It’s easy to get caught up in your life in the city, filled with work and social events. Still, it’s nourishing for your mind, body, and soul to have moments in which you feel connected to nature.
Even if you live in Colorado — a state with countless miles of gorgeous natural landscapes — it can be difficult to pencil in a trip outside the city. However, as soon as you step outside of the hustle and bustle to breathe in the fresh air and take advantage of the restorative outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, you are sure to feel renewed.
Hiking is a wonderful way to use your body and walk deeper into the beautiful landscapes that surround you. All you need is a high-quality pair of shoes, some water, and sun protection, and you are ready to immerse yourself in the countless trails around Vail that showcase Colorado’s scenery.
If you are looking for a lengthy hike that stretches across flat terrain, the Lost Lake Trail is for you. Despite its length, this hike is appropriate for any skill level of hiker, and the views at the end are sure to impress beginners and seasoned pros alike.
It is an out-and-back trail that takes you along meadows and forested areas, leading you to Lost Lake, which sits below the mountaintops. On a clear day, you can even see the reflection of the mountains in the water, making for a picture-perfect moment.
Rather than observing the mountain from a distance, the Upper Piney River Falls Trail will nestle you right between the peaks. Due to the changing elevation, this hike is moderately difficult but still doable for anyone with a few hikes under their belt.
Breathe in the fresh air and admire the magnificent conifer forest as you ascend to a lookout point over a valley and reconnect with the earth below you.
The most difficult hike on our list, the Berrypicker Trail is a 7.9-mile out-and-back hike that offers unparalleled views. There is an intense incline as you make your way up the hiking trail, but the sights around you will make you feel as if you’re on top of the world.
Passing by 100-foot tall trees, wildflowers, and wildlife, you are guaranteed to leave this hike feeling refreshed and connected to nature.
If you would like to enjoy the unique views of this trail but aren’t equipped for a strenuous hike, you have the option to take a gondola ride to the top of the trail and walk or take the gondola back down.
An easy way to incorporate nature into your daily life is to adopt a seasonal diet. Without taking into consideration what foods are in season, you may find that your meals are not of the high quality you prefer.
Taking time to understand which foods are in season and readily available will not only make your meals taste better, but it will align your diet and body with the cycles of fresh produce.
Be sure to load up your grocery cart with plenty of berries, peppers, green beans, and cucumbers in the summertime and leave the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, squashes, and potatoes for the wintertime.
It might seem difficult to plant your own garden if you are living in a city. Apartments rarely offer green space for tenants, and the hassle of buying, planting, and taking care of flowers might seem like too much to fit into your busy schedule. However, whether you have outdoor space or not, your mind and soul will feel connected to nature if you have a few pots of plants to take care of.
If you have a balcony, consider planting a pot of two full of flowers in the summertime. The experts at the greenhouses will help you decide which plants are best based on the amount of light you get, and bright-colored flowers will add so much life and happiness to your space. If you don’t have any outdoor space, consider getting indoor plants, such as succulents or snake plants.
Taking care of your flowers will give you time every single day to center your thoughts, take care of something outside of yourself, and spend time in nature.
There is no better way to start your day than to watch the sunrise, and there is no better way to end your day than to watch the sunset. Watching the golden light bounce off the landscapes around you will make you feel grateful for another day and will give you a new perspective on your daily surroundings.
If you can make it outside the city to a more open space, your experience will only be enhanced as you watch the light from the sunrise slowly illuminate everything around you or admire the millions of stars that start to shine in the sky as the sun sets.
Fishing might seem like the kind of activity that is reserved for people who spend most of their time outdoors, but it can be a peaceful and fantastic experience for anyone, regardless of your fishing experience.
As many of us know, Vail is one of the most popular hotspots in the country for fly fishing because its many rivers have a strong current and stay cool throughout the year.
Fly fishing is a lovely way to feel peacefully nestled in nature. As you step into the water and cast your line, you will have a moment to look up and appreciate the trees and mountains that tower over you.
It’s no secret that meditation does wonders for the mind, body, and soul. If you are usually trying to sneak in 15 minutes of breathing exercises before or after work, we encourage you to take your meditative practices outdoors to truly let your body relax.
Breathing in the fresh air and being surrounded solely by the sounds of wind through leaves, chirping birds, or rushing water will speed up the process of quieting your mind. Additionally, meditation is bettered by gratitude practices, and it will be easy to come up with a list of things you are grateful for when surrounded by nature.
At Collective Retreats, we never want you to have to choose between luxurious accommodations and feeling immersed in nature.
Just outside of Vail, we offer an expansive ranch with a selection of high-end accommodations to stay in. Our most popular option, the Summit Tent, will take everything you know about outdoor living and revitalize it for a holistic luxury experience sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
Rather than sleeping in a sleeping bag, you will have the chance to rest on a king bed dressed with 1500 thread-count linens and plug your phone charger into an outlet right next to your bed for the night. Rather than washing off in a stream, you can take a hot shower in your en suite bathroom and get ready at the vanity set.
Taking the hassle out of trying to find the best trail or stream, Collective Retreats guests can book directly with our concierge, who will plan hiking, fly fishing, or meditation excursions for you.
You will also have the opportunity to explore the ranch on horseback or take an exhilarating whitewater rafting excursion to experience Colorado’s beauty in a thrilling new way. Regardless of what you choose, each activity is designed to bring you closer to nature and let your mind and body unwind.
Bring more peace and joy into your life by intentionally reconnecting with nature. Whether it’s walking through grass barefoot or going on an all-day hike, anything you do to incorporate nature into your life will be beneficial to your overall wellness.
For the perfect outdoor weekend getaway that won’t make you give up the everyday luxuries you are accustomed to, be sure to book a trip with Collective Retreats.
Sources:
White River National Forest – Upper Piney #1885 | USDA
the importance of eating seasonally | Seasonal Food Guide
Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress | Mayo Clinic
The Conservatory Collective
