Do you hike year round? If you live in a state with seasons and snow, getting out on cold winter days can feel like a hassle. It takes longer to get dressed (layers!), there’s usually more gear (did you remember your hat, gloves, gaiters and spikes?), and of course there’s the temptation to just curl up on the couch with your favorite warm beverage.
Winter hiking can be a bit more challenging, but there are also many unique benefits. There’s a special kind of quiet and calm on wintry trails, both because snow absorbs sound, and because there are fewer people around. Exercising in cold weather burns more calories (as the body expends more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature), improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system and boosts mood. And winter views, especially when the snow caps the peaks and makes trees look like they’ve been dusted with powdered sugar, are incredible!
This photo is from a recent hike on the Bear Creek Trail, one of our many beautiful trails in Colorado Springs. It’s a great hike year round, but it feels like a winter wonderland after a big snowstorm. We love winter hiking!