Trail running, at its core, is no different than any other kind of running. It takes a lot of determination, dedication and desire to run on any kind of surface. Add in obstacles such as tree roots, rocks, sand, hills, and more, and you’ll need an extra dose of those qualities on the days when running feels particularly hard. Friends who are already avid trail runners might tell you to go do and hour or two on a trail that you don’t know. If you are just beginning, that is probably not very good advice. The greatest risk that a new trail runner will face is to have a bad experience. Above all else, you have to enjoy yourself. Whether that means you enjoy the challenge of the terrain, beautiful scenery you wouldn’t find running on the streets of your neighborhood, the feeling of improving your fitness, or a combination, figure out a way to make trail running enjoyable.

It really does matter how you feel on the trail. Run when you can and don’t worry if you have to walk, some terrain is runnable and some just isn’t – knowing that really helps. It can take 45 minutes to do a mile if you are climbing uphill and only 5 minutes to come down, but it will all work out. Since all trails are different — some hilly, some flat, some rocky, some smooth — covering a certain distance on a trail will take varied amounts of time. Even the same trail can run faster or slower on any given day, dependent on trail conditions (rain + mud = slow).

A common mistake road runners make when switching to trails is comparing road running times (how long it takes to cover a mile) to trail running times and get discouraged. Running for a certain amount of time instead of a certain amount of miles can reap the same gains on the trail. Just know that unlike road running – where a consistent pace is ideal – the pace will fluctuate on trails.

Add appropriate accessories to your running routine. Although many trails provide shaded routes, it’s still wise to wear sunscreen. Sunglasses not only block harmful rays and glare, they also protect your eyes from tree branches and bushes. Wearing a hat and bug spray will help prevent insect bites and ticks. Grabbing some trail running gaiters will keep the dirt, gravel, and briars out of your shoes that can cause hot spots and abrasions. A  neck gaiter gives you a little style on the trail, and is handy for keeping the sweat out of your eyes and preventing a sunburn on your neck. And it doubles as an instant face mask should you need one due to Covid-19 concerns. Most of all, extra hydration on a trail run is a must!

While you’re out there, listen, smell, and feel the ground under your feet. If you’ve gone to the trouble of running on a trail, and not on a treadmill or a track, don’t forget to reward yourself by taking in the beauty of your environment. It may seem a little “unprofessional” compared with focusing on your watch or your cadence or your position in the race. But a nice deep gulp of nature can make the whole thing seem worthwhile, and result in a boost to your morale.

    •    Be consistent, but don’t over-train
    •    Take it easy to begin with and give your body the chance to adapt and recover
    •    Don’t expect too much of yourself too soon
    •    Focus on the experience, not your speed
    •    Adjust downtime training to accommodate for different terrains and new challenges
    •    Build up your endurance over time
    •    Avoid injuries as best you can (even minor ones)
    •    Remember to take in your surroundings

It’s all worth it. Little by little  trail runners get fitter, faster and stronger!

A boot with a much sturdier sole, designed for tougher conditions, are a must, especially if you’ll be wearing crampons or snowshoes. The correct sock choice is also paramount. Merino wool is a good choice as it is supremely warm. Silk sock liners will provide much-needed extra warmth without bulk. Make sure you have sufficient room in your boots to move your toes around. Sunglasses with UV400 protection or goggles are essential for winter walking as snow glare can be seriously hazardous. Equally important is lip balm to protect your lips.

Timing is everything. Sunlight hours are limited in winter, so make use of the available daylight. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day as ice and snow can make trails much trickier. A realistic target is 2 to 2.5 miles an hour. At least 48 hours in advance of your hike, check the weather forecast, and keep checking regularly for updates. Knowing the predicted conditions before you set out will help you adequately prepare. Never be afraid to cut your day short or even cancel if conditions are worsening. You can always reschedule when Old Man Winter calms down!

Take sufficient food and gear. Always pack more water and food than you think you’ll need so you have enough for emergency rations. Boil in the bag food is ideal, as is soup and hot chocolate to keep you warm. You will also need something to cook on, fuel for the stove, headlamp, hand / feet warmers, first aid kit, multi-tool, a compass, and map of the area. Be prepared to spend the night even if you’re intention is only a day hike.

Communication is key. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. This is true whatever time of year you choose to hike, but is even more important in winter since weather can change suddenly. Ensure your cell phone is fully charged and you are able to make calls. Make sure you know how to contact mountain rescue and that you have the means to attract attention if you need to be found.

