❄️ From Snowy Colorado to Sunny Arizona: Our Winter Road Trip Adventure Begins 🌵☀️

February 2, 2024

After spending the holidays in snowy Colorado with family, it was time to chase warmer weather and thaw out our frozen toes. The bitter cold had truly settled in — the kind that makes your bones ache and your fingers numb. We knew it was time to pack up Miss Kitty, our toy hauler, and begin our winter road trip adventure from Colorado to Arizona 🚐.

👋 Hi, I’m Paula, and my husband Mark and I call Colorado home — but for about half the year, we hit the road as part-time RV travelers. This winter’s destination? The Sonoran Desert in Arizona, one of the best snowbird destinations in the Southwest. Buckle up — we’re taking you through Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, with stops full of scenery, history, and charm.

🏠 Why We Travel Part-Time: Balance Between Roots and Road

While full-time RV life has its appeal, we’ve discovered that part-time RV living gives us the best of both worlds. It lets us explore freely while returning to the comfort of a traditional home. Our home base in Colorado offers the joys of a hot shower, a dishwasher, and a cozy bed 🛁🧺🛏️ — perfect for recharging between trips.

Staying connected to our kids and grandkids is a big reason we don’t travel full-time. And with everything packed into Miss Kitty, our 21-foot toy hauler, we’re always ready for the road. This season, we’ve got our side-by-side and inflatable kayaks — perfect for the adventures we’ve planned in Arizona’s state parks and desert lakes.

🏔️ Leaving Colorado in Winter: A White-Knuckle Start

Starting a winter road trip through Colorado isn’t for the faint of heart. Snowy mountain passes had me gripping the dashboard while Mark, a professional CDL driver, handled the curves with ease 🛻❄️.

We delayed our departure by a day to let the snowplows do their job. The payoff? A stunning winter drive through Telluride and Rico, where we passed frozen waterfalls, snow-laden trees, and views that reminded us why Colorado travel is so special — even in subzero temps.

🌶️ Exploring New Mexico: Culture, Cuisine & Open Roads

Crossing into New Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment, felt like we had entered an entirely new world. Vast high desert plains stretched before us, dotted with red rock formations and the timeless presence of Native American pueblos.

One of our favorite detours was stopping for a green chili burger, a regional must-try that defines New Mexico cuisine 🌶️🍔. Spicy, flavorful, and comforting after a long day on the road. This quick bite alone is reason enough to make New Mexico a road trip destination.

🌵 Hello, Arizona: Saguaro Cactus & Canyon Views

As we crossed into Arizona, the Grand Canyon State welcomed us with towering saguaro cacti and clear blue skies. This is the only place on earth where these giant symbols of the American Southwest grow, and spotting the first one always feels like arriving 🏜️.

We entered via the dramatic Salt River Canyon drive — a winding, scenic route with sheer cliffs and unforgettable views. If you’re planning an Arizona road trip, this stretch is an absolute highlight. From copper mines to cactus forests, the Sonoran Desert has a vibe all its own.

💼 Working While Wandering: Tiny Living, Big Freedom

One of the biggest perks of our lifestyle is flexibility. Mark still works as a CDL driver and can take time off as needed. This lets us plan seasonal RV travel without financial pressure — a sweet spot for many considering part-time RV living.

We sold our big family home and downsized our house. Our toy hauler is small but mighty, packed with everything we need and nothing we don’t. Living small, traveling far — that’s our motto.

🐾 Honoring Sadie: Our Four-Legged Explorer

This winter road trip was missing someone special — our beloved dog Sadie 🐾. We lost her just after the holidays, and the journey feels a little quieter without her. She was our camouflage-coated co-pilot, having traveled through 16 states by our side.

From the beaches in Florida to canyon hikes in Utah and the mountains in Colorado, she explored it all. If you’re traveling with pets, cherish the memories — they make the road feel like home.

⛏️ Discovering Globe, Arizona: Mining Town with Charm

One unexpected gem on this journey was Globe, Arizona — a historic mining town with quiet streets and rich heritage. We stayed at a campground just outside of town and were grateful for a helpful host who helped us thaw a frozen water spigot (RV life, right? 😅).

We loved walking around the historic downtown, grabbing breakfast at a local diner, and soaking up the town’s Old West atmosphere. If you enjoy exploring small towns in Arizona, Globe is a must-visit. We'll return someday to do it justice.

🌞 The Sonoran Desert: Where the Real Adventure Begins

At last, we descended into the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The sight of saguaros against a golden sunset meant one thing: we had arrived. For us, snowbird RV travel isn’t about parking in one spot all winter — it’s about movement, exploration, and discovery.

We’re planning to visit ghost towns, Arizona’s hidden gems, desert lakes, and state parks across the state — and we’ll bring you along for the ride.

🎥 Coming Soon: Our 15-Part Arizona Travel Series

This journey is just beginning! We’re launching a 15-part Arizona travel series highlighting:

• 🏜️ Desert landscapes and hikes

• 🏚️ Ghost towns and mining history

• 🛶 Outdoor adventures with kayaks and UTVs

• 🗿 Native American heritage and cultural sites

• 🌄 RV-friendly routes and camping tips

👉 If you love RV travel, desert road trips, or just exploring the Southwest, hit that subscribe button and follow along!

🧭 Final Thoughts

Traveling through Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona this winter reminded us of everything we love about this life: the changing scenery, the balance between work and play, and the freedom that comes from living simply.

Downsizing, working remotely, and embracing the road — all while remembering Sadie — makes every mile matter. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or just dreaming, we hope our journey inspires your own.