Nature Immersion in Rocky Mountain National Park

Summer hiking season is fleeting and from the early days of summers warmer weather, a panic can overtake me that I won't get enough days on the trail before it's all over. It can feel hectic to make the time, make the reservations, set the alarm for early arising, hurry through the gate to get on the trail and get to the long planned destination, so that I can finally relax! A day on the trail is the best, but sometimes in the rush to get as much hiking as I can, I can feel as rushed on the trail as I do off the trail and I forget to slow down. 

The days of August can be the best days to practice taking time to slow time on the trail. It can be a time of nature immersion.

There's a trail trend called shinrin-yoku, the Japanese tradition of "forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere." We included a National Geographic article link about it in the July newsletter. Some might use the term ecotherapy, and there are many mental and physical benefits to nature immersion, but the practice doesn't need a label. It just needs you being in nature.

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Immersion Tips

There are just a few things you can do to make your experience more effective. For example, leave any electronic devises at the car. Even if you think you might want some meditative music to set the mood, the sound you're listening for includes the sound the breeze makes, the sound of water, sound of birds singing, the sound when it's quiet. The soundscape is as important as the landscape. Also, leave your watch, you will know when you are ready to return.

Don't hike. Instead feel what it's like to saunter or meander. It can be easier if done alone, but if you are with others, talk about what you hear, share interesting nature patterns you see. Speak through nodding.

Don't plan on a destination. Instead find places to sit, close the eyes, and listen. Listening to the sound will make it easier to not think about everything else going on in your day to day life. It's the way to slow time.

Though it can be difficult in busy Rocky Mountain National Park to become fully immersed, try going in the evening, when there are fewer people on the trails. ​​​

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Three trails for immersion
While almost any trail can lend itself to immersion, here are three to practice on:

Lily Lake​

​This is a very easy trail with many benches along the way and lots of nature activity to watch and listen for.

Click here for more on this trail

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Coyote Valley

Also a very easy trail with benches. This follows a portion of the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on the West Side of the Park.

Click here for more on this trail

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Copeland Falls

A meandering trail through forested pines and aspens with numerous rock outcrops along the St Vrain River.

Click here for more on this trail

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Take advantage of these late summer days to practice slowing time with an immersion in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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