Coast to Country

Our Colorado road trip has been one big classroom on wheels, and Durango gave us the perfect mix of fun, fresh air, and hands-on learning.

Vallecito Lake

We started the day at Vallecito Lake, about 18 miles northeast of town. The lake sits at 8,000 feet in the San Juan National Forest, surrounded by tall pines and mountain peaks.

Walking the shoreline was peaceful, and we were instantly busy searching for the perfect rocks to bring home for our rock tumbler project. It turned into a mini geology lesson as we talked about how rocks are shaped and smoothed by water over time. Skipping stones also turned into a fun experiment in angles, speed, and physics. We even saw a tiny snake slithering through the rocks!

James Ranch

For lunch, we stopped at James Ranch, just north of Durango, and discovered that it’s so much more than a place to eat, it’s a living example of regenerative farming. Over grass-fed burgers and farm-fresh veggies, we talked about how the ranch raises animals, produces artisan cheese, and grows food in ways that protect the soil and water.

We got to see firsthand how farming connects to the food on their plates, making it a real-life science and sustainability lesson. We even got to meet animals and see the living ecosystem of a farm in action.

What’s Next…

With our rocks safely tucked away for tumbling and bellies full from the farm-to-table feast, we’re gearing up for the next big adventure: the Alpine Loop. This off-road trail will take us high into the mountains, across old mining towns, and eventually to the beautiful town of Ouray. That story is coming next!