You may know that Boston is home to two sprawling urban wilderness sanctuaries - the Middlesex Fells and the Blue Hills. But did you know that throughout the city and in the surrounding suburbs many smaller conservation areas are to be found. Cat Rock is one of my favorites, and the best part is that it's accessible by public transit from Boston's North Station or Porter Square in Cambridge.
Hobb's Pond - the gem of Cat Rock Park
Cat Rock Park, located in Weston, Mass., is a tiny slice of preserved wilderness in the midst of suburbia. This granite-topped hill scratches up to the sky from within the suburban landscape about half a mile's walk from the Kendall Green T station.
Escape to the wilds of suburban Boston in Metro West's Cat Rock Park
A passive park, or reservation as it's called, Cat Rock features a loop trail that links it to the rest of the 80 Acre woods that surround Hobb's Pond - the park's central gem. Hobb's Pond is fed by the Cambridge Reservoir farther north and empties via Hobbs Brook to the south into the Stony Brook Reservoir, finally releasing into the Charles River by the Waltham-Newton divide. Hobb's Brook dissects the Cat Rock and 80 Acres hiking loop, so two shorter loops may be followed by sticking to the brook's east or west bank, or you can do the whole thing in just a few hours.
Dogs should be on-leash when not relaxing by your side atop Cat Rock
Cat Rock is on the west side loop. To get there directly I'd suggest taking the Fitchburg Line to Kendal Green, walking north on Church Street, taking a left onto Route 117, and then a quick right onto Drabbington Way. Trail spurs are at the end of Drabbington, on either side of the ball field. The quickest route to Cat Rock from here is taking the left trail spur. Take it into the woods and veer left in the clearing to ascend the old abandoned ski run, and then down the mushroom-clad hill that leads downhill to the west and north here and do the entire loop toward an open meadow, and Hobb's Pond.
Fells-like rock formation in northeaster section of Cat Rock Park
The trail to the right of the ball field will take you away from Cat Rock, to a footbridge where you can cross to the east side loop and into the woods. Straight ahead you will find a street exit to Lexington Street, which runs north-south and forms much of the eastern edge of the woods. Straight and to the right you will find the southern exit to Page Road, which curves east once exiting the park and also leads to Lexington Street. Continue to the north past Hobb's Pond and across the meadow and you will find the northwestern corner of the park, which is also fun to explore. There is a large rock formation similar to what you will find in the Fells.
After exploring Cat Rock Park, to return to Kendal Green either go back to the trailhead you came in on via Drabbington Way, or take Lexington south to Route 117, where you will take a right and then a left onto Church, which slopes down hill toward the station.
Here are the quick stats for Cat Rock Park:
Trailhead: Parking lot at the end of Drabbington Way in Weston, Mass. Distance: 1 to 5 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 300/300 feet Map: You can obtain a map of Weston Conservation Lands for $10 from the town hall at 11 Town House Road, Weston, MA 02493, or by calling 781-786-5000. A book with trail descriptions is also available from Weston Conservation Commission for $15. An interactive online map of Cat Rock and other conservation lands is available from the Weston Forest and Trail Association. Hiking Time: Trails within the park extend as far as the Weston/Lincoln border in the northwestern extreme of the park - doing the main loop and the long spur up to Lincoln will garner you a fairly nice hike of about three hours. This is a great place to walk around for as little or as much time as you have. Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round. Watch out for seasonal flooding. Difficulty: Easy
If you're living in or just visiting the Boston area, I'd really recommend checking this place out. It's a lovely diversion from the fast pace of city life. And if you're close enough, it's a great spot to enjoy regular hikes without having to venture too far from home. If you're looking for more strenuous hikes in the Boston area, check out these three hikes.
Hiking the Blue Hills Reservation south of Boston is an experience no visitor or Beantown resident should miss. The Blue Hills, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, encompass 7,000 acres of land with varied terrain and scenic views, making it a perfect destination for hiking. The crown jewel of the Blue Hills is the Skyline Trail - a 10-mile route that crosses over most of the park's most prominent summits.
At the Skyline Trail Head
The route I describe in this post starts on Willard Street in Quincy, travels nine miles of the Skyline Trail to the summit of Great Blue Hill, at 635 feet above sea level, then loops back around to the reservation headquarters. You will need either two cars or a friend to pick you up at the end of the trail, but this small inconvenience will make it possible for you to enjoy one of the Boston area's greatest outdoor adventures. For the two car option, leave one car at the park headquarters on Hillside Street and drive to the trailhead located at the Shea Rink parking lot on Willard Street in Quincy.
