Hiking to Dream Lake: The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip from Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park — what a day trip!

I hiked to the aptly-named Dream Lake from Bear Lake Road, and it did not disappoint. Crystal clear water, and the kind of view that makes you stop mid-conversation.

If you're ever in the Denver area, I highly recommend this one. It's a pretty easy/moderate hike, so it works whether you're an experienced hiker or just want a solid payoff without a brutal climb.

Tip: book your timed entry for Bear Lake Road in advance when you're planning your trip — spots fill up.

📍 Dream Lake, Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park

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How I Cured my FOMO

I moved back to Colorado last year and made a huge life change — leaving Seattle, stepping away from a TV career I'd built for years, and figuring out what came next.

I kept getting stuck on the same question: should I stay in Seattle? Move back to LA? Chicago? Keep doing TV, or pivot to something else entirely?

My friend Tory said something that stuck with me — instead of asking "what am I giving up?" ask, "but what did I get instead?"

For me, that was: weekend hangs with my mom. Living down the street from my brother. Being 20 minutes from my best friend since I was 12. The freedom to work with brands I was restricted from in news. A calmer nervous system. Lower cost of living (not that low, let's be real). Year-round sunshine. And so much more.

If you're in your own in-between right now, try asking yourself that question and see how it shifts things.

What did YOU get instead? I'd genuinely love to hear it — drop it in the comments on the original post or send me a message.

Looking to book a Denver-based host, emcee, or content creator for your event or brand? Reach out: carlyfeatures@gmail.com

Garden of the Gods Feels like a Mini National Park!

Garden of the Gods feels like a mini national park — and the wild part is it's completely free to visit, right in Colorado Springs.

I couldn't resist doing this one with my dog Waffles. Something about those red rock formations made him smile so big during this silly, joyful video.

This spot is unreal for photos- the sandstone formations tower right over the trails and there's barely any elevation gain, so it's an easy one even if your pup (or you) aren't up for a big hike.

📍 Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Follow along for more Colorado adventures- with and without Waffles: @carlyhenderson_

Looking to book a Denver-based host, emcee, or content creator for your event or brand? Reach out: carlyfeatures@gmail.com

Goldens in Golden 2026: Visit the Colorado Town with Thousands of Golden Retrievers!

Denver content creator Carly Henderson stands in front of the "Welcome to Golden" sign at the Goldens in Golden event in 2026.

Ever wondered what it would be like if thousands of golden retrievers took over your town? 

I went to “Goldens in Golden” - the yearly event filled with silliness, dogs in costumes, and so much joy!

Send this to someone who would love being in a sea of golden retrievers + save this for next year!

📍 Golden, Colorado

Follow me for more fun things to do in Denver and around Colorado! @carlyhenderson_