Hiking for fitness

Early morning hike in San Diego

Just returned from a fascinating trip to Bhutan and Thailand; a few shots of some Bhutan hikes (Tiger's Nest monastery, other short ones) and a 4-day trek (Gasa to Laya) with ponies carrying the loads. These are in absolutely no order whatsoever:

sireenmalik2014 wrote: »

Acidique wrote: »

The seasons are changing here in Montana. Although autumn is going to make for some breathtaking hiking, I'll probably have to move indoors for winter. Boooo.

I was thinking the same way about the winters but a couple of discussions (one here on MFP infact) made me change my mind: I am going to get snow-shoes and a very-warm jacket

I am learning more about this as well. I am looking for a good pair of hiking boots that will support my feet and keep the snow out. I may continue my hiking after all, and I hope you can too!

Speaking of the North Cascades - Blue Lake is an awesome little hike. It's easy (1050ft elevation gain) , short (4 1/2 miles), and the lake is beautiful, even when frozen over. This was from the first week of November, and I know HWY 20 is now closed for the season, so you'll only get there by foot/skis. It'll be well worth it once the road reopens in the spring and everything starts to melt!

As for doing it for fitness, nah. I always tend to pick the super steep ones (doing Colchuck Lake in the middle of the summer was a terrible idea - I was so exhausted by the time we made it there), so I definitely get a workout, but I go mainly for the sights and just being out in nature.

@sireenmalik2014, not sure if it's been mentioned in here or not, but once it gets into late spring, you should definitely check out Kelly Aster Butte. It's an old fire tower that overlooks Rainier, and it's a great hike. Steep, and neverending switchbacks, but it's beautiful. ALso, Colchuck Lake, as there is really nothing more amazing than turning the last corner and then BOOM - Dragontail Peak is right there. Lake Valhalla is an easy hike as well, and can be snowshoed in the winter time.

mafhoney wrote: »

Speaking of the North Cascades - Blue Lake is an awesome little hike. It's easy (1050ft elevation gain) , short (4 1/2 miles), and the lake is beautiful, even when frozen over. This was from the first week of November, and I know HWY 20 is now closed for the season, so you'll only get there by foot/skis. It'll be well worth it once the road reopens in the spring and everything starts to melt!

As for doing it for fitness, nah. I always tend to pick the super steep ones (doing Colchuck Lake in the middle of the summer was a terrible idea - I was so exhausted by the time we made it there), so I definitely get a workout, but I go mainly for the sights and just being out in nature.

@sireenmalik2014, not sure if it's been mentioned in here or not, but once it gets into late spring, you should definitely check out Kelly Aster Butte. It's an old fire tower that overlooks Rainier, and it's a great hike. Steep, and neverending switchbacks, but it's beautiful. ALso, Colchuck Lake, as there is really nothing more amazing than turning the last corner and then BOOM - Dragontail Peak is right there. Lake Valhalla is an easy hike as well, and can be snowshoed in the winter time.

Great photo! And good trail choice. You made it look a little bit like Colchuck Lake somehow.

There's a trail that goes from Twisp River Road to (or near?) the top of those cliffs behind the lake.

Here's what it (Blue Lake) looks like in October.

ldev2308 wrote: »

I'm in the UK and have a love hate relationship with hiking!
You have some stunning scenery

I would love to spend a summer hiking around the UK.

I love hiking but I am so scared of bears. In in VA so we have black bears.

I adore hiking. I haven't done much since I moved from Maine to Florida though. My biggest goal on this weight loss journey is to eventually thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I love all your pictures and I hope to add some of my own soon. Happy trails