A vernal pool provides a great place to contemplate life on the Skyline Trail
The initial part of the walk is serene, with very little elevation gain. After about half a mile or less you will come to Wampatuck Road. Once you cross here you will be on a fire road, but you won't stay on it for long. Make sure you look out for the trail, which veers off to the left. From here you begin your steady ascent to the sweeping views of Boston and the greater Massachusetts Bay area that give the trail its name.
The morning sun pierces through a twisted tree on Rattlesnake Hill
The first hill you will come to is called Rattlesnake. The trail here winds up and around a placid vernal pool, its still waters perhaps belying a storied past as a romantic water hole dating back to the days when the native, pre-colonial Massachusett people would come at the end of summer to prepare for winters here. The rocky, precarious descent from Rattlesnake Hill and the subsequent climb and descent of Wampatuck Hill will give you just a taste of the scrambling you will have to do on a number of the more than 10 hills you will traverse on your journey.
The Skyline Trail hike is an up-and-down-and-up-and-down adventure!
Next you will cross Chickatawbut Road, then the trail steadily rises past the Blue Hills Reservoir and you are treated to some amazing changes in scenery. Climb steadily to a grove of young aspens before descending again to pass through some older growth oaks and maples, then up again to a grove of stumpy conifers, where you can find a nice flat rock to sit on to have a mid-morning snack.
Cut through this grove of young aspens en route to Nahanton Hill
The nourishment here is a good idea, as you will have three successive hills to climb – Nahanton, Kitchamakin, and Chickatawbut, which is topped by a fenced-in learning center with an inaccessible lookout tower, a solar panel array, and several bird houses. Once you pass this, you will make a steep descent to Randolph Road at the 3.6 mile point.
Looking northwest from the broad, clear summit of Buck Hill
Cross Randolph Road and you will began a rapid ascent of Buck Hill, which provides the broadest 360-degree views of the day, despite the fact that this is not the highest peak you will summit. Look to the northwest and on a clear day you can see all the way to Wachusett Mountain in Central Massachusetts and Mount Monadnock in Southern New Hampshire. The Boston skyline and harbor are visible to the north and east. And enjoy trying to pick out locations along the South Shore as you try to see all the way down to the Cape.
Moving on, you will descend Buck, which leads to another steep ascent. This is Tucker Hill. Once you summit Tucker, make your way down its western slope to arrive at Hillside Street, at just past 6.5 miles, where there is a picnic table situated under the shade of a large tree just in front of the ranger’s headquarters, perfect for a shaded lunch before pressing on to finish your hike.
At the ranger’s station you will find a bathroom and a source of water to refill. Make sure you drink plenty of water, because this last portion of the trail has some precarious ups and downs that will require you to have all your balance, which is aided with proper hydration.
From the headquarters take the northern branch of the trail across the scenic and quite challenging Hancock, Hemenway and Wolcott hills en route to Great Blue Hill. This is the nine-mile mark. Once here, climb the stone tower at Blue's summit and snap one last shot of Boston's skyline before continuing along the south branch trail some, which you will find some meters to the south of the tower.
View of Boston from Great Blue Hill
Before setting off on this final leg of your journey, you might want to text your pick up so he or she will be there waiting for you at the rendez-vous point on Hillside Street.
On this final spur, you climb one more major hill – Houghton. Before reaching Houghton's summit, though, you will have to climb two smaller hills, each increasing some in elevation before dropping back down into notches. Since only Houghton Hill is listed on the available maps for the Blue Hills, I personally refer to the hills leading up to and including Houghton as the Three Brothers. And Houghton is definitely the meanest of the three, with a final descent from his summit that's a steep and rocky pain!
As you are descending the east face of Houghton Hill, you will see Hillside Street below. This is where the footing gets tricky, so pay attention to the trail and don't rush things. You will be pretty tired by this point, and you don't want to make a silly mistake that will end in a twisted ankle or worse.
If you're doing this hike in the fall, winter or spring, you will be glad to know that just down the road you will find a hot cup of coffee waiting at the local Dunkin' Donuts. All said and done, you will have hiked 10-miles with an elevation gain of around 2,500 feet, and it will have taken you between five and seven hours.
