Venturing into the natural world with the Earth beneath your feet and the light hitting your face, hiking allows anyone to experience these things. People find solace in nature and landscapes. However, hiking can not only be beneficial for some people’s mental states; it can also provide health benefits.

Hiking is a way to get exercise for the entire body. Incline walking helps strengthen bones and muscles as well as endurance. Hiking improves health and reduces the risk of respiratory problems, also helping build endurance from respiratory issues due to the variance of its intensity. Hikers can control how intense they want a hike to be, varying the hike in length or elevation gain. Hiking is also a way to meet the daily recommended 8,000-10,000 steps for the average adult. 

Hiking is also a way to increase socialization. People can take friends, partners, and family to go on trails. It is also an easy way to get out with new friends because it offers a place to spend time together and provides a general task to complete. Hiking can help build stronger and healthier relationships by encouraging balance, perseverance in challenges, and rewarding accomplishments. 

Hiking is highly beneficial to mental health. According to the National Park Service, researchers have found that being in nature can lead to a lower risk of depression, stress, and anxiety. The great outdoors offers chances for introspection and reflection. It can do a great service to people’s mental health, providing a scenic and peaceful environment. A change of scenery can do wonders for people, especially at the end of a long work week or school week. Sometimes, getting outside and away from devices is the best way to calm your mind and take a reset day.
Hiking is available close to most residents in California. Usually, it is free, with costs mainly coming from hiking in national parks. California offers 28 National Parks and more, according to the National Park Service. For students at Calabasas High School, trails are close by, such as the Santa Monica Mountains, which offer numerous trails to explore. As spring and summer approach, hiking is a way to get outside and exercise.