Caption for photo above: Packing the right items for a hike can make it easier to enjoy. (Photo by Charles Vaughters)
Laramie has an abundance of outdoor activities right at its doorstep, and one of the most prominent is hiking. It offers beautiful views of serene nature and is one of the best ways to explore the greatest that Wyoming has to offer. For many people, especially those coming to Laramie from out of state, walking out in the middle of nature can be a somewhat novel experience, maybe even intimidating. What should you bring? Should you take any special precautions? Where should I go? These are all understandable questions for a first-time hiker. Well, if you want to go for a hike, let’s get started on some of these questions.
First of all, where should you go? There are so many great spots around Laramie, that it can get overwhelming when deciding between them all. A great place to look for new trails and hikes is the Wyoming State Parks website, at (wyoparks.wyo.gov), but if you don’t want to peruse too much, the Lake Marie Hike, located in Medicine Bow-Routte National Forest, is a great hike for beginners. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, and one where you can camp out for the night, Brown’s Peak Loop provides a beautiful experience, and ample areas to set up a place to spend the night.
But if you’re hiking, what should you bring with you? Well, for starters, a good backpack is a must. You can get good packs anywhere, from hiking supply stores in Downtown Laramie to cheap stuff on Amazon, but I recommend at the very least getting a backpack with a waist strap, especially if you’re looking to do a long-distance hike. Waist straps help evenly distribute the weight among multiple areas of your body and make for a much more comfortable hike. I recommend Osprey, or if you’re looking for cheaper options, military surplus provides great rugged options.
But what should you put in the pack? If you’re going overnight, a lightweight tent (or at the very least a bivy) is a must. In addition, having a small stove to heat up food is a great way to make your hiking experience more comfortable. Even if you aren’t staying overnight, packing enough food is essential, as you’re going to burn a lot of calories. Even more essential is water, however. At this altitude, you’re going to get dehydrated very quickly. I recommend bringing at least 2L of water to any outdoor destination, just in case you get stuck longer than you intended.
I also recommend bringing a GPS tracker, so that another person can find you if you’ve been gone too long. This is especially important if you’re going hiking alone, and regardless of GPS, make sure to tell someone where you’re going. For medical emergencies, I recommend taking a full first aid kit, ideally with splints in case you break anything. If you’re going to take a painkiller, take Tylenol, as it’s the only over-the-counter pain medication that isn’t a blood thinner, which can be handy if you get yourself into a sticky situation out in nature.
I don’t mean to scare you, but you’ll be a lot happier taking these precautions if something goes wrong on your trip than you would be if you hadn’t. Regardless, hiking is a gratifying experience, one that allows you to experience the full extent of what Wyoming has to offer. Learning how to hike is also an invaluable survival skill to have in case you get stuck somewhere in one of the more remote areas of our sparsely inhabited state. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and have a great time out there, as you experience the beautiful nature that has led so many to declare Wyoming as the most beautiful state of all.