Here are the quick stats for this hike:
Trailhead: At the Shea Rink parking lot on Willard Street in Quincy Distance: 10 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,500/2,500 feet Map: This entire area is well marked. A free PDF map is available from Blue Hills Reservation. You can also buy a hard copy of the map at the ranger's station for $2 - proceeds benefit the Trailside Museum. NOTE: There was a mistake in the most recent printing of the Blue Hills Reservation map and brochure which deletes the south branch of the Skyline Trail that returns to the ranger station via Houghton Hill. However, I have spoken with a park ranger who assures me that the full Skyline Trail is still open. Call the ranger station at 617-698-1802 if you have any questions. Hiking Time: Depending on your pace and how many breaks you take, this hike can take from five to seven hours. Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round, although take special care when hiking during rainy or snowy conditions as most of the hike involves hopping from rock to rock, and these rocks can get slippery when wet. Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. This hike requires a certain level of physical fitness and the ability to do some light scrambling.
Map showing the full north and south branches of the Skyline Trail
The gypsum and mineral-rich White Mesa belongs to Zia Pueblo but the trails here are maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. First developed for mountain biking, with its unique geographical features and historical significance, this magical place is growing in popularity among hikers - so much so that the BLM recently built a second parking lot to handle the flow, especially during the winter months when trails at higher elevations are covered with snow.
Hiking Zia Pueblo White Mesa Trails, near Ojito Wilderness, New Mexico
To reach the trailhead, travel from either Albuquerque or Santa Fe on I-25 and take Exit 242 and turn left toward Bernalillo. Follow NM 550 West for about 20 miles, then turn left on Cabezon Road. You'll notice a big white mesa in front of you, and if you reach the town of San Ysidro you've gone about two miles too far. Almost immediately Cabezon Road veers to the left. Follow the signs for Ojito Wilderness/Zia Pueblo. From the turn-off, follow the rugged dirt road about four miles where you will cross a cattle guard. Park at the lot on the left side of the road. The trail head is directly across from the parking area on the right side of the road.
A hiker heads into the painted canyon, which leads up to White Mesa
The trailhead will lead you toward the mouth of a painted canyon, colored in light hues of blue, red and green by the various minerals that flow from springs nearby. You'll also notice a huge hunk of bright white gypsum clinging to the north wall of the canyon. This is where you will encounter your first elevation gain. While it's not very high, it's a bit steep and it can be difficult to get your footing. A walking stick helps, but it's still do-able without one. But be careful!
This is your first ascent and final descent - it's challenging but do-able
Once you reach the top of the mesa you will notice you are at a clearing where it seems vehicle have been doing donuts in the white gypsum soil. Straight ahead you will see a trail map. Get your bearings and follow the points 17, 18, 19, 22, 12, 13, 15, 16, and back to 17. This may seem like gibberish, but take a look at the map pictured here and it will all make sense. At point 17 you are back at the clearing. You will descend the same way you came up - and it's a bit more precarious going down, so again, be careful.
Check out the views from the hike's high point on a solid gypsum hill
Continuing along the trail described above, you will soon pass the highest point on this hike, at 6,060 feet elevation. Take in the amazing views. You will see the famous Cabezon Mesa sticking up on the horizon like a "big head". Also, notice the Jemez Mountains to the north, the Sandia Mountains back in the direction of Albuquerque and of course the basin that forms at the edge of the mesa with the Tierra Amarilla Anticline as its dramatic backdrop.
Pay attention to these junction signs to follow the loop described - or explore!
Here is some information on the historic and geographical significance of the region, provided by the BLM:
At the western edge of White Mesa, the Tierra Amarilla Anticline forms high, narrow mesa ridges. This classic example of a plunging anticline is visited by several university field schools each year. Fossil remains of rare dinosaurs, plants, and trees from the Jurassic period are located in the Morrison Formation. Natural erosion processes have exposed the bones of huge dinosaurs and large segments of petrified trees. These fossils are approximately 150 million years old! The longest dinosaur ever recovered, Seismosaurus, was discovered only a few miles west of the bike trails area in what is now the Ojito Wilderness. Paleontologists and geologists use this great variety of life to construct geologic timelines and interpret climate changes over the earth’s history.
