Omayra Acevedo, Estes Park.   It was early. Just before six in the morning, and I was in my truck heading to Wondervu to pick up my friend, Scot. The clouds were rolling through the mountains like a perfect dance. It was already an amazing day. Little did I know, that it was about to get even better.

Driving on the scenic Peak to Peak Highway is my favorite way to get to Rocky Mountain National Park. Every turn offers a new view and an even bigger inspiration. If you haven’t driven along the Peak to Peak Highway, please add it to your must-do list this summer. It’s just a drive, but well worth the time. Don’t forget to watch out for wildlife, cyclists and locals walking on the shoulders.

Roughly an hour later we approached the Wild Basin Ranger Station, at Rocky Mountain National Park, heading to the Ouzel Falls trailhead. We grabbed our backpacks, water, snacks and of course the camera. Immediately, after crossing the border between parking lot and trail, I could smell the sweet scent of wilderness. The organic sound of natural running water filled the air and I was ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Nothing in this world makes me happier than being out in nature.

Along the trail you come across several falls, an abundance of wild flowers, Aspen trees and smiling faces. There are plenty of places to sit by creeks, cascades or between the trees, but it will only take you 2.7 miles to reach Ouzel Falls. A stunning 40-foot waterfall that fills your senses in unexpected ways.

You can make this the end of your hike and head back to the trailhead, or you can be as adventurous as Scot and I and continue to one of several beautiful lakes. As we stood in front of the trail signs debating where to go next, Scot says: “Let’s just go the long way. I came here to hike. Not to stand around and talk about it.” I’m still not sure if he regretted those words, but I do know that the reward came another 3.7 miles later.

At 10,675 feet above sea level, you reach Thunder Lake and the Thunder Lake Patrol Cabin. The air is definitely thin that high up and there was a chill in the air - perhaps from all the sweat we had built up while gaining 2,275 feet in elevation. Nonetheless, nothing mattered except that we had made it. I will share photos with you but take my word: Nothing captures the true beauty of our colorful state as well as the naked eye.

Almost anyone can hike to Ouzel Falls, however, hiking to Thunder Lake is a bit more strenuous, but if you’re determined and get an early-enough start, you can make it. Why early? Well, it’s always nice to beat the storms that roll in during the afternoons. We got rained on, but I didn’t mind one bit. I love the rain in the Rocky Mountains. To me, it’s like heaven singing. 11.6 miles later, a rainbow on the way home, great company, memorable moments and I am already looking forward to another hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hiking is healing, in my humble opinion. It challenges you and rejuvenates you all at once. Any time spent in nature can do this for you.

You can take small hikes, easy hikes, long hikes or challenging hikes. That’s what’s so magical about Rocky Mountain National Park; there are so many hikes to go on and each one offers an array of natural splendor.