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As the holiday season kicks into full swing, most people could use a little extra stress relief. How about taking a hike? It’s an easy activity to try solo, with a friend or even with the whole family. It doesn’t have to be an intense all day adventure. Hiking is just walking in nature. It’s peaceful when solo or social when done with friends. Either way, the intensity and duration can vary greatly and adjusted to your skill level. If you are new to hiking, here are a few beginner hiking tips to help you get started.
1. Find a trail
Once you’re ready to give hiking a try, it’s time to find the right trail for you. Some hikes are all day and others can be completed in a hour. You just need to decide how long you want to hike. If you have friends or family that enjoy hiking, ask them for local recommendations. You can also check out Trails.com and search for hikes near you. The trail results include details like skill level, duration and directions on how to get there.
2. Check the weather
Always check the weather before you go. Even if you live in a typically mild climate, you don’t want to be caught out on a trail unprepared for a cold spell, a heat wave, or flash flood. Plus it will help you dress appropriately for your hike.
3. Sun protection
Speaking of what you should wear, always wear sunscreen and a good hat to keep the sun off your face. Even on a cool or cloudy day, you need protection from the sun.
4. Snacks
Don’t forget to bring snacks and plenty of water. Nobody wants to be dehydrated or hungry. Fruit, nuts and trail mix are all great options. I recently discovered Orchard Valley Harvest Multi Packs which are a great grab and go option for busy moms. Each multi pack contains eight, one-ounce pouches. They are perfectly portioned, making it easy to grab a couple for your next hiking adventure (or add them to your purse for a quick midday snack). These Non-GMO Project verified snacks include no artificial ingredients and are a yummy mix of fruit and nuts.
There are two wellness varieties available the Omega-3 Mix and Antioxidant Mix. The Omega-3 Mix is my favorite and contains walnuts, dried sweetened cranberries and blueberries, almonds and pistachios. The Antioxidant Mix is also delicious and contains roasted almonds, dried sweetened cranberries, blueberries, roasted cashews and pepitas. You can find the Orchard Valley Harvest Multi Packs at Safeway, Albertsons, and Walmart.
5. Tell a Friend
Last but not least, be sure to let someone know where you are headed and how long you should be gone. In the unlikely event you do have trouble while hiking, your friend can alert the authorities.
Enter to Win
One lucky reader will win a sampling of Orchard Valley Harvest wellness mixes and a $50 Visa Gift Card. Just leave me a comment below sharing your favorite hiking or exercise tip. The giveaway will close on Friday, November 25th at midnight. One comment per person and I will choose the winner at random. Good luck!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Orchard Valley Harvest. The opinions and text are all mine.
Schedule time to exercise even if it’s just a 30 minute walk, get moving!
Fit in small exercises during household chores. Crank the music and it almost feels fun
Especially here in the desert…water! Plenty of it.
Congrats, Leah! You won the giveaway! Please email me at beccaludlum@gmail.com with your mailing address :)
Always assume the new trail you’re planning to hike could be one level harder than whatever reviews you’ve read. That way you won’t be surprised if their definition of “moderate” doesn’t match yours!
I love to hike with my dog. She keeps me company & warns me of desert critters I need to steer clear of!
Always take extra water
My family has found it fun here in the Midwest to pick a favorite trail and then walk it at different times of the year. There’s the comfort of knowing where you’re going but also seeing how it changes with the seasons, which keeps it feeling new, too.