Spending time outside and being active is of huge help for your physical and mental being, as it also encourages you to live a healthier life. One way of spending your time outside is through hiking. If you want to have a break from your usual stressful routine, you might want to spend your time in the Santa Clarita trails. There are plenty of things you can do in the area, and most importantly there are different trails you can embark on. The city of Santa Clarita has 80 miles of amazing trails and 20 miles of paseos for other recreational purposes like walking, biking, jogging, skating and even picnics.

If you are planning to go on a hiking trip, here are four tips for you to prepare and  enjoy more of your time in Santa Clarita. 

Wear the Right Outfit 

Hiking can be a physically strenuous activity, and to make it easier for yourself, you should wear something appropriate. Start with wearing lightweight clothes that have adjustable length made out of a good breathable material that you can adjust if you get hot or cold while on the trail. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof parka or a rain jacket just in case it rains or even just an added protection from heat, wind and even insect bites while hiking. In terms of footwear, choose something that has shock-absorbing features that will provide extra comfort on your soles. Make sure you wear good socks to protect you from having blisters and chafing, as well. 

Prepare Your Backpack

If there’s anything you need to avoid when hiking, it’s overpacking. You don’t want to bring an extra heavy backpack while struggling to climb up on high trails. Depending on your hike plan, bring insect repellent, extra clothes and a towel. Another thing you shouldn’t forget is packing water and light snacks, since hiking is physically tiring, so you should prepare something to boost up your energy while on the trail. You should know that the Promenade Trailhead in Santa Clarita is full of shops and there will be water and snacks in the area, but it would be best and safer for you to prepare this beforehand.

Know the Hike Details

Before the hiking day, give some time to study the trail that you want to take. There are plenty of trails in Santa Clarita, like the Horse Trailhead which mostly has horse trailers and equestrian staging areas, and there’s also South Fork Trailhead which has picnic tables and off-street parking. The point of knowing which trail to take is for you to easily navigate and know the direction of where you are headed to. 

It will also be beneficial to choose a hike track depending on your expertise and physical capacity. Choose an easy trail if you are a beginner, if you want to be challenged you can always choose a more complicated trail, but make sure to prepare yourself for it.  

Take your Time and Have Fun

Be conscious of the speed you are going, try to allot some time slots just in case you want to slow down and take breaks in between the hike. Leave early and ensure that you have time to finish the hike before it gets dark. For example, if the hike you planned takes 5 hours, make sure that you allot at least 2 extra hours if you want to take pictures, enjoy the view and chit-chat with fellow hikers. Through this, you can definitely enjoy nature, be able to relax and clear your mind off things. 

Hiking might be hard in the beginning and it may be different being outside without the comfort of your home, but it is definitely worth it and it’s also beneficial for you. Through hiking you can also meet new friends, spend some quality time with your family or even rediscover yourself through it, so go ahead and get packing. 

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