These folks just have to hike. Snow on the mountain trails? Who cares. Let’s go to the library!
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Hiking And Backpacking As Conditioning
Most people view conditioning for sports as something that should take place in a gym, in a field, on a track, or in a pool, but there are other, more adventurous options. Cross training has become a common practice for most athletes, but most of them think of it as a mix of other conventional sports such as running, biking, and swimming.
There are more useful and more exciting ways to cross train for any activity, and many options are in the outdoor adventure field.
As a soccer coach, I have used hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, trail running, mountain biking, climbing, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing as training methods that my athletes enjoy, look forward to, and always come out on the other side in much better shape.
I want to focus on Grand Canyon hiking, because of its unmatched upper leg building and overall conditioning.
There are many ways to use a Grand Canyon hike for team or individual sport training. I’ve taken my entire soccer team into the Canyon on rim-to-rim adventures that strengthened the boys’ teamwork as much as their bodies.
The rim-to-rim, which entails 4000 feet of downhill hiking and 4000 feet of uphill hiking, can be done in a single day for the super-fit or as a multi-day hike, which works better for team-building. The rim-to-rim-to-rim, which includes 8000 feet of downhill hiking and 8000 feet of uphill hiking can also be done in a single day or as a multi-day hike, but should only be tried in one day if you’re willing to trail run much of the way.
Either way, hiking between the rims is a feat both physically and emotionally. The trail is steep and sustained and is absolutely perfect for upper leg strengthening. For the rim-to-rim, most people take the South Kaibab Trail down and the North Kaibab Trail back up, and then back the same way for the rim-to-rim-to-rim.
Another alternative though is to take the Bright Angel Trail as a alternative route back to the South Rim.
Another option especially for preseason trainings is a rafting trip into the canyon and then a hike out. The conditioning isn’t as good with the rafting, but the hike out more than makes up for it. The rafting is one-of-a-kind when it comes to bonding athletes around something outside of their sport.
Less Strenuous Options
The New Hance Trail is a great option for a tougher hike, and a mule-assisted trip down to Phantom Ranch is a great way to make it more moderate. Whichever option you choose, just remember it’s critical to stretch and hydrate frequently.
And in the Grand Canyon September is the best month because it’s not too hot, and the Fall sports season is just beginning.
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Thinking about hiking as a healthy hobby? Start here …
Hiking is not for everyone but those that enjoy it are generally relatively fit as this recreation can be very strenuous depending on your route and how long you are out for.
Certainly, some hikes are that easy. And they should be. Not every hike has to be a three-day outing in the peaks of Colorado. Not every journey involves navigating through forests, across rivers and over mountain passes. Sometimes you just want some fresh air and a little exercise.
But once you expand your horizons, what do you do?
Are You In Shape? Well ….
First, get in shape. Take those shorter, more level hikes near your home or someplace a short drive away. Especially if you’ve been sedentary, work up to more rigorous hikes slowly. The single major reason for anyone to not stick with any kind of exercise plan is pain. They try too hard too soon and overdo it. That leads to injury and pain, and they give up.
Take a few short jogs to build up your cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart/circulation and lung) systems. You’ll need plenty of oxygen capacity and a stout heart to complement muscular stamina.
Get some basic gear. Get the right boots by researching online. Make sure they fit with some thick, sturdy socks that wick away moisture.
Buddy-Up
Try to hike with at least one other person unless you are familiar with the area and the terrain isn’t very challenging. GPS and other navigational tools can help, but if you injure yourself or become very ill that may not do you much good.
Stay on clearly marked or visible trails until you know the area or have more experience. Getting lost is one of the most common ways that amateur hikers turn a pleasant two-hour hike into a two-day search-and-rescue effort.
Maps can be helpful if you know how to read them, but these days a GPS is probably more useful for most people. But you need to spend a little time learning how to use it, but try not to rely on these too heavily and always take a map and compass as a back up.
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In 2009, Zion National Park will celebrate a “Century Of Sanctuary”. Next spring the Park plans to have a series of celebrations and events to commemorate this historic milestone. Here is a list of Zion’s hiking trails.
East Temple
Short Hikes offered at Zion National Park:
This trail is one of Zion’s family friendly hikes. You can wander
around three level pools with small streams and small waterfalls. There
is some adventure to this hike as there are parts of it that require
you to take big steps up rocks. Be sure to bring plenty of water with
you. At the third pool, there is nice shade for sitting, having your
lunch or snack and taking in the view.
This trail takes you to the famous seeping wall of the park. It gets it
name because it appears that water is seeking out from the wall as if
it’s crying.
It is a gateway to the famous Narrows where you will see many trees,
ferns and weeping walls along the Virgin Rivers. It’s a very gentle
walk and the scenery is beautiful.
If you have your car, you can drive up to the east side of Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
For those of you what want to see the stunning heights and spectacular views
of Zion National Park, a long hike is in store.