Tierra Amarilla Anticline provides stunning backdrop at mineral spring
From the gypsum-capped high point you will follow the Center Spine Trail that will take you along a descending ridgeline into the valley. From here, it is easy to follow the trail straight up a hill in front of you to find some fascinating payoff - an active mineral-water spring and, just off the trail to the left and up some more, a sink hole left by a spring that has long dried up. Continue on the trail, which is an old jeep road, until you reach a point where the trail heads back to the right along another ridge. This trail - at Junction 12 - will lead you back to your starting point.
Center Spine rises up the mesa as seen from a cool sink-hole along the hike
Take your time and really explore the Center Spine Loop at White Mesa Trails
This truly is an amazing hike, and I highly recommend it, especially for novice hikers or for anyone looking for a nice conditioning workout in the great outdoors. Here are the trail stats:
Trailhead: On Cabezon Road, four miles from NM 550 just south of San Ysidro. From the turn-off, follow signs for Zia Pueblo/Ojito Wilderness down the rugged dirt road for about four miles where you will cross a cattle guard. Park at the lot on the left side of the road; The trail head is directly across from the parking area on the right side of the road. NOTE: There is a second parking lot a little further down which is where most of the mountain bikers who ride these trails begin their rides. Distance: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: Estimated 300 feet/300 feet (twice) Map: A free map is available from BLM here. This entire area is also well marked and mapped at most if not all of the junctions. Hiking Time: Depending on your pace and how much you spend wandering around, this hike can take about two or three hours. But take your time - there is much to explore, and it's pretty hard to get lost since it is so open and well marked. Best Times to Hike: This hike can be brutal in the summer but any other time of the year it can be hiked any time of the day. Just make sure you wear a hat and apply sunscreen regularly, even in the winter. Difficulty: Easy. With the exception of the first ascent I mention where you might need to use your hands for balance, there is no climbing or scrambling. But you can do this hike at a good pace and will get an excellent cardio workout.
Making my way along the final portion of trail back to Junction 17
Please let me know if you try this hike, and if you're planning on checking it out feel free to leave me a comment below with any questions you may have. I'm always here to help! Also, follow me on Twitter @MyFitLife2Day, read my other blogs Man of Merit and MyFitLife2Day, and check out my Hubs at the popular site for writers, HubPages!
When most people think of hiking Albuquerque the famed La Luz Trail to the Tram comes to mind. But the vast Sandia Wilderness is a veritable hiking mecca with many incredible trails to be explored. Personally, my favorite is not the La Luz Trail but the trail that winds up Embudito Canyon to Sandia's South Summit.
View of Sandia's South Summit from the Embudito Trail
This 12-mile out-and-back hike is a very do-able day hike that is strenuous enough to give you an enormous sense of accomplishment. Whether you live in Albuquerque or are just visiting, you will want to check out the amazing hike that is the Embudito Trail. The Embudito Trail is more scenic than La Luz, in my opinion, with more expansive and widely varied views. I also love that the Embudito Trail isn't full of lazy tourists at the top - there is no road, no tram, and no ski lift. You really have to do some work to get there, and the people you meet along the way share the same passion for the true adventure of hiking.
The sun-drenched lower portion of Embudito Trail, Mt. Taylor in distance
The key to doing this trail - or any hike for that matter - is to be prepared. Depending on your pace, this hike can take between 6 and 10 hours to complete. Take plenty of water (4 to 6 liters is recommended), and plan ahead with lunch and snacks to keep up your energy throughout the day. Plan to set out from the trailhead as early as possible - check for sunset times and plan for 10 hours on the trail, even if you may be able to do it quicker. Also, this hike can be brutal in the summer since about two-thirds of the trail is under direct sunlight. Make sure you wear a hat, bring along sunscreen and re-apply frequently.
Sandia's South Summit in view - to the right of the massive rock formation
This is a moderate to strenuous hike. You will go through three major phases in the six-mile hike to the summit. The first two miles follow the scenic north wall of Embudito Canyon. The initial ascent is sun-drenched and the trail is lined with juniper, cholla and prickly pear cactus. At the two-mile mark the trail descends into an upper branch of the canyon, crossing over to the canyon's south wall. The second two miles are tree-covered. Here you will enjoy the shade of aspens and pines, including the stately Ponderosa.
Sweeping views from Sandia's South Mountain, Manzanos in the distance
Just before you reach the four-mile point the Embudito Trail arrives at Oso Pass. Here, the Three Gun Spring Trail joins the Embudito from the south and the Whitewash Trail comes in from the southwest. Turn left at Oso Pass and just beyond the junction you will find a great place to sit and have lunch. You'll need the energy to fuel your final ascent to Sandia's South Summit!
