Hiking is an activity that is shared by millions! One of the main activities people participate in while doing, really anything in the outdoors is, hiking… Hiking is a way for many to enjoy the beauty and mystery that nature has to offer. But hiking is an activity that can be done year round. So, When exactly is the best time to go hiking???
Let us Answer that Now!
When Is the BEST Time To Go Hiking???
Most enjoy hiking during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months. Often times during the early mornings, or evenings. However, this may not be an Ideal time for you. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Morning, Afternoon, Evening… Each will provide a different experience. Dependant upon your likes, and dislikes one period may provide you with a better experience vs the other.
For example, someone who has a hard time with the cold. May not enjoy hiking in the snow, as much as someone who doesn’t mind it, and actually enjoys the snow.
Spring & Fall both are great seasons for hiking due to the modest temperatures and changing of nature. However, not everyone hikes around the climate or weather conditions. Some go hiking for the Scenery, others the exercise, Some to satisfy their curiosity and some for the challenge…
There are many different factors that come into play for each Hiker individually. When it comes down to the best time of Day, and / or Best time of Year to go hiking. It will all come down to you, your interests, and the experience you are looking to have!
Hiking is an activity that can be, and often times is done year round, at different periods throughout the day. Because of this, it becomes very difficult to simply say “The best time to go hiking is …..” I don’t believe this is how the question should be answered anyway… Rather I think it should be answered in a more personal way. In order to do this, I have created a list of questions for you to think about.
It is my hope that I can help you to decide when is the best time for you to go hiking. Follow along as we build your Ideal Hiking time frame.
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Go HIKING???
Most prefer to go hiking in the early mornings, or later on in the evenings. These times are often much cooler than midday / Afternoon. At least during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months.
For you Personally. This question will depend upon your schedule, and / or when it is you enjoy being outside. I believe everyone has a period of the day that they enjoy being outside more than the rest. For Example:
Me personally, I enjoy the mornings. Often times It’s tough for me to get out hiking as early as I’d like to, but when I Can, I like to be hitting the trail by about 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM Mountain Standard time. Just before as the sun begins to light up the mountains around me!
Everything seems to be much calmer and relaxing in the morning. At least to me anyway.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go HIKING???
Well, Most Prefer to go during the warmer seasons. Such as Late Spring, Summer, & Early Fall. But you are not limited to those months. You see, the cool thing about hiking is that it can be done year round! Even if your location receives snow each year.
Ever Heard of SnowShoeing?? Well, it is hiking but on top of the snow. Probably many feet above the trail, dependant upon the amount of snow you receive!
If you have yourself a pair of snowshoes you can definitely go hiking year round! If you Don’t have a pair of snowshoes, I suggest you get yourself some and give it a try. at least if you hike toward the mid to upper part of the northern hemisphere. Where the snow can get quite deep.
Like I said above “Hiking is about the experience” and by simply adjusting your hike by a few hours you could have a much different experience!
Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall:
This is when most people hiking, but that does not mean this time of year is the best time for hiking. Many still go hiking during the colder months. Myself included. but Spring, Summer, and Fall are great seasons to be out. Warmer temperatures, Less gear required, easier to cover ground…etc.
Morning:
Ahh, this here is one of my favorite times to go hike. Cooler Temperatures, Everything around is calm. Wildlife begins to come out…etc. Morning time is probably the best time to go. Also, it is probably safest to leave on a hike in the morning, rather than later on in the Evening. If you don’t get back from you hike soon enough. You could end up walking back in the dark.
Of course, if you go at evening time you can easily take a few extra items with you just in case such as a flashlight, and possible jacket cuz temperatures do begin to fall as night approaches. But as long as you take the proper gear you shouldn’t have a problem.
Now some of the downsides to early morning hiking is, well, a lot of people go around this time Especially on Saturday Mornings. You likely will miss a large majority of the crowds if you leave early. But if you are just getting on the trail around mid-morning, you likely will run into some people. Now really this isn’t that big of a deal. However, for some, it can be. So worth the mention.
On that same note, early mornings can be tough for those who have a hard time getting up early. Trust me, you’re not alone if you do… Sometimes, I couldn’t get up early if my life depended on it. but most times I can. I think for the most part this just boils down to motivation.
