It’s impossible for me to fully express how excited I feel when I sit in my home office and begin writing my Discover Colorado (DC) column. Without question, it’s one of the highlights of my sometimes chaotic life.

Choosing the right photos, creating the title, reliving an adventure, and the meticulous process of deciding which words I want to share with you. The entire process fills my heart and soul with joy that I can’t seem to find anywhere else.

Speaking of joy, let’s find ourselves doing one of my favorite activities. We are going to Jefferson County for a day of hiking! Well, at least for as long as it takes you to read roughly 400 words.

Less than 10 miles southeast of the Black Hawk Post Office, is Mayhem Gulch, a 4.7-mile trail that offers hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and dogs on leashes a couple of hours in nature.

The Mayhem Gulch Trail is part of the Centennial Cone Park system, which includes the Centennial Cone West Trailhead and the Ralph Schell Trailhead. Seasonal hunting is allowed in the park, but it’s best to check their website for details as closures are in effect throughout the year.

The trail runs on an alternating schedule, allowing the environment to remain a rather organic experience for the flora and fauna and those seeking solitude. On weekends, hikers and equestrians enjoy the trail on odd-numbered dates, while bikers get their turn on even-numbered dates. Be sure to go on the corresponding dates as a hefty fine can follow if you are not following the rules.

The trail is right off of Highway 6, which can overstimulate your senses if the sounds of traffic bother you. As per usual, I started my hike very early, so noise wasn’t an issue. If you can make it through the first half, the other side of the mountain takes you away from civilized disruptions.

Before long, you’re heading back to your vehicle and on your way to the next adventure. The same could be said about my column. It nears its end and off it goes to my wonderful publisher and editor. The following week, you have allowed another small piece of me to be a part of you. Writing my DC column is like hiking. For a short while, I can escape the mayhem of life and live in a moment filled with gentleness.

For more information on Mayhem Gulch and Centennial Cone Park check out: https://www.jeffco.us/1192/ Centennial-Cone-Park.