The Comedic Failure of My First Hiking Attempt
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My first hike was, without a doubt, a spectacular disaster. If you’ve ever had a moment where you thought, “How hard can this really be?” only to find out the answer is “much harder than you ever imagined,” then you’ll understand the comedic disaster of my first hiking attempt. It was a day filled with enthusiasm, poor planning, and a hefty dose of altitude-induced reality checks. Here’s how it all went down.
From Texas Heat to Colorado Heights
Let’s set the stage: I was fresh from Texas, where summer feels like you’re being slow-roasted in a billion-degree oven. Outdoor activities there usually involved air conditioning or a shady porch, not trekking through the wilderness. Hiking wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. But then I moved to Colorado, and wow—the Rocky Mountains were calling my name. Who could resist those postcard-perfect peaks? Definitely not me.
Estes Park quickly became a family favorite. Its charming small-town vibes and the audacious elk strolling through as if they owned the place were irresistible. After a few weekends of admiring the mountains from afar or a rooftop patio while enjoying a frosty beverage, I decided it was time to answer their call. How hard could a little walk in the woods be, right? Spoiler alert: so much harder than I imagined.
Mistakes Were Made
The plan was simple: a leisurely stroll along a paved trail to a scenic viewpoint. Easy, right? Wrong!
It all began on a sunny summer weekend. Mistake number one: choosing the busiest time of year. Crowds in the mountains are no joke, especially when everyone else seems far more prepared than you are. Mistake number two: completely ignoring the reality of altitude. Let’s just say, Texas’ flatlands did not prepare me for life above 8,000 feet.
We arrived at the trailhead—well, sort of. We parked so far back in the lot it felt like we were in another zip code, but I was determined.
The Struggle is Real
As soon as we started walking and we got to the actual trailhead (a mere 100 yards away), I realized something was very wrong. My lungs were suddenly staging a protest, and I was gasping for air like a fish out of water. Determined not to let a little oxygen deprivation stop me, I pressed on—only to make it a whopping 20 yards past the trailhead before my body decided it had enough. Collapsing dramatically onto the asphalt, I was rethinking my life choice and muttering, “This is supposed to be an easy trail. For whom mountain goats? That’s right, folks: my first hike ended 20 yards from the trailhead. It was not my finest moment.
Meanwhile, my 8-year-old daughter had zero problems and was bounding ahead like a gazelle. She sprinted to the overlook with the rest of the family, enjoying the breathtaking view I had only dreamed of. While I sat there on the trail, trying to figure out how breathing was supposed to work. When she returned, she cheerfully described the stunning view I had missed. Mountains, valleys, endless skies, and the cutest small brown animals (they were the yellow-bellied marmot). It sounded incredible. I nodded and pretended to be happy for her, all while secretly envious of her.
The walk back to the car felt like a marathon. Each step was a reminder of just how unprepared I’d been. I was humbled. But even as I collapsed into the car seat, I made a vow: I would see that view someday. And not just that one—others like it. Even if it killed me.
Redemption Through Baby Steps
Fast forward a bit (okay, quite a bit), and I didn’t give up on hiking. My next attempts weren’t exactly headline-worthy—they involved leisurely strolls through city parks and lots of wheezing up short, local trails. But every small step was progress. Gradually, I built up my endurance and learned a few things about preparation (like, bring water and maybe don’t try to hike at altitude without acclimating first).
Eventually, I felt ready to tackle something more ambitious. Enter: Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This time, I was prepared. I had water, snacks, and—most importantly—reasonable expectations. The trail was challenging for me, and as I approached the shimmering blue waters surrounded by towering peaks, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This was what I’d been working toward.
Lessons Learned
My first hiking attempt may have been a spectacular failure, but it taught me some valuable lessons:
Altitude is a Thing: If you’re coming from sea level, give yourself time to adjust. Your lungs will thank you.
Preparation Matters: Water, snacks, and proper footwear are non-negotiable.
It’s Okay to Start Small: You don’t need to conquer Everest on your first try. Build up gradually, and celebrate every milestone.
Humility is Part of the Journey: Sometimes, nature will humble you. Embrace it. Laugh about it. Learn from it.
Persistence Pays Off: That first hike may have ended 20 yards from the trailhead, but it lit a spark that has taken me to places I once thought were out of reach. Little did I know, those baby steps on a Colorado trail would eventually lead me to one of the greatest adventures of my life: like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro., in Tanzania, Africa.
Curious how I went from struggling to breathe at 8,000 feet to standing on the "Roof of Africa"? Check out my unforgettable journey here: Climbing Kilimanjaro.
Why It’s Worth It
Today, hiking is a huge part of my life. It’s not just about the physical challenge; it’s about the peace and perspective that come with being in nature. There’s something incredibly rewarding about reaching a summit or sitting by an alpine lake, knowing you got there under your own power. Every step, every misstep, and every lesson along the way makes it that much sweeter.
So, if you’re considering your first hike and wondering if it’s worth the effort, let me be your cautionary (and encouraging) tale. Yes, you might struggle. Yes, you might embarrass yourself. But you’ll also grow, laugh, and discover just how much you’re capable of. And who knows? That first train wreck of a hike might just be the beginning of a lifelong adventure.
Looking for more inspiration to hit the trails? Check out my book, Wander, Wonder, and Wellness: Hiking Your Way to Health and Happiness, available now on Amazon—it’s packed with tips, stories, and motivation to make every hike a transformative experience!
Share Your Journey
What’s your favorite trail or hiking memory? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear about your adventures!
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