An unexpectedly difficult family hike on Mountain Lion Trail.
We arrived at Golden Gate Canyon State Park before 9 a.m., hoping to beat the crowds and catch the changing leaves. Apparently, we weren't early enough.
Our original plan was to drive up to Panorama Point to do the easy Raccoon Trail and peep some leaves, but when we stopped to get our day pass, the rangers said there was basically no guarantee of parking at Panorama Point. Our only options were to drive around and hope for a spot or choose a different trail.
We decided to try another trail.
The Mountain Lion Trail was near the edge of the park and it came with a warning: this trail is difficult. Steep climbs, rocky terrain, and much more of a commitment than our original easy hike to see some leaves.
As we approached the parking area, I suggested that we could hike part of the trail and turn around when we’d had enough.
But that’s just not my wife’s style. She prefers a loop hike.
So with our daughter on her back and my camera bag on mine, we took our map and set out on our makeshift loop.
The first mile was great.
We were taking in the fresh air. My daughter was even enjoying the scenic views. We even stopped to take a family photo.
Everything was going smoothly.
All of that changed between miles two and three.
As we descended towards the creek, I realized we had reached the point of no return. There were only 2 options and whether we turned around or kept going forward, we were going to have to climb back up.
My wife, being the trooper she is, decided to go forward.
Our plan was to connect Mountain Lion Trail to Burro Trail and follow the service roads back to the original trail, making a loop.
And on paper it looked like a straightforward plan, but on the mountain, it was a different story.
The next .3 miles were a steep, rocky climb that tested our physical and mental strength. My wife was carrying our daughter, and the combination of weight and terrain was taking its toll. We stopped often, talked each other through the difficult sections, and went through most of the water we'd brought.
This section alone was one of those stretches of trail that feels way longer than the distance on the map.
But we took our time and made it to the top of the hill.
The descent back to the service road and eventually the Mountain Lion Trail felt easy compared to the climb.
With 1 mile to go, we reveled in making it through the toughest part of the trail and conquering something so difficult.
What started as a backup plan for crowded parking became one of our most challenging hikes so far.
When our daughter was born, I declared a motto for our family.
We can do hard things.
On that steep rocky climb, we had a chance to show our daughter and prove it to ourselves.
We arrived at Golden Gate Canyon State Park expecting an easy family hike and some beautiful fall colors. Instead, a crowded parking lot sent us down Mountain Lion Trail, where steep climbs, rocky terrain, and a toddler on our backs turned an ordinary Saturday into one of our most challenging Colorado adventures.