Get out of Town
This summer, I traveled to Estes Park, Colorado. Hiking in the Rocky Mountains has always been a long-time dream of mine, and my trip there was delayed multiple times because of Covid. It had been a crammed summer full of work and taking online classes, so August was the perfect time to pack up my bags and get out of town before returning to Madison. And when I tell you that nothing could compare to the beauty of this trip, I truly mean it.
First, we trekked the Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake trail. This is a classic hike that families of all ages like to conquer because the ferocity of the trails are easier to take on and the views are incomparable. I am not going to lie, the constant upward steepness of the hike combined with the altitude took a toll on me, and I found myself whipping out my inhaler a few times. But the feeling of accomplishment when I reached Emerald Lake, the end of the hike, made it completely worth it. The lake was crystal clear with mountains casting god-like shadows on top of it.Β
Next, we headed out to Mills Lake, which turned out to be my favorite hike. I recommend this experience for everyone because this trail is a little less popular and you get to be more isolated with nature. Also, this hike passes by Alberta Falls, a huge waterfall that sends steam up into the air and rushes by you as you hike. There was something so completely calming about reaching Mills Lake without a single other person around. It was just me, my family and the mountains. The lake was untouched and could be mistaken for glass. You are so deep into the national park that there is not a single sound of human activity. You can only hear the wind and the animals and your breath.
Lastly was the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, which is a tourist attraction that is typical but unskippable. Now, many people know this hotel because it served as the inspiration for Stephen King for his book The Shining. King stayed in this hotel once and based his novel on it. As I am a true scary movie fan, I could not help but pay the hotel a visit. It has a makeshift hedge garden and even has a βredrumβ drink that you can try on the menu. I am a history buff at my core, and it was so fascinating to see all the history surrounding the hotel and all the conspiracies behind it.
All in all, Colorado is a must-visit place. If you need a break from reality, a breath of fresh air and some entertainment along the way, I recommend Estes Park to you. There is nothing like overpowering mountains to really put life in perspective and make you realize how small you are compared to the world. It can show you how big this life is, and how beautiful it is to be here, now.