Hiking

Mount Rainier: A Hiking Intorduction to One of the US’s Most Dangerous Mountains

November 30, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Mount Rainier is one of the largest mountains in the North American region. It stands at close to 14,400 ft above sea level and is located southeast of the Seattle area. Any mountain climber that has ever had a desire to climb one of the fiercest and most dangerous mountains should consider hiking somewhere on Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier has over 300 miles of set trails all along the mountain that hikers can enjoy. Since the mountain is located in the northwest of the United States the majority of the hiking trails are open from late May to early September.

You’ll never know what to expect when hiking in this area. There is a wide range of weather and outdoor scenery that can be experienced when hiking along Mount Rainier trails. For example, if you are hiking along the trails in late May you are likely to get beautiful views of the glaciers and snow. If you head to the trails in September, you’re likely to encounter low areas of fog, rain and the beautiful leaves changing colors.

A special trail known as the Wonderland trail, allows hikers the unique opportunity to hike all around Mount Rainier. This hike takes anywhere from 10 to 14 days but allows hikers the unique opportunity to experience every part of Mount Rainier, as each side of this mountain has a different landscape, views and scenery.

Hiking along the designated trails on Mount Rainier does not require any special types of permits. However, if you are a hiker that enjoys going off the beaten path, then a permit is required from the National Parks Service. This is to prevent too many people from hiking in what is known as the back country of Mount Rainier and it allows the environmental impact of these hikers to be reduced.

If you’re looking for a challenge, consider taking a hike along one of the United State’s most dangerous mountains, Mount Rainier.

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking, Wild Trip Tagged With: Hiking, Mount Rainier, National Park Service, United States

Little Heard of Climbing Mountains Experience: Ruth Mountain

November 28, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to hiking and climbing mountains most people have heard of the more traditional mountains. There’s Mt. Rainier, Mt. Fuji and even Mt. Everest. Those are some of the tallest and most well known mountains in the world. However, if you are just starting out and exploring this new outdoor sport you might not be up to trying out these well known mountains. That’s where these little known hiking mountain trips come into effect.

Some of the mountain ranges that are within the United States have varying difficulties when it comes to the type of hiking that is required. If you are just starting out with climbing mountains it is a good idea to start off with a relatively easy mountain range. In the northwest that mountain range would be the Cascade Mountains and the little known easy mountain climbing experience would be trekking to the top of the summit of Ruth Mountain.

Ruth Mountain is a pyramid shaped mountain peak located in the Cascade Mountains in the area of the Snoqualmie-Mt. Baker area. This peak of a mountain is located to the east of Mount Baker and is considered by those in the hiking world as an easy hike. It is best known for having the most beautiful view of Mt. Shuksan, the highly pictured mountain of the Snoqualmie-Mount Baker ski area. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle!

Ruth Mountain is an easy hike because it requires very little equipment. It is recommended that those who are hiking to the summit take an axe and crampons but they might not be needed to make it to the top.

Reaching the top of Ruth Mountain can be achieved in one day. From the trail head that leads to Ruth Mountain all the way to the summit of it is a round trip of 12 miles. Climbers will ascend to 4000′ above sea water with this hike.

Filed Under: Hiking, Outdoors Tagged With: Hiking, Mount Baker, Mountaineering, United States

Gear You Can’t Do Without When Climbing Mountains

November 25, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Mountain climbing is a sport that requires a lot of gear in order to stay safe and climb effectively. Attempting to climb without the right gear can be frustrating and dangerous.

Here are a few items that are essentials for mountain climbing.

1. Helmet

This is one of the most essential pieces, if not the most important. Head trauma is a real danger if the climber falls, and it is the most serious type of injury, with severe head trauma quickly leading to death if medical treatment is not readily available. The helmet should protect the entire head, and it should fasten – via a strap – under the chin.

2. Proper footwear

Don’t go mountain climbing thinking that your favorite pair of sneakers will be fine. You need to have shoes that will provide traction, ankle stability, and comfort. Thick socks should also be worn. The higher-quality boots will come with an inner boot that is removable.

For cliff climbing, sometimes rock shoes are used when scaling cliff walls, provided non-slip traction and air holes. Be sure to wear whichever type is suitable for your climb.

