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September 19, 2019
Inside this issue . . .
The Growl Staff 2019-2020
Letter from the Editors In this issue, we decided to explore The Great Outdoors. Colorado is known for its incredible natural wonders, and being landlocked between mountains and rivers is just where we want to be.We dive into stories about space, Colorado, nature, and everything in between. You’ll see gorgeous photo essays and standalones to indulge you in the incredible beauty of this state. This issue features a story for everyone, so immerse yourself in the Great Outdoors!
ContenTs
3) Psychology of Nature 4) Summer Trends Spill into Fall 5) Vacay Spots in Colorado 6) Colorado Festivals 7) Summer, Fall Zodiac Signs 8) Stargazing 9) Grizzlies’ Names in Space 10) Bucket List 11) Seven Wonders of Colorado 12) Coaches Support Mental Health 13) Open Water Swimming 14) Beach vs Indoor Volleyball 15) Colorado Fourteeners 16) TR Athletes Show Grit Cover photo by Caitlin Estes Flower photo by Sierra Martinez
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief Jordan Lear
Executive Editor/Social Media Caitlin Estes Associate Editor Sofia Romano Head of Design Maddy Stadler Photographers McKenna Frakes Xander Lees Sierra Martinez Caitlin Marty Ally Stadler
Broadcasters Carter Brockbank Kaleo Comer Will Douglass Alex Downs Ryken Kucinski Emma Rygh Carson Shea Steven Taylor
Writers Lillian Moats Michael Reyes Jack Ryan Mallory Travis Jasmine Vaughan Adviser Nikki Sameshima
September 19, 2019
Psychology OF NATURE Caitlin Estes
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Caitlin Estes
The Growl takes a look into what draws us to The Great Outdoors. Nature is a beautifully perplexing concept to the human world. We originated from living solely in the confines of the outdoors, to a gradual shift of living indoors. Our contemporary society functions in skyscrapers and air conditioning, yet we still have a longing for fresh air, so the question is posed: What is the psychology behind nature that draws humans outside? While there is no finite reason behind this, scientists have been studying the relationship between humanity and nature, and have drawn their own con- The Columbine is Colorado’s state flower. This one was found in Indian Hills, Colorado. clusions based on research and data collected from ex- the air by absorbing carbon vibrations to billboards and brain, when at high activity periments. dioxide, a naturally occur- graffiti. In turn, this makes us levels, produces repetitive A popular study, called ring gas that is poisonous more impulsive and more thoughts focused on negaThe Biophilia Hypothesis, to humans. Even the potting distracted. The way to treat tive emotions, according to was proposed by Edward O. soil proves beneficial, and this is to “recharge” our Harvard Health. The more Wilson in his 1984 publica- according to Forbes writer brains, and being in nature time spent outdoors, the tion, Biophilia suggests that Noma Nazish, “soil contains can do just that. Sitting by a less stress you can expect “humans possess an innate microbes dubbed ‘outdoor- lake, listening to the birds, or to have. With our modern, tendency to seek connec- phins’ (M. vaccae) which strolling through the woods fast paced society, spending tions with nature and other work as natural antidepres- are all activities that take hours outside may not be forms of life.” Being outside sants.” Top houseplants for away the robotic noise, and realistic, but making small seems to be in our blood, reducing stress include, but bring us back to the serenity changes, such as spending which might explain why we are not limited to, Aloe Vera, of our origins. This can re- your lunch break outside try to bring the outdoors English Ivy, Peace Lily, and store us to better perform could have a wholly positive inside. in our daily tasks and bal- impact on your life. Spider Plant. Virtually every houseWhile there may not be a Another possible expla- ance our mental health. hold has some aspect of the nation for why the outdoors There is no doubt that definitive answer to why our outdoors within its con- work wonders for our men- our connections to nature mood is improved and our profines. Houseplants are very tal health is based on the At- improves our mental clarity ductivity increased in exposure common, and there have tention Restorative Theory and well being. Taking a walk to nature, it is an undeniable fact been proven benefits to by Stephen Kaplan. Atten- outdoors can lower activi- that it does exist, and we should owning them. Houseplants tion fatigue comes from all ty in the prefrontal cortex, take the time to be outside as not only de-stress the en- the extra noise in our so- which is significant because much as possible. vironment, but also purify ciety, from constant phone that is the region of your
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September 19, 2019
SUMMER trends Spill into fall Mallory Travis August is the month that students and teachers alike have come to dread. The beginning of the school year makes everyone long for the summer that we all wish was longer, especially when the events and trends made the summer of 2019 remarkable. The fashion trends that came with the bright sea-
Ally Stadler son influenced how teens looked and acted. Many outfits that teens wore this past season were largely influenced by the major festivals of the summer, such as Coachella and Lollapalooza. One of the largest fashion trends this year is the Puka shell necklaces. The trend was originally made popular in the 1970s by actor David
“Vsco girls” are a very popular trend in 2019 thoughout the world, and are described to wear puka shell necklaces, scrunchies, and have a hydro flask. “Vsco girls” started off of an app that is mostly used by females, especially teenage girls.
