The Great Outdoors

Outdoor hikes can be challenging and rewarding, with views that take miles of trekking to reach. Some of the hikes that require enormous energy should have the most incredible views, making the entire process an achievement that will last a lifetime. I've compiled a list of my top ten hikes that are worth the miles of trekking for the uniquely gorgeous views.

1. Catamount Falls Trail, Pike National Forest. Filled with scenic views, including three waterfalls from Pikes Peak Mountain, this 6.4-mile one-way trail has a 1972 foot elevation gain from the small town of Green Moutain Falls. From a gorgeous overlook to the beautifully peaceful "Garden of Eden." This trail is worth the 12 miles it takes to complete. 
2. Jean Lunning Trail and Pawnee Pass Loop, Brainard Lake Recreation Area. This 2.9-mile trail is heavily trafficked for tourists trying to see a moose and the many wildflowers that litter the short lake trail. It is well maintained, so you won't have to worry about loose gravel or dead trees blocking paths—the perfect course to get out for the day. 
3. Lost Maples Extra Loop Trail, Lost Maples State Natural Area. This trail offers dense and rugged forested hills with cliff-edge views of the beautifully wooded surroundings. The 7-mile hike has many creeks, canyons, and hills with crystal-clear springs and challenging steep loose rock inclines. It is both intense and beautiful. 
4. Herman Gulch Trail, Arapaho National Forest. This 7-mile trail, 14-mile overall trail leads alongside a peaceful creek that ends with a small lake. Being both challenging and rewarding, it is a trail anyone would be happy to complete. The course has an elevation gain of 1774 feet, with that comes very steep inclines that level out with beautiful and calming meadows—a perfect hike with impressive scenery and awarding challenges. 
5. The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. With a 1056 foot elevation gain, this 5-mile trail offers a gentle incline that ends with The Loch lake. The course is well maintained and filled with aspen trees that change color with the season. The lake is glacier-fed, so the water is crystal clear. Being surrounded by mountains, everyone can feel a calm, strong breeze all day.
6. Saint Mary's Glacier, Arapaho National Forest. This short trail is perfect for a fishing trip as the trail passes Saint Mary's Lake. The 2-mile trail has a 1,030-foot elevation gain and panoramic views of the wilderness area surrounding the course. It is a short trail with views of springs flowing from glaciers and a rocky environment that is unique and peaceful. 
7. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes, White River National Forest. This trail is challenging with 8 miles, one-way 16 miles overall, and a steady incline with almost 2000 feet of elevation gain. The path is advantageous with views from the abundant wildlife that inhabit the region. The track has views from over seven bodies of water, all of which offer a calming, peaceful environment. This hike offers everything one would expect while going on an adventurous walk.
8. Panorama Point from Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park. This trail is a 4-mile trek across snowfields vast snowfields, year around. It is perfect for snowboarding and skiing. Sunscreen is needed (which I did not wear and got the worse sunburn of my life!). Also required are snow cleats for the steady incline up the snow-filled side of Mount Rainier. With an elevation gain of 1200 feet, this trek is a snow-filled adventure that offers memories that will last a lifetime. 
9. The Lake of Glass, Rocky Moutain National Park. The trail is an extension of The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail. This hike is a steep incline that requires climbing up a waterfall to a beautiful secluded Lake of Glass. It is truly breathtaking to the extent that can not be described in this post, and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime view that has to be experienced to understand. 
10. Pennybacker Bridge Overlook, Austin, Texas. This short trail is a steep incline that ends with an overlook of the Pennybacker Bridge and the Colorado River. The first time I went up to this view, I was 15 years old. With a campfire surrounded by friends, I told myself that one day I would explore elevations higher than this, and those elevations would offer a more beautiful view than this one. I had no idea that a simple view from 2007 surrounded by best friends from all those years ago was the most elegant view, and nothing would be able to take its place.