My First Colorado Hike

Lake on Ute Trail

I can still vividly recall my first solo hike in Colorado, like it was yesterday. It wasn't just about exploring the stunning landscapes but also my initiation into the hiking scene in my new state.

I kicked off this adventure on a warm July morning. With the sun breaking through, I hit the road, heading for Rocky Mountain National Park. Picture this – Foothills Highway, the rising sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, and the soothing beats of "Cry" by Cigarettes After Sex playing in the background.

For breakfast, I packed my usual overnight oats in a makeshift Tupperware container. Nostalgic, considering I used to whip these up every morning back home. Gear-wise, I rocked my trusty North Face backpack from my college days. Budget-friendly, given my recent move.

As I hit the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park around 6:52 am, the sight of those majestic mountains had me pulling over every few minutes for impromptu photo sessions. The drive to the trailhead was nothing short of breathtaking, unveiling the grandeur of the mountains with each mile.

Equipped with essentials, I set out on a modest 4.5-mile hike, taking it slow to acclimate to the altitude. Opting for a Monday was a smart move; perfect conditions and zero crowd – just the way I like it. The sound of my own footsteps, the rustling leaves, and the occasional breeze – that's my favorite kind of hiking.

In front of me was a clear straight pathway, basically leading me to these giant mountains. I began to walk along the gravel trail and, of course, had to stop every now and then to take pictures. The clouds hadn’t rolled into the sky yet. They were sitting close to the ground, creating a once-in-a-lifetime sight. The sun was hitting the clouds perfectly, casting shadows over the valley. I felt like I was in a dream. I mean, come on, this was my first big girl hike alone; I was drooling over this.

As I strolled along the trail, nature unveiled its wonders. Prairie dogs going about their business, a secluded pond in the middle of the forest – it felt like stumbling upon a hidden oasis. The trees created this enchanting tunnel effect as I walked further into the trail, momentarily hiding the mountains from view. But when the trees opened up again, revealing a glimpse of those towering peaks – surreal.

Eating some good breakfast over the peak

The trail turned out to be longer than expected, prompting a retreat to my favorite pond spot to munch on my oats. Sitting there, alone with my thoughts, in the middle of one of the most beautiful national parks – it was a moment of reflection.

The drive back home was the perfect encore to the day – winding roads, windows down, music blasting. It was a bit sad that the day had come to an end, but the realization hit me – I live here now, and this incredible scenery is practically in my backyard.

This solo hike wasn't just about the physical journey; it was a mind-reset. No cell service, no distractions – just me, nature, and the clarity that comes with it. It was a game-changer, pushing me to embrace solo hikes more often and explore the stunning landscapes of Colorado.