July 2022
The car parked at Roaring Fork trailhead, my newest journey into the wilderness began with a hot and sunny hike along the Roaring Fork Trail, leading me deeper into the untamed beauty of the wilderness. As I ascended to Watanga Lake, I hadn't seen a person for a while and wouldn't encounter one for the next two days.
Climbing higher to Watanga Mountain, I followed the ridge northward, tracing the contours of the land with a sense of reverence for its majesty. Descending into Paradise Park within the expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park, I marveled at the pristine beauty that surrounded me.
Passing by the serene waters of Adams Lake, the trail led me to the remote and breathtaking paradise of Paradise Creek. Here, amid the wild creek and wetlands, I encountered a large herd of elk in the distance. Continuing my ascent through the super-protected basin, with towering mountains standing on all sides, I pressed on until I reached the pass by the evening. Setting up camp in the Indian Peaks Wilderness east of Hiamovi Mountain, I watched as distant thunderstorms illuminated the night sky.
With the dawn of a new day, I eagerly set out to explore further, descending to the tranquil shores of Upper Lake and Stone Lake. From there, my journey ventured past a chain of unnamed lakes to arrive at popular Gourd Lake with still no people in sight.
Following a series of switchbacks down to Buchanan Creek, I made my way back to the trailhead. Sadly, along the high-traffic sections, I encountered numerous remnants of campfires and signs of disregard for Leave No Trace principles. As part of my volunteering efforts, I strive to maintain its cleanliness as much as I can. It's essential to remember that we mustn't take the wilderness for granted; we must actively contribute to keeping it clean and preserve its beauty for future generations.
