There are many hiking trails throughout the United States, and each one is unique. Some trails can be accessed by any car, while others require an ATV or other off-road vehicle. There are also hiking trails that you have to hike in to get to the trailhead. No matter what type of hiking trail you plan on visiting, you need to make sure you are prepared for the journey. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to do before leaving for the trailhead!
One of the most important things to do before getting to the trailhead is to check the weather forecast. This will give you an idea of what to expect while on the trail. It is also important to make sure you are aware of any potential hazards that may be present on the trail. For example, if there is a chance of severe weather, you may want to consider rescheduling your hike.
Another important thing to do before getting to the trailhead is to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. This includes things like food, water, and first-aid supplies. If you are hiking in an area that is known for being remote, you may also want to bring a GPS device or a satellite phone.
Once you have checked the weather forecast and gathered all of your supplies, you are ready to begin your journey to the trailhead! Depending on the type of trail you are hiking, the journey may be different.
For example, if you are hiking a trail that requires an off road vehicle, you will need to make sure you have the proper vehicle and equipment.
Some of the best off road vehicles to get to the trailhead are:
- Land Rovers
- High clearance 4WD trucks
- Jeep Wranglers
- Toyota 4Runner
You can also take an ATV in a trailer or in the back of a pickup. Then, park up the road from the trailhead and ride in on your ATV. This is not only practical but can be super fun!
If you are traveling via plane to your hiking destination and need to rent a car, you can ask the rental agency for a 4WD truck or SUV with high clearance. Read some reviews about the road to the trailhead before you take off. You don’t want it to be too sketchy. In that case it would be better to hire transportation to get to the trailhead, or park away from the trailhead and hike in.
If you are hiking a trail that is accessible by car, you will need to make sure you have directions to the trailhead. Also, make sure to check if you need reservations or a pass to get in. I know in Colorado you need to reserve time to get into Rocky Mountain National Park and other places during busy times. The last thing you want to happen is you plan the trip, get there, and can’t get in or can’t find a place to park.
Some hiking trailheads are not accessible by motorized vehicles, thus you must hike in. Essentially this just means your hike is longer so make sure to factor in the extra mileage when planning your hike.
No matter what type of trail you are hiking, getting to the trailhead can be an adventure in itself! Just make sure you are prepared for the journey and always follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Leave No Trace principles are:
-Plan Ahead and Prepare
-Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
-Dispose of Waste Properly
-Leave What You Find
-Minimize Campfire Impacts
-Respect Wildlife
Happy Hiking!
Really Good Hiking 