Cassidy, who wore the ever-famous necklace everywhere, and his trend is just becoming popular again. “I really love the necklaces, and I’m so glad that they are coming back into style! It reminds me of the beach,” exclaims Arapahoe High School Sophomore Lily Allens. Some teens spent their summers inside on their phones, only going outside to snap a selfie and return to their rooms. For those media-addicted teens, another app that has made its way into the main social media circle isTik Tok. It was originally known as Musical. ly, but rebranded just over a year ago. The app was made for users to lip sync to their
favorite songs and express their creativity through short videos. Now, the app is known for its ability to make random users famous seemingly overnight, and now many people are being recognized for their presence on TikTok. It even happened to make a few Grizzlies famous! The summer of 2019 is gone but not forgotten. The visual trends of the year, much like the Puka shell necklaces, have helped kids express themselves through their clothing choices. The events of the summer were also unforgettable from the festivals to the films. Everything that happened this summer has impacted people in one way or another.
Tik Tok is the most trending app as of Aug. 30, 2019, and attracts many teens to lip sync or dance to their favorite songs. This app has been very popular this year, and around 500 million people use Tik Tok, according to influencermarketinghub.com.
September 19, 2019
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VACAY SPOTS IN COLORADO Lillian Moats
Xander Lees, McKenna Frakes and Sierra Martinez
This photo (top left) of Denver was taken near Red Rocks. One of the first skyscrapers in Denver was completed in 1961, and as the city grows, it offers more opportunities for activities. Flowers and bees are common sights in mountain towns like Estes Park.
Summer isn’t over yet! So, if you want to take advantage of the warm weather before it gives way to chilly days, here are some weekend and day trip ideas from The Growl. Guanella Pass Guanella Pass is a remarkable place to take beautiful photos of Colorado’s forests and wildlife. Visitors are able to access this mountain pass year-round, although the road is not maintained during the winter months. In the spring, the pass is filled with beautiful blooming wildflowers, and in the later months of the year, the pass is filled with vibrant reds, yellows,
and golds, which is a result of the falling leaves. According to the website TripSavvy, “[Guanella Pass] provides some of the planet’s most breathtaking panoramas.” Distance: 67 miles Time: 2 hours Denver Denver is an excellent place to go, rain or shine. There is so much to do in Colorado’s capital, from museums to outdoor events. Denver is also known for its many shops and restaurants. In Denver, everyone can find something they enjoy! Distance: 17 miles Time: 45 minutes
Estes Park Estes Park is a delightful place to spend the weekend. As stated on the official Estes Park website, “The rich wildlife and breathtaking scenery that lured travelers in the early 1900s still draw in guests today.” In Estes Park, visitors can camp or stay in a hotel. Visitors can even stay at the famous Stanley Hotel. Estes Park also has many unique shops. On the edge of the town is Rocky Mountain National Park; this is a great way to experience the outdoors. Estes Park also has a YMCA and a small amusement park. Both are perfect for children and teens alike.