Turtles wind up at the hospital for many reasons— from injuries due to boat strikes or becoming entangled in nets or monofilament fishing line, to ingesting fish hooks and plastic bags that cause intestinal blockage (trash in the water can look like jelly fish to turtles who eat almost anything). Once a turtle’s digestive tract has been impacted it will usually lead to starvation if not removed. Turtles at the hospital are first treated with very human-like remedies—a combination of Metamucil, fiber and vegetable oil. If that doesn’t work, surgery is performed to remove the blockage. Sea turtles are also prone to fibropapillomatosis, an aggressive herpes-like virus that causes tumors to grow. No one knows exactly why, but over 50% of the sea turtles in the Florida Keys and around the world are infected. Pollution is thought to be the main culprit.

One of the most common reasons green sea turtles need to be rescued is because of a floating problem called “Bubble Butt Syndrome” (no kidding). Floating in the wild is not normal and can be hazardous if turtles cannot dive to escape predators or catch food. At the hospital, lead weights are attached to their shells so they can submerge. Eventually those weights fall off, but by that time if their injury or sickness has not been cured, that turtle will mostly likely become a permanent resident at the Sea Turtle Center. If they lose a flipper, they probably cannot be released back into the wild either. The Turtle Hospital has successfully treated and released over 1500 turtles since its founding in 1986, but it’s comforting to know if turtles can’t return to the sea, they have a “forever home” in Marathon, Florida. When you visit, take water and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a protective neck gaiter. That southern sun can be fierce every day of the year!

Relational Health⁣
You don’t have to go it alone. Grab a friend, neighbor, or family member for more fun on the trail. Hiking with a friend can improve the strength and health of your relationship, or it could be an opportunity to see if the friendship has run its course. Exercising together can produce special feelings of closeness—and a sense of safety.With all the social distancing, cancelled events, and closures as of late, now more than ever we need to connect with real people in person whenever possible. Doing so out in the fresh air is ideal!  On the flip side, if too much quarantine togetherness has you craving alone time, just be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return — just in case.  And for anyone who spends a lot of time caregiving for other people, it can be rejuvenating to let go of that responsibility for a bit and take to a trail. After all, it can’t help but refresh you when you give yourself a break, making you more emotionally available to others afterward.
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Mental Health⁣
It’s a scientific fact: going for long, serene hikes is ridiculously good for your brain. In fact, walking through mother nature exercises your mind just as much as it works out your body. Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health. Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression. Keep your phone in your pocket. No screen time on your hike. No news. No negativity. Just you (and perhaps a friend or pet) communing with Mother Nature for  a while. Break free from formalities and deadlines and enjoy what’s around you. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Notice the plants and animals you encounter. Notice the smells and sounds that are unique to being outdoors. In short, unplugging from technology and engaging with mother nature can be a powerful (and even necessary) activity for your brain. Plus, it also just makes you feel happier.

No Special Equipment Needed
Other than dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing a comfy pair of shoes (although hiking gaiters or snake gaiters or snow gaiters are wise when necessary), you don’t need special gear for hiking. Take water and a snack. If venturing into true wilderness, you’ll want a backpack that contains these 10 essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, water, food, clothing, first aid kit, matches/firestarter, sunglasses. A good rule of thumb is that whenever you venture into the woods, be prepared to spend the night. Of course you hope you never have to, but in case of an emergency, you’ll be OK.

So there you have it — many reasons to get out and take a hike this season. Grab a few items you probably already own, and, if you want, a friend, and head out on the trail. You won’t be sorry you did!

Looking for some ghostly fun this October that allows for social distancing? Visit a ghost town!  If you also have an interest in gold mining history, so much the better. It is estimated that about 3,800 ghost towns are still standing across the USA, mostly out West. Some of the buildings are in great condition, others are quite literally falling down. Some towns have become well-known, easy-to-reach roadside attractions, others are quite remote. Each town has its own boom-to-bust story that makes a visit both interesting and educational. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a history buff, please leave everything as you find it. Take lots of photos, but no souvenirs, and be sure to wear appropriate snake gaiters or hiking gaiters and a neck gaiter / face covering for extra protection in harsh climates and conditions.

