The new year is the perfect time to reflect on your outdoor adventures and set meaningful goals for the trails ahead. Whether you’re chasing new peaks, expanding your skills, or simply hiking more consistently, setting hiking resolutions can motivate you to grow as an adventurer while giving back to nature.
Here are nine achievable hiking resolutions to inspire your next adventure-filled year—complete with detailed tips and recommendations to help you get started!
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
1. Summit a New Peak You’ve Been Eyeing
There’s nothing more rewarding than standing atop a mountain you once thought was out of reach. Choose a peak that excites and challenges you, then start preparing. Research trail routes, difficulty ratings, and elevation gains. Build your endurance with training hikes, and set a target date for your summit attempt. Where to Start:
- Beginner: Mount Bierstadt (CO) or Mount Monadnock (NH).
- Intermediate: Mount Elbert (CO), Wheeler Peak (NM).
- Advanced: Longs Peak (CO) or Mount Whitney (CA).
2. Log 100+ Trail Miles This Year
Consistency is key to building endurance and enjoying regular outdoor adventures. Set a mileage goal—whether it’s 100 miles, 500 miles, or even 1,000! Use a hiking tracker app or keep a simple trail journal to record your progress. Break the goal into monthly or weekly milestones for easier tracking. Apps to Track Miles:
- AllTrails
- Gaia GPS
- Strava
3. Learn a New Outdoor Skill
Adventure becomes safer and more rewarding when you expand your skill set. Consider taking a navigation course, attending a wilderness first aid class, or learning winter camping basics. Many local outdoor organizations offer workshops and guided classes. Skills to Try:
- Navigation: Learn how to use a map and compass.
- Wilderness First Aid: Take a certified course through NOLS or REI.
- Winter Camping: Try a beginner-friendly backcountry camping trip.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
4. Hike in a New National Park or State
New trails lead to unforgettable experiences. Plan a hiking trip in a state or national park you’ve never explored. Consider parks with unique landscapes, such as desert canyons, alpine peaks, or coastal cliffs. Research the best hiking seasons for your chosen destination. Parks to Consider:
- Iconic Parks: Yosemite (CA), Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC), or Glacier National Park (MT).
- Hidden Gems: Black Canyon of the Gunnison (CO), Capitol Reef (UT), or Lassen Volcanic (CA).
- Winter Escapes: Big Bend (TX), Joshua Tree (CA), or Everglades (FL).
5. Volunteer for Trail Maintenance
Giving back to the trails you love helps preserve them for future adventurers. Join a local trail maintenance organization, participate in cleanup events, or sign up for seasonal trail-building projects. Even a few volunteer hours can make a big difference! Organizations to Check Out: 💡 Pro Tip: Search for volunteer projects through outdoor stores like REI or check social media for local trail stewardship events. Challenge: Volunteer at least four times this year.
6. Introduce a Friend to Hiking
Sharing your love for hiking strengthens friendships and grows the outdoor community. Invite someone new on a beginner-friendly trail and show them how rewarding the outdoors can be. Choose a scenic, easy trail with great views to make their first hike memorable. Beginner-Friendly Trails:
- Colorado: Bear Lake Loop (RMNP) or Sprague Lake Trail.
- California: Mirror Lake Trail (Yosemite).
- Washington: Rattlesnake Ledge (near Seattle).
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
7. Start Packing Lighter and Smarter
Lightening your load makes every trail easier and more enjoyable. Take time to evaluate your gear, replace heavy items, and streamline your packing system. Consider ultralight essentials for multi-day treks. Lightweight Gear Upgrades:
- Backpack: Try Osprey or Gregory’s lightweight models.
- Tent: Look for ultralight tents like Big Agnes Copper Spur.
- Sleeping Bag: Check out down bags from brands like Marmot or REI.
8. Practice Leave No Trace More Consistently
Every hiker has a responsibility to protect the environment. Commit to Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, sticking to designated trails, and minimizing campfire impacts. Consider participating in trail clean-up events. Leave No Trace Basics:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impact.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of others.
9. Plan a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip
There’s nothing like the experience of living in the backcountry for a few days. Choose a scenic trail with backcountry campsites, map your route, and prepare your gear. Build up to longer hikes by practicing overnight trips first. Great Multi-Day Trails:
- Colorado: Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop (28 miles).
- California: Rae Lakes Loop (41 miles, Sequoia & Kings Canyon).
- Oregon: Timberline Trail (40 miles, around Mount Hood).
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Achieve Your Resolution with The Next Summit
Ready to take your hiking resolutions to the next level? Become a Next Summit Member and unlock exclusive perks designed to help you achieve your outdoor goals:
Member Benefits:
- Skill-Building Courses: Access expert-led courses on navigation, wilderness safety, trip planning, and more.
- Leave No Trace Advocacy: Support conservation efforts and learn sustainable outdoor practices to protect the trails you love.
- Trip Support & 1:1 Coaching: Get personalized trip planning advice, safety tips, and one-on-one coaching from experienced outdoor professionals.
Make 2024 your best adventure year yet! Join The Next Summit today and gain the confidence, knowledge, and support you need to conquer the trails—and reach even bigger goals in 2025.
