In the summer of 2018, my friends and I decided to go on a camping trip in the Rocky Mountains, near Estes Park, Colorado. We were a group of experienced hikers and campers, eager to spend a few days in the wild, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
On our second day, we ventured out for a day hike to a remote area known for its stunning views and wildlife. The trail was challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking vistas and the occasional sighting of deer and birds. We were about five miles into the hike when we decided to take a break and have lunch near a small, picturesque stream.
As we were eating and chatting, I felt an odd sensation, as if we were being watched. I looked around but saw nothing unusual. I shrugged it off, thinking it was just my imagination. After lunch, we continued our hike, but the feeling of being watched persisted.
About an hour later, while we were navigating a narrow path with dense brush on either side, we heard a rustling noise. We stopped in our tracks, and my friend Sam pointed to a movement in the bushes. Out of nowhere, a mountain lion emerged, its eyes locked onto us. It was about 30 feet away, crouched and ready to pounce.
Panic set in, but we knew we had to stay calm. We made ourselves look as big as possible, raising our arms and speaking loudly to try to intimidate the big cat. The mountain lion took a few steps forward, its gaze unwavering. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest.
We slowly backed away, keeping our eyes on the mountain lion and continuing to make noise. The tension was unbearable, each step feeling like a gamble. The mountain lion followed us for about 200 yards, maintaining its distance but clearly showing that it could attack at any moment.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the mountain lion stopped, gave us one last look, and then disappeared back into the brush. We didn't waste any time; we quickly and carefully made our way back to the main trail, constantly checking our surroundings. When we reached the safety of our campsite, we were all shaken but relieved. We reported the encounter to a park ranger, who told us that mountain lions are known to stalk their prey for long distances and that we were lucky to have handled the situation correctly.