A cozy July in the park: A peek of Dude’s Fishing Hole from the trail above.  PHOTOS BY OMAYRA ACEVEDO[/caption]

I like snow for many reasons, but when the weather’s gloom lasts more than two days, I begin to feel its effects. Perhaps, it’s also the melancholia that hits as I ponder what my mother and I would’ve been doing this holiday season.

I scroll from one digital photo album to the next, searching for a warm memory, a distraction from the tears I know are inevitable. Luckily, I stumbled upon images of my Snowshoe Hare Trail hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Snowshoe Hare is a popular multiuse, three-mile loop trail. This hike has a moderate to difficult rating. In my opinion, if you’re an avid hiker, you may find it easy. Nonetheless, it’s worth the try.

The adventure starts at 8,700 feet with only 320 feet of elevation gain. See? Easy. During camping season, you can plan a night or two at the Aspen Meadow campground. It’s adjacent to the trail.

The trail is not ADA accessible but does accommodate hikers, horses, and mountain bikes. Watch your step. Horses don’t clean up after themselves. With its easy access to Dude’s Fishing Hole, fishermen enjoy this trail. Dogs are also welcomed but must be leashed and supervised at all times.

If a three-mile hike doesn’t suffice, you are in luck. Snowshoe Hare connects to the Mule Deer trail, which takes you to the park’s scenic overlook, Panorama Point, where you can also catch the 2.5 mile Raccoon Trail.

It was July when I hiked Snowshoe Hare, and the wildflowers were in full bloom. They made the hike that much more magical. The reflection of the trees on the fishing pond wasn’t too bad either.

Step out of your comfort zone and carefully walk past the large outcroppings. At the beginning and end of your hike, the view is spectacular. If you’re not a pass holder, don’t forget to pay the $10 fee. It’s how we’re able to enjoy the beauty of Golden Gate.

Regardless of how I’m feeling, nature is always my go-to solution, even if just in thought. I sit at my desk next to the roaring fireplace, recollecting my time at Snowshoe Hare, and I know my mother would have loved the holiday season in the Rocky Mountains. I hope you’re all staying cozy and festive.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is located at 92 Crawford Gulch Road, Golden, CO, 80403. They can be reached by phone at 303-582-3707. To learn more visit https:// cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/GoldenGateCanyon. Find them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Gate-Canyon- State-Park/112596825423517.