3. Proper clothing

Clothing should be layered so that it can be added or removed depending on the temperature and exertion level of the climber. There should be an underwear layer, fully covering the climber. Then a soft shell layer (pants, jacket, etc). After this, a shell layer, preferably with GORE-TEX. Finally, for climbs in very colds temperatures, an insulated layer, with an insulated jacket and a one-piece suit.

Having the proper equipment for mountain climbing is essential for enjoying a climb safely. Helmet, the proper footwear and the essential layers of clothing are a good start. Make sure you invest in the equipment you need so that your safety, comfort and piece of mind are insured.

Filed Under: Hiking, Outdoors Tagged With: Climb, Clothing, Mountaineering

Why Sunscreen is Important on a Mountain Hike

November 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

You’re getting ready for your big mountain hiking event and you get your list of essential items. Some of the items seem as if they would be required such as walking stick, canteen, boots, long pants. Then you come to the item that stumps you: the sunscreen.

Why would you need sunscreen when you are going on a mountain hike? When you look at mountains they have snow, clouds and rain so why would sunscreen be an essential hiking tool.

Sunscreen is an essential item because of the amount of sun that is present on the mountain. Although you might not be able to see it, there are intense UV rays that are beating down on the body. The UV rays are actually more intense the higher up you go on a mountain because of the higher altitude.

To prevent any type of burning or sun related problems sunscreen is recommended. Simply put the sunscreen on as if you were going outside on a sunny day. This means putting the sunscreen on a good 30 minutes before you plan on going out. It also means that you should be reapplying the sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours as directed on the bottle of the sunscreen.

Should you not put sunscreen on before your mountain hike you could face a number of issues. The main problem with no sunscreen is that of sunburns. Sunburns can be very painful and often take days to heal. By just putting a bit of sunscreen on you can prevent this. Other more serious issues from not wearing sunscreen include that of skin cancer. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the UV rays could lead to skin cancer and other more serious issues.

Before you head out on that hiking trip consider packing extra sunscreen. You can prevent a lot of pain if you just lather up before hand.

Filed Under: Hiking, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Hiking, Sunburn, Sunscreen, Ultraviolet

Training for a Triathlon

November 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

For many people, participating in an Ironman competition is the ultimate test of endurance and fitness. Triathlon competitors are known for their superior athleticism and mental toughness. But what does it really take to compete in such a mentally and physically grueling event?

For those who do not know, a triathlon is a fitness and endurance competition composed of three events: swimming, cycling, and running. In recent years, people have also started to compete in reverse triathlons, where the event begins with running and ends in swimming. Regardless of which way the events are scheduled, each event is run in succession so the winner of one segment of the competition does not necessarily win the race should she fall behind in the other components of the event.

One of the most important aspects of a triathlon is to have the right training. Triathlon contestants are some of the fittest people in sports today. Their training routines include grueling runs through canyon terrain, cycling through mountain passes, and swimming in the open ocean or cold-water lakes. There are many triathlon websites on the web that offer free downloadable triathlon training plans according to fitness level.

The key to being a good triathlon competitor is consistency. If any one of your single event results is inferior to the others, then you may be relegated to the losing side of the podium. In addition, the proper equipment is also essential to running the perfect race. The only event in a triathlon that requires equipment is cycling, but the importance of proper triathlon bikes, perfectly proportioned and tailored to your style and body, cannot be underestimated.

With the proper amount of determination, consistency, and the right equipment, you can be well on your way to competing in your first triathlon.

Filed Under: Adventure, Camping, Hiking Tagged With: Competition, Cycling, Ironman Triathlon, Ironman World Championship, Multi-Sports, Sport, Swimming (sport), Triathlon

Experience the Great Hiking Trails of Camelback Mountain

November 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Camelback Mountain is a huge red rock based mountain located in Phoenix, Arizona. This mountain is a major part of the Phoenix skyline and resembled one of the largest red rock mountain type of mountain.

The sheer rock surface, unique red rocks and wonderful surrounding area makes Camelback Mountain one of the most visited hiking trails in the area.

If you are thinking of hiking up Camelback Mountain here is a quick guide filled with many tips and sights that you can see if you were to hike up the mountain.

