Through the last couple of years, I’ve learned a thing or two about hiking. Some lessons I learned the hard way, but nevertheless they were learned. However, when I look back I can’t help but wish that I had had some advice ahead of time. So as a way of passing it forward, here is a list of my top 9 hiking tips for beginners. Hopefully, you can all learn from me and avoid learning things the hard way.
Table of Contents
Hiking Tips for Beginners
1. Wake Up Early
This is one I personally still struggle with. My fiance, Alex and I don’t see eye to eye when it comes to our usage of time during a vacation. He has a more relaxed approach- likes to sleep in, takes his time, etc. Whereas I prefer to get up first thing in the morning and get started with our day in order to make the most of our vacation. So, as a compromise we’ll meet in the middle, not too early but not too late.
Of course, do what works for you, but I know for a fact the earlier you start your day, the less crowds you’ll face and the easier it’ll be to find a parking spot!
2. Visit the Visitor Center!
On your way to a National Park? Lucky you! Make sure to stop by the park’s visitor center first and/or check their website for up to date information on trails, road closures, etc. There are park rangers at the centers filled with lots of knowledge and recommendations on what you can do during your visit. They also have maps and pamphlets with more information on the park.
The last time we went to Zion we didn’t bother looking at the park’s site ahead of time, which cost us a lot of time! We wanted to start the day by hiking Angel’s Landing, but that didn’t happen! Apparently, the park had new rules pertaining to the shuttles, which are constantly changing. Save yourself the headache, and the time, and check out the park’s website ahead of time the day before.
3. Check the weather!
A couple years ago, my best friend and I flew out to Colorado to attempt hiking our first 13ner. A 13ner refers to a peak that sits 13,000 feet above sea level. Well, when we started our hike things looked fine, but as we progressed it started raining, then not, raining, then not. We were determined to finish the course, so we kept going.
Well, we were just a few steps away from the summit until we not only heard thunder, we also saw lighting. That was our cue to turn around! I’m happy to report we did, but I have yet to complete a 13ner to this day. If we had checked the weather before hand, we would have saved the hike for another day. So learn from me, always, always, always check the weather the day before a hike. You don’t want to be caught in a difficult situation.
4. Let loved ones know where you will be
Always let your loved ones know what trails you’ll be hiking on what days and at what time! This may sound a bit excessive, but you never know. I always give my family an itinerary of where we will be staying, what are we doing on certain days in case, God forbid, something ever happens on the trails. This is one of the most important and best hiking tip I can give for any beginners.
5. Pack a bag of snacks and bring that water!
Pack the snacks and bring double the water you think you may need! There’s nothing more rewarding than getting to the summit and indulging on some well deserved fuel after a long trek. Also, the last thing you want is to be dehydrated and not get to complete the hike. And remember, pack everything you brought with you. Don’t leave any trash behind.
Want more travel tips? Check out my travel tips section to learn more!
6. Always fuel up before heading into a National Park
Most National Parks don’t tend to have gas stations inside so fuel up! Think you’ll be okay with the gas you have? Fuel up!
7. Have a plan
I prefer to do my research ahead of time and see what we can do anywhere we go. It helps keep the flow going and makes the most of our time away from the office. The last thing I want to do is spend any of my vacation time trying to figure out what we could do; it’s a waste of time. Luckily for you, you’ve found the right place for trip guides 😉 Of course, all my trip guides are starting points and can/ should be adjusted to fit your own preferences.
8. Wear the appropriate shoes-shoes and socks matter!
Oh boy, does this one hurt. First time I went hiking, I wore regular socks and sneakers, and boy, did I pay for it afterwards. Hiking boots paired with the right hiking socks make a huge difference!
9. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself
One of the many reasons why I love to hike is the mental challenge you go through. You start a hike all excited then mid way you find yourself doubting or questioning if you should have done this in the first place.
You push through, even though you’re probably tired from trekking all day, with blisters all over your feet and just as you’re about to throw in the towel, you’ve made it and the summit is all worth it. Don’t ever doubt yourself, you’re capable of way more than you give yourself credit for. If you weren’t, you may not have made it this far.
When you have a general idea of what you want to do, along with checking out for the weather, and visiting the park’s site with up to date information, there’s no way you won’t have a great time! Hope you enjoyed my version of hiking tips for beginners!
Pin it for later!
