A Summer Escape to the Colorado Mountains

When the summer heat is on, there’s no better escape than the mountains. During the Fourth of July weekend in Breckenridge, Colorado, Main Street had been packed with people, half of them without masks. We hiked in the wilderness instead. Now that masks are mandatory in Colorado, I looked forward to a hike and a stroll.

The temperature can be so drastically different in the mountains. It was in the mid-nineties in Boulder but barely nicked seventy on our deck in Breck. I traded my short-sleeved T for a long-sleeved one and headed out for a stroll.

The flowers on Main Street bloomed profusely due to the cooler temperatures and afternoon showers.

The fence around the perennials in front of Ruby Jane barely contained some of them.

Breckenridge closed Main Street to traffic to allow for spacious outdoor restaurant seating and walking. I felt very safe while exploring.

We passed the ever-popular Crepes a la Carts. Whether summer or during a winter snowstorm while enduring frigid temperatures, patrons line up outdoors. I’d say customers were pretty comfortable that Saturday.

We crossed the street at the top of Main and walked to Maggies Pond at the bottom of Peak 9. It never disappoints.

There was a lot less activity, but the beauty of the mountains is always breathtaking.

We decided to take a different route back and walked along the river. We discovered secret gardens tucked along the path.

There weren’t many people so we enjoyed the vibrant colors.

There were more people at the Riverwalk Center where concerts, performances, and events are held. Nothing was going on indoors, but many enjoyed the view.

So did we.

The next day, we ventured out for a quick hike between rainstorms.

We only ran into a few people and had no problem with social distancing. There were many fields of flowers but the sun slipped behind the clouds and the colors faded.

I pulled up my mask just in case and shared a giggle with others who did the same. “We are such great citizens of the world,” I said.

Roxy thought so too as we recovered from our mountain escape.

Where have you escaped lately? Have you carved out space in your home or yard?  Have you road-tripped this summer?