Hiking Trails That Match Your Existential Crises

Paths, peanuts, and pondering.

Story By: Makenna Livingston, In the Dirt editor

Photos By: Westin Winter

Let’s Begin

Ah, the existential crisis. Whether you’re 15 or 50, you’re scurrying away from life’s question marks as they hunt you down. Society kicks you, your past punches you, and the future headbutts you into an unruly mess. But in the chaos of this war zone, an arm reaches out to you from the darkness and takes your hand, leading you away from the calamities of life, and instead toward hiking, nature and dirt. 

Whatever questions pulse through your brain, don’t worry. There is a hike for that. I’ve matched real existential dilemmas with real Grand Valley hikes because your emotional breakdown deserves a view. 

What am I doing with my life? 

Lost Lake Trail – Grand Mesa National Forest

• Length: 3.5 miles
• 423-foot elevation gain
• 1 hour, 30 minutes estimated time
• Easy 

Winding through a shady forest, the trail offers gentle slopes that challenge you on your way up and ease you on the way down. Through the small ups and downs you must endure, the most pristine lake awaits. Surrounded by scattered rocks and alpine calm, it quietly rests. The bluest, clearest waters invite you to swim, paddleboard, float or lounge in its serenity.

Take a moment of reflection and gaze into the water. As clear as it is, your reflection will watch you. Look yourself in your eyes — I dare you. Watch as your blurred face ripples with the water’s movement. Sometimes we forget who we are, where we came from and what makes us thrive. So look closer. Dive into the gaze staring back at you. Are those eyes filled with pity, sadness or anger? Maybe that’s where your answer lies. 

Do I want kids, or do I just feel the pressure of society?

Serpents Trail – Colorado National Monument

• Length: 3.8 miles
• 797-foot elevation gain
• 2 hours estimated time
• Moderate

Winding between the orange-tinged rocks, this path leads upward. It begins with stairs that give you a taste of the climb and a chance to turn back. I recommend doing this hike alone, so there is no pressure to turn back, quit, or continue on. It’s just you making the decision. 

From the moment you begin this hike, like the moment a child is born, it’s all uphill. The steady incline will leave you complaining, sweaty and distraught. But you can’t be mad at it, because if you take a moment to sit still and look out over the edge of the trail, some of the most amazing views will grace your eyes. Through the winding path, know this journey isn’t easy. But if it is something you truly want, then do it.

Am I building a life I actually want, or just checking boxes other people gave me?

Gunny Loop

• Length: 3.3 miles
• 380-foot elevation gain
• 1.5 hours estimated time
• Moderate

Making your way down the large rocky embankment, hopping from rock to rock, the start of this trail can be difficult for some. As you continue, the path shifts to sand on a stroll between the towering cliffs that line the dirt path. It’s an easier trail, making it a popular one with lots of singles ready to mingle. If there is one trail where you could meet your soulmate, this could be one of them. So keep your eyes open. 

 As sand fills your shoes and slows your steps, it can feel like a desert trek. But eventually, the ground begins to glitter. With each patient step, the sand gives way to fields of sparkling mica gems. Mesmerized, from a distance, you’d think it’s snow. 

In the end, love comes with time and patience. You don’t need to search or chase it. Just keep walking your path at your own pace. The gems may appear small and infrequent at first, but eventually, they will surround you.

Honorable Mentions

Will I ever feel fulfilled? – Okay, you need a lot of time to think. I got one for you:

• Crag Crest National Recreation Trail

Why does everyone seem ahead of me? – Everyone has their own path, now make your own:

• Devils Kitchen

What’s the point of any of this? – A near-death experience is what you need; here it is:

• Mount Garfield

Even though these hikes may not solve all your crises, they might give you advice, take your pride or make you believe. With each drop of sweat, a river of clarity will hopefully unfold.  I encourage everyone going through their existential crises to go on a hike, cry to some gorgeous views, and maybe scream into a canyon if you need to.