Not as in “get lost” or “go away.” I actually mean take a hike. Let’s face it. There is a broad spectrum of interpretations that flood the mind when someone suggests taking a hike. For the enthusiast, this conjures up a gamut of emotions ranging from excitement to downright euphoria. For the person less enthralled with venturing into the great outdoors (or physical exertion of any kind, for that matter) this suggestion ranks right up there with waterboarding and electro-shock therapy. So, I’ll give you a few of the things that hiking means to me and why I like to hike. Then, you can make up your own mind as to the what and why of the enjoyment that hiking brings to you. Unless, of course, you’re a slug. In which case, you won’t enjoy hiking. Mainly because it takes forever just to get where you need to go and you often get squished in the process. Typically by overzealous hikers!
I grew up with a love of the outdoors but not all that much outdoors to love. I grew up on the edge of a small mid-western town in Indiana. I would take meandering walks out the road through the cornfields near our house. If I was feeling more adventurous, I might walk the old, abandoned railroad tracks that ran parallel to the road. On trips, our family might visit a park or two and take the paved, scenic trail to the waterfall or overlook that attracted the other tourists. I enjoyed it, but sensed there was more than what I was experiencing. After all… I’d seen pictures.
When, I was thirteen, our family took a trip out west. We went up to Seattle and down through Phoenix before heading back home. Most of the trip was spent visiting family in what seemed very boring fashion, in retrospect. But, the trip was not without it’s redeeming qualities, brief though they were. For the first time, (other than pictures) I saw the Rocky Mountains. I stared in amazement at the array of colors in Teddy Roosevelt National Park.

I got my feet wet in the Great Salt Lake. I experienced a view so expansive that my eyes could not take it all in as I stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. I got to climb on rocks…big rocks! It was awesome! A love for hiking and adventure was born. It has been a long time coming, but me, my wife, and my family have had the opportunity of developing this passion together.

I was first introduced to the hiking that I have come to love and long for about fifteen years ago. My older brother was living in Salt Lake City and would regale me with stories of hiking in southern Utah during his college days. I talked him into taking me on some day hiking trips in the Moab area. With great anticipation, I booked a flight and made my way to Utah for four days of hiking in the high mountain desert of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. I have to say, that trip exceeded my expectations. I could not have imagined the views, the fellowship, the revitalization that I experienced on that trip. I went back with my wife. I went back with my wife and boys. We are going back again next year.
I love slickrock hiking in the canyons and washes of the Desert Southwest. I prefer it above all others. Surprisingly enough, it has not spoiled me for other hiking locales. I enjoy them simply because I’m passionate about getting outdoors. I still love to see a new waterfall or hike to a new overlook. I do find myself comparing all trails to the benchmark of those found in Utah, but enjoying them, nonetheless.

Hopefully this gives you a glimpse into the enjoyment I get out of hiking. Next week, I’ll share a couple of my favorite hikes and what I enjoy about them in particular. It’s a spectacular time of the year so get out and enjoy the season.
I realize that hiking may not be for everyone, but I believe everyone needs to be enthusiastic about some sort of physical activity. It’s crucial to your physical and mental well-being. Don’t be a slug. Give me some feedback on what gets you motivated when you’re unmotivated. What gets you inspired when you find yourself uninspired? Leave a comment here or on Facebook. Tweet me. Send me smoke signals. Tell me #whatgetsyououtdoors.
Mike