Hiking is Fun! … Sometimes
I don’t know about you but in my head hiking is adventurous, it’s fun, and it’s something I absolutely need. Then when I actually get out there sometimes I feel like it’s dumb or a waste of time. I think there are some tricks to liking hiking, especially when you’re just getting into it.
Do you actually like being exposed to the elements and doing hard things or would you just like to be able to say that you did when you see your friends again on Monday. It’s not a bad thing, I think hiking is never really a waste of time but I do think we can get more out of it than we realize.
Don’t pick dumb trails. Go somewhere beautiful that is in your skill level. Have fun with people that you love. I have found that life is more about the people that you’re with rather than where you are at or what you have.
Use the Alltrails app to read reviews and overviews of hikes google maps is getting a hiking update too. If you’re going to a State or National Park then ask the ranger what hikes or sights they recommend. Me and my sister would always do this as soon as we get into the first visitors center. They know what they are talking about and we would usually tell them we were wimps and wouldn’t do a long hike unless it was absolutely worth it. Maybe after that they wouldn’t take us seriously but the hikes they did recommend fit us and were perfect in our minds. Try it for yourself!
Here are three takeaways:
- Find Beauty
- Go with Friends
- Bring whatever will make you comfortable
Our Favorite Hike’s
The mountain lakes hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park was probably my favorite of all time. It is a longer hike which I don’t generally care for but it was so diverse and wonderful and worth it. even right up to the end. We sat and watched climbers go up the sheer cliff face across the crystal clear lake. There were lookouts along the way and three different lakes, all sporting different beauties. One was full of blooming lily pads. So beautiful. We also passed under a grazing heard of elk right on the edge of the path.
I love hiking in the Tetons because the unreal mountains and the water always seem to be in view from everywhere in the park. The wildlife is also exploding out there in the Idaho countryside, so much to see. I have never gone across the lake to hike up closer to the mountains but I’m sure when I do that will be a new favorite of mine. Do it if you can and give me some tips for when I take my family hiking up there please!
The hikes in Bryce Canyon seemed to be fun to me, maybe because I love Disneyland and it feels like Big Thunder Mountain or something. There is a lot of up and down hills and you are truly walking though the natural wonders of the park. It’s definitely special.