Red Rocks, Road Games & Rolling East

 

WanderWest Day 18: Golden, CO → Lawrence, KS
Red Rocks, Road Games & Rolling East


We kicked off Day 18 with a quick detour to one of the most iconic concert venues in the country—Red Rocks Amphitheater. This spot has been on my bucket list for years, and even though we weren’t there for a concert, just standing in that space was electric. We entered from the top and looked down at the sweeping rows of seats carved between massive red rock formations, all pointing toward the stage nestled below. It’s hard to describe how awe-inspiring the place feels—like music is somehow already in the air, even when it’s silent.

We weren’t alone. The amphitheatre was buzzing early with locals working out—yes, working out—running full sprints up those legendary steps like it was just another Tuesday. Maddie, naturally, couldn’t resist and sprinted a few herself. Even Liv and Maddie, who aren’t easily impressed these days, stopped to soak in the energy of the place. Being there in person only made me more determined to return someday for a live show under the stars.

With Red Rocks checked off the list, we loaded up the car and began the long haul east—576 miles through the changing landscapes of Colorado into the open stretches of Kansas. As Dan serenaded us with “amber waves of grain,” the girls kept busy with a mix of creativity and competition:

  • 🎯 Battleship tournaments — I’m proud to say I’m still undefeated!

  • 🧶 Maddie crocheted away on her projects and added more memories to her scrapbook.

  • 📚 Liv was deep into her book and absolutely dominated the word searches and crossword puzzles (clearly the puzzle queen of the car).

  • 🎁 Car prizes made a comeback today—my favorite was a brain teaser puzzle that kept us all guessing.




Somewhere along the way, I even squeezed in a job interview—yes, from the car. It wasn’t a huge deal, but the experience was peak 2025: cell signal, airpods, and me balancing professionalism while cruising down I-70. Gotta love what technology can do!

We pulled into Lawrence by evening, tired but content, ready for showers, real beds, and the final stretch of our road trip tomorrow.

📍Up next: St. Louis! We’re heading to the Gateway Arch to collect another National Park stamp, snap a few photos, and soak in the skyline before our journey winds down.

The end is near, but we’re not done yet!

📸🔗For all our pics from today, Click Here!

 

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