Why We Love Colorado: An Autumn Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

There are many reasons people love to visit, go to school in, and generally spend time in Colorado. Let me share a few from this past weekend, a warm and sunny Saturday in Colorado.

Autumn days often begin with a vividly blue sky and a brisk (but not cold) morning. I left Denver about 7.15 a.m. and by 9 a.m. I was hiking in one of America's great national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), which is located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) northwest of Denver. The east-side entrance to the park is through the small town of Estes Park.

In the summer, Estes Park is teaming with tourists. But by September, the town has returned to its quieter side. In fact, from September through May the town and the RMNP for that matter are the playground for the "locals."

I had not been to the park in a year or so, but Saturday reminded me of why it is one of my favorite spots in the world. I hiked on the South Moraine Park Trail from the Bear Lake Road to Cub Lake, a distance of about 8 miles (13 kilometers). Along the way I met many people all out for a day of hiking and fun.
In the autumn in Colorado (and the Rocky Mountains for that matter), the Aspen trees turn a rich gold in color. Some even have a hint of red in their leaves. In addition, the elk are everywhere, as you will note in one of the pictures accompanying this posting. There is no hunting in the park, and thus the number of elk has increased over time (or so it seems to me).

After four hours of hiking -- and taking many pictures along the way -- I was ready to head home. These are the kinds of days that make it clear what a magical place Colorado is. Add to that the many talented, diverse, and entrepreneurial people one comes across in the state and you can see why this is a favorite place for many to live. There is also the link between Colorado, natural resources development, and environmental protection that attracts many to live here. And it is worth noting that RMNP is merely one of hundreds of places one might go hiking and exploring. I have never met a person who visited this wonderful state and loved the outdoors who was disappointed with what they found here.

Colorado -- the lifestyle, the people, the scenery, the experience -- is all part of what our community enjoys. It is part of America's great west, and yet it is a region that is firmly committed to looking at the future and addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with development and environmental protection.

However, in the spirit of full disclosure I should note that after the wonderful weekend we enjoyed, the weather turned cold and snowy beginning on Monday. While it has not snowed in Denver, it has snowed in the mountains. But that is what makes this state so fun. One day it's sunny and warm. The next day it can be snowing and cold. But the mountains, the creeks, the hiking paths, the bike trails, and (in the winter) the ski resorts do not change regardless of the weather.

Colorado is what we call home, but it is also a launching pad for those who want to explore the world. Just ask our graduates.

And by the way, check out this link to a web cam focused on Long's Peak in the south part RMNP.