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So, you want to get outdoors and do a little hiking. Living near the Rocky Mountains and many hiking trails, most of my weekends are spent hiking. Sometimes, the trail is easy. Other times it is more difficult. But if this adventuring is new to you, you may not know what to expect. Although it looks like fun, is hiking easy to do?
Depending on what hike you want to do, the trail will be easy, moderate, or difficult.
Generally, hiking is easily accomplished. The experience and fitness level of the hiker will also determine just how easy the trek is going to be. Generally, hiking doesn’t require you to have any special skills and almost anyone can do it if they are prepared.
The thrill of exploring new places is shared by many. This trait isn’t uncommon since it can be traced back to our ancestors. Those who discovered new continents and areas of the world had that same drive to see places they had never seen before. Once popular outdoor hobby is hiking. Combining uphill treks with gorgeous views, it is one activity on most people’s summer to-do list. You may hear of many people hitting the trails and all of the wonders of nature they get to experience. But, if you have never been hiking you may be asking the simple question – is hiking easy? Well, depending on if you are doing an easy trail, are an experienced hiker, and are prepared for the trek, then hiking is going to be easier for you.
How Hard is a Hike?
Before you decide to head out on a nature trail, you will want to know what it is going to be like. Will the ground be rugged and the journey rough? Knowing this is especially important for beginner hikers. You don’t want to do something that you aren’t quite ready for. So, how hard is a hike?
A hike can be easy, moderate, or hard.
If you choose to do a trail in the “hard” type trail, then you can expect your hike to be difficult. For beginners, it is recommend to start out on easy trails. once you are accustomed to these, then you can advance to moderate hikes.
Some trails are easier to hike than others are. In fact, trails are usually divided up into the types – easy, moderate, or hard. If you choose a trail that is easy than your hiking experience will be easy. If you choose a more difficult route, then you can expect a harder hike. Moderate hikes are in between easy and hard. These usually feature some steep inclines or rocky places but nothing too crazy. For instance, when I first moved to Colorado, I wasn’t very experienced with lengthy, steep hikes. I started out on trails that were much easier and then progressed to more difficult treks. So, hiking those 14ers or backpacking across the Rockies takes time. Saying this, hiking at times can be hard if you choose hard trails. But, if you choose trails that are easy then your hike will be easy to do.
How Long Should a Hike Be for Beginners?
Some hikes are rather lengthy that you need to plan for days in advance while others are more of an afternoon activity that can be spur of the moment. But, just starting out, you know you don’t want to do anything that is too long. One thing you may be curious about is how long a beginner hike should be.
Beginners should start out with hikes that are shorter distances with minimal elevation gain.
A 2 or 3 mile round-trip hike isn’t very steep and is a good starting point since it will only take about an hour or two. Once you feel comfortable with these, then you can push yourself to conquer more difficult routes.
Now, obviously this is just a guideline because if you want to do a 10 mile hike, then go for it! But, usually, beginner trails are going to be under 5 miles. It can be a good decision to stick with shorter hikes since you don’t want to get too overwhelmed. Starting out small and gradually increasing your distances over time along with any breaks along the way can help you enjoy your hikes more. AllTrails can help you easily access information about each hiking trail so you know the type of trail it is and how long it will take you. When trying to determine how long a hike should be for beginners, keep in mind that the shorter and easier the hike, the better.
Can Everyone Do Hiking (Does Hiking Take Skill)?
You’ve seen beautiful photography of the world from a mountaintop. Maybe you’ve viewed social media posts of photos from other’s hikes you long to experience that too. Some mountains sports such as rock climbing, mountain biking, or skiing require someone to learn how to do it and train before they can do it properly. Hiking it a but different since you are basically walking. So, can everyone do hiking?
Almost everyone can hike. The activity doesn’t require you to have any special skills.
However, you will want to take into account your physical fitness level. Someone who is more active will do better on the trail then someone who doesn’t exercise. Other factors that may hinder some people from hiking are their age, weight, and health.
While hiking difficult trails can be considered skillful, you don’t need to train before you attempt it. Although special skills aren’t necessary when hiking to do it right, you will need to be prepared for certain elements that you may encounter. High altitude and changes in weather should be take into consideration before you begin your hike. Unlike some sports where you need to train for weeks even months to be able to accomplish it, hiking is basically walking up steep hills and over rocky terrain. As we said before, you will want to decide what type of hike is better for you to do – easy, moderate, or hard. Beginners should start out with easy trails. Thankfully, some hiking trails are easy and many can do them.
Conclusion
Hiking is good for you. The fresh air and exercise can help improve your mind and your body. Some hiking trails are hard while others are moderate or easy. Beginners should stick with easy and shorter trails their first few times out. While some athletic ability and hiking gear are helpful on hikes (especially hard ones) you don’t have to have these. Still, knowing what to do in certain situations as well as wearing the appropriate clothing is a must.
Most often, you don’t need to plan or prepare too much when hiking simple trails. It can be easy to decide to go out on a hike for the afternoon or evening as long as it isn’t too difficult. So, don’t push yourself too hard. Remember that everyone starts somewhere and in no time you will be trekking those mountains like a pro. It all comes down to this. Hiking is easy if you choose to do easy hikes and if you are prepared for the trek ahead!
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