Hiking Reservoir Ridge to Restart a Winter Solstice Tradition
During my last few years living in Silicon Valley, I started a tradition of going for a hike on the Winter Solstice. The symbolism of the day—marking the shortest day of the year and the promise of longer days ahead—always resonated with me. Nestled near the holy days of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah, it felt like a natural time for reflection and renewal.
Years after moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, however, I inexplicably let that tradition lapse, despite the abundance of hiking opportunities in the area. But this year, after my mom’s passing the day after Thanksgiving, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in reviving the tradition—this time in her honor.
A Root Beer-Fueled Start
With only a few days in Fort Collins to pick up a few things before returning to California to spend time with my dad and family, I didn’t have the bandwidth for a long, elaborate hike. Instead, I chose Reservoir Ridge, a place I used to frequent with the Fort Collins Trailrunners but hadn’t visited in five years.
Before heading out, I met up with my Spanish friends, Carlos and Manuel. Carlos, visiting the Fort Collins-Loveland area for the week from the District of Columbia, and Manuel, a local, had listened to me reminisce about Lodi, California—a city that Andrea and I had spent a lot of time in a week ago as it’s close to my parents’ home and is “much safer and more pleasant than Stockton.” I had shared how Lodi is the birthplace of A&W Root Beer, and that’s when I discovered that Manuel had never tried a root beer float.
Determined to introduce him to this quintessential American treat, we indulged in root beer floats at Fort Collins’ sole A&W Restaurant together. The frothy, sweet combination of root beer and vanilla ice cream served as both a nostalgic throwback and the perfect calorie boost for my upcoming hike.
A Short and Reflective Climb
I parked at the Reservoir Trailhead, just north of the Horsetooth Reservoir’s north dam off N. County Road 23. This provided the shortest route to the ridge—a manageable hike given my time constraints. I ended up being out there for 45 minutes, covering 1.2 kilometers. But during that time, I spent as many minutes taking photos as I did moving my legs.
It was pitch black when I reached the top, but the flashlight on my Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) watch was invaluable, allowing me to navigate safely while keeping my phone stowed. I was the only one on the trail, and the solitude added to the peaceful ambiance.
From the ridge, the city lights of Fort Collins sparkled to the east, while the faint glow of mountain homes lit up the west. The air was calm, temperatures were mild, and there wasn’t a hint of wind. It was serene—a perfect moment for reflection.
A Tradition Worth Continuing
As I stood there, I thought about my mom, the year that had passed, and the traditions that ground us in times of change. This hike, though brief, felt like the perfect way to honor her memory and restart a tradition I intend to continue.
Next time, I’ll plan a longer, more challenging hike—perhaps with my weighted vest or a backpack to increase the intensity and warmth. For now, though, this short, quiet walk in nature was exactly what I needed.
Wherever I am on future Winter Solstices, I’ll make time to pause, reflect, and embrace the promise of brighter days ahead.
Hike Data
Distance: 0.8 miles (1.2 km)
Time: 0:23 moving; 0:45 total
Elevation gain: 220 feet (67m)