Don't celebrate too quickly - this is a false summit!
The last couple of miles on the Embudito Trail are quite strenuous. You will feel the burn as the trail rises steadily above the lower peaks of the southern Sandia mountains. Look up to your left and you will see a sheer rock wall - beyond that is the South Summit. Continue heading south and east on the trail for some time until you are nearing the crest. As you make your way diagonally across a steep slope covered in scrub oak, just before you reach the crest, keep your eyes peeled for a small cairn on the left side of the trail that makes a sort of switchback up the mountain's west face toward the summit. Turn left here and continue on. En route from here you will experience two false summits. Keep following the trail until it ends where you reach your goal - Sandia's South Summit.
The approach to Sandia's South Summit along a narrow, rocky path
Should you be up for the challenge of trekking up the Embudito Trail to Sandia's South Summit, here are some of the important details to help get you on your way:
Trailhead: Located at the end of Trailhead Road in Albuquerque, take Tramway Boulevard to Montgomery Boulevard and go east toward the mountains. Turn left on Greenwood Hills Road and then right onto Trailhead Road. The Emubdito Trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot at the end of Trailhead Road. Distance: Some guide books say this trail is 11 miles out-and-back, but I say it's 12 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,400/3,400 feet (1,036/1,036 meters) Map: A must-have map for hiking Albuquerque's Sandia Mountains is this GPS Powered Trail Map from Dharma Maps. A free map is also available from the Sandia Ranger District (11776 New Mexico 337, Tijeras, NM 87059). Hiking Time: Depending on your pace, this hike can take between 6 and 10 hours to complete. Take plenty of water (4 to 6 liters recommended), lunch and snacks to keep up your energy. Best Times to Hike: Plan to leave the trailhead as early as possible - check for sunset times and plan on 10 hours on the trail even if you may be able to do it quicker. This hike can be brutal in the summer since about 2/3 of the trail is under direct sunlight. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. The six miles to the summit isn't the hard part; Coming down is tough on the legs, so make sure you're in good shape for this one.
Celebrating the victory of reaching Sandia's South Summit
Once you reach Sandia's South Summit, celebrate your victory, have another snack, and prepare yourself for the descent. The six miles to the summit isn't the hard part; Coming down is tough on the legs, so make sure you're in good shape for this one. Pace yourself. Though you will want to hurry down, be careful not to slip and fall - the trail has some loose, pebbly soils and it is easy to make a misstep when you are already tired and longing to plop into the seat of your car. And don't forget to save water for that final two miles back down the canyon - that's when you will need it the most!
This is a unique hike in that it is nearly 100 percent within designated wilderness and a National Forest, yet you almost constantly experience views that remind you of the fragility of our world's protected spaces. I highly recommend this scenic hike the next time you're in Albuquerque. In fact, I would even say this hike is worth planning a special trip to the Duke City. Please leave me a comment below, and if you have any additional questions as you plan this hike, feel free to ask!
Below is the script of a motivational talk I delivered recently at the Palm Springs Toastmasters Club. The speech, titled "Hike for your life!", relates my personal story of how I started walking and hiking to fuel my journey of overcoming super obesity.
“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” This quote by
British Historian G.M. Trevelyan sums up the primary reason I took up hiking.
You see, four years ago, I weighed 420 pounds. At more than
twice my normal weight, I was morbidly obese. My Body Mass Index or BMI – a
common measure used to determine medical risk due to obesity – was estimated at
56. To put this into perspective, according to the National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute, 30 BMI is the low range of Class I obesity. At 56 BMI, I was
Class III.
I was considered pre-diabetic. I had circulatory and breathing problems.
Cellulitis – a bacterial skin infection common among the super obese – was
forming at my ankles and traveling up my legs. On top of this, I was suffering
from depression and felt hopeless to break a terrible addiction to sugary and
fatty foods.
But this story has a happy ending. And today, I would like to
tell you a bit of my own story of recovery, and share with you how, by putting
my two legs to work as my doctors, I may have quite literally saved my life.
After I lost my social services job to budget cuts in 2008, I
was unable to get private health insurance because I was considered too high of
a risk. I decided I needed to take immediate and drastic measures to improve my
conditions myself. If not, I feared wouldn’t live to celebrate my 40th
birthday.
