As math teacher Anthony Brasil hiked through North Cascades National Park in Washington, he passed Diablo Lake and witnessed a bald eagle soaring by. Being one of his many breath-taking outdoor experiences, Brasil discovered hiking to be an escape from screens and daily routines. Others in the hiking community share his joy of appreciating the outdoors.
Reasons for embarking on their hiking journey varies for each individual. Brasil needed a break from screen time, so he turned to hiking.
“I’m on the computer a lot, so just getting outside, I feel like fresh air and working out, getting some exercise, being outdoors, it’s just good for you and resets you,” Brasil said.
Junior Allison Hurley also appreciates how hiking allows her to be off her phone and enjoy the present. She believes people often rely on their screens, whereas hiking is a time when they can put it away for a while.
“You’re not on your phone while you’re doing them (hikes). I might sound old for saying this, but phones have pushed people apart. I get they are good for texting and staying in touch, but you do not need to be on your phone when you’re with somebody,” Hurley said.
Brasil’s interest in hiking initially formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he would visit local hiking trails with his sister. After hiking for a while, Brasil became motivated to visit all the national parks in the United States, currently completing more than half. He encouraged those interested in hiking to start their journey through visiting national parks.
“During breaks or weekends, I like to try to go to national parks. I think national parks are really cool and I think a lot of people don’t know, but if you get a year pass, it’s $80 or $85 and you can go to any national park for the whole year,” Brasil said.
Similar to Brasil, social science teacher Pilar Svendsen is an experienced hiker. After visiting multiple hiking spots, Svendsen is fond of several local locations.
“Castle Rock State Park is really popular. Purisima is really popular. I also would recommend some other places like in Santa Cruz. There’s Pogonip and Nisene Parks,” Svendsen said. “There is great hiking all over this area, so I think we’re very lucky to hike in this area.”
Last summer, Svendsen hiked through the borders of three different countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. Hiking Mont Blanc, a hundred mile hike, allowed Svendsen to boost her physical and overall well-being.
“Hiking is so great for mental health because you connect with nature and you get to see different types of views, scenery and different landscapes,” Svendsen said.
Drawn to the fresh air and scent of trees, Hurley finds being outdoors energizing and nostalgic as it reminds her of her hiking and camping memories.
“The trees have a specific smell,” Hurley said. “I’ll be driving to Santa Cruz and I’ll roll down my windows just to smell the trees.”
Other students, such as sophomore Roshan Nawbatt, agree that hiking has many benefits. Nawbatt described some reasons why others should start their hiking journey.
“One benefit of going hiking is the amount of walking you have to do,” Nawbatt said. “You get to spend time walking, losing calories, getting fresh air from the outdoors as well as building connections and talking to people.”
At a young age, Nawbatt began hiking with his family whenever they went camping. He believes hiking is a sentimental way to connect with his family members and enjoy the outdoors.
“It’s the experience with family that I enjoy most about hiking,” Nawbatt said. “Getting to spend precious time with my family members brings me closer to them and creates lasting memories.”
Similar to Nawbatt, Hurley grew up doing outdoor activities, creating yearly family traditions with them. Every Black Friday and summer, she usually goes on a hike with her family.
“My grandma lives in Cupertino right next to a hiking spot, so every time we would have a family function, we would go up to Hunter’s Point,” Hurley said. “I feel like that made me like hiking and especially camping.”
Svendsen, however, prefers solo hiking, especially after her journey to Mont Blanc. While she still enjoys hiking with others, such as her little brother, she often leans toward hiking by herself.
“I actually prefer hiking alone because I’ve gotten really into solo hiking,” Svendsen said. “I do think there’s something special about hiking by yourself, but I’m very experienced in seasoned hiking, so hiking by myself is different than for other people.”
For those who want to start hiking but do not know where to start, Brasil suggested going with friends and using an app called AllTrails. According to Brasil, AllTrails allows new hikers to easily discover trails and hiking paths.
“You type your location, and it’ll show ones close to you. It shows how hard the hike is, how long it is and shows the distance from you,” Brasil said. “I also think if you have a friend who also wants to do it, or maybe has experience with it, that’s another way to do it.”
Students and staff who make up SCHS’s hiking community encourage beginners to start small and explore their surroundings, creating a deeper appreciation for nature. Rather than beginning a grand adventure right away, Svendsen suggested starting with something more familiar, such as a walk around one’s neighborhood, or a short hike nearby.
“Just start by going outside. Go hike your neighborhood. Get outside,” Svendsen said. “The more you take the opportunity to connect with nature by looking around you and your surroundings, the more you’ll fall in love with the outdoors.”