Family Fun Travel

The Crack of Dawn

July 22, 2014

  • shoes: nike (similar) | pants: c/o albion fit | tank: denver airport | hoodie: bp (on sale)
  • _________________


  • 3:00 am. Not exactly the way most people choose to start their Sunday. Threw on some clothes, packed breakfast, grabbed a few flashlights, and we were off! The car ride to the mountains consisted of ‘would you rather’ scenarios. You know, for instance, ‘… Would you rather fight off a rattlesnake or mountain lion, if given the choice?’ And then, in true Ryan fashion, we got lost trying to find the parking lot — somehow my brother’s childhood memories of the exact location saved the day (even in pitch black darkness). Only 10 minutes into the hike, we reached a crest that unfolded a twinkly view of the city — just the encouragement we needed to turn off the flashlights and hike by the light of the moon. There’s something so invigorating about hiking in silent air — simply enjoying the quiet and the good company around you. That is until your brother describes his current body temp as, ‘My sweatpants are getting spicy!’ and then all erupt in laughter that echoes down the mountain. At one point, I was rather antsy at the possibility of not making it to the top before sunrise. Naturally, with great gusto, I took the lead — rearing us right off the designated path. There was some skepticism by everyone else; but I reassured them, “Friends, don’t worry. Clearly most people don’t make it this far. That’s precisely why the path is less obvious.” And with that, there were no further questions … until, we ran right into a solid wall of boulders! ha! After backtracking a bit, we managed to find our way back to the path. Huffing and puffing and making predictions about which body part was going to be the most sore the following morning — we kicked it into high gear for the rest of the way! We reached the very top just as a sliver of sun peeked above the horizon. You know what? It’s the first time I’ve literally seen the crack of dawn. And it’s something else. Something I’ll always remember.

 

  • Michelle July 22, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Stunning pictures! Early morning is my favorite part of the day 🙂 Looks like an amazing way to start a Sunday!

  • Kim July 22, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    Such a great experience. Will you shar our outfit deets? Loving that blue shirt! Thank you

  • Steph July 22, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    What a beautiful little adventure 🙂 Thanks for posting! PS–where did you get your fun grey sweatshirt??

  • arielle July 22, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    this is such a great idea! I am definitely going to plan a 3.00 am hike..maybe I’ll make it a little later. your photographs are gorgeous, as always, and those parfaits look delicious!

    love, arielle
    a simple elegance

  • lauren July 22, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    Such beautiful pictures! and who looks that great at 3am???

  • Kim July 22, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    Thanks Missy! I will be in Denver tomorrow. Looks like I have some airport shopping to do. 😉

    • missy July 22, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      Look for a kiosk cart… I want to say it’s next to McDonalds and a little Mexican food place (terminal B? US Airways main terminal). Good luck and happy travels!!

    • Kim July 24, 2014 at 2:45 am

      Thank you! I found it. Did you get the women’s or unisex? Loved the rain and cooler temps this afternoon! Such a nice change from months of triple digit heat for this girl!!! Xo

  • Ally L July 23, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Sometimes I can’t believe we live right by each other. Your pictures make No Co seem like the most beautiful olive on earth! Could you share what that hiking trail is called please?

    • J July 25, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      Looks like the hike up Horsetooth Rock in Fort Collins to me!

  • Stephanie July 23, 2014 at 4:06 pm

    Looks gorgeous! I live in Denver and I’ve been looking for some good hikes! What trail is this?

  • Ashley July 24, 2014 at 1:07 am

    What beautiful pictures! This photos make me miss Colorado so badly. My husband and I moved away from the Denver area to Florida a few years ago. We desperately want to get back there. We miss those mountains… and the views… aaaah. I would get up that early to witness the ‘crack of dawn’ from a mountaintop. 🙂

    I hope you’re getting settled in your new ‘home’. Moving can be hard!

  • Raspberry Scones July 24, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    […] big bowl of yogurt topped with fresh fruit is our typical summer breakfast. But for THIS hike; we needed something a little extra special. Confession: it was my first attempt at baking […]

  • Ashleigh July 25, 2014 at 1:36 am

    How beautiful!!! I do have to ask, were you terrified of running into a ferocious animal? I think someone would have to piggy-back me up. Haha!!