On a recent trip to Colorado, in addition to the usual family hikes to remote mountain lakes, my husband and I also visited some of the most well known and iconic views in the area. Colorado smiled for us in all of its’ summer glory as we soaked in Gods blessings.

Maroon Bells and Crater Lake are some of the most famous sites around, situated just outside of Aspen, CO where visitors from nearly every walk of life can take a short bus ride to the trailhead and witness God’s spectacular creation for themselves.

The Colorado Blue Columbine is fairly native to the Rocky Mountains which is likely why it was long ago named the state flower. Although we were visiting in late summer, well past prime time for spring wildflowers, we were still blessed to catch a couple of these along our way.

Hanging Lake is one of the great wonders of Colorado and a testament to God’s infinite creativity. Much like Maroon Bells, people flock to this lake, nestled high up in the walls of Glenwood Canyon. Its crystal blue depths are reminiscent of the healing mystical waters one might read about in an epic fantasy tale of brave knights and elven kingdoms.

If only returning to my childhood home was as easy as clicking my heels together three times. Blessedly, I married a man who is willing to clear our calendar for the better part of two weeks and spend more than 18 hours in a car with me, trekking halfway across the country so that I can drag him up every mountain I’ve ever had the pleasure of traversing in my short 26 years. I traded my ruby slippers for an old, dirty pair of hiking boots this trip. This vacation was long overdue though, under normal circumstances, is an annual trip my family has affectionately termed Colorado bootcamp. Despite scrapes, bruises, blisters, a strained back and fantastically soar feet, my heart is perfectly light and happy having recently returned from treading both new and familiar paths to places like this. Here, caught between the clouds and the wildflowers is a little slice of heaven.