Button Rock Dam & Sleepy Lion Trail, Lyons CO

Whitewater surges through a narrow granite chute below the Button Rock Dam spillway, framed by rugged canyon rock in Colorado's Button Rock Preserve.

BUTTON ROCK PRESERVE, LYONS, CO:

It’s mid-June and I find myself in Colorado. In addition to spending time with family, I thought I would venture out for a local hike, nothing too crazy, as most of my gear is back in Washington. After enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, I heed his warning, “don’t underestimate the impact of the altitude,” which got me thinking, in the Pacific Northwest, I may start at an elevation of 1,000 feet, but here I’m starting above 5,000 feet. So I land on a manageable hike of about six miles and 900ft gain. I started early, to get ahead of any trail traffic, and to beat the heat of the mid-day sun. Button Rock Dam & Sleepy Lion Trail in Lyons, CO, seemed like a good fit starting at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Up at 5am, I quickly got on my way with just under an hour on the road, which was enough time to think about my gratitude for the day and prepare my “trail thought” for the hike. Today, my focus was on travel, and the special bonds that form, through vulnerability, and the shared memories, while traveling.

The Journey…

I laced up my hiking shoes at the Button Rock Dam trailhead just as dawn was breaking, around 6am. Right away, I could feel the unique charm of this place, a blend of the lush greens reminiscent of Washington State and the rugged beauty of Arizona. Colorado feels like the best of both landscapes. I started my adventure on the Longmont Dam Road Loop, which tracked the river for about two miles, passing Button Rock Dam on the way. The path consisted of a fine, reddish dirt that crunched softly underfoot, and it felt like the morning was mine alone, accompanied only by the soothing rush of the river and the distant hum of the dam which echoed through the canyon.

At the turn, I decided to take a little detour up the Hummingbird Switchback trail. It was a short but steep climb that led me to the reservoir, a (not so little) gem hidden high in the hills. On my way back, I veered onto Sleepy Lion Trail. The trail meandered, in its ascents and descents, through a beautiful blend of boulders and trees, opening up to a meadow where tall grass and wildflowers swayed in the gentle breeze, painting the scene with splashes of color against multiple shades of green. The views were picturesque, and the sound of the water was gentle as I made my way back down the mountain. After nearly three hours, I found my way back to the trailhead. It had been a beautiful morning, bathed in clear blue skies, just like life, filled with twists, turns, and moments of surprise and delight along the way.

Gratitude…

I appreciate the unexpected detours life offers. Just like a winding trail that leads to breathtaking views, this week took an unexpected turn when a friend, who I shared some time with 15 years ago, joined me for a cup of coffee. In the midst of his busy routine, he paused to share a couple of hours filled with meaningful conversation. It felt like we were hiking together on a trail, each step revealing new insights and memories, a reminder of how precious connections are. I cherish the way friends can disrupt the normal flow of their day, just as a sudden turn in the trail. Today’s coffee catch-up was a gentle reminder of the importance of taking a break, of stepping off the beaten path to reconnect with people who are important to me. For this, I am truly grateful. It’s in these moments of shared stories that I find a sense of belonging, a warm reminder that even when life gets busy, there are always opportunities to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey together. I look forward to more coffee breaks and heart-to-heart conversations that stimulate my mind and nourish my soul.

Reflections…

Venturing out on a Colorado trail, I was reminded of how travel can change you, like stepping onto a new path that beckons with both excitement and uncertainty. Traveling with family feels like leaving behind the well-trodden trails of normalcy, setting out instead on an expedition where every twist and turn brings us closer together. Take, for instance, the little detour I encountered the other day when I misplaced my rental car keys in an unfamiliar grocery store while my family stood outside patiently waiting. In that moment of digging through tomatoes and finally seeking help, we all embraced the unknown, each of us learning to meet the unexpected with grace. When the keys were located, the small victory became a cherished story that added a colorful chapter to our travel narrative on this trip.

Contemplating the rugged beauty around me, it occurred to me that each hike is much like a journey through life itself. The unfamiliar trail today reminded me of the countless adventures I’ve shared with Kelly, experiences that extended far beyond mere sightseeing. They were opportunities to explore not only new landscapes, but also the deeper terrain of our relationship. Traveling pushes us out of our comfort zones, inviting vulnerability and forging unbreakable bonds that weather the tests of time. I think back to when we travelled abroad, where the most vivid memories often sprout from shared challenges, whether working through a foreign language, adapting to sudden changes in plans, or simply hoping our next credit card swipe won’t be met with disappointment. Those moments, though stressful at times, stripped away the layers of pretense bringing us closer together. I can still hear our laughter as we stumbled through those mishaps with a shared sentiment that “We’re in this together.”

One journey stands out in my memory: our trip to Spain. As our airplane soared through the skies, pulling us away from home, we embraced the adventure ahead, realizing that we had only each other to lean on amid both the thrill and trepidation. Those moments of shared vulnerability became the glue that held us together, transforming mere experiences into a lasting connection. I still picture that beach in Marbella, the sky full of color as the sun dropped past the horizon. We stayed out under a bright moon, talking late into the night, our words rolling in like the waves. It was in those tranquil moments that we revealed our dreams and fears, discussing the small details of life that often remain unspoken in the rush of everyday life.

Traveling allowed us to break free from the barriers we unconsciously built in our daily lives. In the security of our routines, we often slipped into predictable patterns, fulfilling our roles to keep the family machine running smoothly. But on the road, the rules shifted. As we explored new terrains, we discovered a connection that dismantled walls and created space for open and curious dialogue. I remember our adventure in Madrid, where we found ourselves lost in a labyrinth of streets, with a language barrier complicating our way, as we only knew how to order water, “con gas,” or “no gas.” In that vulnerable moment, we became just two travelers seeking direction, our humility building a deeper bond. As we found our way back, it put the little speed bumps we negotiate back at home into perspective, allowing us to communicate with open hearts and clear minds.

The memories we create while traveling are like precious gems we carry with us long after we’ve returned home. One story that still brings a smile to my face is from one of our road trips to Arizona. On that particular trip, our son, at just the right age for mischief, discovered a loophole in our no-cursing rule as we crossed the Hoover Dam. His playful use of “dam” in every sentence became a running joke… “can I use the dam restroom,” “can we go to the dam store,” but “that was a dam good time,” was a stretch that we simply just let go. We’ve enjoyed years of laughter from this, reminding us of the joy of shared experiences. Seems fitting that “I’m on a dam trail” today.

As I made my way through the beautiful Colorado landscape, I couldn’t help but think about how every hike mirrors our journey through life and love. Each trail I’ve walked has its own story, a reminder of the connections that strengthen us and the adventures that have shaped who we are. With every step I took, I felt the weight of those memories, the laughter shared on the way up, the challenges faced together, and the moments of quiet reflection. It dawned on me that this journey means more than reaching the summit. What matters are the companions who walk alongside us. They are the ones who make the climb worthwhile, turning each hike into a shared experience that enriches our lives. And as I look ahead, I feel both exhilaration and trepidation by the trails yet to be discovered, knowing that with the right people by my side, every path will lead to new lessons and unforgettable memories. The path continues.

-Ken