Last updated May 22nd, 2024
The Rocky Mountains were truly mesmerizing. We started our trip in high gear right from the beginning. Before our journey, Zac had said, “It’s going to be hard to surpass this experience.” I thought he was teasing me, much like when he asks, “Which country do you think is the second best?” Unsure about rankings, he might have been correct about the mountain experience. The vast and untouched natural landscapes, including fields, mountains, and deserts, were teeming with wildlife and exuded tranquility.
Packing for a Diverse Journey
After having packed our home in Malibu into boxes, we took off for the next two years. Feeling of immense joy and thrill of the unknown. First destination – Santa Fe, New Mexico, where our dear friends Sam and Elisa were getting married, and Zac was going to be the officiant. I must say packing for this trip was quite amusing. Truck got filled with camping gear, including gas tanks, tent, fridge, cooking utensils, and everything else you can or cannot imagine. Next to that, formal black-tie attire with various outfit options, just in case something went awry. Suggestion, in case you ever go on such a diverse trip – you might want to give extra attention to separating the things you will need for one and other occasion, this way avoiding going through things you don’t need in the moment you need them the least.
Santa Fe’s Enchanting Blend of Cultures
The wedding and Santa Fe itself turned out to be magical. The location at Bishops Lodge Hotel and the surroundings of New Mexico were mesmerising. Santa Fe’s rich history, with its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and European cultures, made it even more fascinating. Once there, make sure you hit at least one museum. Choice is was: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, New Mexico Museum of Art, New Mexico History Museum, and others. We highly recommend checking out Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, as it is the main representative of Native art and material culture and tells the stories of the people of the Southwest from pre-history through contemporary art.
Exploring Southwestern Culture in Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ. Having gone to college at ASU and countless golf trips, I’ve hit the popular spots in Phoenix and Scottsdale. I wanted to show Kami a bit more of the Southwestern culture that still exists amongst all the new building and modernisation.
We have close friends who live in the Paradise Valley area. Ryan and Ali were gracious hosts and tour guides during our visit. The main area we wanted to visit was Cave Creek, AZ. Although you still get a hint of Western in Old Town Scottsdale, it’s still the main flavour in Cave Creek.
If you want a Western experience in the Desert, the can’t miss spot on your next visit to Arizona is the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse. Make sure to go on either a Wednesday or a Friday to catch the live bull riding. That’s the main event. For a proper meal prior to the show, book a spot at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse. High quality food and great service!
Whether it’s a golf trip, Bachelor or Bachelorette Party, or a getaway weekend, a short visit to Cave Creek will really enhance the vibe.
Our other top spots in the Scottsdale Area are:
Berdena’s (Coffee)
Paradise Juice (Smoothies)
Belly (Dinner)
Next stop – Denver, CO
Denver’s Culinary Scene
A quick stop in Denver, just enough to visit old friends Billy and Katie and hit some of the best: restaurant Bamboo is a must once in town. This sustainable restaurant sources only highest quality fish from around the world and provides clientele with detailed information about it. Our heavy hitters of the night were Spicy Scallop and Miso Glazed Black Cod. Big thumbs up to Bamboo for sustainable practises they apply throughout their business!
Ice cream lovers this one is for you. Little Man is the place to be in Denver. I could make the full list of things that make this place amazing, but I’ll just mention a few: quality, mind blowing choice of flavours, super welcoming staff that will let you sample all the flavours before you make your choice. Zac’s favourite Space Junkie and Banana Pudding.
Authentic Wyoming Experience
On the way from Denver to Yellowstone National Park, CO, we aimed for too much and ended up splitting the trip in two. Bill Cody Ranch, just outside of Cody, WY, offered the kind of authentic roof over heads and experience we were seeking. If you appreciate true American breakfast and early morning horseback rides, you will be fitting in.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park. Founded in 1872, it is the first national park in the United States and in the world. 3,472 square miles and bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, Yellowstone National Park is unlike anything else. We recommend entering the park from the Northeast Entrance, as the road from Silver Gate to Roosevelt offers magnificent views. Chose to camp in one of the campsites within the park, service is great, every single campsite has it’s own fireplace and picnic area, restrooms very well kept and served with running water, and you can easily purchase firewood on the spot. Make sure you have bear spray, as it makes you sleep better at night. Good camera goes a long way too, as you will be spotting bison, elk, deer, antelopes and more…
Fly Fishing in Sun Valley
Fly fishing in Sun Valley, ID. An activity that I least expected to stick on me. Having seen my dad growing up fishing for hours and coming back home with no game, I thought this was going to be the longest three hours of my life. And yet! The active and fun way of fly fishing kept me going, and the reward of actually catching fish after fish was a coronation to it all. Go to Silver Creek Outfitters for your fishing licence, fishing gear and some of the best guides in Idaho.
Other places to check out in Idaho:
Maple Grove Hot Springs, Thatcher, ID
Stanley Baking Company, Stanley, ID
Mountain Biking in Utah
Once in Utah, you shall not miss Mountain biking. We arranged our bikes through the hotel, but there’s an abundance of choices to chose from. Chose your trail according to your level, don’t aim for too much. We went for trail Jenny, which was perfect for us. Public transport takes you and your bike up the mountain for free, and it will take you a couple of hours to go down the mountain, depending on the trail. Check the weather conditions.
What did we learn?
- Limit your drives to 6 hours. Heavy long stretches only get tiring and stressful. Nobody wants to be setting up a camp in the dark.
- Check your tent and sleeping gear for holes and imperfections before departure.
- Puffer jacket goes a long way.
- Bear spray works like a sleeping pill.
Check out our list of places to dine and shop at whilst travelling the Rockies: Where to Eat and Shop in The Rocky Mountains, USA
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