Distance: 81 miles Time: 2 hours The Great Sand Dunes The Great Sand Dunes are a wonderful place to vacation outdoors! Here, visitors can roam on the miles upon miles of dunes. Additionally, visitors can play in Medano Creek beside the dunes. The National Park provides camping inside the park, though if camping is not your forte, you can stay in Alamosa, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away. This is a great place for all ages to spend their vacation. Distance: 230 miles Time: 4 hours
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September 19, 2019
Colorado Festivals Sophia Romano
Sophia Romano
Throughout the summer months, Coloradans regularly join together to celebrate the state through festivals and events, but what about the fall and winter months? Colorado has monthly events that revolve around being outside and appreciating what this state has to offer. To help celebrate Colorado, here is a list of festivals and events going on each month of the year. JANUARY Budweiser International Snow Sculpting Championship (Breckenridge, Colorado) Aspen X-Games (Aspen, Colorado) FEBRUARY Steamboat Winter Carnival (Steamboat Springs, Colorado) MARCH Denver Mardi Gras (Denver, Colorado) APRIL Pondskim Closing Day Celebration (Steamboat Springs, Colorado) MAY Boulder Creek Festival (Boulder, Colorado) Denver Arts Festival (Denver, Colorado) JUNE Colorado Lavender Festival (Palisade, Colorado) Parker Days (Parker, Colorado) Strawberry Days (Glenwood Springs, Colorado) Telluride Yoga Festival (Telluride, Colorado) Denver Chalk Art Festival (Denver, Colorado) JULY Buffalo Bill Days (Golden, Colorado)
The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo takes place during July in Steamboat Springs.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival (Crested Butte, Colorado) Hot Air Balloon Rodeo (Steamboat Springs, Colorado) AUGUST Palisade Peach Festival (Palisade, Colorado) Colorado State Fair and Rodeo (Pueblo, Colorado) SEPTEMBER Downtown Boulder Fall Fest (Boulder, Colorado) Oktoberfest Denver (Denver, Colorado) Breckenridge Film Festival (Breckenridge, Colorado) Colorfest Balloon Rally (Pagosa Springs, Colorado) Elkfest (Estes Park, Colorado) OCTOBER Applefest (Cedaredge, Colorado) Telluride Horror Fest (Telluride, Colorado) Sky Lantern Festival (Colorado Springs, Colorado) NOVEMBER Evergreen Winterfest (Evergreen, Colorado) DECEMBER Vail Snow Days (Vail, Colorado) 9NEWS Parade of Lights (Denver, Colorado)
September 19, 2019
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summer, fall Zodiac Signs Caitlin Marty
Caitlin Marty
What are Zodiac signs? These symbols represent the way planets and stars align to make shapes in the sky. There are 12 shapes in total, and astrologers believe each sign has individual characteristics. Summer Sign: Leo July 23-Aug. 22 The Leo Is a natural born leader. Leos are determined to achieve their goals, are very social, and have many friends. Loyalty is important to them and they are believed to be extremely honest, according to Astrology-Zodiac-signs.com. Grizzly Leo: Alex Jermyn Sophomore Alex Jermyn would describer herself as an extrovert. She is a leader, social, and wants to make others happy. She is not artistic and is currently listening to Bruno Mars. Talking to her friends is her second favorite pastime. Grizzly Leo: Ben Gonzalez Sophomore Ben Gonzalez has the characteristics of a natural born leader. He is loyal to his friends and family, and is an extreme extrovert. He is very competitive, tends to be loud, and likes things done his way. At the moment, Lil’ Sky is his favorite artist. Leo’s Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 10, 19
Sophomore Alex Jermyn
Sophomore Ben Gonzalez
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September 19, 2019
best places to stargaze Jordan Lear
Images copyright free for noncommercial work
Colorado is known for its outdoor treasures. Deep into the mountains and countryside, we can see the galaxy late at night. Our knowledge of the constellations is vast, but where in Colorado can we best see them? Here are the top three places to see the stars in Colorado. Red Rocks — Morrison. Known for its late-night concerts, visitors also can go see Denver in it’s nighttime glory as well as seeing the stars above. It’s the perfect place for beautiful pictures.
