Reclama’s Winter Hiking Guide

As uncomfortable as it can be to be outside in the cold, hiking in the winter can actually be super healing and peaceful.

It means adding on extra layers but seeing way less people out on the trail and feeling extra accomplished because you went hiking in the dead ass cold. But once your body gets warm from the movement you will be glad you went out. Plus, you’ll feel the affects of being in nature, aka the nature high, for about a month giving you enough time to plan for the next hike!

So now that you’ve made the decision to go on a winter hike (congrats, btw!), you’ll need proper gear (see below).

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you prepare for a winter hike. Keep in mind that the trails recommended below are for beginners. If you want winter backcountry, please go here.

When planning your hike: 

  • Planning: Or whenever you plan your week. Check-in and ask yourself if the hike you threw on the calendar for that weekend is actually feasible. Be sure to check the weather as well. I use the AccuWeather app and Weather.com. Note that you will have to keep an eye on the weather up until the day of because the weather changes every 6 hours. This is very important. The weather can make or break your day. And be sure to check out what trail (All Trails or YouTube!) you’ll be doing and how long it will take to get there aside from doing the hike so you can give your safety person an ETA, this person knows what trail you are doing, who you are with, when you are starting and your ETA. Also, share your location with this person as well. Safety first, so you can hike in peace. 

  • Hiking Gear: Gear check! Do you have everything that you need for a winter hike? You will need a few extra things in addition to the basic 10 essentials because of the season. When it comes to your base layers, do not wear cotton. You might sweat and you don’t want to sweat in the cold because you can easily get cold that way.

  • Breaking in your hiking boots: If you are wearing NEW hiking boots for the first time, please do not let it be on the hike. Today is the day to break them in with a 1-2 mile walk around your neighborhood, perhaps while running errands. If they are no good, then you still have time this week to go exchange them.

  • Getting there: How are you getting to the trailhead? Do you have a car? If so, is the area you are driving to might not have service so today is the day to download the map area to your phone via Google Maps and AllTrails. Waze also works pretty well when service is out. If you’re taking public transportation, make sure you hit up Trip Advisor to read what women have said about the safety around the train/bus station for when you come back, possibly close to nighttime. Be sure to check out what Native Land you’ll be on before you head out. Research the history, names, languages, and peoples the land is occupying. 

  • What to pack: Check the weather for tomorrow! Safety first. But if you have the opportunity to go for a chill hike in a winter wonderland, then totally do it. It’ll be worth it. Do not drink alcohol the night before a hike, you will dehydrate easily the next day and (yes, that can happen out on a winter hike) it’s not worth it, this is especially true if you’re going out under the New or Full Moon. Be good to yourself. Pack your hiking bag, make sure you pack extra water for the car ride there AND back. And set out all of the layers you’ll be rocking tomorrow. You’ll sleep better knowing it’s all set up for you. Set a few alarms if you’re not used to waking up early for a hike. If you’re taking a car, clean it out and fill up the gas tank so it’s ready in the morning.

  • The day of the hike: Have a solid and warm breakfast before heading out. Eat in peace. Don’t rush. Not today. If you set aside the time to get ready, then get readyyy. Check the weather again. Let your safety person know when you’re heading out. While hiking don’t stop for too long so your body doesn’t get cold. Safety first!

  • Resetting on the hike: Listen to one of our playlists if you need musica for the ride there. When you get there, be there 100%, do NOT give future you FOMO. Have your map handy but take a break from your cell phone right now. This is a chance to be with just you out in nature. The kind of peace you daydream about when you’re at work. This is your chance to focus your energy on being present, you might be uneasy at first but I promise the moment you forget you wanted to share a moment with your phone, you will be grateful. Because it’s cold you shouldn’t stay for anywhere too long enough to journal. But when you get home tonight, set aside time to journal and be with your lovely self.

  • Back home: Post-hike care might involve you giving yourself a warm salt bath. The Epsom salt will relax your muscles and, spiritually speaking, you’ll give yourself a beautiful energetic cleanse. Hiking has a way of helping whatever is lying inside us to come out even faster than other times. Bodywork is real, ya’ll. So going into your bath with that intention will make it magical. Light a candle for yourself and your ancestors.

GPS Coordinates for the above that will link out to Google Maps:

All of these hiking trails have this in common: relatively flat, under 3 miles, and are perfect if you’re new to hiking or want to try an easy hike this winter.

A few things to remember:

  • Getting there: You can get driving directions by copying/pasting the GPS coordinates below into Google Maps or Waze

  • Solo or with friends?: If you’re riding solo, please always let someone know where you are going, what time you plan on returning, and always trust your intuition no matter what. Your third eye don’t lie. If it feels off, it’s because it is.

  • Hiking rules?: Please follow the Leave No Trace guidelines when enjoying nature and remember that we’re on occupied land so be sure to acknowledge the land you’re on by checking out the Native Land app. Be sure to pack your top 10 essentials for your hike! 

HikingCindy RodriguezWinter, Winter Gear, Winter Hiking TipsComment