Winter Hiking Appreciation Society

Here I am, approaching my third winter as a hiker, still trying to understand why hiking is apparently seasonal… and why that season is - somehow, inexplicably - summer.

At this point, I have to assume I’ve missed a critical briefing.

The Great Summer Hiking Surge

Apparently, enjoyment peaks precisely when we start melting - interesting strategy.

In summer, my feed turns into a full buffet of hikes every weekend, and I’m left stress-scrolling like I’ve missed a limited-time offer.

Meanwhile, winter shows up and the energy shifts dramatically.

A hike here. Another one.... eventually.

It’s all very controlled.

Measured.

As if someone has decided we need to pace our enjoyment.

Winter Hikes V Summer Hikes

Winter hiking is objectively superior - yes, objectively.

Sit down Brad, I’m not taking questions at this time.

It feels like nature has decided to stop yelling at you for once.

Cool air? Yes.

Stable body temperature? Revolutionary.

A general absence of being slow-roasted like a Sunday lunch? Highly recommended.

There’s clarity.

Energy.

Dignity.

And - this feels important - NO RAIN (allegedly)

Summer, on the other hand, is less “hike” and more “slow, salty decline.”

You start sweating while tying your shoes, which is not a strong opening for any experience.

Your water gets warm.

Your patience evaporates.

Your will to continue becomes… negotiable.

By the end, you’re not hiking - you’re simply relocating yourself toward your car.

Slowly.

Strategically.

Like someone trying not to alarm others while actively falling apart.

Winter Dawn Hikes (The Elite Experience)

And then there are winter dawn hikes - quiet, crisp - the closest thing to having nature to yourself before everyone else wakes up.

The light comes in slowly - just a gentle, respectful arrival.

It’s calm, it’s clear, and - there’s something about it that feels… significant.

So yes, calling it a spiritual experience might sound dramatic - but it's true.

The Practical Benefits No One Mentions

Also, practical perks - your water stays cold and your snacks don’t melt into abstract art.

And - this feels relevant - the snakes and ticks seem to have booked annual leave.

Which, frankly, I support.

Fully.

So Why Summer?

To be fair, summer does offer longer daylight hours.

Useful.

Fewer clothing layers.

Convenient.

Pretty scenery.

Okay - yes. I’ll concede this one.

But beyond that? Are we choosing heat exhaustion over comfort?

Final Thoughts From a Winter Loyalist

At this point, the evidence is fairly clear - winter hiking is superior.

Not emotionally.

Not aesthetically.

But in a “I would like to remain alive and moderately comfortable” kind of way.

Yes, this includes camping - because voluntarily sleeping in a fabric oven while insects treat you like an open buffet is a level of tolerance I simply don’t possess.

PLEASE don’t misunderstand me - I am absolutely still hiking in summer.

I’m just doing it with significantly more complaining and way less dignity.

Still, I remain open to persuasion. If someone can explain the appeal of summer hiking without mentioning “character building” or “embracing the suffering,” I’m listening.

Until then, I’ll be over here in winter - where the air is clean, the trails are quiet, and my dignity remains mostly intact.