Experience the Great Hiking Trails of Camelback Mountain

November 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 30: A rock climber ...
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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.

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Mountain Hiking 101: Mount Magazine

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Modern 'flexible wing' hang glider.
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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.

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The Importance of Water on a Mountain Hike

November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Me and my friends on a trekking weekend last y...
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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!

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Preparing For Your First Mountain Hike

October 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Two campers with gear hiking through Bear Moun...
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One of the most inexpensive vacations you can take is to take your family camping. The children will have a lot of fun and it can be very relaxing for the parents. Before you go you, you will need to prepare for your upcoming trip.

The first step is to find a state park where you can camp and determining how far you want to drive. Once you decide on a destination make your camping reservation, you want to ensure you have a spot to camp when you get there.

You will need to purchase a tent. You can choose one the whole family could use or buy two, one for you and your spouse and one for the children. It is a good idea to put them together before the trip just as a trial run. Make sure that you have all the hardware and poles together in one place after you take them down.

Make a list of the things that you need to bring. You will need at least 2 coolers for your food and drinks. Decide what you will be eating and pack that at the last moment. You will also need a couple of fold up chairs, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags. Do not forget medications for the family members and a first aid kit.

To keep the children occupied bring outdoor toys to pass the time. Plan to go on several nature walks and let them collect interesting rocks and things. The state parks generally have a nice playground area for the children to play on as well as restrooms with showers close to the camping sites. Since you will be outdoors for the majority of the time, for safety sake make sure to bring plenty of fresh water and fruit juice to keep everyone hydrated.

After camping you will be better prepared next time. This is a great way to bond with your children and make everlasting memories.

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Must Have Supplies Necessary For Any Hiking Trip

October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Guadalupe Peak Summit Marker
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Whether you are planning a one day hiking trip or a ten day excursion, taking the right supplies with you is essential. Always bring more than you think you need just to be on the safe side.

Any time that you go hiking the weather can change within minutes and you could find yourself in the middle of a rain storm. It is important to bring a rain coat or poncho along with a large backpack for all the supplies that you need to carry along.

Always pack food with you. You might choose to take a sandwich for your lunch along with dry snacks. Fresh fruit is easy to pack and carry along with granola bars, potato chips, trail mix and mixed nuts to keep you energized. You also need to keep your body hydrated so bring several bottles of water or fruit juices.

Wear comfortable clothing along with special hiking boots and a spare clothing in case you want or need to change your clothes. Pack things like a fully stocked first aid kit. Make sure you inventory the supplies that are in the kit and replace what you need.

It is nice to have a map of the hiking trails that you want to visit as well as a compass to follow in case you need it. If it starts to get dark have a flashlight on hand. You may have to purchase a hiking stick and knife, both of those items will come in handy on every hiking trip you take.

Some of the less obvious things you might need would be garbage bags, duct tape and string. Bring along some paper and pens so if you are in the mood to journal your trip you can. Perhaps a book or two is needed to read while you are resting. Do not forget and prescription medication that you take on a daily basis. All that is left to do is have a great trip.

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The Amazing Things That Fresh Air Can Do For You

October 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Wise Old Men
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Ever feel stressed, tired, frustrated or angry? If you’ve answered yes to that then you’re probably human. If you’re like most people you probably don’t handle these types of emotions very well. There is however a secret cure that anyone can partake in.

Fresh air.

Fresh air is known to help a number of people overcome a laundry list of emotions and feelings that they’re dealing with. When you get upset and angry, consider taking a walk around the block. You come back to your house or apartment and you instantly feel better. Surprisingly it’s the fresh air that does it.

Some of the freshest, crispest air can be found while hiking to the top of mountains. For centuries people have used mountain hiking and mountain air as a form of relaxation and stress relief. Some of the world’s heaviest problems have been solved after taking a stroll up a mountain path. Think of all the old stories that involve having children or adventurers hike to the highest mountain to see a wise old man. It wasn’t the wise person who gave advice it was the mountain air that helped them figure it out. This might be a slight exaggeration but these stories do showcase how mountain air can help ease stress and solve problems.

In today’s society people carry a number of more modern concerns such as growing debts due to addictions to sports betting sites, divorce and marriage problems, world peace and even unemployment. While climbing to the top of a mountain won’t give you the instant answer to these problems, it can help you relax and be at ease for a little bit. The best part of this great relaxation method is that it is free and open to anyone who might feel stressed, angry or anxious. Try it out for yourself and see what fresh air does for you!

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Super Socks: Hiking Sock 101

October 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Cotton modules in Australia (2007)
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Believe it or not, wearing the wrong socks can make or break your whole hiking experience. During a hike, you stand and move on your feet for many hours and miles per day, over terrain of varying hardness, textures and angles. You work your feet harder than you would on any other average day, and you need them to carry you all the ay to your destination, because there’s no car around to just pick you up if you can’t walk any further.

For a situation where your feet are this important, you’ve got to pamper them to counter-act all of that work you’re putting them through. Even if you pick the right pair of hiking boots, you might still have to deal with excess moisture, overheating, bad shock absorption and more if you don’t wear the right socks. That’s a tall order, and regular old socks just won’t cut it–you need hiking socks.

Hiking socks are designed to protect and assist the feet during the grueling hours of hiking that you’ll be putting them through. A well-made hiking sock should be much more than just a foot-shaped piece of woven cotton; it should wick moisture away from your feet to the outside of the sock, keep your feet comfortably cool in hot weather but not let them get chilled in ice and snow, and be padded in the right spots to encourage good posture and to distribute pressure so that the impacts of your steps don’t hit your feet as hard.

