Rocky Mountain National Park

Driving into Colorado was the first really exciting part of my journey. When I saw the mountains in the distance I started to feel elated. Although I was tired from the driving, the mountains made this trip a little more real. I had never driven through the mountains before and it was terrifying to say the least. There were steep grades, zigzag turns to climb up and down, and tunnels. By the time I made it to Kremmling, CO I was exhausted from the stress, but I did it. Luckily my site was a pull-through which made parking easy and I had lovely neighbors who invited me to their site for dinner. The next day I entered the park for the first time.

I had a timed entry permit + bear lake corridor pass and had to arrive at Bear Lake Road between 5-7AM (I woke up at 3AM to make it). I started at Bear Lake Trailhead and went towards Nymph Lake, followed the trail to Dream Lake, and ended at Emerald Lake (all before 8AM)! The hike up had significant elevation gain and I'd only been in the mountains for 1 day so I had to take it a little slow on the way up but once I was adjusted I felt great. I was grateful that I did not experience any symptoms of elevation sickness, I just moved a little slower at the beginning and listened to my body. After conquering the first 3 lakes I made my way to Lake Haiyaha where I experienced "rock scrambling" for the first time. Overall Dream Lake was my favorite. These 4 lake were all I had planned to do but on the way to Lake Haiyaha I met a few people who told me I'd be foolish not to venture on and hike to The Loch lake (they were right). On the way back from The Loch I saw Alberta Falls and ended the day by walking around Bear Lake.

Nymph Lake Dream Lake Emerald Lake

Lake Haiyaha Alberta Falls Happy Me

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My Stats

Length	Elevation gain	Average pace	Total time
9.7 miles	1,512 feet	30:38	6:38:54

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Some things I learned:

• Bring a 2nd pair of socks, walking into water and putting on dirty socks takes away the refreshing feeling of the water

• Yield to people going up, they have momentum and you don't want to stop them (an object in motion you know)

• When you are driving, do not look over the edge of the mountain, it's scary

• Pants that zip off Into shorts are awesome

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When I drove into the mountains my soul felt as if it were returning home. I felt my face break out into a smile and I couldn't shake the joy that took hold of me. As I hiked I regularly thought to myself "I can't believe this is my life" and "no way that's so cool" everywhere I looked was beautiful. I've never been in the Rocky Mountains but after experiencing it, I know I will be back. I couldn't believe all the incredible things I was seeing from just 1 day!

Throughout the day I felt extreme gratitude for my body. My legs are strong, they weren't always (due to injury) so this was momentus for me. My knees were stable allowing me to walk on shaky rocks and take big steps up and down. My heart regulated itself so I could finish the longest hike I'd ever attempted in altitudes I'd never experienced, and it made room for more love. Love of the land I was walking on, love for the eyes I have to see this beauty, and love for my body which carries me through life.

I spent about 1 month total at the park and this first day was just the beginning. I can't wait to share with you all the other incredible hikes I completed, the people I met, and the wildlife I saw.