Rhyolite, Nevada. Winding throughout the rich and colorful Silver State, Nevada’s highways and byways are ideal for discovering America’s history. Route 374 is a prime example and leads to the much-photographed ghost town of Rhyolite. As far as boomtowns go, Rhyolite is a “newer” ghost town, having been born and busted between 1904 and 1920. What’s also special is that its crumbling yet photogenic buildings are mostly made of concrete, not wood. Since lumber was scarce in the desert, one creative miner even built his home out of mud and 30,000 assorted liquor bottles! But perhaps what is most unusual here is that you are guaranteed to see ghosts as you head into Rhyolite— yes, even in broad daylight! That’s because on the same gravel road heading toward Rhyolite, you’ll find a 15-acre outdoor sculpture park— Goldwell Open Air Museum. Among the unusual pieces of art are life-size ghosts, a 25-foot high pink woman made of cinder blocks, a 24-foot high steel prospector posing with a penguin, and much more.  More about Rhyolite here.

Bannack State Park, Montana. Although the old-time prospectors are long gone, many mining relics and over 60 buildings remain in Bannack State Park. Most are so well preserved that you can actually go inside them— a rare treat when it comes to ghost gowns. Bannack’s rich history began 150 years ago with John White’s discovery of placer gold along the banks of Grasshopper Creek. In July 1862, Mr. White filed one of the first recorded mining claims in what was later to become the state of Montana. Good news traveled fast and by fall of that year, “Grasshoper Diggins” was home to 400 prospectors. By the following spring, the population had swelled to 3,000 — the Gold Rush was definitely on!  On the southeast end of Bannack, the Bessette House is believed to be haunted by the children who died here during an epidemic of scarlet fever. The site is nicknamed the Crying Baby House because of the sounds some visitors have reported hearing.  Visit the Bannack State Park website. 

Bodie State Park, California.  When a little girl writes in her diary “Goodbye God, I’m going to Bodie” you know her destination isn’t a pleasant one— not in the 1880s anyway when she penned that entry. The child’s name is unknown, but her words have became famous throughout the West to describe her family’s move to Bodie, California— once known as the Wildest Mining Camp in the West. Today, the lawlessness is long gone. Now a State Historic Park, Bodie is the nation's biggest unreconstructed ghost town, and provides an authentic look back into California’s mining history. What's left of Bodie—about 170 buildings and the Standard Mill— represents just five percent of what was standing in its 1870-1890 heydey. There are no re-creations or restorations here. Everything is officially in a state of "arrested decay," meaning only minimal repairs are made on the remaining structures. The weather is really unpredictable here, so consider having snow gaiters when you visit.  More info on Bodie here.

In fact, it was a mighty river that indirectly led to the discovery of the park’s stone bridges. In 1883, a prospector wandered up White Canyon from his base camp along the Colorado River in search of gold. What Cass Hite found instead of nuggets were three spectacular spans that water had sculpted from stone. At first, these bridges were called President, Senator, and Congressman in order of height, but years later they were given much more appropriate Hopi names.

At 220 feet high and 268 feet long, Sipapu is the highest and biggest of the three natural bridges in the park. Despite its bulk, it is a bit hard to differentiate Sipapu from its natural environment— the beige sandstone is well camouflaged against the surrounding desert landscape. Sipapu means "the place of emergence," and was named for the entryway by which the Hopi Indians believe their ancestors came into this world.

While admiring Sipapu Bridge, don’t overlook the nearby Horse Collar Ruin—one of the best-preserved ancestral Puebloan archeological sites in the area. From the overlook, binoculars or a good zoom on your camera will bring the distant cliff dwelling into focus. The ruin is comprised of a rectangular kiva and two granaries with unusual circular doorways that resemble horse collars, hence the name. Native Americans last lived here over 700 years ago, but amazingly the kiva has a nearly intact roof.

210-foot high, 204-foot long Kachina was named for the rock art found on the bridge depicting dancing figures and symbols commonly found on kachina dolls. You’ll have to hike down to see the glyphs, but even if you don’t, the view of this bridge from the overlook is pretty impressive. Kachina continues to be enlarged by the floodwaters of White Canyon, but since it is 93 feet thick, it’ll probably take a very long while before there is any noticeable erosion—that is unless more rock falls off of it. In 1992, about 4,000 tons of sandstone fell from the inside of the bridge opening.

