“New year, same you—but now with better boots and bigger goals!”
Ah, January. The month where everyone suddenly becomes an athlete, vowing to crush goals, eat kale, and master yoga’s crow pose… until February rolls around, and all those lofty dreams quietly fade into the void. But not us, right? We’re outdoor adventurers, trailblazers, snack-packers extraordinaire! This year, we’re swapping stale gym memberships for fresh mountain air. So grab your boots, and let’s talk hiking resolutions you’ll actually want to stick with.
Resolution 1: Try a New Type of Hike – Start 2025 by stepping off the beaten path—literally. Day hikes are awesome, but what about mixing things up a little? Ever tried a moonlit walk under a sky full of stars? Or snowshoeing through a silent winter wonderland? Maybe it’s time to hit a sunrise trail and greet the new day at 5,000 feet.
Example: A friend once convinced me to try a sunrise hike. It involved a 5:00am alarm, a lot of grumbling, and questionable pre-dawn fashion choices. But let me tell you: standing on that summit, watching the sky ignite with gold and pink hues? Pure magic. You’ll never know what adventures await until you step outside your comfort zone—or your usual trails.
Resolution 2: Pack Smarter – Raise your hand if you’ve ever been halfway up a trail and realized you’re missing something vital. Water? Check. Snacks? Uh… not so much. This year, let’s ditch the “I-forgot-this” panic and become packing pros.
Pro Tip: Create a “never-forget” list and keep it handy. My list? Water bottle, extra socks, sunscreen (yes, even in winter), and… chocolate. Because emergencies happen, and chocolate fixes everything. Trust me, a well-packed bag can make or break your hiking experience. And honestly, who wants to share snacks with a hangry hiker?
Resolution 3: Make it Social – Hiking solo has its perks, but there’s something about sharing the trail with others that makes the journey even sweeter. Whether you’re tackling a new peak, laughing through a muddy trail, or splitting that emergency chocolate bar, hiking buddies are worth their weight in gold (or trail mix).
Not sure where to find your trail tribe? Check out local hiking groups or fitness clubs like Happy Hikers Fitness. Not only will you have a built-in support system, but you might also make lifelong friends who share your love for fresh air and blisters. (Okay, maybe not the blisters.)
Resolution 4: Set a “Big Adventure” Goal – Every great journey begins with a single step… or a really bold resolution. Dream big this year! Maybe it’s hiking your first 14er, tackling a thru-hike, or exploring a national park you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Write it down, make a plan, and let the excitement fuel your training hikes.
Let’s Leave Those Stale Resolutions Behind – This year isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about finding joy, one trail at a time. Forget resolutions that fizzle out faster than New Year’s champagne bubbles.
Instead, let’s lace up, breathe deep, and savor every step (and snack break).
Here’s to fresh trails, amazing views, and the kind of adventures that fill your soul with awe. Happy hiking, Happy Hikers! Let’s make 2024 a year to remember.
Peace, Happiness and Love ~
