Hiking 101: Your First Steps into Nature

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure that reconnects you with the great outdoors? Hiking is not only an excellent way to get some exercise; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore nature, clear your mind, and find a sense of peace away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re new to hiking, fear not! These beginner hiking tips will provide you with all the essential information you need to hit the trails confidently and safely.

Choosing the Right Trail

Selecting the right trail is a crucial first step in your hiking journey. As a beginner, one of our top hiking tips is to start with shorter, well-marked routes that match your fitness level. Here are some key things to look for when researching a trail:

• Trail Difficulty – Trails are often rated as Easy, Medium, or Hard which are self-explanatory. If you’re using an application like AllTrails you can read reviews to understand what contributes to these ratings. As a beginner consider sticking to Easy and Medium level trails.
• Route Type – You will either encounter an “Out & Back” trail or a “Loop”. With Out & Back trails you simply retrace your steps on the same path back after reaching the end. As the name implies, Loop trails get you back to where you started on a loop without retracing your steps. Both of these route types typically include the full hike while listing the distance.
• Elevation Gain – The elevation gain value (typically given in feet or meters) is how much total elevation you will rise during your hike. For example, if you go up one incline that is 200ft and later another include that is 300ft, your elevation gain would be 500ft. Elevation gain is often a key factor in determining a trail’s difficulty. Don’t let a “hard” short trail that contains a large amount of elevation gain fool you!
• Suitability – Are you looking to bring your dogs or kids with? Do you need a paved path that is wheelchair friendly? All things to consider when choosing the right trail. Applications like AllTrails have options to filter trails and find the right one for you. Check out our Dog-Friendly Hiking blog post for a detailed look at hiking with dogs.

Navigating Trails

Now that you have your trail picked, here are some things to consider for navigating your hike:

• Hiking Application – An application like AllTrails is especially useful for navigating your hike. With AllTrails+ you can download your hiking maps for offline usage. The application gives you pricise trail GPS tracking and even alerts you if you take a wrong turn. If not using AllTrails, consider another hiking application or downloading GPS maps for use.
• Maps – Physical apps are great to have along if you don’t have a hiking application or simply want a backup. Look for visitor centers that contain maps or for an area at the trailhead. If no physical maps are available, you can also consider taking a photo of the trail f there’s a map available at your trailhead.
• Limited Service – Many hikes are remote with little to no cell service. Make sure you have your maps downloaded ahead of time along with any other application or media that you want for your hike.
• Getting to a Trail – Research to make sure driving navigation is taking you to the actual trailhead or parking area for the trail. Also make sure to pay close attention to what the roads are like leading to a trail. You will sometimes find trails that are only accessible by high-clearance and four wheel drive vehicles. Look into the parking situation of a trail and know that you may need to find a backup option down the road for popular trails. The AllTrails app does a nice job of providing GPS directions directly to your trailhead.

What to Wear

You don’t need fancy clothes to start hiking. We recommend starting with your traditional athletic gear and then consider advancing to more specific hiking options if you find something that will make your experience better. Check out our Budget-Friendly Women’s Hiking Essentials post for some great ideas!

• Hiking Boots – An investment in a good pair of hiking boots or shoes is at the top of our beginner hiking tips. The traction that you get from this type of footwear is essential, even on easy hikes. Higher top boots also provide great ankle support and comfort. You can also consider getting waterproof boots which can really come in handy when crossing water or on those dewy mornings.
• Dress in Layers – If you are doing a longer hike or there is a chance for variable conditions, dressing in layers is key. A moisture-wicking base layer, a insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer are ideal.

Essential Gear

You don’t need a closet full of expensive gear to start hiking. However, a few essentials will make your journey more enjoyable and safe:

• Water – Staying hydrated is key. Carry a reusable water bottle or a hydration reservoir/bladder.
• Backpack – A small backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map is essential. As you advance you can consider getting backpack that contains a hydration reservoir/bladder and take care of both of these needs at the same time.
• Sun Protection – Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.
• Bear Spray – If you’re hiking in an area with a high bear population, especially on trail that doesn’t see a lot of foot traffic, carry bear spray with you. Some areas offer bear spray rental if you don’t want to invest into buying your own. Make sure that you have it readily available and know how to use it.
• Hiking Poles – As you start to advance you will want to consider hiking poles. For longer trails with larger elevation gains, these are key to saving your knees! As a beginner, you may want to consider these if you need extra balance or leg support.

Hiking Terms

Do you want to sound like a seasoned pro while hitting the trails? Here are some terms you’ll hear used. Knowing these also come in handy when reading comments and reviews of a hike.

• Scramble – Describes the type of hiking you do over terrain that falls between standard path hiking and rock climbing. This often means crossing rocky or uneven terrain that require the use of your hands for holds and balance.
• 14er/fourteener – A mountain peak that is over 14,000 feet tall with at least 300ft of prominence over surrounding peaks. There are 96 of these in the United States.
• Slot Canyon – A long narrow canyon with sheer walk walls on both sides.
• Bouldering – The next step up from a scramble, bouldering involves tackling more advanced rock walls and terrain without the use of additional harnesses or gear.
• Leave No Trace – Pack out everything you bring with you, including trash and food scraps.

Safety Precautions

Safety should always be a top priority when hiking. As a beginner, here are some basic precautions and hiking tips to keep in mind:

• Be Weather Aware – Make sure to plan around the forecast in the area that you’re hiking. A couple key things to look out for that we’ve run into:
  • If you’re hiking at higher elevations, especially in Colorado, it is common to have pop up mountain storms generally between noon and 3pm. These can bring rain, hail, and strong winds. Because of this, it is a good idea to be off the mountain in these areas by noon.
  • Slot canyons bring a unique risk of flash floods. If there is any rain chance in the area, avoid going in.
• Tell Someone Your Plans – Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Stay on Marked Trails – Straying off the trail can be dangerous and harmful to the environment.
• Watch Your Step – Pay attention to the trail and watch for roots, rocks, and slippery surfaces.
• Wildlife Awareness – Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed them. Research if there are wildlife such as bears, moose, or snakes in your area and how to handle an encounter with them.

Enjoy the Journey

Finally, remember that hiking is not a race. Take your time to savor the beauty of nature, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the journey. Each hike is an opportunity to learn and grow, so don’t be discouraged by any initial challenges. With each step you take, you’ll gain confidence and build a deeper connection to the natural world.. Here are some basic etiquette items to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience:

• Yield the Trail – Be courteous to others by yielding the trail to hikers going uphill and giving way to faster hikers.
• Keep Noise Down – Keep voices and music at a considerate volume to preserve the tranquility of nature.

So, lace up those hiking boots, grab your gear, and hit the trails. Happy hiking, we hope these beginner hiking tips lead you to unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors! Check out our outdoor adventure posts for more tips and trip ideas.