Owachomo is the oldest and smallest bridge in the park. Its Hopi name means "rock mound," a feature atop its east abutment. Owachomo is 106 feet high, spans 180 feet, and at only nine feet thick, is very thin compared to its neighbors. Streams no longer erode this bridge, but frost action and seeping moisture do.

Although Native Americans occupied the area off and on until the 1300s, the general public has only known about these three bridges since 1904, thanks to National Geographic Magazine. Over 100 years later, visitors continue to marvel at the two deep canyons, three massive sandstone bridges, and Puebloan archeological sites in Natural Bridges National Park. Only Mother Nature knows how long these treasures will stand the test of time, but hopefully they will remain rock solid for future generations to enjoy.

The Owyhee was named for three Hawaiian trappers who were sent in 1819 by a fur trading company to explore the uncharted waterway. Unfortunately, the men were never seen again, but others discovered this unique area soon thereafter and put it on the map. The headwaters begin in Northern Nevada. It is one of the few rivers that wind north instead of south to its confluence with the Snake River. If you like dramatic desert canyon scenery, you won’t be disappointed here. The surrounding geography— vertical walls in some places are over 1,000 feet deep, plus rock spires, needles, and arches— is similar to that found in Bryce and Zion National Parks.

The twisty Owyhee River has been manipulated by the Owyhee Dam, which created 53-mile-long Lake Owyhee. Along the eastern shore, you’ll find Lake Owyhee State Park. About 12 miles below Owyhee Dam, you can take a soak at the Snively Hot Springs Recreation site. This BLM day use site is quite picturesque, and quite popular, so you’re not likely to be alone here for long. The hot spring flows right into the Owyhee River. A “pool” created by a ring of rocks warns you to step lightly— the water is really hot!

Prepare to get your boots dusty (or wear hiking gaiters) as you wander as much of the 110-acre park as you care to cover. You’ll find a vast display of restored and preserved mining equipment as well as original structures—a grizzly (ore sorting house), an assay lab, the last remaining trestle from the Tonopah & Goldfield Railroad, hoist houses with all original equipment, and head frames. These are not “pretty” museum exhibits. They are safe to explore, but definitely sitting in a state of weathered decay. Take the underground burro tunnel that leads to a steel viewing cage suspended over a 500-foot mine stope (vertical shaft). Surrounded by such a vast amount of authentic mining artifacts, you won’t need much imagination to get a real sense of what it was like to work in a turn-of-the-century silver mine!

Before you poke around the remnants of the Mizpah Mine, Silver Top Mine, Desert Queen, and others, watch the introductory video inside the visitor center. You’ll “meet” Jim Butler and his wife Belle, and learn why Tonopah's mines were consistently high producers. Their biggest year was 1913 when almost $10 million in gold, silver, copper and lead was pulled out of the ground.

Tonopah Historic Mining Park has been voted “Best Museum in Rural Nevada.” You won’t be disappointed if you, too, take a self-guided walk in the footsteps of the old-time silver miners.

It's a mystery, really. Standing amidst thousand-year-old stone dwellings that archeologists say were suddenly abandoned in the early 1400s, you can't help wondering what happened. If you’re heading towards Arizona’s sunnier, drier climate this winter, visit the Verde Valley 50 miles south of Flagstaff and formulate your own theory. Scientists estimated that the dwellings were used for only about three centuries before the area was suddenly deserted. Were the ancient residents driven out? Did they die of disease? Deplete their natural resources? Or perhaps they didn't really disappear, just simply migrated somewhere else? Who would do that and why? “Who” is easier to answer. The ruins at Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, and Tuzigoot National Monuments were once the home of the prehistoric Southern Sinaguans, which is Spanish for "without water." Located in Arizona's Verde Valley, these three National Monuments represent some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings and hilltop pueblos in the Southwest.

Montezuma Well
Montezuma Well is a separate location, but still part of the Montezuma Castle National Monument. As of June 2020, the Well area is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but keep this area in mind once it’s back open to the public again. This natural limestone sinkhole is 55 feet deep and 368 feet across, and was formed thousands of years ago when a huge underground cavern collapsed. More than one and a half million gallons of water a day flow into it from two underground springs. The pretty blue pool is rimmed with unreachable cliff dwellings, but a platform overlooking the site provides a nice aerial view. For a closer look at 800-year old cave ruins, follow the path down to the water's edge. In addition to building homes into the cliffs, the Southern Sinaguans also took advantage of natural caves in the area and built some dwellings at ground level, too. The trail also passes more stone ruins that were once the walls of free-standing pueblos. RATTLESNAKE WARNING!  Snakes are frequently found in this area so protect yourself by wearing Snake Gaiters or snake proof boots.

