BLOG

Spring Hiking Guide: Rain, Wildflowers, Mosquitoes & More

Spring Hiking Guide: Rain, Wildflowers, Mosquitoes & More

‘Tis the season for more sunshine and time spent outside. It’s also the season for more mud and mosquitoes. But that shouldn't hold you back from continuing your 52 Hike Challenge.

In this Spring Hiking Guide, we’ll equip you with all the tips, tools and resources you need for hiking during this season of greener grass and blooming wildflowers.

From gearing up for the rain to repelling pesty insects and enjoying wildflower blooms responsibly, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re taking 52 hikes throughout the year or you’re crushing the 52 Hike Challenge Spring Series, this information will be helpful for you to enjoy the outdoors throughout the season.

Get ready to learn about rain gear, wildflower etiquette, mosquito deterrents and more!

Layering for Hiking: What to Wear for Every Season of Your 52 Hikes

Layering for Hiking: What to Wear for Every Season of Your 52 Hikes

Are you the best dressed on the trail? We’re not talking about looking fashionable while hiking – we’re referring to wearing layers so that you can keep hiking in all kinds of weather.

Since the 52 Hike Challenge runs all year long, you’ll be hiking in every season. This means your layering system will vary depending on the time of year. Whenever you step foot outside for a day in the outdoors, you’ll want to ensure you’re wearing a solid system of layers. 

In this blog, we will discuss hiking clothing and how to layer strategically so you always stay comfortable on your 52 hikes. You will get hiking outfit ideas for every season, and you will learn how to layer for optimum protection from the elements.

Get ready to discover:

  • The importance of layering for hiking
  • The main hiking layers to wear on the trail
  • Tips for layering in every season, including winter hiking layers
  • Layering systems for cold weather, warm weather, wet weather and more
  • Hiking clothing recommendations for every layer 

Winter Hiking Guide: Your Guide To Cold Weather Hiking During The 52 Hike Challenge

Winter Hiking Guide: Your Guide To Cold Weather Hiking During The 52 Hike Challenge

The 52 Hike Challenge runs all year long, which means you will likely be hiking in cold, snowy conditions during your hiking challenge. 

If winter hiking sounds a little daunting to you, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get asked is how to stay committed to 52 hikes during the winter season.

Well, good news: we’re here to tell you winter hiking is actually a lot of fun! As long as you’re well-prepared, you will love getting outdoors in the wintertime.

In this winter hiking guide, you will learn:

  • How to stay safe, warm and dry during winter hikes
  • What to wear while hiking in cold and snowy conditions
  • Gear essentials and recommendations for winter hiking
  • Wintertime snacks and nutrition while on-trail
  • Educational resources for winter hiking

And so much more

Training for Mount Whitney: Preparation, Permits, Safety & More

Training for Mount Whitney: Preparation, Permits, Safety & More

 Is climbing Mount Whitney on your hiking bucket list?

As preliminary permits for Mount Whitney start to roll out, now is the perfect time to talk about how to prepare for conquering large peaks.

Get ready to discover:

  • What makes Mount Whitney such a popular mountain to climb
  • The process of scoring a permit to hike Mount Whitney
  • How to plan, prepare and train for Mount Whitney
  • When to turn around instead of hiking on
  • Mount Whitney safety tips

Keep in mind climbing peaks takes time and determination — not just while you’re on the trail but well before you set out. 

In this guide, we put together an in-depth formula for how you can train for a successful summit on Mount Whitney, plus a whole lot more.

Top Tips For Reserving Your Havasupai Permit

Top Tips For Reserving Your Havasupai Permit

Havasupai Indian Reservation, surrounded Grand Canyon National Park, is known for its cascading waterfalls with crystal clear bright blue water. ...

Guest Blog: Your Hiking Guide to 55 West Coast Fire Lookouts

Guest Blog: Your Hiking Guide to 55 West Coast Fire Lookouts

There’s nothing quite like a good hike to clear the brain, recharge, take in the views and get those muscles working.

But with endless options of great hiking trails all over the U.S., it can be difficult to decide which one to tackle next. Of course, we all have our bucket list hikes, but there are some unique ones out there that might just offer you a fresh perspective — fire lookouts. 

Guest Blog: My Top 3 Bay Area Hikes By Jaclyn Sanguinetti

Guest Blog: My Top 3 Bay Area Hikes By Jaclyn Sanguinetti

Discover the best Bay Area hikes from a local! Find the best hiking trails in the Bay Area at California state parks and natural areas. Learn where you can find redwoods, ocean views, wildlife sightings, and much more.

Use What You Have, Start Where You Are: Used Gear & Budget Friendly Options

Use What You Have, Start Where You Are: Used Gear & Budget Friendly Options

In this guest blog by Ava Larsen, you will hear a first-hand account about how one nature lover started her hiking journey. Learn the benefits of sourcing affordable hiking gear. Read more to get motivated for your 52 Hike Challenge right now.

Backpacking and Hiking Big Pine Lakes

Backpacking and Hiking Big Pine Lakes

In September we headed to Big Pines, California to backpack hike and explore the beautiful Big Pine Lakes trail. We decided to backpack for two nig...

Leave No Trace Ethics Explained: Principle 2: Stick to Trails and Camp Overnight Right

Leave No Trace Ethics Explained: Principle 2: Stick to Trails and Camp Overnight Right

While hiking is an extremely beneficial activity, as hikers we need to be mindful of our impact on the outdoors and how to minimize that impact on ...

Women of Color in the Outdoors

Women of Color in the Outdoors

When I, Karla, first started getting outdoors I did not know of a lot of culturally diverse women who were avid hikers or adventurers. As time prog...

Motivation Monday: Gratitude for the Sounds of Nature

Motivation Monday: Gratitude for the Sounds of Nature

When we found out that Crystal and her husband were taking on the 52 Hike Challenge, we knew we had to share their inspiring story. You see Crystal...