Omayra Acevedo, Rocky Mountain National Park. The breeze was gently blowing, and after a very long and challenging week, I grabbed a cocktail and stood at the front screen door to inhale the crisp mountain air. Sunshine on My Shoulders was playing in the background and visions of hiking in the Colorado summer sun took a hold of me. I could feel myself smirk and reflect back on all of my adventures. Especially the ones in our colorful state. In case you’re new to my columns or have forgotten, I have a slight obsession with our Rocky Mountains. 

I recall a time when a friend of mine from New Zealand came to visit. We drove around the Peak to Peak Highway, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, we made several stops to enjoy the view, snap some photos, and enjoy the little things in life. I’ve gotten fairly good at appreciating the simple things. I’m grateful for that. You just never know when things will take a turn. Sometimes for the worst and sometimes for the better. Either way, life’s unpredictability is what forces me to make every moment count.

Lily Lake is a short 0.8-mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park that loops around a scenic waterscape. It’s easy to find if you are on Highway 7 near Estes Park. You can’t miss it. There’s a parking lot across the trail head. Though you can start in either direction, most people follow a clockwise direction. At least, that’s what I noticed. It’s a very simple hike and it is wheelchair accessible. It offers great opportunities to be outside, maybe stop for a picnic, or have a meaningful conversation with someone. Which is what my friend and I did, and what made it more memorable. 

Lily Lake rests at the headquarters of Fish Creek, which flows into Lake Estes. The lake is natural, but a dam was constructed in 1915 to increase its size. Now, the lake covers 17 acres versus the 14 acres it once did.

Whether by nature or by human hands, things can change at any given moment. Regardless of the turn life takes, I know that there is always something beautiful to look forward to. I miss my friend and I sure do hope that one day she’ll come back to visit. Her name is also Lily, and she is as lovely as the lake.

For more information go to http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm.

(Originally published in the April 29, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)