I was recently asked why trails matter. My gut response was, “Well, that’s a loaded question! How long do you have?” While reflecting on that question, ultimately, my answer boiled down to: “It depends.” I recently embarked on a rather challenging and long trail run in our beloved backyard Eagle’s Nest Wilderness.
During my trail run, I thought a lot about this question and realized that I was experiencing all ranges of my “it depends” answer in one five-hour adventure in the Gore Range. First and foremost, trails provide a connection with nature. Trails are how I directly connect with nature and experience the awe, wonder, and beauty of the mountains we live in.
I was stopped in my tracks numerous times to take in alpine lakes, magenta Indian paintbrush, mountain goats, bald eagles, and rugged mountain landscapes. This connection to nature undoubtedly inspires environmental stewardship and a deep passion to care for and protect our trails. I can’t help but appreciate the educational signage, water drainage, cleared downed trees, and a majority of people “Respecting the Vail Valley.
” I truly believe when people get out on trails and spend time in nature, they are more likely to appreciate the benefits, the value of the natural world, and ultimately will take care of them. For a rather long time, I equated getting on a trail with exercising and physical health. Over the past few years, it has become apparent to me that getting out on a trail has a profoun.