Austin Travel Forum

To Whom it may concern:

I would like to take my boyfriend hiking/camping for his 40th birthday. I know nothing about what is entailed, how I sign up, costs, etc. I would like some information about what you consider a good place to start. We are both physically fit, so we would prefer something a little more advanced, but not to kill us--we are not pros!!! Whether there is somewhere to stay or if there is camping it doesn't really matter. Any information would be greatly appreciated for this newbie!

Thank you --Holly hammonds

How about a rafting trip in the Colorado River?

Hi Holly

Where would you like to go hiking? I always go to the European Alps every year which is very civilized (hotel accommodation every night) but you may want to stay in the US? Also consider the Canadian Rockies with Banff and Jasper National Parks wonderful for hiking.

Let us know more please.
John

holleen my name is peter, i did a lot of travelling around Ireland, plenty of hill walks great location. hostels and camp sights on your route,good prices.recommend westcoast of the country.

There are a couple of popular spots near the Austin area. One being Enchanted Rock State Park and the other is Lost Maples. A google search will pull both of them up. Both parks have hiking and camping (primitive camping) if that is what you are looking for.

Hi Holly, Once you pick your area (I don't know the Austin area) but lets say Flagstaff or Sedona, you will find sporting good stores with maps detailing where there will be well developed hiking trails and camp spots and also provide you with the necessary equipment. The most important piece of equipment in a good pair of hiking boots (not hiking shoes), but boots that come up past your ankle. Test them in the store by walking steep (at least 30%) downhill (stairs don't work, you need an angled surface) to make sure the boot holds your foot back and does not smoosh your toe into the front of the boot. Karl

Another good site to check - http://www.hikingandbackpacking.com/organizations.html

as follows:

1) start small -- don't begin with something in which you may be over your head, and hate your first experience so much that you give it up. I've hiked at Enchanted Rock, and it's a PERFECT place to get started in the Austin area.
2) once you decide WHERE you want to hike, read up on the potential hazards. Then get any proper equipment or information to avoid such problems. At ER, for instance, hiking in the Texas heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even sun-stroke -- and avoiding these are VERY easy (drink water, wear a sun hat, don't hike in the afternoon, etc).
3) as noted above, the first potential "killer" of enjoyment is bad hiking shoes. Spend the money and time to get good footwear at a local outdoor shop. If the sales clerk DOESN'T ask you a lot of question about what type of hiking you intend to do, go elsewhere -- proper footwear requires a LOT of information. Then wear the shoes you buy around your home for several days before you hike in them. You do NOT want "break in" hiking boots on the trail.
4) no matter where or when you hike, certain things are almost always required: a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water (and DRINK it).
5) check with park rangers about advice on where to hike. They're in this job because they want to help visitors, and will always be willing to advice on where to hike based on your ability and desires.
6) be weather aware -- and, having lived in Austin, I know how critical this can be in that area. Always check with the forecast before a hike, and learn how to "read" the sky, so you can tell when bad weather is headed your way. Few things are worse than hiking in a thunderstorm without rain gear!

You may decide hiking is not something you enjoy. Fine, just find something else. Most people find it exhilerating, and want even more. Then just repeat step 2 above, and go on longer and better hikes based on your growing experience, equipment, and confidence.

I agree with the posters who mentioned Enchanted Rock. It is a great place to start hiking adventures. Go to REI on Capital of Texas Highway (360) off Mopac, and mention to someone you are a beginning hiker and need to know the basics. They will help set you up with what you need.