Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. There is no cell phone or internet service in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Reading this filled me with extreme excitement. Not having a ton of time for hiking on this particular day, I quickly searched the web for a fairly short hike near home. Out of the 12 trails I found in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, I chose Coyote Trail.

It is a hiker’s only trail and roughly two miles one way. For such a short hike, it is rated as “most difficult.” You start at an elevation of 8,860 feet and gain only 600 feet by the time you’re done. Be warned: there’s a section of the trail that requires you to climb over some serious rocks and boulders. I’m not going to lie. Besides the views, this was my favorite part of the hike.

You have reached the end when the trail intersects with the Mule Deer Trail. Another breathtaking journey not to be missed. Especially during the autumn months. Indigenous flowers, wild berries and the vibrant green colors of the forest are at their best during the mid-summer months on Coyote Trail. 

No matter the distance of a hike, you know it’s a good one when it is warm outside, but the views keep you shivering. It was August when I found myself discovering Coyote Trail. I had already been on dozens of hikes and after this one, I couldn’t help but only get more motivated to keep exploring the amazing beauty one can only find while hiking Colorado. 

Perhaps, it’s due to the fact that I am not attached to my phone like most people are - I don’t even own a television. I know the idea of living without technology and getting lost in the forest can be scary to some people, but to me, it’s one of the greatest gifts I can offer myself. There is no WiFi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.

(Originally published in the May 9, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)