Solo Travel Stories: Colorado In The Time of Covid

Flashback to the summer of 2020. It was a season and a year that many of us would rather forget, as the world was facing a massive global pandemic that completely changed our social interactions. Face masks and hand sanitizers became indispensable items that we carried with us everywhere, leading some of us to become homebodies. We were all confined to the quarantine bubbles that became our homes. Some of us experienced the loss of family and friends. It was a challenging year for everyone, and we all had to make sacrifices. For those of us who enjoy traveling, it was particularly tough. The decision to take the risk and go on a trip or stay home and wait it out was a difficult one. As someone who was willing to take a calculated risk, I chose to go for it. I was aware that things could change in an instant, so I didn't have much time. My state had guidelines in place that allowed travel to certain states without the need to quarantine, mostly due to the number of cases, and Colorado and Wyoming were open for travel. I had always wanted to visit the Rocky Mountains, and I felt like this was my opportunity. However, they were also dealing with a global pandemic, so what could a solo traveler do while there?

Sightseeing Around Denver

Have you experienced a moment that remains vivid in your memory, one that you wish you had captured in a photograph, only to regret not doing so once the moment had passed? I will always remember the feeling of leaving the airport, driving my rental car, and catching sight of one of the grand Rocky Mountains in the distance. Coming from New England, where such sights are rare, the view was truly breathtaking. Upon reaching my destination, I made sure to explore the heart of the city, snapping pictures along the way. The beautiful weather that day only added to the experience. Starting from Union Station, I ventured through the downtown area, taking in the sights of Coors Field and the city skyline.

The picture below has always left a profound impact on me. It serves as a poignant reminder of what we have lost and how easily the things we overlook can be stripped away.

The HistoryColorado Center

Colorado boasts a rich history, and this museum located in downtown Denver serves as an excellent entry point to delve deeper into the state's past. With 6 other museums scattered throughout the region and state, focusing on various aspects such as women's history, Ute history, and military history, you could easily plan a road trip centered around these museums. This particular museum provides a comprehensive overview of the state's history, allowing visitors to explore the history of the Ute people, women's history, and the overall history of Colorado in a single visit. It is one of the most detailed history museums I have ever experienced, and in this time of Covid, I was very glad to see this museum was open. The permanent exhibits are incredibly thorough and offer interactive elements. I particularly enjoyed "The Centennial State in 100 Objects", but with four floors to explore, there is no chance of getting bored. Additionally, there are special exhibits that rotate regularly. As a craft beer fan, I just missed the special exhibit on the state's beer history, highlighting the museum's innovative approach to showcasing history. History should always be engaging, and this museum doesn't disappoint. Be prepared to dedicate a significant portion of your day to this museum, but rest assured, it will be time well spent!

Rocky Mountain Way

My trip to Colorado wouldn't have been complete without exploring the stunning Rocky Mountains, and thankfully, Covid couldn't stop me this time! As a solo traveler, it can be challenging to navigate these majestic mountains alone unless you're quite athletic and resourceful. There are countless options and places to discover. This is why I highly suggest joining group tours while solo traveling, as you'll often be paired with other solo travelers or couples. Some of these group tours are more intimate with smaller crowds, making it easier to keep track of everyone. During the summer when the pandemic was still raging and my choices were limited, I had originally planned to visit Rocky Mountain National Park with a tour group I had booked through my AAA membership's travel platform. However, there was a mix-up, and I ended up in a tour group heading to Pikes Peak instead. I had never even heard of Pikes Peak before, but after the tour guide explained the itinerary and mentioned it was the same price, I decided to go for it. Have you ever heard the phrase "everything happens for a reason"? I had a feeling that there was a purpose behind me taking that tour instead.

Garden of the Gods

The first stop with this tour was this naturally gorgeous park. We got out of the tour vehicle, and were given 90 minutes to walk around. Once I walked out into the park, I remember looking out as if I was Sam Neill in Jurassic Park looking at the dinosaurs for the first time. Cue the theme from John Williams!

No dinosaurs though at this place, but you will find stunning red rock formations. This park is a gift to Colorado Springs, CO, and there is no entrance fee for visitors. The park is well-maintained, and visitors are encouraged to clean up after themselves. You can enjoy various tours such as 1909 Trolley Tours, 50/50 Hike and Rides, Jeep Tours, Segway tours, bike tours, and more. Even if you are just passing through Colorado Springs, it is definitely worth a visit to appreciate the natural beauty. My photos may not do this place justice, but I will certainly try.

Pikes Peak

After taking a break in Manitou Springs for lunch and a bit of shopping, we hopped back into the van for our last destination at the summit of Pikes Peak. The day was stunning—sunny and dry, with temperatures hovering around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, I was aware that the weather would shift once we reached the top. The tour pressed on, winding its way up the mountain. Ascending a mountain often involves a "zig zag" route, and this one was no different. We made several stops along the way to admire the breathtaking views.

While we were ascending the mountain, I clearly sensed some shifts in my body. My shoulders became a little tense, and I found myself needing to take deeper, longer breaths as the air grew thinner. It's hard to put into words. I wasn't frightened; I was fascinated. After a winding 90-minute drive, we finally reached the summit.

This is where careful planning really makes a difference. Anticipating that I would reach the peak of a mountain, I made sure to pack a fleece pullover to keep warm upon arrival. Luckily, I did, as the temperatures at the summit hovered around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit! That’s a whopping 45 degrees cooler than down below! As we neared the top, we even encountered some snow on the ground. The fog at the summit limited my view, but I didn’t mind at all. I had just reached the summit of a 14,000-foot mountain! On our descent, we took the opportunity to pause and snap some photos of the stunning mountains and beautiful scenery surrounding us. What an experience.

Final Thoughts

I firmly uphold the philosophy of "turning lemons into lemonade." Although the pandemic presented significant challenges, I recognized a chance to travel and seized it, fully aware of the associated risks, and I have no regrets about my decision. I completed a few days of quarantine, which was manageable as I was working from home full-time. Interestingly, only a month later, case numbers began to rise again, and several states were again deemed unsafe for travel. Despite not being able to attend a Rockies game at Coors Field, I enjoyed viewing the stadium's front facade and relished the opportunity to explore the city. Additionally, I visited an impressive history museum, and my time in the stunning Rocky Mountains was an unforgettable adventure. Life is meant to be lived, and I took care to avoid Covid and exercise caution upon my return, recognizing that not everyone had the same fortune as I did. It was truly a remarkable experience.