Understanding Five Different Types of Hiking

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

When it comes to hiking, most people don’t always have the most ambitious plans. They imagine hiking as a tame sport in which you’re simply crossing up a trail on a slow hill, using a hiking stick to keep your balance. But when you really get into the great outdoors and meet other people who are passionate about outdoor sports, you realize that there’s more to the terrain “out there” than you originally thought.

In fact, there are different disciplines of hiking that may appeal to your adventurous side. Here are five different types of hiking that you may not have considered hiking.

1. Mountaineering. Mountaineering is exactly what it sounds like – climbing, scaling, and hiking up mountains. Essentially, “mountaineering” refers to “hiking on mountains,” but the truth is a little more complicated than that. If you enjoy climbing up large hills in your free time and wanted to up the ante, you may consider doing a little mountaineering – just make sure to be cautious and safe and seek some professional advice.

3. Snow hiking. You guessed it – this means hiking in the snow. Some people who live in cold-weather states like Wisconsin or Minnesota realize that it’s not always easy to go hiking, at least for around six months of the year. The cold gets to you. But if you take it easy, snow hiking can be a great way to get out even in the cold.

4. Canyoneering. Like “mountaineering,” this one isn’t too difficult to figure out. If you’ve ever wanted to hike along the Grand Canyon, you may have the personality of a canyoneer. It doesn’t take much experience canyoneering to realize that this can make for some great views.

5. Desert Hiking. Have you ever wanted to have an adventure like they do in the movies? Desert hiking may be up your alley. Of course, this requires a lot of fortitude and plenty of preparation and experience, but the great views and sense of exploration can be worth it.

Photo Credits: Alex E. Proimos