ARAPAHO PEAKS — Looking across the vast, deep valley that splayed between us and North and South Arapaho Peaks, I was filled with satisfaction and joy watching my dad light up at the massive view. Surrounded by alpine wildflowers, skies the bluest shade of blue, and 360-degree mountain views, I could feel the pride bubbling in me, as if I’d made it all myself. 

I grew up in Virginia in a small town that goes by the name of Crozet. My parents grew up there and that’s where the entirety of my family still lives. It’s gorgeous, nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and really a special community. But I wanted something more. 

Despite the fact that I grew up somewhere very sought-after, I decided to come to Colorado eight years ago to the day on this July 4th, alongside my new-at-the-time partner, with wanderlust in my heart. I was so ready to familiarize myself with somewhere totally different.

I’ve spent the last near decade falling in love with Colorado over and over again. There is something about sharing this place with the people you love that really contributes to that process. 

This past week, my dad finally made the trek out to visit me and check out my neck of the woods. He had never visited Colorado before and it was truly an honor to share the scenery and community of Nederland with him! Such a great reminder of just how privileged we are up here in these mountain communities. People travel worldwide to get a glimpse of what we see every day. 

Knowing that I wanted to deliver an absolutely epic view to my dad while he was here, I decided to bring him up Arapaho Glacier Trail. I was unsure what the conditions would be like up there after such a dry winter, but thanks to the rain we had received the night before, and climbing high enough to where there may have actually been snowpack for a while, we found alpine paradise.

Looking east with North and South Arapaho Peaks behind us.

Photo by Brittney Wagner

Witnessing my dad soak it all in for the first time felt like such a full-circle moment, knowing that he wouldn’t be exactly where he was in that moment without my moving here. You spend your adolescence learning from your parents, and it feels so rewarding to turn the tables and be the one to show them something. 

The moderate trail that climbs up to view Arapaho Peaks is truly the perfect saunter through the woods. Short inclines lead to nice flat sections of trail and very friendly switchbacks gradually help you climb above treeline. We hiked about 3.5 miles in, which didn’t get us to the very top, but there was really no need. Staring right back at us were North and South Arapaho Peaks in all their glory.

Sprinkled all along the top of the grassy knoll we stood upon were purple, yellow, and white flowers, growing tight to the earth so as not to get blown over by the strong mountain winds coming over the divide. The grass showed green all in between, and against a Colorado bluebird sky, you could say we had just walked the stairway to heaven.

The stark contrast of the glaciers sitting in the rugged Rocky Mountains that we sat face to face with against all the magnificent colors of summer made for a picture perfect moment. Even my dog seemed to be absorbing it all with the wind in her hair and not a care in the world. 

We made our way back down the mountain through the aisles of pines providing shade and scents of evergreen. The strong mountain wind above the treeline turned to a nice summer breeze with the protection from the forest.

If you are trying to really go for it, you can take this trail to Arapaho Pass Trail and cross the divide over to Lake Dorothy. Please remember: if you would like to backpack and camp, you must buy a permit. In order to hike Arapaho Glacier Trail there is a small $10 fee but you do not need a reservation.

There are certainly more seasoned hikers than I who may tell you otherwise, but as far as I’ve seen, this venture is top notch. Mountain views for days down into the flats with North and South Arapaho Peaks looking straight at you.

If you can get there soon, you’ll be met with a tapestry of lush wildflowers as well. Get out there and enjoy the short window we have to enjoy hikes above treeline—and happy Summer Solstice!