Taking it Slow: Vail to Santa Fe on Highway 285

Two weeks ago, we went on a wild, wintry #FathomTakeover road trip with photographer and Instagrammer Adria Ellis. She started off at the 2015 FIS Alpine World Championships in Vail, Colorado, and drove down Highway 285 to Santa Fe, New Mexico. We loved the trip so much, we're bringing you a full recap along with a few bonus shots! 

COLORADO – There's nothing I love more than winter, snow, and a good road trip. I used to live in Crested Butte, Colorado, and have driven Highway 285 too many times to count. I always see new things and am taken by the beauty of the land: high desert, open plains, windy canyons, and Rocky Mountains. Seeing friends, discovering new places, and enjoying the freedom of driving speaks to me. I hope you enjoy the ride. Check out my Instagram feed to see where I'm headed next.

I had so much fun at the 2015 FIS Alpine World Championships! The snow was coming down and the fans were excited!

Luckily we had a few really nice days. I can’t say which I like more: sun or snow.

It's such a beautiful view from the Redtail Stadium in Beaver Creek. The events are free, so I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

I love these rolling fields with endless fences. It feels good to see this far.

There’s nothing like a beautiful winter sunset in the mountains. 

Lots of time spent in the car makes it necessary to get out in the snow! That’s Leah with the thumbs and Soleil with the beautiful eyes. 

If I had known about the Strawberry Park Hot Springs I would have made it to Steamboat much sooner. 

This old house is in Leadville, Colorado. It's the highest city in the United States, with an elevation of 10,152 feet.

With so many scenic side roads to choose from, a five-hour drive could have easily taken me eight.

I couldn't help but stop in some of the smaller towns that crossed my path. This is a back alley in Saguache. 

This valley is outside of Saguache. It’s always so picturesque. Great light and beautiful clouds. I love this drive.

I have done this drive so many times and eyeballed this drive-in so many times. On this day I actually stopped. Side adventures are my favorite part of a road trip.

Lucky me. I found a broken down bus. Tons of photo ops here.

In my book, this is a gold mine. Beautiful, collapsing, a little bit haunting, and entirely picturesque. 

Technically speaking this is in Antonita, Colorado, but there are signs of New Mexico. This shrine on the side of the road is open 24 hours a day.

This lovely mural is just outside Ojo Caliente. I didn't have time for a soak, but there are wonderful hot springs here. 

Coming home to a perfect New Mexico sunset.

As much as I like being on the road, waking up in my own bed and getting coffee from Iconik in Santa Fe is the nicest of all.