The Green Hiker

Exploring the Grand Canyon is an outdoor adventure sure to create a level of bonding and healing for any family open to nature’s wonders.

There are three reasons it’s so effective. (And it’s OK if you don’t have the physical conditioning to do it, or if you have small kids – I have some answers for you.)

Share The Moment

First, the Grand Canyon is an incredibly special place. Carved by water and blowing wind over millions of years, it’s literally a 4000 foot deep chasm winding through a vast plateau.

A wild river thunders through the canyon’s base. Desert flowers, wildlife, waterfalls, springs, rapids, and horizon-busting vistas will astound even the most cynical of brothers, sisters and spouses.

After spending 3 or 4 days exploring the Canyon’s depths, it’s impossible to view the Canyon from its rim and not be overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with gratitude for being alive in that moment. Overwhelmed by sharing that moment with every family member …

A Natural Rush

Second, small family groups living in the wilderness is how human beings evolved over the past 70,000 years. It feels right.

Freed from the work-a-day world with its superficial distractions, your family can talk and listen and interact in natural and stimulating environments. It just may be possible to open new and healthy dialogues. What is crushed by the rush of every day civilization, just may be nurtured by the rush of the Colorado River ….

Team Family

Third, hiking the Grand Canyon is an achievement. Your family, like any team, is happier when they win and is less happy when defeated. Even the most basic trek into the Canyon is an achievement . It isn’t easy. It’s challenging.

And once your family tastes this sweet “victory”, it may create a hunger for more family achievements, more family victories ….

Not In Shape?

If you aren’t physically fit enough to take on Grand Canyon hike then I’ve got some solutions.

First, you may be in shape enough to hike without a pack. If you are, then there are mule services to carry your gear down and back up, so you don’t have to do it. The mules are also a great solution for families with young children.

Another solution is to book the trip several months out and then start training. Start training as a family activity.  And if neither of those solutions will work, then another option is to do a Grand Canyon rafting trip with day hikes from the bottom.

If your family is going through a rough patch, consider a Grand Canyon adventure. Or any outdoor activity. It may be the natural healing tonic your family craves.

(Would love to hear from anyone with a healing family adventure.)

Now Go Outdoors!

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.

Now Go Outdoors!

Three quick ideas to start your brainstorming for your family hiking and camping vacation.

Family vacations-thinking outside the Disney box

… low-attention spans from electronic gaming, but they can never match the feeling of awe one gets when viewing the vastness of the Grand Canyon, taking a tour of Mammoth Cave, or discovering a waterfall after hiking in the mountains. …

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, …