New Years Resolutions… We all start them, but never finish! Most of the time, it’s “to go to the gym more” or “to eat healthy”.

Last year, one of my resolutions was to hunt more and take it more seriously… And notice I didn’t say I had to have a successful harvest, so mission accomplished! My biggest takeaway from that challenge this year was that when I’m spending a lot of time in nature and doing a lot of what I love, I think clearer and feel great! This year, I’ve decided to set a different kind of intention, with health still in mind.

On Facebook one day, deep in the hole of outdoorsy groups to join, I stumbled across the 52 Hike Challenge: A challenge where you will gain physical fitness, mental well-being, make new friends, explore new places, and connect with family, friends and yourself through nature. How perfect, right?

Basically, the goal of this program is to get out and hike once a week for a whole year. And what you consider a “hike” can be completely up to you. It could be a stroll through the local park, trail run, mountain climb, anything that gets you outdoors and is at least one mile.

I planned to wait until the 1st of the year to start, but I just couldn’t wait! While in McCall, ID for our annual family trip, we decided to try snowshoeing for the first time and count it as my first hike of the 52 Hike Challenge.

The Activity Barn in McCall, ID has a free, groomed snowshoeing trail loop that is about 3 miles (if done right). We ended up going 1.94 miles because we accidentally took a short cut.

I thoroughly enjoyed snowshoeing, however, my family did not like it on this particularly cold day. The wind was blowing hard, which wasn’t so pleasant being on a flat field. This meant our trip was cut short, unfortunately, but I could’ve spent all day exploring on those shoes!

Something I did not like, though, was how simple and easy the trail was. I’m now eager to blaze my own trail, and see some more diverse scenery!

Stats: 1.94 miles, 52:45, elevation gain n/a

For more information about the 52 Hike Challenge click here or follow along as I log every single hike to come right here and on my Instagram!