My fears were not
unfounded. According to the National Institutes of Health, I was at a
substantial risk of developing a slew of deadly obesity-related diseases. Based
on all evidence, I needed to get control of my eating habits and begin getting
regular exercise if I wanted to stay alive.
Not knowing where to start, I did some basic research. I came
across a document called the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,
put forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to the
report, I found that aerobic activity is key for weight loss and the prevention
of weight gain.
In fact, aerobic activity also lowers risk of obesity-related
diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. It also treats metabolic syndrome and may help
prevent certain types of cancer. In short, engaging in regular aerobic activity
lowers your risk of early death.
That’s exactly what I was looking for! And the evidence is pretty
hard to ignore. Upon further research, I learned that walking is the primary
aerobic activity recommended by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
for people struggling with obesity.
So what did I do? I started walking!
Let me tell you, it was work to start moving that super obese
body. And honestly, I found the work boring, tedious even. Fortunately, though,
I experienced an immediate drop in weight as I began eating right and getting
regular exercise. And this I did not
find boring at all.
So I stuck with the walking and, as my health improved, I began
seeking out longer and more difficult routes for my walks. Soon, and almost organically,
I discovered and fell in love with hiking.
While walking can be done anywhere, even on a treadmill, hiking
involves getting out into nature, climbing hills and experiencing views.
Hiking, to me, feels much less like exercise and more like adventure. Plus,
hiking is much more aerobically intense than mere walking. To put it plainly,
hiking is walking on steroids.
It turns out, in fact, that hiking is more than great aerobic
exercise; hiking has anaerobic and psycho-spiritual benefits as well.
As my research led me out onto the trails, I would find that
hiking brings muscles to the point of exhaustion and builds them up stronger. This
is anaerobic exercise, and anaerobic exercise makes the whole body stronger,
also improving bone density.
According to fitness promotion web site Livestrong.com, hiking
is an excellent workout for the muscles of your lower body and core. The
primary muscles worked include the quadriceps and hamstrings, the coordinating
muscles of your upper leg; your calves, which push blood from your lower
extremities back up to your heart; your glutes and hips; and your abs. If you
carry a pack, your shoulders will build muscle over time as well, as you
further strengthen your core.
An added benefit of building a strong core through hiking as an
anaerobic workout has been reduced pressure on my spine. The back pain that was
a consequence of carrying extra bulk is gone. I’m stronger than ever before,
and I feel like I got back 15 years of my life – I feel 26, not 41!
I mentioned earlier that hiking has psycho-spiritual benefits as
well. To me, this means even as hiking builds a stronger body it cleanses the
mind and refreshes the soul.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recognizes that
increased physical activity, such as hiking, reduces depression and leads to
better cognitive function. Hiking may even improve the quality of your sleep. It
may be as simple as the chemical reaction of endorphins being released into
your blood stream during physical exercise that causes a sense of wellbeing
while hiking. But it is also something outside the body, too, that sparks an
inner peace while out on the trail.
Finding yourself in nature heals the soul. Vistas clear the mind
and provide much-needed perspective when the stress of day-to-day living sets
in. And each component of nature – the smells, the sights and the sounds – calm
and soothe rattled nerves.
For transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau it was his beloved
lake Walden. He wrote: “A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive
feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth
of his own nature.” For me, it is the summit of any hill or mountain. I tend to
tell people, perhaps less eloquently than Thoreau, that I hike for the payoff.
It is the views, and the feelings that come from pushing my body to new limits
in the cathedral of nature, that bring about small bursts of lasting moments of
rapture.
Imagine, feelings of rapture, and all you have to do is strap on
a sturdy pair of shoes, grab a bottle of water and some trail mix, and make
tracks to the nearest trail head. Regardless of your current fitness level, you
can find a trail nearby where you can immediately start receiving the benefits
of hiking.
So I challenge you. Sometime in the next week, get out there,
try for yourself and see if what I’m telling you is true. I promise that soon,
you too will credit your legs as your doctors as you hike for your life!
If you are interested in having me speak to your organization or at an event, leave a comment below. You may also follow me on Twitter @MyFitLife2Day, and check out my blog MyFitLife2Day, which charts my ongoing journey of overcoming super obesity. The video below is the above speech as delivered at a Toastmasters club in Southern California.
