Ute Trail: A Love Story of Nature in Harmony, RMNP, CO

Good morning, moon!

Yes, another 4:00 a.m. wake-up. This time, I have about an hour’s drive to the trailhead of the Ute Trail at Milner Pass.

My drive is in the shadow of the Rockies. My headlights are the only illumination, guiding me along Trail Ridge Road. All I have is the memory of yesterday’s drive with Diane and Betty. Otherwise, I simply feel the majestic mountains around me. I drive in silence—I want to be present. There is a power in being hugged by the shadows with the unknown…

Slowly, the darkness melts into the horizon. A new day comes to life with stunning colors, highlighting each cloud with a fresh beginning.

I found my corner—literally. If I have the option, I always prefer to park where I get the most privacy.

Just as I take my first sip of delicious coffee (I fell in love with Tim Hortons coffee on my first visit to Canada—the instant version is amazing), Poudre Lake comes to life and leaves me speechless with a gorgeous sunrise reflected on its still waters.

Poudre Lake, at the Milner Pass trailhead of the Ute Trail, is located right on the Continental Divide. It is so cool!

By 5:40, I am ready to start my incline. I am still not feeling the kick of my coffee, and it is so cold, my hands are freezing. I put all my energy into hiking as fast as my tiny body allows.

My starting elevation is 10,759 feet, in the subalpine zone. The first section of the trail, where the incline is steep, is wooded.

As I reach the alpine tundra, I pass above the tree line. At this point, I am over 11,300 feet in elevation.

I am fully awake after my workout getting up the mountain. My heartbeat feels good and strong.

However, nothing prepared me to lose my breath from the stunning view in front of me. A sea of mountains with white crowns stretches out forever. They are framed between gentle white clouds above a lush green forest beneath.

I continue my hike on a much gentler incline. To my right, a lush green meadow stretches until it meets the mountains. Far in the distance, a herd of elk roam the meadow, their songs echoing in the crisp air.

Someone needs to pinch me. Is this beauty possible? There are moments when I reach a place where no words can describe the breathtaking landscape. It feels like a perfect love story between all elements of nature - colors, textures, movement, and sound. Even the buzzing mosquitoes in my ears feel like part of the magic.

About half a mile before reaching the Alpine Visitor Center (elevation 11,796 feet), I decided to turn around. The road is visible now, and so is the noise of traffic. It’s time to head back while I still have the trail to myself.

This is a great trail to experience the Rocky Mountains—even if you just hike to the pond. Starting from the Alpine Visitor Center is a great option if you’re looking for an easier, shorter hike. I’d estimate the pond is about a mile from the Visitor Center.

As I get closer to the end of my hike, I begin to feel the effects of little sleep. By 9:30, I am back at my van—my home, where I appreciate the simple solution: I take off my boots and crawl into bed for a short nap.

Life is good.