Top 3 Most Memorable Hikes
By Adriana Garcia Maximiliano, HCLC member from Arizona.
I have done many incredible hikes and been to many beautiful places. It is hard to pick which ones have been my most memorable. Each hike has been for me a personal journey, but I can think of three that are very special, and here is why:
The Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon hike down to the Colorado River and up is one of my most memorable! It was a long and strenuous hike that made me realize how strong I was and what I was capable of. It was challenging but so empowering and magical at the same time. It also allowed me to see this natural wonder from a different perspective. Seeing its grandeur from the bottom up was eye-opening and simply unforgettable. About five million people visit the Grand Canyon annually, but only 1% go down to the river. I am fortunate to have done that!
Colorado mountains: Colorado is blessed to have the Rockies and many incredible mountains to hike! A group of friends and I decided to hike a mountain up there, and we underestimated the high elevation and how different the terrain and conditions were compared to Arizona. It was tough, and more than once, I didn’t know if I would be able to make it out of the mountain. We were caught up hiking in the dark, and we heard noises. Since we were in bear country and a bear had been reported close to our campsite, we were concerned and started yelling to scare the bear. We soon realized it was a tree falling right behind us and not a bear! We ran, and the following day we saw a giant tree across the trail, we had hiked just hours before. It could have fallen over us, but we made it safe and sound. Although it sounds scary, it was quite an adventure, and because of that, it is among my most memorable hikes.
Aravaipa Canyon Trail: This nearly 10-mile out-and-back trail is located near San Manuel, Arizona. It requires a special permit and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is very special to me and is one of my most memorable hikes because it was the first time I took my dad backpacking. We saw so much wildlife; it was the first time I encountered a rattlesnake. I cannot forget seeing my dad so happy, enjoying the outdoors, and simultaneously disappointed at the dehydrated or “backpacking” food we brought. I still laugh thinking of him saying, “why didn’t you bring real food?” or “I could have carried real food.” It was a fun and funny experience to share with him.
Check and follow Adriana’s social media for more tips and ideas for visiting national parks and public lands.
