The Different Types Of Hikes

By Author: Kate Latierra
Total Articles: 13
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Ever wanted to go hiking but wondered if you had the stamina to finish it? Not to worry. There are lots of types of hikes and you can select a couple or so that fits your hiking skills or preferences. Here are some of them:

Day Hike
A day hike usually involves easy, well marked and well-maintained trails. And as the name obviously suggests, this type of hike can be accomplished in a day. No need for overnight camping preparations. Day hikes are the ones usually recommended for newbie hikers. Sedona hikes in Arizona have a lot of these types of hikes to accommodate tourists who simple want to drink in the site of Cathedral Rock or the red rock country.

Guided Hike
Most times, this is just a day hike but can extend to a full day or overnight. The only difference is that you have an experienced trail guide who accompanies you throughout the hike, pointing out significant spots or views on the trail or relaying the history of the trail. Sedona hikes in AZ also offer guided hiking tours, especially for those new to hiking or are simply visitors.

Backpacking
Also known as trekking, backpacking ...
... is the type of hike that involves more time, usually a few days and nights on the trail and requires some specific hiking gear. You’ll also need more strength and the guts to face the elements such as changing weather, varying terrains, and different trail conditions. Sedona hikes that include backpacking give you unforgettable rewards: opportunities to stargaze at night, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and being able to take in all that peace and tranquility of the surroundings particularly while sleeping under the night sky.

Ultralight Backpacking
The type of hike that goes on for a couple of days or more and involves using hiking gear that is lightweight and as few as possible. Careful attention is given to bodyweight per hike gear weight, food and water rationing.

Dog Hiking
Simply means a hike where you take along your bestfriend with your. Canine bestfriend that is. Dogs are born adventures specially the Retrievers or the most of the bigger dogs. Interesting enough, there are hike gears that cater to hiker dogs. Lots of Sedona hikes see hiking enthusiasts or seasoned hikers taking along their beloved dogs with them. And if you’ve hiked with a human buddy, a dog for a hiking buddy is an altogether different experience.

Snow Hiking
This type of hike is also called snowshoeing or winter hiking. Sometimes, it means double the fun of a hike in sunny weather because on top of all that snow you get to see animal footprints and get to places that are otherwise covered with brush.

Mountaineering
Literally means hiking up or scaling or climbing mountains. Again, there are hiking or climbing gears specific to this kind of activity. Training is also essential in this instance.

Canyoneering
This type of hike is like mountaineering. Although this time, you tackle canyons on your hike itinerary. It doesn’t require much experience like mountaineering but you get rewarded with spectacular views anyway. A popular canyoneering destination of course is the Grand Canyon.

Desert Hiking
If there’s snow hiking, then there’s got to be desert hiking as well. Naturally, this type of hike requires a lot of guts, careful planning and preparation as well as experience. But immersing yourself in the desert where foot trails quickly disappear with the shifting sands and your physical stamina and mental abilities are put to the test has its peculiar and exhilarating rewards.

There are a lot of other kinds of hikes, especially if you're hiking Sedona. See one that’s your thing or type? Get geared and go on the adventure of a lifetime!