AdventureIsOutThere | The Modern Nomad

Although I wish I were off on another adventure, I am sitting here reminiscing and dreaming lazily about my next trip. I am sad to say that this summer will likely include moving to our new home, and several weddings across the country, which leaves us with very little time to plan a trip. Therefore, I figured I would discuss one of my all-time favorite adventure places.

August 2015

On my very first trip to Colorado in August of 2013, I had the opportunity to see Garden of the Gods during the best time of the day, just before sunset. This will always be my favorite time that I spent in the park, and I would suggest it to those in the area during the summer time. The way the sunsets over Pikes Peak and glows against the beautiful red rock will make your mouth water.

Once I moved to the area, Garden of the Gods was one of my favorite places to spend time. It was a great place to get outside, hike, explore, and wander. I felt as if every time I was there, I found a part of the park I had never seen before. Therefore, I suggest it to all visitors. It is the unknown 8th wonder of the world, and you are missing out if you do not visit this incredible park. The park can be accessed 365 days a year; sun or snow and is a great place to picnic, hike, walk your dogs, let your kids run around, and to take in the beauty of our country.

I look forward to bringing my family here in the future. It is one of the places my heart belongs and I look forward to sharing it with as many people as I possibly can.

Garden of the Gods Website: http://www.gardenofgods.com

Life Lately, Memories, Travel

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Gallery | Posted on March 14, 2017 by alexandralucier

Since before my brother and I were born it was decided by my parents that we would be the kids who were constantly dragged on adventures. Over the years, I have seen my fair share of our beautiful country, and I figured I would do several posts on my travels around the country. I will start with more recent events because they are easier to remember and because I have pictures readily available. The older pictures will take a bit longer to obtain seeing as they are on the opposite side of the country at the moment. But that is beyond the point! I suppose I will start with one of my favorite trips taken in Colorado: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. ( I will include a link to their park website at the end of my post).

The weekend took several weeks of planning. Luckily, one of my best friends families has property in southern Colorado, and her parents were along for the ride and put us up for the weekend at their Ranch. That being said lodging was not an issue for us, but there is lodging in the area. Most people camp, there are all terrain trails that can be taken through the national park, and along these trails are quaint camp sites to be used by park guests. If camping isn’t your style, then there are other options such as cabins, a motel, a lodge, and ranch that can be utilized (reservations must be made ahead of time, plan wisely). Of course, you can research these further by visiting the website posted below.

We took three Jeeps and made an all-day trek through the woods to the dunes. This was the highlight of our trip because all parties enjoy the outdoors and a little thrill. We took Medano Pass into the park; this is where our careful planning took place. We used a Colorado State Gazetteer, in other words, a good, old-fashioned map! We traced our route out in a highlighter days before, and the leader of our Jeep convoy lead the way (I am a damn good navigator).

After our adventure and lunch in the woods, we finally got to the Dunes. The main attraction did not let us down. They are beautiful, and their shapes change depending on the wind, rain, snow, and ice. How cool is that?? We were lucky that Medano Creek still had water trickling through to cool us off on our warm fall day. We took the highway out after an hour and a half in the park and were exhausted.

Overall, I learned so much from taking this trip. Pack an easy lunch. We packed cold cuts, different types of bread, and condiments. Also be sure to include a variety of drinks for all parties involved. On top of our sandwich bar, we packed snacks galore. We were gone from around 8 am until around 8 pm and we knew that snacks would be necessary. Our trip took so long because of the route we chose to take. This trip will be shorter depending on if you are staying close to the dunes, and the way that you come into the park. I learned that our trip was not for the weak of heart, but I would do it again in an instant.

I am hoping to make this trip again in the future with Jack. He is all about the outdoors, Jeeps, and adventures in the woods. I hope this helps you realize that adventure is still out there, that we have some amazing national parks and that Colorado is colorful, wonderful, and welcoming to all!