Important Hiking Tips for Beginners

I truly wish I was given these hiking tips for beginners before my first hike! It was NOT pretty.

The first hike I ever tried and just about died. I questioned, “Who in their RIGHT MIND would ever hike for FUN?!” I was wearing a pair of jean shorts, a fancy tank top, and sandals.

Other hikers were probably passing me and chuckling at the sight.

We were on a cross country road trip (I was 18 and thought it sounded fun…obviously poor planning), and found ourselves hiking to the delicate arch in Utah.

I think I complained the whole way there. “My feet hurt” “I can’t breathe” “I need shade” “How much longer?!

And to make matters worse… we brought one small water bottle…to share.

But…then I reached the end and saw the view and I was forever hooked. The accomplishment, the view, the challenge was suddenly all worth it.

*If you look closely, you can see my pretty purple jean shorts and flowy tank. You can’t quite see my cute FLIP FLOPS though.*

That was 7 years ago already and now when I plan trips, I pick my locations based on the hiking trails (check out my United State’s favorites). Funny how life works?

Now I am by NO means an expert hiker. I still get scared when I hear animals nearby, I still get winded ascending, and I still get lost no matter how easy the trail is.

But I HIGHLY recommend you try hiking either locally or on your next vacation. It’s free, exercise, fun, and leads to amazing views you can only get to on foot.

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Table of Contents

Here are my Hiking tips for Beginners that I wish I would have read

1. Choose your hike and destination.

Where do you want to hike? What do you want to see?

I love using AllTrails to choose my hikes.

You can read reviews, see previous pictures from hikes, and see all the details in one spot. I simply type in the city or area I am planning on visiting, and it will show you all the possible hikes, distances, and difficulties.

2. Make a Plan/Research

Okay if you are like me and enjoy day hikes, your research will not take long but it is still important.

Read the reviews to find parking tips, directions, if it is dog-friendly, and any problems others had with the hike.

Most importantly, double-check if the trail is open for use and check the map to help avoid getting lost.

TIP! Want to start documenting and remembering your hikes?! Check out this complete (16+-page) HIKING JOURNAL!

3. Hike to a view

Hiking is MUCH more fun if you have a set destination or ending point. I personally LOVE short(er) hikes (under 6 miles) to a magnificent view. Think waterfalls, rivers, overlooks, etc.

When you have a goal, you will be much more motivated to keep going when it gets hard.

4. Bring a snack

I will be the first to admit that I get CRANKY when I am hungry. I will oftentimes pack multiple snacks just in case. Usually, I will save my snack to enjoy in front of the view. It’s also motivation to reach the end.

And who doesn’t want to have a picnic in front of a giant waterfall??

These protein bars and fruit bars are great hiking snacks!

5. Take your time

My husband is terrible at taking his time on hikes. He acts like it’s a race, or we are being chased my a mama bear.

I like to stop and take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and leisurely stroll along the path.

And I get tired real fast so this helps keep the hike enjoyable.

6. Wear the right shoes

This seems obvious, but you do NOT want to be stuck with uncomfortable shoes halfway through the hike. Blisters are the worst. I have keen boots and keen sandals that I choose between depending on the hike.

If I know there will be creek crossings, I will wear my keen closed-toe sandals (they are great in the water and on land)

But, if I know I will need more ankle support and do not have to worry about water I will choose my boots.

Tip:: Even if you have the best hiking shoes, make sure to break them in before your first hike. Wear them around your house/neighborhood a few days before.

7. Wear the proper clothing

Referring back to my first hike story… choose your clothing wisely.

Jean shorts are not that comfortable for a five-mile hike in the sun.

I typically like to wear a pair of yoga leggings to protect my legs from the brush/sticks, a pair of closed-toe shoes (see above), and layers on top.

Check the weather before leaving to determine if you will need hat, mittens, boots, etc. And remember, it is typically much colder when you make it to higher elevations.

8. Bring A LOT of water

Seriously, you can never have enough water when you are hiking. You never know if a 2-mile hike may accidentally turn into a 6-mile hike (trust me it happens more than you may think. And honestly, its better safe than sorry.

This is my FAVORITE water pack to bring on every hike. It’s comfy, has a water bladder, and room for extra snacks (and super affordable).

9. Exercise before

Refer to my first hike example above… I thought I was “in shape”, but boy was I wrong. Now, I exercise daily and I still get tired ascending on hikes (but much better than before).

A little practice before a hike will never hurt 🙂

10. Pack Other Essentials in your Day pack

Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Sunglasses
First-Aid Kit
Swimsuit
Hiking towel
Headlamp (just in case)

I luckily have not had to use my first-aid kit or headlamp, but it’s better safe than sorry.

If you get a blister or cut it’s helpful to have band-aids, gauze, tweezers, etc. with you.

This is the one I bring. it easily fits into my day pack or has a hook to attach on the outside.

Bonus!

Make sure to tell someone else where/when you are hiking in case of an emergency.

I am sure there are many more hiking tips for beginners out there, but these are the main ones I wish I would have known (and that I use on every hike). Let me know below what your tips are!

If planning a road trip to an AWESOME hiking destination…

Check out this ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GUIDE and the perfect activity book to keep the kiddos busy along the way!