Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak.   Every once in a while, we just want to escape. Escape from reality, from a stressful situation; perhaps for no reason at all. That’s how I felt today. I wanted nothing more than to escape my life, but I couldn’t. So, instead, I scrolled through some of my favorite photos. Feeling the need to feel free, it’s no wonder that the photos I enjoyed most today were the ones of waterfalls. The mere sight of them brought me back to the place and time of when I took them. It was exactly what I needed.

If you’re wondering where you can go to escape and view some of these majestic waterfalls, I am about to share a few with you. You can find them here in our beautiful state of Colorado. Some are far, some feel like they are in your very own back yard, and a few are right in between. Grab the camera and join me on this verbal journey into cascading waters.

Less than two hours from Denver, you can escape to the 181-foot drop of The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Be warned, to get the most invigorating experience from these captivating waterfalls, I highly recommend climbing the 224 steps to the top. It’s okay to take your time. You’re there to escape – not to run a marathon. Besides, the reward for climbing the steps will rest so close to you, you will feel as if you have become part of them. The views, well, those speak for themselves.

Have you ever set your sights on something so pure you couldn’t believe how beautiful it was? Hanging Lake comes to mind. Less than 160 miles West of Denver, hidden high atop the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon, is a lake suspended on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. The water is crystal clear with hints of turquoise. The hike to Hanging Lake is only about a mile, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a vigorous uphill climb that’s more than well-worth the effort. There is also plenty to see and hear as you travel toward the lake. Sights and sounds should not be missed or forgotten once you’ve experienced them.

In Boulder Canyon; only 11 miles West of Boulder and after a 100-yard hike, you can reach Boulder Falls. There have been plenty of songs written about or inspired by Boulder Falls, so, how could I not include it? It is a very easy hike and the terrain has been repaired to be a bit more durable and stable. Be mindful, however, not to slip on the wet and sometimes icy rocks you’re walking on. Be prepared to project your voice in order to be heard. These falls are as powerful in sound as they are in sight.

Now, if you want really easy, it doesn’t come much easier than the Charlie Tayler Water Wheel Falls. The falls are right off of I-70 in the mountain town of Idaho Springs. You can’t miss it. Just look for the water wheel that rests directly in front of the falls. These falls can feasibly be a quick stop on your way to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, or just part of your day drive to capture some of the Colorado beauty that awaits your appreciation.

Regardless of the situation, isn’t it great when we can actually escape? Even now, I can close my eyes and capture the moment again in my mind’s eye. Nothing in this world is as calming, and at the same time exhilarating, as the sound of cascading waters.

(Originally published in the September 27, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)