FUN FACT: Red Rocks was once listed as one of the seven wonders of the geological world. Red Rocks
wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Rocks_Amphitheatre
Horsetooth Reservoir — Larimer County. It in-
cludes more than 1,900 acres of land featuring activities such as: scuba diving, rock climbing, water skiing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing. It has something for everyone! At night, the sky turns to a vast endless sky full of stars that visitors cannot see anywhere else.
FUN FACT: There is a cave called ‘Graffiti Cave’ that is covered in graffiti. Horsetooth Reservoir
horsetoothd.com/blog/april-2017
Black Canyon — Gunnison. With little light pollution, The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the ideal location for stargazing. Only a few hours from Denver, there are campgrounds that allow visitors to see these stars.
FUN FACT: The Black Canyon got its name because it only gets 33 minutes of sunlight a day. Black Canyon
www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm
September 19, 2019
Grizzlies Names in space Michael Reyes My name is in space, and that’s a pretty big deal. It started in December of 2014, when a brand new space capsule named Orion, had just been prepared to launch on its first orbital test flight, Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1). What was the space capsule’s purpose? To test it’s own instruments and controls, in preparation for future manned missions to the Moon and Mars. In order to obtain more of the public’s interest in the mission, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA, uploaded a petition on its website, saying that, “you can submit your name to be flown on [Orion]... and your first and last name will be digitized and placed on a dime-sized microchip that will be stowed inside the uncrewed Orion spacecraft.” More than 1.3 million names from around the world were submitted and etched onto the chip; I just so happened to be one of those 1.3 million. Since then, my name has been put on two other microchips, on two different spacecraft, all of which are designed to explore our Solar System. So far, more than 8 million names have been submitted on this latest Mars mission, and there’s still room for more! That means you still have the chance to
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Xander Lees
This graphic shows what the Mars rover and chip look like. The chip and rover will launch next summer.
put your name on a space microchip too! To enter, search “Send Your Name to Mars” on NASA’s website and click on the first search result. Fill out the information listed before Sept. 30 and you too, will become a passenger on humanity’s next interplanetary mission. The probe that garners the most attention currently, is a new Mars lander called Insight. It was the second spacecraft to launch with my name on it, and landed on the Red Planet’s surface on Nov. 26, 2018. Not only does Insight carry my name onboard, but also TRHS Librarian Stephanie Sjoland’s name. “I read a lot of science fiction, so when I first heard of this, I was like, ‘That’s it? This is as far as we’ve gotten?’ ” said Sjoland, who expressed her excitement and
hopes for Insight’s mission. “This is a way for me to be involved beyond Earth, even if I can’t go myself.” Insight’s mission is “to study in-depth the ‘inner space’ of Mars: its crust, mantle, and core.” (NASA, 2018). The lander has made many accomplishments during its first year of operation. It is the first probe to detect earthquakes on another planet, cheekily called “Marsquakes”, and has a small drill that will dig 16 feet straight into the ground. Currently, the drill is stuck approximately 12 inches in the soil. A plan on moving the instrument to a different spot was put into motion recently; unfortunately, progress has been stalled for the next few weeks. So, why is NASA doing putting people’s names on their spacecraft?
It’s to gather more interest in their new up-coming deep space mission, the Mars 2020 Rover. Launching from Cape Canaveral, sometime July 2020, it will be carrying experiments designed to assist humans on interplanetary missions.Two more microchips filled with the names of those who sign up, will be joining the rover’s journey to the Red Planet. According to the associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, he states in an official NASA press release, “as we get ready to launch this historic Mars mission, we want everyone to share in this journey of exploration, it’s an exciting time for NASA, as we embark on this voyage to answer profound questions about our neighboring planet, and even the origins of life itself.”