Hiking Trails. There are two distinctive hiking trails on Camelback Mountain. The first one ascends over 1,200 ft above sea level and goes up the side of the mountain. It is known as Echo Mountain Trail. The other trail is that of Cholla Mountain Trail and is very similar to the first trail.

Activity Level. Each trail is considered very strenuous when it comes to the type of activity that is required for the mountain hike. There are various boulders, rocks, climbing and unsteady land that make this trail a tough climb.

Time Involved. The time involved with each hike is about 1.5 hours to 4 hours round trip. Depending upon how long you want to look at the various views and wildlife that is around the area it could take you longer.

Rock Climbing. There are various areas located on Camelback Mountain that are perfect for rock climbing. The Praying Monk is the most popular rock climbing area on Camelback Mountain that allows people to climb the various rock surfaces. There are several areas to attack the ropes that rock climbers need.

Temperature. The temperature on Camelback Mountain can sometimes reach well over 100 degrees. It is best if you are going to go hiking on this mountain trail that you consider packing sunscreen, dress lightly and prepare with plenty of water.

Filed Under: Hiking, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Camelback Mountain, Climbing, Hiking, Trail

Mountain Hiking 101: Mount Magazine

November 13, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Did you know the state of Arkansas has a mountain? If you didn’t then you could be missing out on one of the newest national parks and best views of the southern area.

Mount Magazine is the highest mountain in all of the state of Arkansas. It is located int he northwestern area of the state. Although it is the highest mountain in all of the state it is unique in a special way. This mountain is a flat top plateau area that is made of stone. There are two peaks to this mountain range one of which is called Signal Hill and the other is known as Mossback Ridge and reaches a height of 2,700 ft above sea level.

If you are interested in checking out this unique mountain in Arkansas then here is a quick guide for you.

Location. The location of Mount Magazine is in the northwest section of the state. It is located in the Ozark National Forest.

Views. Some of the best views of the Blue Mountain Lake can be seen from one of the routes up to the top of the mountain. It’s about a 10 mile stretch of road that provides some of the best sights that a hiker or even car rider could see.

Activities. There are hundreds of different activities that can be done on Mount Magazine. There are 18 campsites, picnic locations, hiking trains, mountain climbing, hang gliding, geotracking, fishing and even horseback riding trails that can all be enjoyed on this mountain.

Animals. There are dozens of wildlife creatures on Mount Magazine. However, the most well known animal there is the butterfly. In a given year there are 63 to 140 different types of butterflies that are on the mountain. There is even a National Butterfly Festival that is held right there on the mountain. Other animals that can be seen include coyotes, bears, bobcats and deer.

Filed Under: Camping, Hiking, Outdoors Tagged With: Arkansas, Blue Mountain Lake, Hiking

The Importance of Water on a Mountain Hike

November 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

In almost any exercise that you engage in they tell you to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. The risk to your health is to great to ignore this type of warning when you are exercising.

Mountain hiking is no different then any other type of exercise. It requires the replenishment of fluids when you are hiking. But there is also another reason for that. The elevation.

Most mountain hikes take a person above the regular elevation that they are used to. For example if you were to hike in the Rock Mountain National Park you would be going to levels from 7000 to 12000 feet above sea water which can really change the way that your body works.

Doctors recommend that if you are planning on hiking at these higher elevations that you consider drinking plenty of fluids to allow your body to adjust. By fluids the doctor means that you drink, water, sports drinks or other type of fluids. It is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages or sugary sodas as those could actually hinder the body’s adjustment to the higher levels.

Another reason that water is recommended is because of the thinness of the air. The air level is very thin and while the water may help to keep your body adjusted to these different levels there is also another factor that is going on with your body. The thinner level of air is actually depleting the body of water. The water that exists in the lungs can quickly turn to water evaporation and cause altitude sickness. To avoid any such problems people are recommended to drink plenty of fluids so that this does not happen to them.

To avoid altitude sickness it is important that you pack plenty of water. Do not rely upon the park to have fresh water streams or other areas. Be prepared and you won’t get sick!

Filed Under: Adventure, Camping, Hiking, Outdoors Tagged With: Altitude sickness, Hiking, Recreation, Water