Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. Life has been tough lately. I mean, more than usual. I find myself craving a stroll through the forest – or as it is more commonly referred to here in Colorado, a hike. I crave the solitude, serenity and rejuvenation one gets only from being in nature, away from all civilization. I find my spirit crying out for the burn in my quadriceps from the incline and decline of this rocky earth. I want to feel the sensation of being lost, for the rewards of gasping for deep a breath of air, taking a break to eat a banana and allowing the view to remind me that there are still things in life not worth worrying about.

Luckily, a look out my front door is good enough (for now) to help me fight through my struggles. When it’s dark, I look through all of my hiking photos. That also helps. At least for a while. I came across a few files of a hike I’ve done countless times. It was one of the first trails I found myself hiking again after moving back home. It’s 7.9 miles of moderate, though sometimes difficult, terrain in Boulder County. You can access Walker Ranch Loop via three trailheads: The Crescent Meadows Parking lot off of Gross Dam Road in Coal Creek Canyon, the Meyers Gulch Trailhead off of Flagstaff Road or the Ethel Harrold Trailhead.

It matters not where you tackle the trail from. The scenery, the smells and the boost of energy you receive from just being there can be enjoyed no matter how long you hike or hang around for. Though you do find moments of isolation, it is a fairly popular trail. You might come across walkers with their dogs, mountain bikers, hikers, picnic goers, photographers, equestrians and sometimes even artists in the midst of their next masterpiece.

I always prefer starting my hikes very early in the morning, as I fully enjoy the crisp mountain air, the stillness of life, the wildlife encounters when there are little to no people around and even more so, I enjoy how perfect life seems when it’s only me and the great out of doors. What I like about Walker Ranch is how close it is to so many locations. It’s anywhere between 20 – 30 minutes from Golden, Boulder, Nederland, Black Hawk, Arvada and Broomfield. The views you encounter while on the switchbacks will make you feel as if you’ve started a brand-new hike. The different challenges of the terrain will invigorate you.

It’s great, and in my opinion almost necessary, to spend time in nature. One of my favorite quotes goes something like this, “there’s no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.” There’s plenty to experience while you’re at Walker Ranch, or any trail really. If at all possible, I recommend hiking the entire 7.9 miles. Take it from me, it’ll be worth the walk.

Originally published in the February 14, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)