“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

This stark statement came from someone who could neither see nor hear — Helen Keller.

The Pikes Peak region has inspired many females who were daring adventurers. The popular local trail Captain Jack’s was named for Ellen Jack, who assumed her husband’s name, Captain Charles Jack, after he died.

Ellen Jack was a tough, gun-toting woman who wandered Colorado and fought with bandits while mining for gold. High Drive eventually became her home, where she rented cabins to tourists and led tours and burro rides on what would be known as Captain Jacks Trail.

Just up the road, Helen Hunt Jackson fell in love with property that, thanks to her efforts, would eventually be known as North Cheyenne Canon Park. Jackson helped lead a community initiative to put the plan before voters in what would become the first voter-approved city park. Helen Hunt Falls honors her, the woman behind this gift to all of us.

Another daring local adventurer was Peggy Parr. A longtime trail advocate and hike leader, Parr joined El Paso County Search and Rescue at age 59 as a team member, rescuing lost adventurers.

We have a trail in Garden of the Gods named for a notable local woman. Susan G. Bretag was a champion for equestrians and advocated for providing horse access on local trails. When Manitou Springs attempted to ban horses from streets, alleys and public spaces in 1981, Bretag fought the measure and won.

Rose Georgina Kingsley is credited with being the first White woman to scale the summit that now bears her name, Mount Rosa. That happened in the 1870s.

A number of local parks have been named for local trailblazers, including Nancy Lewis, Colorado Springs’ first female parks director. Nancy Lewis Park is a community jewel. If you enjoy the region’s local parks, consider checking out her book, “The Parks of Colorado Springs.”

A list of women who profoundly impacted public space would not be complete without Lydia Hill. Her love and tremendous support for Garden of the Gods has created a lasting legacy for all.

I recall hiking with her years ago on the South Slope of Pikes Peak. It was a humbling experience. Although 13 years my senior, her stamina and agility greatly exceeded mine. Her love of nature and trails was intrinsic to who she was and is.

As Women’s History Month concludes, take time to remember local women who were daring adventurers. Their accomplishments and passions left a mark on peaks, parks and trails we enjoy today.

Davies is the former executive director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition.