God’s creation is energizing and peaceful and does wonders for the mind and spirit. Hiking is an excellent way to spend time in nature as well as exercise the body. A simple definition of hiking: “A person exploring their surroundings, and their feet are on the actual ground. Like, dirt. And grass.” Hiking can be as difficult or as simple as the hiker wants it to be: seriously strenuous or just a walk in nature.
When one goes hiking, the clothing that one should wear depends on the conditions: namely temperature, weather, and the environment.
For shoes, comfort and support are key, but most people don’t want to break their budget on hiking boots. Sneakers, in many situations, suit the hike just fine. One thing to check before hiking would be if there will be much uphill/downhill climbing. If so, shoes with more traction and ankle support than the average sneaker may help.
Pants and shirts depend on the temperature and environment in which one is hiking. Jeans are a decent option as they protect the legs from unwanted tangles with potential prickly plants along the path. Lightweight pants are often a good option as they won’t cause the hiker to overheat but also protect from poisonous plants.
If one is a beginner hiker, a basic t-shirt should do the trick. If the weather is looking a little dicey, it is wise to bring a lightweight windbreaker. More experienced hikers may opt for a shirt that has UV sun protection and allows for layering.
Hats are highly recommended for hiking as they keep the sun and insects at bay. Always use sunscreen to protect exposed skin.
While hiking can simply be on a little trail near home, the United States is home to some amazing and breathtaking national parks that have many, many hiking trails.
Yellowstone National Park
Not only is it the first United States national park, Yellowstone is one of the top national parks in the country. Located in the northwestern part of the US, Yellowstone covers parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. There are so many incredible parts of nature to see and explore in the 2.2 million acres that make up the park. Mountains, hot springs, and forests make Yellowstone an incredible place to hike. One of the most popular places to visit is Old Faithful. The famous geyser has been erupting regularly every 44 minutes to two hours since the year 2000.
Yosemite National Park
As one could probably guess, Yosemite National Park in northern California is another destination popular amongst hikers. Well known for its cliffs and towering Sequoia trees, around four million people visit Yosemite every year. The rock formations of Yosemite are some of the most unique in the country, like Half Dome pictured below.
Glacier National Park
On the border of Montana and Canada is Glacier National Park. Waterfalls, mountains, and more than 700 lakes are home to a large variety of wildlife. Its incredible beauty gives it the nickname, “Crown of the Continent.”
Grand Canyon National Park
“Up to 18 miles in width and a mile in depth, this massive canyon in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder.” This, of course, is the Grand Canyon. The southern half of the Grand Canyon is extremely popular with tourists. If one wishes for a more secluded and intense hike, the North Rim is the place to be.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is in the southern corner of Utah. It was once a quiet, secluded place, but today the park is one of the most visited parks in the country. The bright colors, beautiful water, canyons, and cliffs attract over four million visitors every year. Named with the Hebrew word for “refuge,” Zion National Park is truly a sanctuary for a hiker.
Grand Teton National Park
Covering nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is home to a huge variety of wildlife. The incredible mountains and lakes are perfect for photography. Hikers love to visit Grand Teton; there are trails for every hiker, from beginner to advanced.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Also in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park encompasses “otherworldly landscapes.” Attracting visitors from all over the country, Bryce Canyon contains unique limestone formations that were created through erosion.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park in Utah is “like visiting another planet.” Sandstone and red rock create amazing formations that attract tourists and photographers. Twenty-six miles of roads and trails are ideal for hikers of any experience level. This national park also has some of the darkest skies in the United States, giving hikers some of the best views of the Milky Way.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Another park with four million yearly visitors is Rocky Mountain National Park. Pikes Peak, the highest point in the range, reaches an elevation of 14,259 feet. Hiking trails weave through miles of trees, wildflowers, and lakes.
Sequoia National Park
Some of the tallest trees in the world make their home in Sequoia National Park. Established in California in 1890, it hosts the world’s largest tree known as General Sherman (275 feet tall). The experience of walking among such giants is certainly humbling and an excellent reminder of God’s immeasurable power.
This summer, get out and go for a hike!
Works cited:
https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-national-parks-in-the-usa/
https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/hiking/
Image credit: Featured Image- wall.alphacoders.com, Yellowstone- blog.bozemancvb.com, Yosemite- foundtheworld.com, Glacier- wallpapercave.com, Grand Canyon- wallpapercave.com, Zion- wallpapersdsc.net, Grand Teton- thousandwonders.net, Bryce Canyon- williamhortonphotography.com, Arches- traveldigg.com, Rocky Mountain- tivertonfoundation.org, Sequoia- nodestinations.com