ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - Just because life is good doesn’t mean everything is perfect.

Even during happy times, some things can make you question if anything is worth the effort. I reach this point when dealing with someone else’s demons.

As compassionate as I am, I still tire of dealing with people, especially when, no matter what, they won’t own up to their drama. I find it exhausting to deal with immature behavior. It’s one of many reasons I prefer to be alone more often than not.

The depletion makes me shut down, moving into the depths of my soul; I sit there until I feel it is safe, mentally and spiritually, to experience the world again. Recently, I found myself completely shut off from everyone, including those I love.

Craving the company of nature above anything else, I took a drive on the historic Old Fall River Road, a one-way dirt road through the forests of Rocky Mountain National Park. I started the hike at over 11,000 feet above sea level, just below tree line.

The Chapin Pass Trail is known for its windy and cold climate, even in the middle of summer. Knowing that extreme weather can arrive without warning at high elevations inside Rocky Mountain National Park, I considered that there were no afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast, so I took the risk and started the hike in the afternoon.

The hike begins with a steep one-tenth of a mile climb before reaching the sign indicating that you should turn right to continue towards all summits. At about a half mile, the trail emerges from the treeline.

Suddenly, I looked up to see Chapin, Chiquita, and Ypsilon come into view for the first time. I lingered here, staring at the three peaks, begging in silent sorrow for some form of self-preservation, feeling only the desire to be as strong as the formations before me.

I’d give anything to withstand the most extreme challenges of life and still stand so powerful and majestic. The bull elk lying in the meadow were no exception. I watched them do nothing for a while, seeing only their beauty and strength.

The hazy sky motivated me to descend back to the trailhead. I thanked the mountains for their inspiration and the trees for their company.

I didn’t find salvation in the three peaks, but I found a little more compassion for myself.

The Chapin Pass Trailhead is located off Old Fall River Road inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Old Fall River Road closes for the season sometime in October. For trail conditions, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm.