Adjustment seems to be the name of the game this year for all of us. And as we look toward the back half of a summer that has had us avoiding beaches, large gatherings, and continues to operate on the phrase “safer at home,” many are wondering how to get away at all. If your household is feeling more than just a little stir crazy, here are some of our favorite social-distancing-friendly destinations to enjoy the great outdoors without putting yourself or your family at unnecessary risk.
National Parks
Many national and state parks are limiting the number of people allowed to enter the park per day. This means it’s safer than ever to go enjoy the natural beauty that is so abundant in Colorado. Just make sure you plan ahead! Because of the capacity limits, many parks are requiring reservations to be made ahead of time (Rocky Mountain National Park is included on that list!). Because re-entry is often not allowed, make sure you pack everything you’ll need for the day.
State Parks
Like national parks, many state parks are doing everything they can to ensure safe social distancing while still allowing their parks, trails, and beautiful vistas to be open to the public. You may face some of our quickly-becoming-normal regulations like requiring face coverings whenever you’re around others or even a quick temperature check before you are admitted, but as long as the family is healthy, you should have no trouble getting some fresh air in those lungs and remembering that hey, the world outside your house really does still exist.
Wide Trails
If you’re sticking closer to home and don’t want to travel to outdoor areas with regulated entrance points, just make sure you stick to wider trails and bring your face covering along. You won’t have the added benefit of knowing there are restrictions and guidelines in place to help make your outdoor adventure safer on a local trail, so it’s up to everyone to do their part to keep the community safe and healthy. Sticking to a wider trail makes it easier to practice safe social distancing.
Backyard
And if all else fails, you or your family members/roommates are high risk, or you feel more comfortable adhering strictly to those “safer at home” guidelines, there’s always your own backyard. You can still soak up some rays, enjoy the fresh air, and hear something other than the sound of your own air conditioning kicking in every 30 minutes or so. Not sure how to make the most of your backyard adventures? Try starting a garden, creating a perfect BBQ spot, or getting some blankets and pillows to make the perfect reading retreat. Make your backyard your own personal oasis, because why the heck not?
Getting out and traveling feels like such a strange thing to be doing in these times, but if you’re smart, safe, low-risk, and healthy, there’s no reason you can’t have at least a small slice of that magnificent summer you were planning. Just don’t forget to make sure your vehicle is as ready for the trip as you are before you head out! And, if you happen to get into an accident and need collision repair, we have your back. Call 303-344-2212 or schedule a free estimate.