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September 19, 2019
Colorado Bucket List Maddy Stadler
September 19, 2019
Seven Wonders of Colorado Jordan Lear
Garden of the Gods
Hanging Lake
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Images copyright free for noncommercial work
www.wanderlustwhileworking.com
outtherecolorado.com
Garden of the Gods- Located in Colorado Springs, it was designated as a national landmark in 1971. Originally called Red Rock Corral, it was later changed to Garden of the Gods because it was “a fit place for the gods to assemble.” Great Sand Dunes- The park contains the largest sand dunes in North America, with a height of 8,700 feet above sea level. Mesa Verde National Park- It is the first national park of its kind. It is the only cultural park in the U.S. National Park System. “Mesa Verde” means “Green Table” in Spanish and was given the name due to the juniper trees and various foliage in the area. It was abandoned around 1300 for unknown reasons, but visitors can still go and view the native’s way of living. Royal Gorge- Located in Cañon City, the Royal Gorge is 1,250 feet deep. The activities here include a train ride up the canyon, rafting, walking the bridge, skydiving, and more.
The Royal Gorge
Cave of the Winds
303magazine.com/2019/02
tripstodiscover.com/caves-in-colorado
Maroon Bells- Ten miles north of Aspen stands the 14,000-foot Maroon Bells, full of mesmerizing views, wildlife, and many trails. According to the U.S. Forest Service, “the mountains received their distinctive maroon coloring from the weathering of hematite.” Cave of the Winds- Cave of the Winds is the oldest and most famous attraction in Colorado. It opened in 1881 and has been in service since. Cave of The Winds now has three different kinds of tours and many outdoor activities such as a climbing wall and the Terror-dactyl. Hanging Lake- The path to this gem is a treacherous one mile, but the hike is well worth it! “It is a rare example of a lake formed by travertine deposition where the natural geologic and hydro-logic processes continue to operate as they have done throughout the history of the lake. It was designated a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011,” according to Senad Rizvanovic, a writer for summitpost.org.
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September 19, 2019
coaches support mental health Jack Ryan
Xander Lees
The Colorado High School Activities Association created a class this year designed to help coaches identify and help students struggling with their mental health. “One in five adults have developed a form of mental illness before the age of 24 due to the competitive nature of the sport,” according an article in the New York Times. And this year, there have been two major NFL players, Andrew Luck and Rob Gronkowski, who talked about how football has affected their mental health. A recent Fox News Interview showed Gronkowski’s struggles with mental health: “I got done with the game, I could barely walk.” He added, “I’m at the after-party, I sit down and I’m just chilling all day, like the rest of the night until 3 a.m. I try to go to bed, I slept for five minutes that night. I couldn’t even think. I was in tears, in my bed after a Super Bowl victory.” Luck tweeted, “I remember being very sad. It was a bad day. I played very poorly, but something I learned last year was that my worth as a human was going to be tied into how I did-the result of a football game.” ThunderRidge Baseball coach, Bradley Johnson, and Charlie Ryan, a linebacker for the ThunderRidge foot-
‘Some student athletes feel an added layer of pressure to perform well. . .it can take a toll.’
In this photo, we see the TRHS Soccer Team playing on the field with the UC Health Hospital in the background. The hospital opened during the summer, on June 18.
ball team, both hope the emphasis on mental health helps athletes. Johnson said spending more time with kids as a coach can make it easier to spot their struggles. “It is a team effort though, and kids are often reluctant to tell coaches they are struggling, because they are afraid of how it will be perceived. Sometimes teachers, counselors, and parents will see a side of a student that is hidden from
coaches, which makes it very difficult to know when they need extra support,” Johnson said. Ryan said coaches need to be trained to spot the signs. “If they aren’t, then it doesn’t matter how much time is spent,” he said. It is important students ask for help, Johnson said. Ryan agreed and added: “As long as fellow athletes know that they have time for themselves. Make time
for mental health or you could be damaged by it.” That’s especially important for student athletes. “Some student athletes feel an added layer of pressure to perform well. Whether it is from internal or external factors, it can take a toll on them,” Johnson said. No matter what age you are or who you are, if you don’t take time for yourself, it could damage your mental or physical state.
