Crater Lakes Trail

What makes a Sunday Funday better than getting out there and going on a beautiful summer hike in Colorado! Renni and I have felt stuck exploring city life of Denver ever since we got back from our road trip in April, so we took a much needed drive out West last Sunday to take advantage of this amazing weather we've been having lately. When it's 90's in Denver, it's high 70's in the mountains, so we got up and set sail.

Normally whenever we want to go into the mountains we take I70, since it's a quick and direct route, but to get to this hike we were able to take a whole new drive out west which alone made my heart soar. Starting from the city, we took 6 to 93, which took us North and then went West on 72. Now, I'm sure to most these are just numbers to you.. but I love reading a map so I've included that to share with you all. The drive takes you passed rolling green hills of the front range of Golden and then proceeds out west just next to Nederland. Half of the fun in traveling to new places to hike and explore for me is simply the drive to get there. We crossed bridges of roaring rivers and streams, climbed up roads that gave of miraculous views of multiple 14ers just out of our reach and came around bends in the road that gave us a glimpse of the switchbacks we'd be tackling ourselves that day on foot. I always take in every single drive because to me, the road tells its own story. It's part of the journey, a big part. We also noticed a few places along the way in the sleepy little towns of Colorado that I can't wait to stop and explore next time we're passing through, including a restaurant that I'm dying to try called Last Stand Tavern which has a huge patio, live music and outstanding views of the hills and mountains that surround it.

The main roads finally come to an end as you take a right down a sleepy little dirt road that takes you deep down a valley to the trailhead. Though it's a dirt road, it's actually managed quite well so it's accessible for just about any vehicle. 7 miles and about 20 minutes down this dirt road, which I must say was a beautiful drive as you follow South Boulder Creek all the way there, we arrived at the trailhead. The parking lot was huge and the place was packed from what we could see, but we actually didn't pass too many people along the trail, so that was a lovely surprise. I'm all for everyone getting out and exploring, but on the contrary don't actually want to see a million people out on the trail (selfish I know, but trust that everyone else is thinking the same thing).

We downloaded the map on AllTrails, because in the description it was noted that the trail is hard to find at one point, so having the map was a good backup just incase we did get lost. Surprisingly enough, the trail was beautifully well groomed, well marked and just lovely all the way around. There were tons of creek crossings, which were accessible via hand made bridges so that no one has to worry about getting their feet wet and the happiest part about this trail for me was that it was flourishing with wildflowers! With the elevation gain almost 1,900 feet over a 7 mile stretch, I was ready for the steady climb. Unfortunately, nature has other plans. Most of the hike was a walk in the park with the last mile being most of the incline, so come prepared with proper footwear, plenty of water and maybe some snacks after you make it to the top. The incline is a bit challenging, but so rewarding once you reach the summit. I always have to keep telling myself on the way up as my legs are on fire that it only hurts for a second, but it doesn't last forever. The best part for me about lake summit hikes is that you can get a pretty good idea of when you've reached the top before you've even seen it as you'll see a parting of trees that opens up to a clearing of a beautiful crystal clear lake. We were blessed to have a portion of the lake by ourselves, which isn't always the case when you're hiking to a spot as beautiful as this and the best part is we only saw one whole mosquito while at the top!

Renni and I hungout for about 45 minutes, her swimming in the freezing water as I snacked on some mixed nuts that I brought along and watching the fish leap out of the water catching their dinner for the evening. The best part, in my opinion, about solo hiking is that when I reach the top a rush of clarity comes over me. As I sat there, smiling at the thought of the wildflowers I'd passed to get there, how my legs were burning just 15 minutes ago as I made my last trek to the top, how many times over the years I've wanted to stop and turn around when things got hard or I was running out of breath.. it's always so worth it and as I reflect on all that got me there that day and I say out loud that I'm so proud of myself, as anyone should be for completing a personal goal.

If you're interested in checking out this hike,

I've linked it below.

Go get your hike on friends!

Click Me To Start Hiking!

It's no secret that my mental health has been greatly affected the last month or so, and if you follow me along on my instagram, no matter how much I say that I hate posting my feelings, I've opened up to you all recently about the struggles I've been going through of the battle with myself inside my head. Getting away and taking solo trips like this, to me, helps build myself back up and reminds myself that I can do anything I put my mind to and that I am good enough, which is definitely something I haven't been feeling like lately. Mental health is something that we all should be aware of and something that some of us have to work on, just being happy, whereas others don't, and that's okay. Don't forget to take time for yourself to get outdoors and escape for a while. Trust in that something as small as a walk in the woods to a wonderful destination, or even a drive along a road that's beautiful and new is a small victory that should be celebrated as such and if you're struggling with your mental health, be sure to pat yourself on the back everyday - you're doing great, no matter what tricks your mind plays on you to convince you otherwise.