Anyone can hike as long as you choose a path that’s right for you.\u00a0 Here’s some things to consider when choosing a path:<\/p>\n
1. Distance<\/span> – Now I know it sounds silly but don’t forget most trails are posted for length one way.\u00a0 Most hikes you double the distance for there AND back.\u00a0 Be really careful here. Just because you can walk 3 miles, doesn’t necessarily mean you can hike three miles.\u00a0 All of the things below will effect how difficult the hike is. When in doubt start small because you can always add distance but you don’t want to get stuck half way down a trail.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0 Altitude<\/span> – If you will be hiking through an elevation change, there’s lots to consider.\u00a0 I don’t notice much of a difference if the change in altitude is 500 feet or less.\u00a0 Once it’s more than that, my body will notice.\u00a0 The higher the elevation, the less oxygen there is in the air.\u00a0 This makes it harder to breathe and some people even experience altitude sickness.\u00a0 Remember to drink TONS of water and listen to your body. If you’re starting at a higher elevation than you live, give yourself a while to acclimate before starting your hike.\u00a0 Then remember to take lots of breaks on the way up!<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0 Expected Weather<\/span> – Try to prepare for all kinds of weather.\u00a0 I recommend bringing all items in ziplocs and bringing extra for your feet in case of rain.\u00a0 Also, remember to layer your clothes.\u00a0 Every 500 feet up will bring the temperature down 5 degrees.\u00a0 It’s hard to plan for how cool it will be versus how hot you’ll be from hiking.\u00a0 Bring lightweight layers so you can dress appropriately for that part of the hike. Remember sunscreen, sun glasses and bug spray!<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0 Topography <\/span>– I don’t like to track how far I am on a hike because I find it very discouraging.\u00a0 However, I do like to look at the topography of the course before I start.\u00a0 There is usually a sign at the beginning of most trails with this information. I like to look for check points like streams, hills and valleys.\u00a0 That helps me know where I am on the trail without having to think about how much farther it is to go. Every part of the hike will take a different amount of time.\u00a0 A half mile here is not the same as a half mile there so don’t push yourself to make great time because you really can’t compare one to the other.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0 Terrain<\/span> – Depending on the popularity of your trail, it’s terrain can really vary.\u00a0 An ‘open trail’ hike that no one ever goes on is going to be more like a ‘no trail’ hike.\u00a0 However, a ‘closed trail’ hike can often be much more open and obvious if tons of people have done it.\u00a0 The terrain should help you decide on proper footwear and clothing.\u00a0 The more ‘closed’ a trail, the more hiking you’ll actually be doing versus walking.\u00a0 The more woodsy a trail, the more clothes you’ll want to wear for shade and protection from bugs.<\/p>\n Some popular trails even have message boards where you can see how the trail looked the day before you do it. Don’t be afraid to bring too much stuff you’re first time as long as you can carry the weight.\u00a0 You’ll figure out what you really need the more times you hike.<\/p>\n Hiking Mount Bierstadt<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Hiking a 14er (Mountain that reaches 14,000 feet) has been one of my goals since moving to Colorado.\u00a0 However, in January I set it as a goal for this year.\u00a0 After not-so-patiently waiting for the temperature to rise high enough to hike, we set a date to hike Mount Bierstadt on the 4th of July. I really thought it was going to be no big deal.\u00a0 I’ve done a half marathon, so how hard could it be?<\/p>\n Answer: FREAKING HARD<\/p>\n The first mile of Bierstadt isn’t so bad.\u00a0 It’s not much more than walking, step up here, walk across here, small steam here, mud there…….and then it get’s hard.\u00a0 The hike up Bierstadt is a 3 mile hike with 3,000 foot elevation gain. After that first mile, the gain in elevation started to get to me.\u00a0 We had to stop and take breaks A LOT.\u00a0 You feel like you’ve only gone 10 steps since the last time you stopped but then you look back and you’ve made it farther then you thought.\u00a0 You take a minute to catch your breath and then within a few more steps, you’re already huffing and puffing.\u00a0 There’s no training for altitude without practice.\u00a0 I had not had enough practice.<\/p>\n When you train for physical goals, it gives you a bottom to refer to.\u00a0 You’re thinking, “I can make it, it doesn’t suck as bad as that one time.”\u00a0 But when you haven’t trained, sometimes the event IS your bottom.\u00a0 I hit bottom during the second mile.\u00a0 There was a point where I didn’t really know if I could do it.\u00a0 I wouldn’t let myself give up or turn back\u00a0 but I really really really wanted to.\u00a0 The last stretch of Bierstadt is all boulders that you have to figure out for yourself.\u00a0 There’s no trail at this point but you can tell where to go because you’re almost to the top. This was actually the most fun part.<\/p>\n And then you make it to the top.\u00a0 There were 20-30 people at the summit when we arrived and lots of dogs.\u00a0 Everyone is celebrating what they’ve just done and taking pictures.\u00a0 It’s kind of fun to celebrate with everyone! AND THE VIEW!<\/p>\n![\"IMG_3143\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/yogapantsdiary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/IMG_3143.jpg\")
<\/a>I have never been anywhere so beautiful in my entire life!\u00a0 The hike was so hard but so worth it.\u00a0 Where else can you see and do this on a Saturday for fun? I love where I live!<\/p>\n