I get antsy if I stay in one place too long.

Even when sitting at home, I have to get up and move every so often, sometimes just walking around the block to get a change of pace.

Thus, whenever I embark on a new pilgrimage to outdoor spaces or wild places, I enjoy a little bit of driving as part of the process.

Too much = tiring and annoying

Too little = boring

This past Spring Break, I decided to revisit Utah for a few days. Moab is one of my favorite places to stay, and I was looking forward to some new scenery. My original plan involved flying into Salt Lake City, but it was significantly cheaper to fly into Denver and I could do it non-stop.

If you’re familiar at all with the Denver area, you’ll know that I70 is the pathway into a great deal of the beautiful natural phenomena the state has to offer. Skiing, hiking, rock climbing, National Parks, National Forests, et cetera. I70 is the east-west yellow brick road that gives one access to outdoor recreation.

As I cruised along in my rental car, heading away from Denver’s airport, I had a printout of some stopping points I could visit along the I70 corridor. I climbed in elevation, noticing some stray flurries bustling about outside my car. I pulled over for a bathroom break and dug my winter jacket out of my suitcase.

The first little roadside gem was right in front of me: Genesee Country Store and Candy Land. It was a snacker’s paradise! I opted for some dark-chocolate covered bacon pieces – perfect hiking fuel for my stroll along a nearby path. Genesee Park doesn’t get much credit, standing in the shadow of park giants like Rocky Mountain, but it was a lovely and quiet place to visit.

I watched the snow come down harder as I listened to the trees creak with the wind. The 1-mile walk to the summit was easy and refreshing after being in an airplane (and then car) for so many hours. I enjoyed watching the chipmunks skitter about, hiding in rocks when I came near to their food collecting festivities.

When I returned to my car, I happened to look across the interstate and spotted bison! My excitement levels peaked. Bison have always intrigued me ever since I spotted my first one during my year-long 47 parks trip. Chipmunk cuteness was long forgotten – the bison immediately shifted my focus.

I had to get closer.*

I crossed to the other side of I70, parked my car, and oggled them for a good 20 minutes. They are such phenomenal creatures! If you have never seen a bison in real life, you are truly missing out.

Back on the highway.

Driving west over the pass, I hit a snow squall. Cars pulled over to the side due to visibility issues. I slowly but steadily inched forward, ever so cautious of the steep grade and untrustworthy rental car tires. As I got over the hump and headed lower in elevation, the stormy weather gradually passed.

I drove through small ski towns full of snow in early April.

I stopped at little rest stations just to stretch my legs while admiring the river.

I turned up the music and sang along very obnoxiously.

And then finally I arrived at the other side of the state.

The Palisade Rim hike was a great final adventure of the day. The weather was a crisp 70 degrees, and the sun was pretty intense. I hadn’t had a chance to fill up my water bottle in a while, so I was keenly aware of the dry weather.

This hike was an unsung hero of the day. It had a great terrain, interesting views, and was the perfect way to ease into my upcoming desert activities. I was proud of myself for conquering the incline until I watched some trail runners go by. #Humbling

I celebrated the end of a full day at an independently-owned Mexican restaurant. The margarita was salty and delicious; the enchiladas were greasy and nutritious.

I70, you haven’t disappointed yet.

 

* Just to be clear, I am not (nor have I ever been) one of those people who gets dangerously close to wild animals. I respect their space and wild-ness.