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Notes from the Trail

A Gift in Return: Preserving RMNP

11/29/2024

2 Comments

 
by Trenton Ming
Owner of Elevation Peak Marketing


Rocky Mountain National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder of Colorado, offers endless beauty and adventure. Its majestic peaks, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife draw millions of visitors each year. With as many visitors that make their way here each year, there are just as many unique perspectives and experiences within the wilderness of Rocky. As we immerse ourselves in its beauty, it's crucial to remember the importance of giving, and not just taking.
Image of Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Mills Lake and Longs Peak. Photo: Trenton Ming
The park provides us with countless gifts: opportunities for adventure, breathtaking scenery, the chance to connect with nature, wildlife viewing, and community and connection just to name a few. Even though we may not always think in terms of Rocky giving to us, it is important to take the time and reflect with this mindset. We can reciprocate this generosity in various ways, which is truly the least we can do for the park that we all love so dearly.
Image of a trail sign to Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP trail sign along the way to Lake Haiyaha. Photo: Trenton Ming
Volunteering: By volunteering through organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, we can directly contribute to the park's preservation. Whether it's trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, or visitor education, volunteering allows us to give back and ensure the park's continued health. 
Practicing Leave No Trace: Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is essential for minimizing our impact on the environment. By packing out what we pack in, respecting wildlife, and following rules and regulations, we can help protect the park's delicate ecosystem. 
Appreciating Nature: Taking the time to truly appreciate the park's beauty, whether it's marveling at a stunning sunset or learning about the local flora and fauna, can deepen our connection to nature. By understanding and respecting the park's ecosystems, we can become better stewards of the land. There is something special about taking the time to learn 
Supporting Conservation Efforts: Donating to organizations like the Rocky Mountain Conservancy helps fund vital conservation projects, such as trail restoration, habitat restoration, and scientific research. These initiatives ensure the park's long-term health and sustainability.
Sharing the Experience: By sharing our experiences and knowledge of the park with others, we can inspire future generations to appreciate and protect this natural treasure. Whether it's through social media, personal stories, or educational outreach, spreading the word about the park's importance can have a significant impact.
Learning About the Park's History and Culture: By learning about the history and culture of the park, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its significance. This knowledge can help us to be more mindful visitors and better stewards of the land.
Image of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park
Longs Peak along the way to Lake Haiyaha. Photo: Trenton Ming
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About the author:
​Trenton Ming is an avid hiker and fly fisherman. He has hiked thousands of miles in RMNP, often to remote destinations. He grew up in a small town in Kansas and now calls Estes Park home, owning local marketing agency Elevation Peak Marketing.

Trenton is our newest contributor to Rocky Mountain Day Hikes and Hike Rocky Magazine. We're excited to read what adventures he writes about next! 


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2 Comments
Beth Kelly
12/13/2024 03:50:14 am

Love the John Muir quote! I had forgotten about "sauntering". Pretty much the way I "hike". Great article!

Reply
Hike Rocky
12/13/2024 11:46:03 am

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the article.

Reply



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    "The wild requires that we learn the terrain, nod to all the plants and animals and birds, ford the streams and cross the ridges, and tell a good story when we get back home." ~ Gary Snyder

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    “Hiking - 

    I don’t like either​ the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike! Do you know the origin of the word ‘saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, A la sainte terre,’ ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.” ~ John Muir

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  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location
    • Trails by Distance
    • Trails by Destination
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine