Going from the Flatlands to the High Country

by Max
(Anaheim, CA, USA)

Spending your whole life living on the flat lands of the Midwest, with its rolling hills and placid streams and rivers, it is a pleasant but plain life to live. When you go to Colorado your perspective on life goes from flat to vertical. The streams and rivers are now noisy affairs and not something that can be taken for granted.

The roads go from gently rolling and straight as far as the eye can see, to twisting, turning and climbing challenges with shoulder drop offs that inspires a driver to concentrate. Having arrived at your destination a couple of things are noticeable: one is the quiet and the second is the incredible scenery that greets you.

To get the a real feel for the high country, it is best to hike into it, away from the roads and other man made things until all that can be heard is the crunch of your footsteps, the wind, and the river. The Colorado high country offers some of the world’s best scenery. The trails are well maintained and the park rangers are friendly and helpful.

Before going into the backcountry, it is best check with the park rangers on the conditions that you may find.

Throughout the year, a hiker can see snow on the highest mountaintops. The native wildlife can range from elk to marmots. Herds of deer are common. Even if the hike is for just a day, a trekker can find peace of mind on the trails that crisscross the high country of Colorado.