September 19, 2019
open water swimming Sophia Romano
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Ally Stadler
Coloradans living in the Highlands Ranch area may think that the best place to soak up the last moments of summer is Chatfield, and although Chatfield may be the most popular place to go swimming in our community, there is so much more that we have yet to explore. Here is a list of the best places to go open water swimming and cliff jumping in Colorado. Littleton Area: Big Soda Lake Chatfield State Park Cherry Creek State Park Mountains: Big Dominguez Canyon Blue Mesa Reservoir Boulder Reservoir Conundrum Hot Springs Grand Lake Green Mountain Reservoir Horsetooth Reservoir Jackson Lake State Park Lake Dillon Needle Creek Pagosa Springs Hot Springs Ruedi Reservoir Strawberry Park Hot Springs Twin Lakes Vallecito Lake Wellington Lake Devil’s Punchbowl Guffey Gorge St. Mary’s Glacier Adrenaline Falls The Black Hole
Many people loved going to Chatfield Reservoir for a warm sunny August day to boat, paddle board, and participate in many more activities. Chatfield State Park has been open since 1975, and averages about 1.6 million visitors per year.
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September 19, 2019
BEACH VS INDOOR VOLLEYBALL Jasmine Vaughan
Jasmine Vaughan
In the year 1910, on the beautiful beaches of Waikiki, Hawaii, a group of friends have an idea.Their proposal: to combine indoor volleyball with a beach. At that moment, beach volleyball was born. Between the years of 1910 and 2019, beach volleyball has grown immensely. That’s because only three key elements are needed to play – sand, a ball and a net. While this might be good news for those in coastal reJasmine Vaughan gions, Colorado is missing one element, a beach. Places like the Island, Play Mile High, and the Lab have combated this problem by providing indoor facilities for beach play year round — which makes it possible for players to take up the challenge of beach volleyball in a Rocky Mountain State. Sun, sand, cold drinks, and volleyball is the recipe for a good time. It is safe to say beach volleyball is certainly fun, but if a player’s goal is to be competitive, it might be more difficult than expected. Karch Kiraly, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in both indoor and outdoor, highlights this in an interview with Volleyball Advisors, “We play at the world’s most beautiful beaches but in the world’s most challenging conditions. It is not like you play one match and you go back to air conditioning. We do it all day long.” Since there are only two athletes per team, it means more court for each teammate to individually cover. An outdoor court is three feet smaller than an indoor court so it is doable. In order to be competitive at beach volleyball, there is a lot of endurance and training required. If a player’s goal is to be well-rounded with every skill, the sand is a great place to start. Kerrie Walsh, beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist, supports this idea in a 2005 interview, expressing that, “You have so much more responsibility [on the beach]. Every weakness is exposed from the get go. It’s the ultimate adventure and ultimate challenge. There is so much room to cover.” Better yet, it is not a necessity in sand volleyball to be tall. Ary Dunphy, 1988 Olympic Gold Medal coach agrees.“It is not how tall you are, it is how good you are.” The game of beach volleyball doubles is a game where
both players are forced to use multiple skills. In doubles, being tall and athletic is not all it takes to be successful. If a player can’t pass well, a smart opponent will likely serve the ball to that player repeatedly, forcing them to pass. A smaller player, many times has the advantage of speed to offset any disadvantage there might be of being a shorter athlete. Taller athletes with longer limbs cannot generate the same degree of force to be as quick as a shorter player. Holly McPeak, a retired American beach volleyball player is an inspiration to smaller beach players. As a three-time Olympian, McPeak has earned 72 career beach volleyball titles with career earnings of $1.4 million, according to Team USA. Despite McPeak being considered short for a volleyball player, at 5 feet 7 inches, she was one of the toughest players to beat on the tour. With any team sport, it is a lot more about the team and a lot less about the individual. Kerri Walsh, addresses this in an interview with Volleyball Advisors, “In beach volleyball, the reality is, it’s a heck of a lot more about you and your performance, since there’s only you and your partner.” So, if a beach player takes the loss, they can either look in the mirror, or look at their partner. Lastly, beach volleyball is a game of wits rather than strength. All beach athletes want that perfect scenario, sun shining, breeze blowing, warm but not hot. The reality is, more than half of the time it will be too windy, rainy, cold, or hot. Athletes have to be like a chameleon, able to adjust to whatever scenario. In addition, to having the wit to adjust to different circumstances, it’s essential for a player to be strategic in where they put the ball. The game of beach volleyball is one of placement, not power. Endurance, consistency, self-reliance, and wit are what it takes to be a beach volleyball player. For athletes looking to step out of the gym and onto the sand, here are the best beach clubs at which to start.