Hiking is an outdoors fitness activity with growing popularity around the globe. Hiking is a great exercise to to help you lose weight, get fit and stay in shape. Plus, it is appealing to many in today's age who may be seeking to escape from the buzz of the technology-driven modern world we live, even if only for a couple of hours.
Outdoor fitness is a great way to reconnect with all that is real. It gives the feeling that we, as human beings, can still somehow live in balance with the natural world.
Hiking is a great outdoors fitness activity - but plan ahead to hike safely!
Taking to the trail, though, requires planning and preparation. Here in Southern California, the rash of mountain rescues for hikers suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration - not on wilderness trails but on hiking trails close to urban populations - seems to be rising along with the increase in hiking's popularity. Is this evidence that even fairly fit people may not be putting enough thought into what is needed when exercising in the great outdoors?
Don't be one of the statistics. If you're a novice hiker or someone who is interested in getting started with an outdoors fitness routine that includes hiking, these five tips will help you stay safe while setting out on the trail.
1. Know what you're getting into
Not all trails are the same, and distance is not the only factor to consider when selecting a suitable trail for your outdoors fitness hiking. The lesson here is, do your research. There are lots of free resources online, but the best information on your local trails can be found locally. Go online and find a detailed guide book for trails in your area. Or better yet, go to a local small bookstore to look for a guide book that might not be available online.
Check with the local business, like outdoor outfitters, or the chamber of commerce. Call local government offices, like the parks and recreation or conservation management office, to see if they can provide you with detailed trail maps. If you are lucky enough to live near wilderness areas, check with your local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U.S Forest Service office.
Look for resources that include mileage as well as elevation gain. And seek out trail descriptions, too. Once you know the name of the trail just Google it. You'll find many resources, like my blogs HikeyHikey! and Man of Merit, that include stories and helpful hints from hikers who have already trod the same trail you're planning to take.
2. Assess your physical condition
Another thing to do before setting out on the trail is to consider your physical condition. You don't have to be in perfect shape before hitting the trail. Overweight and obese people can - and do - hike. So you don't have to reach a certain weight before you head out on the trail. But know your limits, and start off slowly.
More than anything, a strong core will help you no matter what your current weight. Strong legs are important, but the core helps you maintain balance and footing over rocky paths. Personally, I had been working out with a medicine ball for more than a year before I started hiking, so I was confident that I had the physical wherewithal to handle a two-mile hike with only moderate elevation gain, which is what I started with. Within two months, though, I was hiking my first mountain!
The key is to work your way up to the hike by walking progressively distant routes - and doing some strength training wouldn't hurt. For tips on getting started using the medicine ball, check out this MyFitLife2Day post on my basic medicine ball workout.
Before that first hike, I was also concerned I might not have the respiratory endurance to handle the hike I was planning. If you are worried that you haven't been doing lots of cardio, remember you can take frequent breaks when you're on the trail, and don't be afraid to do so. If the guide book tells you it's a one-hour hike, you might want to tag on an extra hour if you plan on taking your time. That's what I did - and I still do. Just plan accordingly and don't get caught out on the trail after dark. It's best to go early in the day when you're just getting started.
3. Get the gear you need
Knowing you have the right gear is just as important as knowledge of what you're getting into and what you're capable of. For most hikes of less than five miles, low-top trail shoes are sufficient. You don't want to use your regular running shoes or cross trainers - you need something with grip, especially if you live in an area where trails are rock-strewn, which most of the good trails are. And if you're carrying a heavy pack or are more 75 pounds overweight, I would recommend a hiking boot with more ankle support and stiff soles. You'll also want a backpack that distributes the weight of what you're carrying well. It should ride with most of the weight on your hips and fit snugly to your back. This will help you maintain balance and reduce the risk of back injury.
4. Hydrate!
Before you hike you should chug some water even if you're not thirsty. And no matter how far you're planning to hike, you definitely need to carry water with you. For a two-mile hike one liter of water should be enough, unless you live in a desert region, in which case you should carry two. For longer hikes you might want to invest in a backpack that holds a water bladder with a sipping tube. This way you don't have to stop every time you need a drink - which is often on the trail. Dehydration can lead to dizziness and exhaustion, and it can diminish your capacity to think clearly and make good decisions. I typically carry three liters of water for any hike of five miles. I will carry a fourth liter if I do a ten mile hike. Water is heavy to carry, but in my opinion it's better to be safe than sorry. Plus, I figure the more weight I carry the more calories I burn!
