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We Came for the Mountains, But Left With So Much More
There are places you visit because they’re beautiful.
Then there are places that somehow slow your soul down.
For us, Colorado was both.
As we crossed into the Arkansas River Valley, towering mountains surrounded us while the river twisted alongside the highway.
We had several steep 7% grades ahead of us, and honestly, this was probably the heaviest our truck and trailer have ever been.
After days of boondocking, we were carrying all of our water dirt bikes, and everything we had moved from Indiana.
Not to mention all of our tanks were full.
It was a true test for our truck and our Alliance Valor.
They didn’t miss a beat.
Watching those mountains get bigger with every mile reminded me how faithful God is.
Sometimes the climb looks intimidating, but He always carries us farther than we think we can go.
Our Home Base: Howard, Colorado
We stayed at Sugarbush Campground in Howard, Colorado.
It’s a small campground with full hookups at a reasonable price. There isn’t direct river access, but it was quiet, peaceful, and perfectly located for exploring the area.
If we came back...and we absolutely will...we’d probably stay at Pleasant Valley RV Park just down the road since it’s right along the Arkansas River.
The area sits between dramatic canyons, with the Arkansas River winding through the valley and offering endless beauty and adventure.
I completely understand why so many people fall in love with Colorado.
The Hot Springs I’ll Never Forget
Our first full day took us about 45 minutes away to Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
If you’ve never been, picture hot pools tucked between towering mountains with a cold mountain creek flowing right through the middle.
The best part?
People build their own little pools by stacking rocks in the creek, letting the hot spring water mix with the cold river until it’s exactly the temperature they want.
We met the sweetest couple from Pennsylvania who invited us to share the pool they had built.
It’s funny how vacation reminds you there are still genuinely kind people in the world.
The resort has something for everyone...
family pools, quieter pools with fewer people, and an adults-only area if you’re looking for complete peace.
But none of those became my favorite memory.
“Mom…I’ve Never Been Relaxed Before.”
While we were soaking, my son looked at me and said,
“Mom…my muscles feel really weird.”
I smiled and said,
“That’s what being relaxed feels like.”
He thought about it for a second before answering,
“Wow…I don’t think I’ve ever been relaxed before.”
If you know him, you know exactly why that made me laugh.
He’s always thinking.
Always building.
Always planning.
Always moving.
He’s one of those kids who doesn’t always look stressed, but his mind rarely stops.
Hearing him realize what true rest felt like made my heart so happy.
Maybe that’s something God wanted to teach all of us.
Sometimes we’re so busy doing life that we forget He created us to rest too.
Jesus invited weary people to find rest in Him: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28–29).
While He was speaking primarily of the burden people carried under the religious leaders of His day, the invitation still reminds us that true rest is ultimately found in Christ, not simply in slowing down.
One of My Favorite Afternoons of the Trip
The next day wasn’t packed with attractions.
It was simple.
And honestly…
It became one of my favorite days.
We found a quiet little access point along the Arkansas River where Brody fished while Summer and I found a shady place to sit.
For the first time all trip, I opened Heroes of the Holy Life, a book my friend Amy had given me.
Reading beside the river with mountains all around us felt almost sacred.
No rushing. No schedule. Just God’s creation.
Brody didn’t catch anything there, but I don’t think any of us cared.
Sometimes success isn’t measured by what you catch.
Sometimes it’s measured by finally slowing down enough to enjoy the moment.
Coffee, Trout & a Lesson in Patience
When thunder started rolling through the mountains, we packed up and headed toward Salida.
On the way we stopped at Rincon for lunch where Brody tried fishing again.
Still nothing.
Historic downtown Salida completely won us over.
Cute shops.
Great coffee.
Friendly people.
Right through the middle of town runs the Arkansas River, where people float by on tubes and even surf the waves during the summer.
Normally,
the Arkansas River famous for whitewater rafting, but because of the drought, the river was much lower than usual.
Guess we’ll just have to come back.
After wandering downtown, we stopped at Sands Lake.
Five hours of fishing.
Nothing.
Then…
Within twenty minutes Brody caught two trout.
He laughed and said,
“So basically…five hours of fishing for twenty minutes of catching fish.”
Sounds about right.
The Pennsylvania Theme We Couldn’t Ignore
Something interesting kept happening throughout the week.
The couple who shared their hot spring pool…
Pennsylvania.
Our campground neighbor…
Pennsylvania.
Scott was talking with a friend who casually mentioned,
“I’m from Philadelphia.”
Meanwhile our Bible study in Revelation happened to be about the church in Philadelphia.
Then the first chapter I read in Heroes of the Holy Life was about Francis Asbury, whose ministry began in Pennsylvania.
Coincidence?
Maybe.
Or maybe God was subtly reminding us of something.
Philadelphia means brotherly love.
Looking back, that’s exactly what we experienced all week.
Kindness.
Hospitality.
Strangers becoming friends.
God often speaks in quiet little patterns if we’re paying attention.
Ending the Day the Colorado Way
On the way home we found a little Thai food truck and decided to give it a try.
We took our food to another nearby state park where a ranger gave a fascinating presentation about owls.
As the sun began setting, we drove back through the Arkansas River canyon.
Golden cliffs.
The river glowing below.
Mountains fading into the evening light.
It was one of those drives where nobody talks because everyone is too busy looking out the window.
Those are some of my favorite family moments.
God’s Beauty Is Everywhere Here
One simple thing I’ll always remember…
This was the first campground in weeks where our RV had ice-cold water coming out of the faucet.
After traveling through so much summer heat, that tiny blessing felt amazing.
It’s funny how travel teaches you gratitude for the smallest things.
Colorado gave us mountain views we’ll never forget.
Quiet afternoons beside the river.
Unexpected friendships.
A son discovering what relaxation feels like.
And countless reminders that God’s fingerprints are all over His creation.
If you’ve been to Colorado, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
If you haven’t…
Put it on your list.
You may come for the scenery.
But don’t be surprised if God uses it to slow your heart down too.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
A Prayer for You
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the beauty You have woven into Your creation and for the quiet moments that remind us to slow down and notice You. In a world that constantly pushes us to hurry, help us find true rest... not just for our bodies, but for our hearts.
I pray for everyone reading this today. Whatever mountains they are facing, remind them that You are faithful to walk with them every step of the journey. Open their eyes to see Your goodness in both the big moments and the small blessings they might otherwise overlook.
Fill their hearts with peace, strengthen their faith, and give them time to enjoy the people You’ve placed in their lives. May they leave every adventure with a deeper appreciation for Your creation and an even greater love for You, the Creator.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Planning Your Own Trip?
📍 Campground: Sugarbush Campground – Howard, Colorado
🏞 We’d Stay Next Time: Pleasant Valley RV Park (riverfront access)
♨️ Don’t Miss: Mount Princeton Hot Springs
☕ Explore: Historic downtown Salida
🎣 Fishing: Arkansas River access points and Sands Lake
Until next time,
Keep seeking adventure, noticing God’s fingerprints, and making memories with the people you love.- I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
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