Omayra Acevedo, Colorado Rocky Mountains. There are forces at work, and sometimes those forces put us through the things we go through in order to get us to where we’re supposed to be. I never believed this. At least not until I got older and spent valuable time reflecting on all the trials and tribulations in my life thus far. Like most of you, some events have been good, some challenging, and others carry no point in recollecting. My favorite experience? This one. The one that allows me to live something memorable, write about it, and share it with you, my readers. 

Where will Omayra take you today? To, possibly, the greatest place, in the middle of nowhere.  After a three-hour drive from South Fork, and a less than desirable moment the night before, I reached my second destination in south Colorado. Fresh, untouched, glistening snow hugged the five-mile dirt road off Highway 50, as I snapped one photo after the other. The crisp winter mountain air and the sound of silence filled the air, complimenting the serenity of what I was about to experience. 

Flurries began to fall, just enough to cover the windshield of the vehicle. Ice dams covered the roof of the wooden structure, twinkle lights bejeweled the borders of the entryway, the “Lobby Entrance” sign hung from a beam, and before I walked inside, I just knew I’d want to stay forever. This sensation only heightened after walking in and seeing the timber ceiling and rustic décor perfectly adorn the inside. Being greeted with a warm welcome from Kim, Richard, and the rest of the staff only added to the ambience. Never have I walked into a place and immediately felt like I was home. 

The icing on the cake? The Aspen Room with a king-size bed, a gas fireplace, knotty pine walls, and not a speck of dirt in sight. I know. I checked. The evening ended with a delicious meal in their restaurant, and the unexpected musical performance of an Australian family on holiday. May I keep them?! Though I was only there for roughly a total of 17 hours, I can honestly say that it was truly magical. Just another reminder that life isn’t about quantity, but of quality. It’s one of those unforgettable memories that will live in my heart for always. I also know that when I’m feeling down and need a pick-me-up, I will always remember my time at the Arrowhead Mountain Lodge. 

For more information go to https://www.arrowheadmtlodge.com/ or call 970-862-8206. The Arrowhead Mountain Lodge, 21401 Alpine Plateau Road, Cimarron, CO 81220.

(Originally published in the January 21, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)