A hiking sock must not be too loose or tight–it should promote good circulation in your legs, and should support your muscles enough to prevent shear from flexing them in different directions than your skin and causing blisters.

Material is important, too. All-cotton is the most popular variety for moisture wicking–if you’re going somewhere where you’ll be sweating a lot, or if you just sweat more than the average person, cotton is probably for you. If shear and circulation are larger concerns for you, terry weave and combination acrylic fiber hiking socks will serve your needs better.

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Picking Your Hiking Boots

October 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Hiking boots
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One of the few essential pieces of gear necessary to hike is a good reliable pair of hiking boots. Most people have a general idea of what hiking boots are. The mental image springs to mind when you hear the two words in order…leather, brown or tan, lace-up with thick rubbery tread. But there’s more to a well-made hiking boot than looks! Hiking boots support your most important asset during a hike: your feet. With every step, you’ll be putting weight, stress, pressure and impact onto those feet, and your hiking boots and socks are all that separate them from whatever rough untamed terrain you may be hiking over.

Fit is extremely important. You need boots that fit well–not slightly loose or tight, but as close to a perfect fit as possible. A good hiking boot will feel solid and won’t let your foot slide around, but it will have a little space for your toes too. Tread is important, but don’t pick boots with such thick tread that you trip over it–the boot should feel like an extension of your foot to the ground.

Also essential for a perfect fit is good ankle support. Your hiking boots are made not just to cushion the bottom of your foot, but to soften the impact of each step on your ankle and to stay stiff enough that you are much less likely to twist your ankle by stepping through uneven terrain. The best hiking boots are lace-up and cover your ankles entirely. Whether they are taller or not depends upon your hiking style and how much support you need, but bear in mind that good support of your ankles and feet affects the posture of the rest of your body. Not enough support in your ankles can actually cause aches and pains in your back, neck and shoulders.

Leather is still the preferred material for hiking boots due to being waterproof, flexible and durable. Gore-Tex and rubber are also very good, particularly for insulating your foot in cold weather. Pick the best hiking boots for the climate you’ll be hiking in most.

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Snowshoeing With Young Children

August 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A snowshoer packing cross-country skis for a t...
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If you have young children, maintaining your active outdoors lifestyle can be difficult. Cross-country skiing and hiking up mountains are probably out of the question for a few years. Not every activity is unsuited for children, though, and taking your child along will help instill a love of the outdoors in them as well as give you an activity to enjoy doing together. Any child that has ever seen snow likely already knows that he loves sledding and having snowball fights. For a slower-paced activity that can include even the youngest of children, why not try snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is one of the most child-friendly winter sports. It’s slow-paced enough to allow children to keep up with you, easy to learn to do, and most companies that make snowshoes make pairs in small sizes to accommodate children. In addition, snowshoeing makes an excellent group activity–the more packed-down the snow is from the leaders of the group, the easier it will be for anybody following them to walk on. A good way to introduce your child to snowshoeing is to walk just ahead of her so that she can follow in your footsteps and have packed-down snow upon which to walk.
Before going out on any trails, practice basic snowshoeing techniques with your child so that he knows how to walk in his snowshoes, how to get up if he falls down, and how to climb up and down hills. Walking in snowshoes actually seems to come more naturally to children than it does to adults, so don’t be surprised if your child gets the hang of it faster than you do!
When on a snowshoeing excursion with children, it’s a great idea to pull a small plastic sled behind you. Not only can you place your pack in it to glide behind you instead of being a heavy weight on your back, but if your child gets tired before you do, you can have her sit in it and pull her along behind you easily. Pack lots of snacks and a thermos with hot cocoa to stay warm and hydrated, and have fun!
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Snowshoeing vs. Skiing

August 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Snowshoeing might seem like a slow-paced, trudging way to climb a mountain, especially if you’re used to riding a ski lift. However, there are some definite benefits of snowshoeing that skiing doesn’t have. One obvious advantage of snowshoeing is that you’re getting more exercise. Skiers use their whole bodies to steer their skis, and it’s definitely a workout, but the trip up the slope is as simple as sitting in a ski lift and being carried to the top. Snowshoeing requires that you climb that slope. Walking on snow is more of a strenuous workout than walking on the ground, especially while traveling uphill. It will take longer to reach the top, but if you enjoyed the trip up, why not take your time?
Perhaps the prospect of having to climb back down the hill is what is deterring you from snowshoeing. With skiing, you can slide down speedily and enjoy the air flying past you. You can’t do that on a pair of snowshoes—but you can pull a plastic sled behind you on the way up, and ride it down the hill in a fun, speedy slide if you like! You can put your snowshoes into the sled, too, so everything that you brought up the hill can come back down with you–no need to climb the hill again if you don’t want to. There is something satisfying about climbing a hill and having a picnic at the top while enjoying the view; pull your backpack in the sled on the way up.
If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, you should try renting a set of snowshoes and walking poles before investing in a set of your own gear. Dress as you would for a regular winter hike: warmly, with a hat, gloves, inner cotton or wool shell, and waterproof outside layer such as rain paints. Waterproof shoes are a must–if you wear wool socks, your can use regular leather hiking boots. Since snowshoeing takes considerably more effort than regular hiking, your body will generate enough heat to keep itself fairly warm so long as you keep moving.
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