Want to play sand volleyball? Play Mile High Denver Sand Volleyball Leagues, and is a “social” volleyball club not for competitive players. Sand leagues are a great way to stay active, while playing sand volleyball and meeting new people. See website for details: playmilehigh.com Cost: $50 for a five-week season
September 19, 2019
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COLORADO FOURTEENERS Caitlin Estes
Caitlin Estes
Stunning views such as these in White River National Forest are common sights in Colorado mountain peaks.
Colorado is a landlocked masterpiece, with its beauty found in mountainsides, treetops, and glimmering lakes. It ranks No.1 in the United States for the most fourteeners, totaling at an impressive 53. With panoramic views at the top, these landscapes create the wonders that make Colorado unique. Be sure to have plenty of water and snacks on hand before hitting the trail. There are so many different fourteeners to explore, so take a hike! Mount Bierstadt holds a reputation of being the best beginner fourteener. The hike is seven miles round
trip, with a gradual incline up until last half mile. Although this part is a bouldering experience, any level of hiker can successfully achieve it. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with the most prominent view from the top being Torreys. The temperature is much lower at the top, so packing layers is recommended. Another popular beginner peak is Grays. Featuring a well-traveled trail, and an elevation gain of just 3,000 feet, this hike can be enjoyed by the most inexperienced hiker. It has beautiful landscape on the whole
route, and with just eight miles round trip, it leaves time to explore neighboring peak Torreys in the same day’s time. A more challenging peak to attempt is Mount Elbert, but known as the “gentle giant,� it inclines nearly 5,000 feet at a moderate pace. It holds bragging rights for the largest summit in Colorado, totaling 14,443 feet. The top is dominated rough terrain, but standing on this perch will put you on the highest point of the world from California to France on the longitude axis, and on the latitude axis from Canada to Mexico.
If these sound too easy, consider trying a level three fourteener, such as Mount Crestone. This mountain was one of the last peaks in Colorado to be climbed, as it was dubbed impossible to climb for most of its history, according to Summit Post. Eight hundered feet of elevation must be lost and regained before summiting another 2,000 feet. It lies just behind The Great Sand Dunes National Park, and incredible views are situated at the top. Fourteeners are an essential to any Colorado bucket list. Explore the great outdoors and take a hike!
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September 19, 2019
TR Athletes show grit Michael Reyes and Caitlin Marty
Football
Tennis
Softball
(Top left) Grizzly No. 2 hustles for a first down during the second quarter of the Varsity Friday night game against Lakewood High School. (Bottom left) Grizzly player No. 17 runs for a touchdown, in the middle of third quarter. (Top and middle right) ThunderRidge Varsity tennis players compete at home in August on the same day as the ThunderRidge Varsity softball players took on Arapahoe High School. No. 1 singles player Andy Gardalen, senior, serves against a player from Legend High School.