A family vacation to Estes Park marked my first time to Colorado, and also my first trip spending significant time at high elevation.  I consistently had a dull headache, I was never not thirsty, and to quote my husband, my skin looked like I had greyscale (see: Game of Thrones)  Luckily, the edibles are in abundance, perfectly legal, and seemed to help, at least with the headaches.

Colorado is stunning – it has a vastness, an epic-ness, that was hard to comprehend and made me feel small (in the best way).  Plus I could get fully drunk off one beer (thank you altitude).  Each morning after breakfast, my brother and I would split a gummy bear, strap on our hiking boots, and set out on a new trail with the family.  Big props to my husband Ryan for researching all the trails ahead of time, which helped us to avoid long lines and parking mishaps (I had no idea that was even a thing).

Home base was a cabin, complete with hot tub, on a hill overlooking Estes Park.  Perfect for winding down after long days of hiking.  Ryan organized all the hiking, my dad organized the visit to The Bud Depot, my mom arranged a horseback riding excursion complete with a grilled steak dinner, and I arranged dinner reservations at Fresca and a visit to the infamous Stanley hotel.  Family vacation GO!