3) Sky Pond – Rocky Mountain National Park

This was a really fun hike that I did in October 2022. When I did it, there was plenty of snow and ice on the ground, not enough to need snowshoes, but enough to need microspikes. The hike gets steeper past The Loch, and the crux of the route is a rocky waterfall you need to climb, made more difficult in the winter when it is iced over. I didn’t have an ice axe, and ended up slipping and falling 10 ft onto the snow below. I found an alternate line and made it up on my second attempt. It was well worth it! Sky Pond frozen over was a sight to see, and I had it to myself for a little bit.

2) Isabelle Glacier – Brainard Lake

I hiked this back in July of 2022 and it was stunning. I started from the parking lot at Brainard Lake, and along the way to the glacier, I passed by Long Lake, Lake Isabelle, and a beautiful unnamed glacial tarn. The views along the way were almost like something out of a movie. There were abundant wildflowers too. Overall a very memorable hike!

1) Mirror Lake/Crater Lake Trail

This trail near Granby, CO is my all time favorite non 14er. I hiked it with my friend back in September 2020, and it is a long, but relatively flat hike. We ran into a moose and her calf about a mile in to the hike, which was scary, but very cool at the same time. We passed around them giving them plenty of distance and went on our way. Once we got to Mirror Lake, I was floored by how gorgeous it was. The prominent peak in the background is Lone Eagle Peak, and it made for a great picture.