Stunning Heights Hike:
It is the Zion’s genuine classic hike and one of the most stunning
attractions you will ever experience. It is not recommended to people
with a fear of heights. There have been deaths from this trail as
people tend to get confident, hurried and goofing off and go right off
the side. This is a trail to enjoy, but also to take seriously. Don’t
let your trip and hiking experience of Zion National Park end in
tragedy.
A beautiful place to hike up with secluded hanging canyons positioned
above the main canyons with sections of scrambled rocks for more
historical sight.
Here’s a classic hikes offered by Zion National Park. During this hike
you are constantly hiking through water. The Narrow hike is a view
point to the amazing deep and amazing sections of Virgin River. The
ranger station will advise if this trail is open and when there’s
dangers of flash floods. Always check the weather and with the ranger
station before heading out.
It is located at the Kolob section and one of the most popular 5-mile hikes
to get through the stunning Double-Arch Alcove.
Slot Canyon
Scenic View Points:
This is a truly amazing summit. You can view 360 degrees of canyon from your standing point.
This hike starts from the Weeping Rock, a hot and strenuous hike with
alternative switch backs up to the end of the trail. The view is worth
the sweat. This is a day hike and it’s not for out of shape
individuals. Take plenty of water as there is none along the trail.
Plan to take your time, enjoy the views on the way up, you’ll be taking
several rest stops. Wear good shoes that fit properly.
A grand over viewing site of Great West Canyon. The Great West Canyon adds
remarkable attraction to the place.
It is one of the best panoramas with long hiking from the main canyon or from the east.
To get the grand view of the Kolob Finger Canyons, travel to the end
of Kolob Canyon roads to maximize the beauty.
Astounding,breath-taking view of the Grand Canyons. This is for expert climbers
because there is exposed scrambled rock.
The Alternative Routes for Hiking:
West Rim Trails
Top Down Route of Zion Narrows
La Verkin Creek Tail
Make sure you have good shoes, a hat, plenty of water, some
carbohydrate snacks or pack your lunch, a camera, walking stick or
hiking stick, and are rested before heading out. And, of course, stay
on the clearly marked trails for your safety.
Additional information is available at the non-profit The Zion Natural History Association.
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More and more people cut back on vacationing abroad during slow economic times. Many of these people find a great (and inexpensive) alternative closer to home in camping. If you don’t mind reconnecting with nature, then you should consider a camping trip for your next vacation.
Camping can be great fun, but the basics are often overlooked. Follow these 6 basic camping tips and you’re in for a fun camping trip!
Inform someone of your plans - An accident in the middle of nowhere can turn out really bad if nobody knows where you are, or that you’re missing in the first place. “Jimmy wasn’t at Karate today? He’s probably out sick” - meanwhile Jimmy broke 2 legs in the middle of nowhere with no rescue in sight.
Extra Clothing - If you’ve ever experienced hypothermia you know how horrible it is. You can get it very easily by running around in wet clothes. So bring extra clothes just in case you get caught in a storm. Don’t forget to put your spare clothes in a WATERPROOF bag too.
Don’t take risks when it comes to the Weather - The sky might be clear and temperatures might be comfortable today, but that can change overnight or even within hours. Before going on a camping trip, check the weather forecast. It would suck to have nasty weather ruin your camping trip wouldn’t it?
Fire - If you’re going to build a campfire, be sure to clear at least 20 feet around it. Also note that just because you took the necessary precautions doesn’t mean the camper a few miles away from you did. If you see a big plume of smoke in the distance, you better pack up FAST as wildfires can travel at insane speeds.
Bring Drinking Water - Water, the building blocks of life. You would be surprised how many people tend to oversee the fact that a lot of campgrounds don’t have running water (unless you consider a river running water). It is highly advisable to take at least 2 five-gallon containers with drinking water when spending more than a few days out in the outdoors. A few gallons will do if you’re only going for 1 or 2 days.
Food - Bring your own food as not every campsite has a store, some not even without an hour’s driving range. Nuts, beef jerky, dried fruit, as well as high energy bars are your best choice because they are high in nutrients but light in weight. See the beginners guide to camping for more “what food to bring”-tips.
These are very basic tips. You can find details as well as other tips on safety, packing for camping, recipes, instructional videos, choosing a tent, and much more at my camping trip-site.
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Three quick ideas to start your brainstorming for your family hiking and camping vacation.
Family vacations-thinking outside the Disney box
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Outdoor Vacations: Arbuckle Wilderness!
You might also want a pair of sturdy hiking boots to protect your feet and a camera to capture the event. Make sure you also bring some spare cash if you want to feed the animals or ride the rides! Arbuckle Wilderness is located off …
Camping: Perfect for All Occasions, Especially Fishing
What is nice about going camping for your next family vacation is that you have an unlimited number of options. In the United States, many public campground parks are stocked full of activities, like boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, …
