Colorado Called. And I Answered.

Adventures of a first solo hiking experience

The landscape of the Western side of the United States is a true melting pot of peaks, valleys, sand, and snow. Having grown up in California, I had a slight notion of what to expect traveling to Colorado. But nothing truly prepared me for its heartbreaking beauty.

Homebase: Denver

Accommodations: The Source Hotel

Rental Car: Yes

Best Eats: Claire’s Restaurant & Bar, Estes Park

Total Trip Duration: Five Days

The downfall of choosing Denver as my homebase was that if left me torn between hiking trails and savoring the city. Denver is one hip place. I opted to stay in the RiNo (River North Arts) District based on the suggestion of a local and long-time friend. In general, I tend to choose unique hotels in even more distinctive neighborhoods; attempting to mesh seamlessly with the locals at dive bars and native shops. The RiNo District is an eclectic hub pulsing with vibrant people, tastes, and sounds. My hotel, The Source, assumed grand space as this towering, abstract slab of concrete, which, from the outside, looked plain yet interesting enough to want to peek inside. Should you ever visit Denver, do yourself a favor: peek inside.

This stunning boutique hotel welcomes you with a travel-sized portion of fizzy cold beer, which is brewed on-site! The lobby is extraordinary and welcomes you into a space reminiscent of a small food hall, with various restaurant and retail vendors on the perimeter of a bright, open lounge. I was told to be sure to catch the sunset and a pizza on their rooftop, which did not disappoint, and was populated with a healthy mix of residents and out-of-towners.

The overall vibe of The Source is industrial, with unfinished thick concrete walls, exposed ceilings, and metal accents. It was love at first sight for me.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1: Colorado Springs

Park: Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods was the perfect start for a novice hiker. The trails are easily accessible and marked, making it a very family-friendly destination for natures wonders. Upon entering the park, I was greeted by a family of rams languidly crossing the street, giving careless thought to the automobiles infringing on their space. I knew that I was about to embark on something that felt both far outside of my comfort zone and incredibly comforting.

Trails: Siamese Twins Trail, Upper Loop, Chambers/Pretag/Palmer Trail, Ridge Trail

Siamese Twins was easily my favorite trail at Garden of the Gods. It is an easy, one-mile trek through soft red dirt and smooth rock that ends with two identical rock formations in perfect alignment. The towering Twins are incredible to see up close and personal; causing your mind to marvel at natures handiwork. Right at the midpoint of the Twins is a “window” that perfectly frames Pikes Peak in the distance. If lucky, you can catch this view when the peaks are still blanketed in snow, which creates a sharp contrast with the deep russet of the rocks.

Day 2: Boulder

Park: Chautauqua Park

Trails: Royal Arch, First and Second Flat Irons Loop

Royal Arch was a complete accident and one that my body paid for, but my heart will never forget. If you ever wonder how the college town of Boulder got its name, all you need to do is put on your hiking shoes and step outside. Be sure to pack your trekking poles as the jagged terrain can be prone to twisted ankles and jutting rocks.

Royal Arch remains one of the most challenging hikes to-date. I didn’t have poles, so parts of the trail required my rear to the ground or my body on all fours. Though not well marked, the trail is populated enough with plenty of friendly hikers that are happy to help with directions… or a helpful hand. Sharp inclines and steep drops require your full attention on this hike. Massive pieces of broken boulders serve as your path most of the way, with small moments of reprieve next to babbling brooks.

Royal Arch is a 3.5-mile, in and out trail that leads you to the most incredible natural stone arch formation. I hate to admit that I was completely clueless on this hike and had my breath taken away when I finally reached the peak of this trail. Like a rainbow turned to stone, the arch towers above you in an almost perfect half moon curve. And, if brave enough to climb through it, you catch the most amazing views of Boulder’s peaks, valleys, and pines.

Day 3: Estes Park

Park: Rocky Mountain National Park

Trails: Ypsilon Lake Trail, Glacier Gorge Trail, Chasm Lake (attempted)

Repeat after me: hiking poles and shoe spikes, hiking poles and shoe spikes, hiking poles and shoe spikes.

Oh, the lessons learned during your first hiking trip. I saved Rocky Mountain National Park for my final day because it was the furthest from my homebase and most challenging. I had read about the floating lakes at this majestic park; bodies of water situated in high altitudes and surrounded by mountain peaks. Chasm Lake was on the brain, even though I knew it was considered a highly challenging hike. And while I never did get the chance to see it, the attempted trek to the destination was unforgettable.

Estes Park is a charming town ideal for anyone that loves the outdoors. Nestled snugly in a valley, the city pulled me in immediately with the beauty of its surroundings and residents. Highly recommend if you have never been!

Back to these trails. Rocky Mountain National Park is HUGE. Upon entering, winding roads split and turn; offering periodic parking stations to set up camp and explore. Cell service is nonexistent so be sure to have alternatives handy. While this paired with the vastness of the park can be intimidating, there are plenty of helpful hikers and maps on these well-marked trails to alleviate anxiety.

I was so close to Chasm Lake. And I was fortunate enough to meet up with a fellow solo hiker, a young lady on her first solo hiking trip with an overprotective dad. We teamed up early on the trail and decided to join forces for the challenging trek. Though it was mid-May, snow tends to stick around in Colorado well into the summer season, especially at high altitude points. As we navigated our way through densely wooded areas, crossed over rushing waters, and enjoyed the occasional snack, the temperature steadily dropped.

I had done enough research ahead of time to pack smartly (so did my partner in crime) but had not the foresight to pack my poles or spikes. As we climbed the ever-growing steep incline of the trail, patches of snow soon became full blankets, starting ankle deep and quickly spreading to thigh-high. Fellow hikers coming in the opposite direction were donning everything from snowshoes to converse, which caused confusion on just how far we could go. We ventured on until the path was no longer visible; hidden by deep chilling snow.

Advice for any hiker, especially solo ones: If the hike takes a turn from exciting to uncertain, do not make that the moment to throw caution to the wind. Know your limits, respect the power of nature, and earmark the trail to be conquered another time.

While I did not reach Chasm Lake, the journey to as well as the other trails explored at Rocky Mountain National Park filled my soul.