September 2017
Nestled amidst the beautiful and vast Rocky Mountain National Park sits the landscape of the Never Summer Wilderness, which offers rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, stunning vistas, and more solitude than its more famous neighbor national park. Beginning from the gateway of Kawuneeche Valley, the journey started following the Bowen Gulch Trail, which intersects with the renowned Continental Divide Trail (CDT) a few miles in.
Reaching Bowen Lake, I ascended the Blue Ridge and made camp, eagerly anticipating the sunset. The sunset was as good as it can get, and I thoroughly enjoyed being alone on the ridge. Under the light of the moon, I reveled in the mystery of the night. It was a peaceful and restful evening, preparing me for the adventures that awaited the next day.
As dawn broke, I awoke to a breathtaking sunrise, with Bowen Lake shimmering below. Energized by the beauty of the morning, I continued along the ridge, traversing Cascade Mountain and Ruby Mountain. Despite the occasional clouds and snowfields, the views were awe-inspiring, and the solitude of the wilderness enveloped me.
Reaching Bowen Pass, I paused to take in the expansive vistas before ascending towards Fairview Mountain. Arriving at Parika Lake, I marveled at the beautiful basin and its serene surroundings. From Parika Lake, I followed the trail back to the trailhead, completing the loop.