Tuzigoot National Monument
The stone ruins here are very different from the cliff dwellings found at Montezuma Castle and Well. Tuzigoot is the remains of a 110-room pueblo that sits on a long limestone ridge 150 feet above the Verde River floodplain. And what's especially nice for history buffs is that you can get up close and personal with the dwelling and may even walk inside some of the rooms. Tuzigoot is an Apache word that means "crooked water" and also aptly describes the zigzag appearance of what's left of the structure's walls. Although the stones are original, the park service has reinforced the crumbling mortar with cement. To see the entire pueblo, climb the circular trail that winds up the hill. At the top, you'll be treated to a panoramic view across the wide Verde Valley.

Thanks to physical evidence left behind by the Sinaguans, archeologists have concluded quite a bit about their prehistoric culture and lifestyle. But since no separate Sinaguan tribe exists today, their exact fate will never be known. Conceive your own conclusions by visiting these fragile and irreplaceable ruins.

NOTE: The National Park Service (NPS) is closely monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local officials, NPS continues to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining public access at a majority of NPS sites. Social distancing and recommendations to wear a face covering may continue to be in effect. Always check the NPS website for closure information before visiting.

Warmer temperatures mean venomous reptiles leave their underground hide-outs in search of food and to mate. And nicer weather also means more people in parks and on trails. And that leads to more hospitals reporting an increase in rattlesnake bites, especially in California and Arizona. For those of us enduring our state’s shelter-in-place orders, the ability to get outside and get some exercise is crucial. But if that exercise involves going on a hike, or mountain biking on a rugged trail, there's another threat that we all need to aware of — snakes. According to herpetologists, there are  four groups of venomous snakes in the United States: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins and coral snakes. The best piece of advice when enjoying the great outdoors is “don’t be paranoid, be protected!"

If you, too, want to escape the doldrums of the coronavirus "stay home, save lives" orders and get outside for some exercise and to soak up the sun, do it, but just be aware. After all, it is easy to social distance on most hiking trails, especially those in the back country.  There are several things hikers can do to avoid danger between now and October when snakes are most active.

• Wear sturdy hiking boots along with snake gaiters that protect your lower legs.
• Don’t wear headphones or earbuds while hiking. You want to listen for rattlesnakes, which use their rattles to warn you of their presence. Keep in mind, though, sometimes they rattle, sometimes not, you never know. Beware of silent slitherers, too!
• If you ever hear a rattle or see a snake, back slowly away with no sudden movements. Hold your trekking pole or stick between you and the snake, if you have one. When you are safely away, calm down, catch your breath, make a big detour around the snake and mosey on your way.
• Scan ahead down the trail. Snakes want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. It is not uncommon for snakes to cross trails, but they usually move on quickly and disappear into the cover of the brush on the other side.
• Stay on the trail where you can see what’s on the ground. Snakes like to hide in the shade, and they are very hard to see in the brush and grass.
• When off-trail, avoid thick brush in the woods where a snake might be hiding. When you walk up to a fallen tree or large stone, step up on it rather than over it, as there could be a snake lurking on the other side. After ankles and legs, most snake bites occur on hands and arms, so never put your hands in spots where you can’t see what might be hiding there. If you come upon a steep stretch of trail that requires scrambling up and over rocks, check each ledge or crevice.

To avoid attracting rattlesnakes to your backyard and outbuildings, remove potential snake food and shelter from your property. Make sure you don’t have mice or rats and get rid of wood piles or garbage heaps that can make excellent hiding spots for snakes.

If you are bitten by a snake, the Mayo Clinic advises:
    •    Call 911 immediately or get yourself to a hospital as quickly as possible.
    •    While waiting for medical help, stay calm and position the body so that the bite is at or below heart level.
    •    Remove jewelry or tight clothing before swelling starts.
    •    Do NOT apply ice or a tourniquet on or near the bite.
    •    Do NOT cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.
    •    Do NOT drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed the body's absorption of venom.


As reptiles, a snake’s body temperature mirrors air temperature, so it’s common to see many more snakes this time of year. Don’t avoid outdoor activities, but don’t take a chance either— protect yourself while in snake country by considering Razer Snake Gaiters.