July was a month of firsts for me. I published my first web map on ArcGIS Online. I created my first map series for use by our Deputy Director of Recreation, Lands, Minerals, and Volunteers (RLMV). And I traveled to Colorado where I had a handful of other first-time experiences.

This trip to Colorado was the perfect opportunity for me to meet my supervisor on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), see a section of the CDT, and connect with members of the Forest Service (FS) and our partner agency in person. We jammed all that we could into one week. The days were long, driving from town to trailhead and hiking at elevation, but it was all worth it! The views were incredible, and I left Colorado with a much better understanding of the FS and the CDT.

My trip started with an RLMV team field trip to hike around Blue Lakes on the White River National Forest. I chatted with everyone as we walked the trail and after lunch two FS members from the Dillon Ranger District met with us to discuss some issues that surround the Blue Lakes trail. They mentioned the difficulties they face working with agencies that have rights to Blue Lakes water as well as infrastructure issues, such as limited parking and no restrooms at the site. Despite the last two challenges, the trail is a very popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

After the field trip, my boss and I headed to Salida. The town is one of many gateway communities on the CDT, meaning it’s a welcoming destination for thru-hikers to resupply and spend a night in town while on their journey. I had never seen a small town with so much character and vibrance. People were walking around the downtown area and enjoying the Arkansas River. I fell in love right away.

The next day my boss and I headed up to Cottonwood Pass to do a little hiking on the CDT. He mentioned that this section is a favorite among CDT hikers because of the gorgeous views. At the top of the pass, you can see plenty of mountain tops, including the continental divide range. It was breathtaking in several ways. The hike was difficult at +12,000 ft. elevation. My body felt sluggish, and I wanted to turn around but I’m glad we kept moving up the switchbacks until we reached the top.

We concluded my trip with lunch in Golden, Colorado the next day. My boss and I met up with some folks from our partner agency and a few Region 2 FS employees that work in GIS. We shared some laughs and ate some delicious chicken sandwiches. A great way to end my travels.

This trip to Colorado was an eye-opening experience. As a California native, I couldn’t imagine falling in love with any other state…but I did. Spending time in Salida and connecting to hikers on the CDT gave me a glimpse of how special the trail is to so many people outside of our agency. Trails hold great value to the public no matter their length. It’s an honor to be part of the CDT team, “caring for the land and serving people.”