Tyler had been itching for a real escape. City life was loud, fast, and draining, and the Wind River Range in Wyoming had been calling his name for months. With rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and endless trails, it promised a mix of adventure and peace—exactly what he needed.

The Great Sand Dunes have been holding it down for centuries. Native American tribes like the Ute and Comanche considered this place sacred, using the valley for ceremonies, hunting, and gathering. Archaeological evidence backs it up—this spot has serious cultural and spiritual clout. Later on, European settlers arrived, and some of their old homesteads still stand near the park entrance, giving a glimpse into the region’s more recent past.

Lucas spent most of his life grinding through work, family stuff and the daily hustle—but there was always one thing on his brain: Mesa Verde. The cliff dwellings had been on his bucket list forever. He kept telling himself, “Someday, I’ll make it there.” Then life threw him a curveball.