Hiking the Wilds with a Method

Tucson, Arizona is a desert community that takes its outdoor lifestyle very seriously. It's an outdoor lover's paradise, really. Great year around weather, desert wilds, mountains, geological finds, ancient ruins to explore, animals and plants that are only indigenous to the area, and much more. It's all available to residents of Tucson – right on their front door steps.

Every conceivable outdoor activity is popular in Tucson, and enjoys a large following. Perhaps bicycling has the greatest number of participants, but the local hiking contingent is not far behind. Hiking is a wonderful activity. It's inexpensive to get into, can be done in almost any available time frame, is not age-sensitive, is low impact, and is a great full body workout. It's also a super way to get out and see some spectacular scenery – maybe even take some photos to share with those who wouldn't brave the walk.

Tucson offers hundreds of great hikes. And limitless areas to hike for those who like to 'walk off the path.' You can trek the low, flat desert areas, raise the stakes and hit the foothills, or even start up one of the mountains that are all around Tucson. It's up to you how hard or easy you want it to be. And you never have to go alone. There are clubs and organizations that will ensure you always have a new hiking buddy.

There's absolutely nothing like the feel of the earth under your boots and a good pack riding comfortably on your back, as you set out for another hiking trip into the charms of the Sonora Desert regions around Tucson. Dyed-in-the-wool hiking fanatics all agree: planning your trip beforehand isn't a luxury, it's a must.

Here's a checklist for hiking preparations, to maximize your enjoyment when you actually get out in the open:

Get in shape.
Take as much time beforehand as you need to get yourself physically ready for the hike you intend to take. That often means extra work on those muscles you've barely used since the last time you went hiking. You don't want a pulled ligament or cramping at the top of the crest, do you?

Leave word.
Find a friend with whom you can leave all the information on your hiking agenda: where you'll be hiking and approximately when. Include relevant phone numbers, if at all possible, and definitely the time when they should expect you to return. When you do return, you must be sure to call them and let them know you're okay. This simple precaution has saved a lot of hikers from a lot of grief.

Get the facts.
Check the rules and regulations for the area in which you'll be hiking. Also check to see if they have any relevant times, such as an opening and/or closing time. Make any appropriate adjustments in order to abide by the rules. Get out the guidebooks too, and research them for information about relevant trails, and so on. Guidebooks are not good to carry along, but you can make a small sheet of notes. Don't forget the weather reports!

Dress right.
Plan to layer your clothing, so you can adapt to the changes in temperature. IN the Tucson area, you can start your hike in very hot weather, and relatively quickly be in much cooler weather. Layers will allow you to remain comfortable in all the ranges. Check your footwear to be sure it's still adequate for rough usage, and if you've not used it for a while, then go for a couple walks in it before your hike. This will make sure they'll give you the service you need. An extra pair of socks is never a waste of precious space or weight. Few things ruin a hike faster than uncomfortable feet. Don't forget your favorite hat!