Omayra Acevedo, Gilpin County. Is it really mid-October? I’m not complaining, as I am possibly one of many people looking forward to the end of this year. Nonetheless, let us focus on only the positive things. I went for a hike on the Maryland Mountain Hidden Treasure trail, in Black Hawk. It’s the one with the bridge crossing Highway 119, between Apex Road and the Black Hawk Fire Department. When you park and head towards the trailhead, you can’t help but notice the massive statue of a hawk glaring down at you, as if it knows something you don’t. Perhaps, it’s my hyper-creative imagination, but I swore it moved. Almost as if it was going to join me on my hike. Would have made for a great story.  

After crossing the bridge, you begin your journey on a wide, dirt road. This particular morning, the air was crisp, the sun was shining, the sky was blue and I was quite surprised over the number of trees that were still in the peak of their vibrant colors. Every turn I took, showered me with a different reason to take a photo. The mountain views, the meadows, the illusion of day dreams that the canopy of trees created; it was all so stunning. My least favorite part about the hike was how windy it was. However, I’ll take the wind on a hike over walking in a city any day – but that’s just me.

The trail is 2.7 miles on the main path, with future trails in progress that will offer optional routes. Hidden Treasure is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, runners, wheel chairs, and as long as he is leashed, your best friend, Rover. Where does the trail take you? I’ll get to that. I promise. The elevation offers you a different perspective of Black Hawk and some views of Central City. Before you know it, the trail narrows near a meadow where you can spot parts of what I believe is the Chase Gulch Reservoir. Soon, you’re headed up the side of a mountain on switchbacks towards the summit of Maryland Mountain. Once at the very top, I was enthralled by the views and completely forgot about the bitter wind. 

I took over 100 photos on the way up, and as the sites changed on the way back down, I couldn’t help but take a few more. Roughly four hours after beginning my exploration on the Hidden Treasure trail, I found myself back at the parking lot. For me, it was a simple hike. However, I was surprised as to the number of scenic marvels I witnessed and how close to home it was. Sometimes the best treasures aren’t hidden after all. All we have to do is get out and explore our own backyard.

(Originally published in the October 22, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)