Hiking, Hammock Hanging, and the Rocky Mountains

Hiking, Hammock Hanging, and the Rocky Mountains

Since the Fall of 2012, I have been addicted to hiking. I had been on trails prior, and always liked going out for a trek around the lakes up in Estes Park, but as soon as I was introduced to bushwhacking, I knew that I would never have the same experiences as those that I make myself.

In my search for personal growth, I have found, that being out in the wilderness, whether it be on trails or climbing over rocks to get to a peak, was where I wanted, and needed to be. Near the town of Nederland, CO, there is a small parking area where many rock climbers will congregate and scale a massive rock formation. These people have my utmost respect, as I would never be able to overcome my fear of heights. The way they transcend the wall is absolutely amazing. At the point however, is where I was first introduced to bushwhacking. At the time, I referred to it as "adventure hiking," as I had no idea what it was exactly that I was doing. After a two-mile hike up the mountain, I was in love with nature, even more so than before. Being an avid snowboarder, I already had an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Standing at the peak of the mountain I had just accomplished one of the most meaningful things I have ever done for myself.

After that point, I made a valiant effort to research as much as possible, about everything that there is to bushwhacking, hiking and camping.

While researching, I stumbled upon the YouTube video posts of Mr. Sean "Shug" Emery. These videos introduced me to a style of camping, I had never even thought as an option; hammock camping. I had purchased a hammock prior to watching these videos, but as a way to relax when out on a long hike, not as a way of protection and shelter. After watching these videos, I had decided that I wanted to be a hammock camper. Tents are nice and all, but packing so much extra supplies seemed like a waste of effort to me.

My next few hikes were at the same location, and while on one of these trips, I had the thought, "Why am I exploring the same areas I've already been on? Why am I not traversing the entire state of Colorado? We have countless mountain range trails, and I'm staying in the same place!" After this epiphany, I decided to research Colorado trails, and decided to make the Chautauqua Trail my next target. I knew that I had enough experience to be able to do a more difficult and strenuous hike, so I decided to challenge myself and hike to Bear Peak, connected to the Bear Canyon trail, round-trip of 12.7 miles. I was geared up and ready to go, however I got to the trail much later than I had anticipated. I arrived at the Chautauqua trail-head at about 11 o'clock, and began my trip.

The trail starts out steep and continues it's grade for about 3/4 of a mile. There was not a cloud in the sky, and I had decided to do this trip on, what seemed like, the hottest day of August. Temperatures were pushing 97 that day, and with no cloud coverage, I was burning through my water. I had thought that I had packed enough, 64 oz. plus what I had drank prior to starting, but I was sorely mistaken. I was able to make it to the Bear Canyon split in the trail where I would be able to continue to Bear Peak, but realized that I would not have enough water to make it to the peak and back to base. So, my better judgement kicked in, and I decided to turn around. While disappointed that I didn't make it to the peak, I was happy with my accomplishment.

Since my last trek, I have been devoting all of my time to obtaining new gear to review, start a YouTube page of my own to document my upcoming hikes and camps, and create this blog, which I hope to be able to contribute to daily.