National Take a Hike Day- Five Hikes for Your Bucket List
National Take a Hike Day is November 17.
To celebrate the day we've rounded up five hikes in the United States for you to add to your bucket list.
FIVE U.S. BUCKET LIST HIKES
#1- Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
East of Denver is the Maroon Bells- Snowmass Wilderness area.
The twin peaks are two of the most photographed mountains in Colorado.
These trails are located within the Elk Mountains. The area spans the White River and Gunnison National Forests.
Here you can find several trails with amazing views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
The start of these hikes could be difficult due to the steepness of the trails, but the more you get into it, the easier it gets.
If you're planning on staying overnight and camping in the Conundrum Hot Springs Zone, you will need a permit.
You are required to keep food stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. If you don't, you will be ticketed and required to leave.
You'll have to leave your furry friend at home as dogs are not allowed.
#2- Williams Lake Trail
Williams Lake Trail near the Taos Ski Valley in north New Mexico, one of the most popular in the area.
From the trailhead located at the ski village, it's about two miles to Williams Lake.
Along the sometimes steep trail, you'll find waterfalls.
Once you make it to the lake, you'll get to take in the beautiful views of mountains galore.
While you might think a hike in New Mexico would feature desert landscapes, sandstone rock formations, or white sand dunes, this hike is different. On Williams Lake Trail you'll find a forest.
Experts recommend packing gear for all weather as thunderstorms can appear quickly. To prepare, make sure you have one of Midland's Emergency Radios. This way you'll have more time to seek shelter in case of a storm.
The USDA ranks this trail as easy to intermediate.
#3- The Mist Trail in Yosemite
This hike it a bit more challenge (moderate), but picturesque nonetheless.
On this hike you'll find gorgeous granite cliffs and wonderful waterfalls. Along the way you get to take in the views of the Vernal and Nevada falls, as well as the the Half Dome.
Once you get to the top you can choose to go down the way you came or change it up by heading back down the John Muir trail.
Depending on your speed, this trail could take you between two to five hours to complete.
You can access this trail via shuttle as the hike begins at the Happy Isle shuttle stop #16 with it frequently leaving the Yosemite Valley.
#4- Mooney Falls in the Grand Canyon
The Mooney falls are located deep in the one of the side canyons of the Grand Canyon.
The hike starts in the small town of Supaiin the Havasupai Indian Reservation, goes past the Havasu Falls, and looks over the beauty of the Mooney Fall. At the Mooney Falls you find water crashing down into the lakes, full of beautiful blue water.
However, make sure you're prepared. You must have a reservation at the campsite before you begin the hike.
As of the end of October 2021, this hike was closed in an effort to minimize the spread of Covid-19. You can go here for the latest information.
#5- Highline Loop in Glacier National Park
Located in Montana near the communities of Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Browning this hike will take you to new levels.
This hike in Glacier National Park is an 11.8-mile loop filled with a variety of views sure to creating lasting memories.
Along the way you will find wildlife and wildflowers galore.
While it's called a loop, this is actually a point to point hike. Hikers can take advantage of a free park shuttle to get back to their cars. Make sure you have a reservation for the shuttle because you will need it.
Hikers say this hike takes anywhere from five to seven hours to complete.
Make sure you have a permit beforehand because you won't be allowed to hike without one.
COMMUNICATION ON HIKES
Make sure you're prepared ahead of time when planning your hike on one of these trails.
Communication is crucial to your safety.
With Midland's walkie talkies and emergency radios, you can take safety into your own hands.
Our walkie talkies, like the X-TALKER T61VP3, make talking to other members of your group easy, with the push of a button. That way if part of your group is further along in the hike, you can still keep in touch. Most of our walkie talkies come with our Weather Alert and Weather Scan technology so you can stay in the know if a storm arrives.
Make sure you also grab one of Midland's emergency radios. Midland's ER10VP E+Ready Compact Emergency Alert AM/FM Weather Radio is perfect for your hike. It will fit great in your pocket or gear bag while also providing several safety measures. This radio will automatically alert you of incoming inclement weather. The ER10VP also doubles as a flashlight with Hi, Lo, and SOS strobe options in case of an emergency.
