Fall Break in Colorado

Over Fall Break I had the opportunity to travel to Denver, Colorado with my local church community. While there, we had the chance to explore several beautiful scenes throughout Denver and its surrounding areas. Being my first time in Colorado, I was blown away by the scenery that this state had to offer.

My initial observations occurred as I watched out the window of the van that transported us from our hotel to the suburb of Castle Pines. Atop rolling hills sat countless trees with leaves of golden yellow, rust orange, and ruby red. Noticing the vivid Fall colors that filled the landscape created within me a sense of deep appreciation and also jealousy. I was envious of everyone who grew up experiencing the crisp weather, warm sunshine, and changing leaves of the Fall season.

Sunday morning offered several more moments of exposure to nature. Our group hiked the North Table Mountain trail in Golden, Colorado. From the start of the trail, all we could see were the creme-colored rolling hills and the brilliantly blue sky. The trail wound upward, carving through the long yellowed grass that swayed gently in the breeze. The cold air cut into my neck and ears, the places that were unprotected by clothing. As the trail progressed, the distance between my shins and the ground shortened. No longer was I walking with ease, but rather I had to will my feet to move up the quickly inclining path. Before I knew it, the path has carried me to a height of 7,000 feet. The constricted feeling in my chest and the heavy sound of my breathing informed me of the altitude before my vision had the chance. I paused to allow my eyes to absorb my surrounding view. I saw the same brilliant fall colors in the trees below but they were multiplied in number compared to when I saw them before. My eyes found peaks in the distance that were blanketed white with snow. Brownish red boulders molded together to form impressive masses that jutted up from the land or into a hillside. They beckoned to be climbed so we answered their charming call and traversed the rocks until we reached their summit. From the summit, we had a 360 degree view. In silence, we sat with the glowing sun on our skin and the breeze ruffling our hair. My nose rejoiced to consume the cold, fresh air.

Two days later, our excursion brought us first to the Red Rocks Amphitheater and then to St. Mary's Glacier. Visiting both places back to back reminded me of our recent discussion on sacrificing the incomparable to make it useful. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a breathtaking collections of massive fire-colored, angular rock formations that have become the backbone of a popular amphitheater that hosts events ranging from music concerts to community yoga workouts. Tourists and locals alike come to admire the beautiful and unique venue. Yet, I cannot help but think of what the Red Rocks looked like before they were commercialized. In contrast, St. Mary's Glacier sits high up in the mountains and remains virtually untouched by human creation. At nearly 11,000 feet, St. Mary's Glacier is surrounded by gorgeous pine trees that seem to stretch eternally along the mountainside. Above and behind the tree-covered peaks were snow-covered mountains that deepened the horizon and increased the beauty of the moment. St. Mary's Glacier, untouched and unrefined, was incomparable. Wilderness that has been altered and manipulated by man cannot compare to that which has gone untainted.