Getting out on the trail in the evening just hits different than hiking in the morning or early afternoon. The light. The color. The calm magic that you can only truly appreciate when you’re there.
Evening hiking has gained popularity as an option for getting outside but not having time for a full day of adventure. Luckily, you don’t need a full day to enjoy the benefits of an evening hike. Just a couple hours will work magic on your mind, body, and soul.
The Temperature Sweet Spot
One of the biggest perks of hiking in the evening is the temperature. Hot summer afternoons can leave people wishing they had never left the house. This is especially true on exposed trails where the heat radiating from rocks can feel more punishing than pleasurable. Luckily, as the sun drops towards the horizon, the temperature drops with it.
The air cools down. The breeze picks up. Those same punishing trails become inviting once again in the early evening light. For those who do not fare well in the heat, evening hiking is a game changer. You can cover more ground without feeling like you’re hiking through a sauna, plus those cooler temps mean that you don’t have to bring as much water. You can also avoid frequent water breaks to get back on the trail faster.
Wildlife Comes Alive
As the sun begins to set, animals that hide from the midday heat begin to appear again. Creatures like deer return to open fields to graze. Birds begin to become more active and vocal. Even insects start their nightly chorus.
For those interested in seeing wildlife, evening hikes are also superior to the midday alternative. Many animals are crepuscular and prefer being active at dusk or dawn. As the light begins to fade, they become more active and those who are patient enough will find rewards in what they encounter.
The Magic of Evening Light
To clarify: the light on the trail during sunset will never get old. This evening light transforms otherwise ordinary landscapes into something magical every single evening and, somehow, it always feels special.
The golden light that fills the world during this special period of time never fails to make rock formations glow, trees look impressive with their lengthy shadows, and water features appear different every single second with colors reflected off their surfaces.
Photographers chase this light for a reason, but people can easily enjoy this light without a camera as well. Just being there during this time of day creates a sensory experience that will stay with you longer than photos ever could. The world looks softer and infinitely more beautiful during this time of day, and trails that you have hiked before feel new again as they are transformed by this glowing evening light.
Practical Preparation Makes It Better
Hiking in the evening is not without its differences from daytime hikes. First and foremost are some unique considerations related to timing and light. Hikers should be aware of how long their chosen trail takes to traverse and realize that darkness comes much faster than expected as soon as the sun goes down.
Having a Fenix Flashlight on hand can provide peace of mind for any hiker concerned about becoming lost on their way back in the dark. This also ensures that hikers do not have to have anxiety about getting stuck out on the trail after dark.
Hikers should also keep in mind that, generally speaking, not every trail is suited for an evening hike. This is especially true of new routes where less familiarization increases challenges in navigation as it gets darker outside. Well-worn and familiar routes are recommended for beginner evening hikers looking to get used to this new style of hiking.
Evening hiking is best tackled on well-marked trails that will not leave hikers feeling confused during their descent down the mountain or through nature. It is also wise to start off with a shorter trail before moving onto longer routes as evening trails that become commonplace in your life.
Less Crowds Means More Solitude
Hiking routes where traffic is high during peak hours often clear out by evening time. Parking lots empty. Trails are no longer overcrowded with people walking in and out, creating a parade of hikers trudging along until they finally make it to an area with a payoff.
Hikes at dusk or evening offers solitude that completely reorients your experience in nature. Without constantly stepping aside for fellow hikers or waiting for your turn at various viewpoints, people who hike in the evening at their own pace and soak in every single moment of their experience.
This solitude allows hikers to become one with nature and better able to observe wildlife, think their thoughts through, or simply enjoy being outside again.
Building It Into Regular Life
Evening hiking fits easily into people’s busy schedules without requiring much from them other than your standard everyday routine. You do not need to plan ahead much for an after-work hike like you would need to if you attempted to venture into nature over the weekends or at other times when you are free all day long.
Because people can fit evening hikes into their schedules easily, these hikes offer greater opportunity to get outside more often – something that is difficult when hiking first thing in the morning or mid-afternoon when there are still several hours of light ahead of you to enjoy.
Whereas weekend or other all-day hikes are saved for special occasions (or avoided altogether if you just don’t have the time), it is possible for someone to venture outside most nights of the week if desired.
It is important to note that frequent exposure to nature—even small amounts—offers people great benefits regarding their physical health, mental well-being, and overall wellness. Evenings allow hikers to enjoy these benefits regularly again thanks to how easily these outings fit into our busy lives.
The Evening “Glow”
Hiking in the evenings leaves you with that post-hike glow that makes you feel accomplished. Your body finally feels tired after you have earned every step back home after spending time outside.
Many people find themselves sleeping better after hiking in the evenings due to their improved sleep quality caused by nighttime hikes. Nature spends its days calming us down after spending time outdoors, so it makes sense that merging nature with physical activity and cool evenings creates a sleep utopia.
Hiking in the evenings offers an experience and benefits that are often overlooked and should be considered more often than not by everyone looking to hike regularly while balancing busy lifestyles.
The cooler temperatures, beautiful light, more active wildlife, and tranquil ambience makes hiking amazing at this hour of the day. If you are looking for ways to get outside without having to change your schedule too much, then consider taking an evening hike on a sunset-filled trail where you can enjoy being out there, but easily made easier by focusing on what matters most—the trail ahead of you!
Visit here zuhairarticles.com also for more blogs