Another Solo Mountain Escape

This summer has been incredibly busy for me, with moving apartments and working, leaving little time for my favorite activity: long hikes in the mountains. A few weeks ago, I realized I wasn't prioritizing my happiness or my love for hiking, so I made sure to set aside my next day off for an adventure.

This morning, I hiked to Grays Lake, located in White River National Forest, about 30 minutes from the Arapahoe Basin ski area. As usual, my journey required an early start, waking up at 4 am to make the two-hour drive to the mountains.

I got up at precisely 4 am, gathered my Osprey backpack and trail snacks, and hit the road by 4:30, with Stephen Dawes playing in the background to keep me awake until the sun rose. The drive was familiar, one I had done before during ski trips in the winter. As always, the drive was breathtaking, and I was in desperate need of this refreshing experience.

As I drove up Loveland Pass, the sun began to peek over the mountains, illuminating the sky. I rolled down the windows and let the brisk 45-degree air hit me as I drove.

I finally reached the bumpy dirt road leading to the trailhead. Although it was only four miles, it took almost an hour due to the potholes and large rocks along the way. Once at the trailhead, I quickly realized I was alone on this hike. Deep in the mountains, all I could hear were the birds around me and the water flowing beneath me.

I began the hike and soon realized this was one of the prettiest hikes I had ever done in Colorado. The sun was just beginning to peek over the mountain tops, slowly lighting the trail. As I walked, I stood in awe of the gigantic mountains before me. I felt so small in this moment, standing alone and encompassed by these massive rock landscapes. It made me realize how small we are as humans and how life shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

The hike up to the lake was a straight incline the entire way. Everywhere I looked, I saw flowing ice-blue water running down the rocks, green pine trees, and lush grass covering the ground beneath the mountains. I was speechless the whole way. As I reached flatter ground closer to the lake, I found myself on a peak overlooking a meadow below. Despite being high up, I still felt small compared to these beautiful, towering mountains. The sun warmed my face, a welcome relief from the chilly weather.

Surrounded by countless wildflowers—purples, pinks, blues, whites, yellows, and oranges among the green grass—I got down at eye level to admire their colors against the backdrop of the mountains and blue sky. It looked as if someone had painted this into my vision.

After more trekking, I finally reached the lake, a stunning aqua-blue color flowing next to the green grass and grey towering rocks. I sat there for a while, the only person on top of this mountain, just me and the breeze. It was peaceful.

On my descent, I tried to take in as much as I could, knowing I would try to return soon. I was privileged to see two giant moose by the water. It was so still around them, not a noise for miles. I watched them for a bit, then let them be.

This hike pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'm used to hiking alone, but being the only person deep in this canyon of mountains was different. Initially unsettling, I quickly realized it was a blessing.

Practical Information:

Parking: Park at Argentine Trailhead, then head left to the abandoned mine and follow the trail.

Difficulty: This hike is quite challenging, featuring nearly 1,200 feet of elevation gain and a steady incline the entire way up.