Climb to a Different World: Mt. Ida

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park can be crazy and overwhelming with the amount of visitors, especially when you're there in the summer. All the view points and casual family strolls to a look out point can be packed. You realize you're now just waiting in line until it's your turn to take your one second photo and then move on. When my friend and I were visiting Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time, we wanted to do it right. We searched the many types of hikes, lakes, and drives. When we came across this 4.8 miles, moderate trail to reach the top of Mt. Ida, we thought we'd give it a go. This hike we chose at random, soon became one of my most memorable moments.

We woke up extra early to get a head start on our hike. Parking was full, so we had to park on the side of the road and walk to the trailhead beginning at Poudre Lake. I think this trail stands out the most to me because of the diversity it brings you. The hike is about 5-6 hours, but it feels like you've reached a different times, climates, and worlds within this one day. We went from a calm, sunny day to reaching high winds, hail and rain. Thank God we were prepared this time; adding on hats, scarves, sweatshirts, windbreakers all the way up! It's never a time to make a fashion statement while hiking. Comfort is key!

The first part is through the trees. You're climbing in the subalpine forest, with the smell of fresh pine and hear the beautiful musical birds. The trail isn't heavily trafficked, making it peaceful and easy to hear cracking of branches from wildlife. After a little over of a mile at 11,350 ft, the trail emerges from the tree line and you feel like you've reached an entirely different world. The openness travels for miles and you don't see any signs of man. You look down, up, around; there's no buildings, cars, etc. You're on top of the world with the untouched nature. 

This openness lasts the entire way up to the peak at 12,150 ft. There were fields of wildflowers, bright blue lakes, mountains for miles, and elk everywhere; unbothered by us passing through. I felt like I could breathe. It takes you away from all the high speed, stressful agenda we get caught up in. You feel far away from it all and you realize what is important. I highly recommend this adventure for anyone that needs an escape or if you're trying to experience a new land, that you don't have to leave the country for. Some things you just have to see for yourself:)