5. Fuel your body
Speaking of burning calories - you would be surprised by how many calories you burn while hiking. For more information on that, click here. This being the case, it is important to up your caloric intake before, during and after the hike to ensure your body remains fueled. I usually take along a banana and an apple, two carrots and a stalk of celery as well as a granola bar.
I don't always eat all of the food on the trail, but I know it's important to have it in case I need it. I usually have my next meal pre-cooked and waiting for me in the fridge at home, too, so I don't go into binge mode when I get back to the house. This happens especially if I'm being frugal with my food intake before and after a hike. Remember, food is fuel, so eat before you need it, not once your body is starved for nutrition.
Ready? Then, get out there and do it!
Are you ready to join the thousands of new hiking enthusiasts taking to the trails around the globe? Are you ready to engage in hiking as the phenomenal outdoors fitness activity is? Are you ready to stay safe while getting great exercise to to help you lose weight, get fit and stay in shape? Then get out there and do it! Just make sure you're prepared and you'll be fine.
For many visitors, Palm Springs is a place of indulgence. Sure, there are the spas and golf clubs, which give this place the air of healthful tourism. But fine restaurants, bars and night clubs line the streets, so after an evening of excess many folks find they are in need of a rigorous workout. Fortunately, hiking trails abound out here in the desert, and some are accessible within walking distance of downtown.
Rising from Palm Springs, the prominent peak of Murray Hill in the distance
One such trail is the Palm Springs Museum Trail. Don't be fooled by the distance - at only two miles out-and-back one might mistake this trail for a walk in the park. In fact, it is a real butt-burner. Dozens of short switchbacks take you up a ridge line a full 1,000 feet in just one mile. Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with some amazing views.
Watch for the white dots; staying on trail helps prevent erosion
To find the trailhead, go to the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue on Palm Canyon Drive, turn up Tahquitz Canyon Drive toward the mountain, go one block, then turn right on North Museum Drive. Pass the Palm Springs Art Museum, turn left, into the museum's north parking lot, and drive to the back corner. There it is!
These red-spined, white-tipped barrel cacti dot rocky slopes along the trail
It takes about an hour to reach the top of the Palm Springs Museum Trail. Then it's a quick 25 minutes or so to reach the bottom again. White dots on boulders will show you the way. There are a lot of social trails that crisscross the main trail, cutting the switchbacks, but taking these will increase erosion and may eventually cause the trail to be closed.
This hike has major payoff, so make sure to stop and enjoy to view!
If you're ready for more once you reach the summit, the Palm Springs Museum Trail links with the North Lykken Trail just past the summit. You can follow the North Lykken Trail to the left or the right for as long as you like - just be sure to retrace your tracks back to the trailhead. Or, you can try this alternate loop back to your starting point. Go left when you reach the North Lykken Trail and you will eventually reach the trailhead on Ramon Road. There, you can take Ramon to Cahuilla and turn left (or Palm Canyon if you don't mind looking like a sweaty mess as you walk down Palm Springs' main drag) and return to the art museum where you started. This loop is approximately 3.5 miles.
Palm Springs Museum Trail - don't be fooled by the trail's dainty name
So, are you ready to try the Palm Springs Museum Trail? Here are the stats: Trailhead: Northwest corner of the north parking lot of the Palm Springs Art Museum Distance: 2 miles, out-and-back Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000/1,000 Map: You don't need a map for this trail, but I recommend you buy the new Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Trail Map online at the Friends of the Desert Mountains Gift Shop. Hiking Time: About 1.5 hours out-and-back. Best Times to Hike: This hike can be brutal in the summer, so if you do it then make sure you go super early in the morning. Fall through spring it's a great hike any time of day; still, it's best to do it early in the morning or in the evening just before the sun tucks away behind San Jacinto Peak. In the evening, take a head lamp just in case - the sun sets hard out here in the desert. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Though it's short, it is a real butt buster!
Getting caught on the trail after dark can be dangerous; carry a light!
I hope you enjoy the Palm Springs Museum Trail. If you try it out, let me know. Leave me a comment below! I love to hear from my readers and promise to respond to all comments. Also, to read more about outdoor adventure, check out my blog Man of Merit. For more fitness-related reading, check out MyFitLife2Day. Lots of pics and useful info on both! Oh, and while you're at it, follow me on Twitter @myfitlife2day.
