Beneficial. It's no secret that being outside makes you feel better; there's been research supporting this for years. We've even seen a trend toward "green" prescriptions: where doctors recommend spending time in nature to lessen anxiety, improve mood, and even promote healing. No wonder, then, that people like me have made a holiday celebrating the trails that take us into nature, where we can forget our troubles and find happiness. To celebrate National Trails Day this year, I've compiled a list of my favorite hiking trails over the last five years or so. Some of these trails are short day hikes, some are long multi-day backpacking trips, but each of them hold wonderful memories and make me wish I was back on them as I look at each picture. In no particular order, here they are:
Andrew's Glacier, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
If you're looking for a small challenge with a big reward, hiking to one of Rocky Mountain's few glaciers is definitely worth it! A beautiful walk through a mountain forest spits you out on the shoulder of a mountain, and up you go! You can't see the glacier or the tarn until you're standing on the edge of the world... And what a feeling it is!
Chesler Park, Needles District, Canyonlands National Park, UT
A long day hike, and not one to do in the heat of the day, this desert park is a place that I keep meaning to revisit! Surrounded by red and white striped hoodoos on all sides, this grassland looks like a meeting place for desert fair folk.
Rainbow Falls to Mt. Le Conte, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
While I really wouldn't recommend this hike alone in the rain, the foggy landscape sure set the mood for a quite hike to a remote mountain top in Great Smoky Mountains. Of course, grab a hiking partner and plan to get wet, because the view from the top and the tunnels of green are worth it.
High Dune, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, CO
Who doesn't like to play in the sand, especially when surrounded on three sides by 14,000 foot mountains and on one side by biologically diverse marshlands? And hiking 3 miles to the top of some of the tallest dunes in North America just adds bragging rights. Make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen before you tackle this hike!
Hidden Canyon, Zion National Park, UT
A lush, cool canyon hidden away on the wall of an even bigger canyon, all in the heart of a desert? Yeah, that's what you get when you make the trek to Zion's Hidden Canyon. Getting here is half the fun and not for someone afraid of heights; there are several sections of chains to grip along the narrow parts of this cliffside trail.
Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, UT
Another trail for those with no fear, the hike to Angel's Landing is short but absolutely not easy. The entire last quarter mile to the Landing is located on the ridge of a narrow fin, with a chain to help keep you from falling off. The challenge makes the trail popular though, so don't expect to be alone up there.
Tonto Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
A less-used connector trail in the mid-elevations of the Grand Canyon, this trail hosts some pretty awesome backcountry camping sites and all but guarantees you solitude. Be warned, you're looking at a minimum 3 night trip to do even a small section of this trail, including descending to it and ascending from it on trails from the rim of the canyon on your first and last days.
Thunder Pass via Box Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Another trail that, while technically can be used as a day hike, is much more rewarding if you stay at the backcountry site along the way. Right at the edge of the park, Thunder Pass marks the park boundary. On one side is the park, on the other a national forest area, with trails leading to the pass from both sides.
Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
I don't know anyone who doesn't love alpine lakes, and pretty trails along glacier basins to get to said lakes are even better. Done as a day hike this trail isn't too strenuous or too long, and as long as you're below treeline before the summer afternoon storms hit, every step is worth it!
Buffalo River Trail, Buffalo National River, AR
A friend and I spent a couple years section-hiking this 30+ mile trail during autumn in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas, and we enjoyed our time there so much we're heading back again now that we're finished to hike the shorter trails in the area. We aren't quite ready to give the Buffalo River up yet!
I hope these snapshots and glimpses onto my favorite trails inspire you to hit your own local trail, if not today then maybe sometime soon! If you go, send me a picture so I can check it out too!
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