A Proposal at 14,000'

Hello there!

It's been awhile since I've posted, but I wanted to share one of the happiest moments in my life with you.

He proposed! (okay, the title kind of blew the surprise)...

Although, I certainly was surprised!

On Labor Day weekend, we set off to hike yet another 14er - Mt. Huron (14,000') in the Sawatch Range.  This would be my 10th hike of a 14er since moving to Colorado in 2011. So to me it was already rather special, although I had no idea how special it would become.

We set off at the crack of dawn to make the 3 hour drive from Denver with our dogs in tow.  The best trailhead to leave from is at 10,560' just past the tiny town of Winfield (directions).  The access road requires a 4WD vehicle and is extremely rocky, but my good ol' Jeep Cherokee managed to make it.

This hike is one of the more beautiful and moderate 14ers that I've done.  The climb is a Class 2 and the hike is relatively short at 7 miles, with 3,500' of elevation gain.  The first few miles are surrounded by dense lodgepole pine forest with views of the encompassing Sawatch Range.

After several miles, the hike quickly steepens (as they always do) and breaks out of treeline.  The trail is rocky, but well maintained and easily tracked.  This is where you start to feel the elevation gain, but the views are incredible.  There's a small valley containing a little pond and colorful wildflowers peek out from the tundra grasses.

Chris beat me to the summit like he always does, so I was as yet unaware of the life-changing moment that was approaching.  He had hidden the ring box in what he was gleefully calling a geocache.  I reached the top and went a-geocaching, only to discover the most beautiful engagement ring, exclaiming, "Is this MINE?!?" for all our fellow hikers to hear.

He uttered the words every girl dreams of hearing, "I love you. Will you marry me?" while the fresh mountain breeze played with my hair and the snow capped peaks gazed down.  We celebrated with a kiss, a pat for the pups, and an Oskar Blues Old Chub.

It couldn't have been a more perfect proposal or a more fitting beginning to the rest of our lives together.  A perfect Colorado love story....

Cheers,

Elyse

For more information on hiking Huron Peak, visit 14ers.com