Afternoon:
Afternoons are doable for the most part, but on a Mid-Summer day, you could easily see 100° Plus in some areas of the world. Hiking in 100° Climates can be quite challenging. But if you have a Decent amount of shade on you hike it likely won’t be too bad. Just make sure you drink enough water.
Obviously for long hikes, or multi-day backpacking trips. You are likely going to be hiking throughout the hotter parts of the day. If this is you I recommend you take the precautions necessary to prepare ahead of time. Sunburns, Dehydration, and Heat Exhaustion are not fun to deal with… If you’d like, I did a write-up HERE on the Best ways to stay cool when hiking. Your welcome to check it out.
Evening:
Evenings are a good time to go. Like Mornings, Evenings provide cooler temperatures, and often times everything begins to calm down as the sun starts to go down. And you likely won’t be dealing with crowds because most are likely to be settling down for the night.
However, like was stated above. You need to take the appropriate gear. Just in case you don’t make it back before dark… Nonetheless, If you leave at the right time, you could get to see an absolutely amazing sunset, along with some great memories to share with those you took with you.
Evenings are great for dates as well! I take dates on hikes and up the canyon more than anywhere else… If you are looking to plan a date night, an Evening hike to the top of a nearby mountain may be a great option!
Night:
If you are looking for a whole new experience. Try a night hike! It is literally night and day! Obviously, you need lighting, so take flashlights, headlamps, batteries… This option can provide you with a whole new experience. For example: Locally, about an hour for me is a great well-known hike called “Mt Timpanogos” One of the tallest mountains in the Wasatch It’s a decent hike, to say the least. About 15 Miles round trip. But the cool thing about hiking it at night is:
Well, you begin the hike around 12:00 – 1:00 am and you hike through until about 5:00 am. At this point, you have likely reached the summit. Just in time to eat some food, relax, and wait for sunrise! You see, the only way you could have gotten on top of one of the tallest mountains in the Wasatch mountain range is by either hiking through the night, or by camping near to, or on the top.
Like I said above: “Hiking is all about the experience”
Late Fall, Winter, Early Spring SEASON:
This time of year is colder for sure. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still hit the trails during your leisure time! This actually can be a great time of year to go hiking. There are fewer bugs, and the crowds are nearly non-existent!
If you are like me, and you prefer to avoid the crowds. Odds are this time of year will be perfect for you! The only real downside is the cold… You have to make sure to take the proper amount of warm clothing and gear. But other than that you should be good!
How to Hike in the Snow?
This answer varies dependent upon snow depth. If there are only a few inches of snow on the ground? Ehh, you’re probably won’t need to worry about snow. But I would recommend you get yourself a pair of insulated boots. Your feet will likely be the first to feel the cold if you haven’t got a good pair of boots.
If the snow is deeper than a few inches? You may want to start thinking about taking a pair of snowshoes with you. Snowshoes will widen the surface area of your feet and enable you to walk on top of the snow, rather than sink through it. This will allow you to save more of your energy for later instead of waste it fighting the snow.
Keep in mind, higher elevations often times receive more snow. So don’t judge whether or not you should or shouldn’t take snowshoes with you based on how deep the snow is at the trailhead.
Once you start to gain elevation you likely will begin to see deeper, and deeper snow. If you are unsure whether or not you will need snowshoes, and there is snow on the ground. Strap a pair to your pack, and take them just in case. This way you will be able to continue on if you run into deeper snow. But it’s up to you!
Most People Enjoy hiking in the Spring, Summer, and Fall months. Typically these times are when you will be most likely to run into crowds though. But in most cases when I go, and where I go this isn’t that big of a deal. I can’t exactly say the same for where you may be going, but odds are it won’t be bad for you either. Unless you like crowded spaces than by all means… Me personally, I try to avoid them.
Conclusion
I hope you have an idea as to when you’d like to go hike the trails! In closing: deciding when is best for you to go hiking will totally be up to you, your schedule, and simply what sort of climate you would like to hike in. Once you have decided each. Then simply select the times that fit your criteria!
I hope this was helpful! Leave your questions and comments below. Id love to hear them!
Happy Hiking!