From TX to CO

Wow.

That is all that can be said about our drive from the grasslands of northern Texas, across the northeastern corner of New Mexico, and along the southern border of Colorado. It was a long day of driving, but the varied landscapes were mind-blowing. The 450 mile journey involved many pull-off-to-the-side-of-the-road pauses just to breathe it in and appreciate the beauty. Absolutely stunning.

That being said, most of the beauty that we saw was not captured, as we just appreciated it while driving. In New Mexico, we ventured through Black Mesa Arroyo, and highly recommend the views!

Black Mesa Arroyo area

And you could tell immediately when Colorado came onto the Horizon:

We stopped in Alamosa, CO for lunch and enjoyed wonderful mexican cuisine at Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant. From this point in southeastern Colorado, the terrain and climate changed dramatically: From warm grasslands and relatively at sea level to 40deg snow-filled mountains at 10,000+ feet. AWESOME! To be honest though, I was a bit shocked as it was the first week of May, and still actively snowing!

Our route took us through the heart of Rio Grande National Forest followed by the San Juan National Forest, and I can tell you, we will be going back. Though I will say that about SO MANY places on this trip. But seriously, Colorado is absolutely stunning, and meant for nature-lovers. I am feeling the ache to go back and hike and camp as I type this.

Our journey ended in Cortex, CO, which would be our home base for a few days, and enjoying a tasting flight at Wild Edge Brewery Collective. It is an awesome little brewery where I thoroughly enjoyed their stouts and sours, and highly recommend stopping at should you ever find yourself passing through.