Road Trip


Holly picks me up around noon on a Friday—destination: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs. She’s already thought ahead, a caramel frappuccino waiting for me in the cupholder, the perfect fuel for my drowsy, day-off brain.

We merge onto I-25 South for the hour-and-a-half drive from Denver, the city slowly giving way to open skies and mountain views. When we arrive, we park near the main visitor center, where the gift shop and restrooms are tucked against the backdrop of towering red rocks. While Holly ducks inside, I grab my camera bag, step out into the crisp Colorado air, and start snapping photos of the stunning formations glowing across the highway.

Snow-capped Pikes Peak mountain range rises behind red rock formations in Colorado landscape.
Black and white landscape of mountain peaks and rocky formations covered in pine forest.
Majestic snow-covered mountain peaks tower over red rock formations in Colorado Springs.

On the Trail


Holly returns to the car just as I’m slinging my camera bag over my shoulder, ready to cross the highway into the park. She laughs and shakes her head, telling me there’s a closer parking lot for the trail we’re taking. I laugh too, relieved that we won’t be sprinting across traffic with all my gear, and we head down the road toward the main formations.

The rocks rise from the earth in magnificent reds and oranges, jagged and proud, like nature’s own cathedral spires. Standing among them, I feel wonderfully small. The landscape pulls you in completely—it’s impossible not to be in awe.

As always happens when I hike with friends who don’t take photos, Holly ends up far ahead of me while I linger behind, pausing every few feet to frame another shot. My camera can’t seem to rest; there’s beauty in every angle.


We spot a few rock climbers scaling the formations, their bright gear contrasting against the sandstone. I can’t imagine mustering the upper-body strength to follow them, but it’s thrilling to watch. The trails are full of life—families, couples, and friends all wandering beneath the vast Colorado sky.


The peace of this place is something special. The Garden of the Gods feels alive in every sense—breathtaking scenery, warm sunlight, and even the quiet presence of wildlife. As a rabbit mom myself, I’m especially delighted to spot a few wild bunnies grazing near the path. It feels like a little blessing from nature, a reminder of how connected everything is out here.

Bright sunburst between silhouetted rock formations against deep blue sky.
Rock climber in blue attire scaling natural boulder formation in dry grassland terrain.
Towering red rock formation rises against bright blue sky in Garden of the Gods, Colorado.
Black and white photo of a wild rabbit sitting in dry grass.
Wild rabbit camouflaged among dry grass and brush in natural habitat.
Black and white image of rabbits resting in sunlit meadow grass.
Dramatic red rock formations in Garden of the Gods with blue sky and winter vegetation.
Wild rabbit sits partially hidden beneath desert brush and sunlight.
Desert cottontail rabbit nestled in dry brush and fallen leaves.
Majestic red sandstone towers frame winding path through Garden of the Gods park.
Misty morning light filters through evergreen trees in mountain landscape.
Paved trail with wooden fence leads toward distant blue mountains in Colorado.

Manitou Springs


After a wonderful morning exploring Garden of the Gods, we make our way to Manitou Springs. It’s my first time visiting, and Holly is eager to show me around the charming little town nestled at the base of Pikes Peak.

We stop for lunch at Townhouse Sports Grill, a cozy spot that feels straight out of small-town Wisconsin—something I didn’t realize I missed until that moment. The staff is friendly, the food is hearty, and the atmosphere hums with that relaxed, local warmth that instantly makes you feel at home.


After lunch, I spot a small ice cream shop just down the block and can’t resist. We wander over for dessert, laughing about how full we already are. By the time we finish our cones and slide back into the car, we’re both grateful that the only thing left to do is sit back and enjoy the hour-and-a-half drive home—completely content and a little sun-tired from a perfect Colorado day.