Living in Colorado Springs feels like a great blessing, as I can go hiking anywhere every weekend.

Just a little away from the city, the majestic scenery of the Rocky Mountains unfolds before my eyes, with various trails available for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers.

I enjoy hiking whenever I have time, as it is both exercise and healing, and one of the biggest reasons I love Colorado Springs.

The most representative place is undoubtedly the 'Garden of the Gods.'

The sight of the towering red sandstone rocks always gives me a new sense of wonder, no matter how often I see it.

There are many flat trails that are great for a light walk with kids, and it's also perfect for choosing a more challenging route to enjoy hiking among the rocks.

The view of Pikes Peak shining through the rocks is always overwhelming, making it impossible not to take out my camera.

Another must-mention when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs is 'Pikes Peak.'

Commonly referred to as 'America's Mountain,' this peak rises over 4,300 meters and has several routes to the summit. Among them, the 'Barr Trail' is the most famous, a 13-mile path that starts from the city and leads to the summit. It's not easy to complete in one day, so most people usually stay overnight at Barr Camp and take two days to reach the top. I also have a goal to challenge myself to reach the summit someday. The view from the top is a kind of dream for Colorado residents.

If you want a shorter and more intense experience, there's also the 'Manitou Incline.' As the name suggests, it's a course that follows stairs installed on the mountainside, with over 2,000 steps along just 1 mile. It's a short but breath-taking challenge, and many people come to test their fitness. When you reach the top and look back, you instantly understand why that tough journey is so appealing.

Near Colorado Springs, there's also 'Cheyenne Mountain State Park,' which offers a variety of trails suitable for families to picnic and walk lightly, as well as courses for intermediate hikers.

The scenery changes with the seasons, with wildflowers blooming in spring and autumn leaves turning beautiful colors, showcasing a different charm. Even in winter, you can enjoy a serene atmosphere while walking through snow-covered forest paths, making it popular year-round.

As I explore these various hiking trails, my body may be tired, but my mind feels much lighter.

The stress of the city melts away like snow, and I feel a new energy in nature.

Above all, it's enjoyable to exchange a few natural greetings with the people I meet while hiking.

As people pass by, they greet each other with a "hi" or "hello," and that small encouragement surprisingly gives a lot of strength.

Hiking and climbing in Colorado Springs is not just exercise or a hobby. It is a part of life that makes living here special. Each time, I encounter different paths, different weather, and different scenery, always feeling new emotions.

Therefore, I believe that when I talk about life in Colorado Springs, I cannot leave out the stories of hiking and climbing.