes. Each stop offered a different view, and the scenery kept getting better as we went deeper into the park. Later, we enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by mountains, a lake, and fresh mountain air. It was one of those moments where you simply sit back and appreciate where you are.
One of the most exciting parts of the day was seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. We spotted moose, elk, mule deer, and even a few marmots. Every drive and trail seemed to offer something new to see.
We were also lucky because the northern section of the park had reopened just a week earlier after being closed for the season. According to our guide, it is one of the most scenic parts of the park, and the views there were absolutely worth the wait.
Estes Park
Estes Park was a nice place to slow down and just walk around. We spent some time exploring the small market area, looking through shops, and enjoying the town. It had a friendly and welcoming feel, and it was nice to take a break from all the driving and hiking.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre was a place I had heard a lot about, so it was on my must-visit list in Colorado. It is a large amphitheatre built between natural red rock formations, and it immediately stands out when you see it in person. The rocks form the outer structure naturally, while the seating area is man-made inside them.
Many well-known bands and artists perform here, and it is easy to understand why. The whole place feels open and powerful at the same time. I spent some time just walking around and looking at the view from different angles. It felt less like a regular venue and more like a natural landmark.
There is also a small museum where you can learn about the history of the place and the performances that have happened here. What surprised me was that it is not just a tourist spot or concert venue. Many locals come here to run, climb the steps, or just exercise. It felt like a place that is part of everyday life, not just something special for visitors.
Evergreen
Evergreen was a small town with a relaxed, local feel. There were a few small shops around, which gave it a simple and charming vibe. The town also had a dam and a lake, where people kayak or just walk along the road.
We made a short stop here, and it was nice to just stroll around and take in the views. The lake added a peaceful touch to the place, and it felt like a good break in the middle of the trip. It wasn’t a big or busy stop, but it had its own quiet charm.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake was one of my favorite places during the trip. The lake was calm, the surroundings were beautiful, and everything felt so peaceful. We spent some time just sitting there, enjoying the view and the cool mountain air. There wasn’t much to do, and that was exactly what made it special. It was the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment.
By the end of the trip, I realized it was never really about going alone or with someone else. It was about how I showed up for myself in a completely new situation. What started with nervousness slowly turned into comfort, and then into confidence. I came back with memories of beautiful places, but more than that, I came back with a different version of myself, one that is more sure, more independent, and more okay with doing things alone. Colorado gave me so much more than a trip; it gave me the quiet confidence that I can figure things out on my own, one step at a time.
Denver Airport & Getting Around Tips
- Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States, and it can feel a bit overwhelming when you first arrive. One important thing to know is that after you land, you need to take an airport train to reach the baggage claim area. Board the train and get off at the final stop where you collect your luggage.
- If you are heading into the city, the train from the airport to Union Station is the easiest and most budget-friendly option. It connects directly from the airport and drops you in downtown Denver. The only slightly confusing part is finding the train station inside the airport, since it is located at the far end of the terminal, but once you follow the signs, it is quite straightforward.
- Staying in downtown Denver is the most convenient option for most travelers. However, if you can’t find accommodation there, try booking a hotel close to the train line, as it makes traveling around much easier.
- For train tickets, you can either download the RTD app or buy a day pass at the station. Ticket checks do happen on the train, so it’s important to keep your pass with you.
- If you are visiting Colorado for the first time, especially as a solo traveler, booking a day tour through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator is highly recommended. It saves you the stress of driving in the mountains, which involves long distances between attractions and unfamiliar roads. It also makes it easier to cover multiple places in a single day without worrying about navigation.
- Some of the tours that I would recommend: Rocky Mountain – GetYouGuide, Garden of the Gods/Pikes Peak – Viator
- Union Station has many good dining options.
3 Day Itinerary to Colorado
- Day 1 – Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak
- Day 2 – Rocky Mountain, Estes Park,
- Day 3 – Red Rock Park and Amphitheater, Evergreen, Echo Lake
