nature Archives - crunchy kat explores

colorado weekend: exploring the san juan mountains

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blue lakes hike Colorado views san juan mountains

2020 was somehow the longest, yet also the shortest year right?! Somehow it’s already 2021, and March (when the US went into lockdown) is just a month away. Covid has really put a damper on travel plans over the past year. Realistically speaking, I’m not sure when I will be going on a traditional vacation again (hopefully by the end of this year???). I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m still holding off on planning a typical vacation for this summer (I’m talking, flying, hotels, not a thought in the world about being around other people, etc). But what do I feel comfortable doing? Road trips.

Lucky for me, I live in the beautiful state of Colorado. That means no shortage of cute mountain towns to visit (safely). Telluride and Ouray have been on my list since I moved here, so I took a long weekend and headed to explore the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado!

Europe, Greece

five day road trip: crete, greece

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Greece has been on my travel list since 2005 – hello Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! Quite a few places made their way above Greece over the years, BUT, thanks to one of my close friends from college getting married in Santorini, I was finallyyy able to cross it off the list. And we all know, if you’re flying across the world to go to a Greek Island, you don’t just go to ONE Greek Island. So with input from friends and the internet world, I settled on the island of Crete.

Not only does Crete have pretty perfect weather year-round, but it has something for everyone. History? Duh. Outdoor adventures? Of course. Beaches? Yupppp.

Need help planning your road trip across Crete? I got you.

Colorado, Mountains, United States

hiking from aspen to crested butte

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distance: 10.75 miles (one way) | elevation: 3,265’ (9,572’ starting) | difficulty: strenuous

Spoiler alert: this is one of my most favorite hikes I’ve ever done!

One of those Colorado bucket list hikes? Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte. The hike between the two may only be 11 miles, but driving between the two? Over 100 miles! If you time it properly, you’ll also be treated to the fields of wildflowers in Crested Butte. (The town may not get the recognition that the California superbloom got, but I have to say, I think it’s even prettier!). But wildflowers aren’t the only things that makes this hike so great. From start to finish, this hike is gorgeous.

Colombia, South America

one day in tayrona national park

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tayrona national park cabo san juan view

Tayrona National Park may be the most recognizable spot in Colombia. Those turquoise blue waters, tall coconut palm trees. I mean, it has even popped up on my login screen on my work computer! However, look at any photos of this place and it is easy to see why it’s on the top of everyone’s to visit place in Colombia.

While most people opt to spend at least one night inside the park, I think one day in Tayrona National Park is perfect. Forgo the expensive hammocks or tents (for real, it is not cheap) and enjoy seeing the best parts of the park in just one day!