Our Unforgettable Four Corners Road Trip Adventure
In December 2015, eight days after our nuptials, my husband Gio and I embarked on our inaugural couple’s adventure – a week-long, 2,000-mile Four Corners road trip. Excitement was in the air as we set out on this unforgettable journey across the striking landscapes of the Southwest United States, covering Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
San Bernardino, California, marked the start of our adventure. Our car, stocked with snacks, water, warm clothes, and other road trip essentials, embodied the spirit of our journey and added to our thrill.
Our first destination, Grand Junction, Colorado, was a spectacle of scenic beauty. After a remarkable journey across four state lines, this charming city, nestled in the western part of Colorado, welcomed us. The Clarion Inn Grand Junction, our retreat for the night, won our hearts with its spacious rooms and friendly staff, ensuring a delightful end to the day of our December 2015 journey.
I-15 North to I-70 East (Utah) - Exploring the Amerian Southwest! Video
Colorado Travel: The Rocky Mountains and Copper Mountain’s Snow Tubing
As dawn broke, we hit the scenic highways en route to Copper Mountain Ski Resort, nestled amidst the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. A three-hour journey was a small price for the thrilling snow tubing experience that awaited us. The hill was a sight, with panoramas of frosted peaks, immaculate forests, and winding trails. We reveled in a day of adventurous snow tubing, racing on separate tracks, and sharing laughs while clutching onto each other’s tubes – a day etched forever in our memories.
As twilight draped over us, we set course for Denver, known as the Mile High City, with New Year’s Eve celebrations on our agenda. We traversed the Eisenhower Tunnel, piercing the Continental Divide. Standing at 11,155 feet, it’s the world’s highest vehicular tunnel. The awe-inspiring drive showcased the Rocky Mountains in all their majesty, making our journey as breathtaking as our destination.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Denver, Colorado State Capital
As the final evening of the year dawned, my husband Gio and I, brimming with excitement, stepped out into the chilly embrace of New Year’s Eve. Despite the biting cold and throngs of revelers, our spirits were high, ready to immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Denver. The city’s iconic landmarks awaited our exploration, promising a night of memorable adventures. We began our journey at Coors Field, relishing the excitement that lingered in the air of this renowned baseball stadium. The energy was palpable, a perfect starting point for our night’s escapade.
Our adventure then took us to Sports Authority Field, where the echoes of cheering crowds seemed to reverberate around us, adding an exhilarating sense of liveliness to our experience. Each step we took was filled with anticipation and wonder, leading us next to the historic Colorado State Capitol Building. Climbing to the 13th step, famously marked as “One Mile Above Sea Level,” we paused to savor the moment. Standing there, we could feel the distinctive impact of the altitude, a sensation that heightened our experience in this historical landmark. As the night unfolded, Denver’s skies erupted in a spectacular display of New Year’s Eve fireworks. The vibrant colors and patterns dancing across the night sky formed a stunning finale to our day of discovery, etching this New Year’s Eve in Denver as an indelible memory in our ongoing journey of exploration and adventure.
Exploring Cultural Heritage Sites: The Air Force Academy
The next day marked a new chapter in our American road trip itinerary as we headed south to Durango, Colorado. Known for its rich mining past, Durango is now a bustling hub for adventurous tourists. Our journey took us to the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, allowing us a peek into the nation’s top-notch military training facilities. Interestingly, I served as a USAF firefighter at Peterson AFB in 1988-89. My camera lenses stayed busy, capturing the essence of this unique and personal exploration.
Adventurous Trip Through Wolf Creek Pass
As our adventurous trip progressed, we embarked on a thrilling journey across Wolf Creek Pass, a notorious highway in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. As the melody of C.W. McCall’s “Wolf Creek Pass” filled the air, we enthusiastically echoed the lyrics “37 miles o’ hell – which is upon the Great Divide.” This was a testament to the unique geography of the Southwestern United States, a natural wonder in its own right. My lenses continued to capture the captivating visuals of American Southwest photography, etching them into our shared memory. Yes, we truly embraced the spirit of adventure in the grand style of the American road trip.
Four Corners Monument: Unique Geography and Cross-State Road Trip
The unique Four Corners Monument was next on our cross-state road trip agenda, an iconic point where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona converge. This mesmerizing location allowed us to straddle all four states simultaneously, a truly distinctive experience in our travel adventures. The blend of cultural heritage sites and the diverse natural landscapes surrounding each state was a testament to the region’s vibrant complexity, further enhancing our fascination for this incredible journey.
Arizona Desert and Grand Canyon: Natural Wonders of the American Southwest
We navigated our journey towards Flagstaff, Arizona, via the historic Route 66, guiding us through the heart of winter desert landscapes filled with iconic monuments—our destination: the grandeur of the Grand Canyon National Park. Overwhelmed by the monumental scale and splendor of the canyon, we marveled at the layered rock formations as they were painted with varying hues by the shifting sunlight. The deep, serene beauty of this natural wonder instilled an ineffable sense of awe and respect for the power of nature within us. Little did we know, five years later, in 2020, we’d be gazing at this majestic canyon in a helicopter from a bird’s eye view.
