Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. John Muir said, “Get close to nature’s heart”. How, you ask? Easy. Get outdoors and feel. Native Americans believe that there is power in nature. I, too, believe in this power. From golden valleys to frozen lakes, beneath a canopy of trees, a walk in the rain, atop a mountain range or in the presence of the wild things that call nature home, this power is undeniable. Nature has been inspiring mankind since the beginning of time. Have you let it inspire you lately? If not, maybe I can inspire you to spend some time outdoors.

Last Autumn, I went on a hike 6.5 miles south of Idaho Springs, Colorado, on Highway 103. It’s a moderate trail and about nine miles out and back. You can see just about every view of nature. A creek, Bristlecone Pines, Willows, open meadows, Aspens, rock formations and wildlife. You can also experience your senses heightening with every sight and smell. I started my hike, as I often start most of my hikes, very early.

My hiking backpack on my back, my camera around my neck, my Camelbak spout in close range and only one other soul in sight. Already, I felt as if I had died and gone to heaven. Which was a bit ironic since I was hiking Hells Hole. Nonetheless, I was out in the wilderness and nothing could ruin my day. I kept stopping to take deep inhales and admire every piece of life that surrounded me. It was a new season and I too was changing. I was saying goodbye to things and people in order to make room for new ones. I didn’t realize it then, but at hindsight, I now know that I turn to nature for guidance as well as moments when I need to prepare for change.

Soon, spring will allow many things in nature to take new form. The snow will make way for rain, blooms will break through, wild things will wake from a long winter’s slumber, daylight shall embrace us longer and life will seem to start anew. We all know the beauty of the seasons that comes from living in such a magical state. The Rocky Mountains in spring are just another kind of beautiful. Don’t let this one get away from you.

Get out and do as John Muir did. Get close to the heart of nature. There are places, especially in Colorado, where you can feel the beating heart of the planet. Hells Hole is a good place to start.

For more information check out https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hells-hole-trail