TNAA Healthcare provided this article.
There’s nothing quite like taking a hike. According to Statista, 57.81 million Americans went on a hike in 2020, up from 49.7 million the year before. The pandemic got many of us outdoors more because it was something to do. In 2022, Canadian doctors even prescribe passes to national parks for patients who would do well to spend more time in nature. So, if a break in nature sounds like something you need, here are three traveler-approved hikes to ease your mind when life gets too stressful.
1. Colchuck Lake, WA
The hike to Colchuck Lake in Washington state is an eight-mile roundtrip, but it’s worth the views and the serenity you’ll find at the lake. You’ll gain 2,300 feet on the trail and wander through dense forests and across creeks and log bridges. But the moment you reach the edge of the lake surrounded by massive peaks is a moment you’ll want to freeze in time. Give yourself a well-deserved break and take in the gorgeous scenery.
2. Delicate Arch, UT
Delicate Arch, located in Arches National Park, is a well-known landmark in southern Utah. To some, it looks like a chiseled piece of art, and for others, it lives up to the nickname “Cowboy’s Chaps.” However it inspires you, Delicate Arch isn’t a structure you want to marvel at from afar. You can get right up to it with a 3-mile roundtrip hike, which takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete. The most important thing on this hike is to be wary of the weather. Icy days and sunny days make the trail harder, and rangers have had to rescue people who didn’t fully prepare for the journey.
If you want something a little less challenging, take the half-hour walk to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to still get an up-close, but not as personal look at this Utah gem.
3. Torrey Pines, California
At Torrey Pines, you get the beach and the wilderness all in one. Choose from eight miles of trails to find something suited for you. Guy Fleming Trail, just .7 miles, takes you up close to the Torrey pines, the country’s rarest pine tree. This trail also offers beautiful views at outlooks, where you can see wildflowers in spring or migrating whales in winter. Razor Point Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 1.4 miles and guides you to views of badlands and ravines, and the Beach Trail delivers you to the California coast where you can bask in the sun.
If you haven’t been on these hikes, we bet they’re on your list now! But, there’s something else that should be added to your list of traveler to-dos, too.
Mental Wellbeing Resources With Your Travel Nurse Agency
Check in with your agency to see what mental wellness resources they offer. Doing something you love like hiking is awesome, but it doesn’t hurt to see what other professional services are available to you as well. Whether your company has an Employee Assistance Program, access to online therapy, a Chaplain Assistance Program, or something else, make the move to ask. Even if you don’t use these services now, you’ll know they are available when you’re under a mountain of stress and could use a helping hand.
We hope you found this article on 3 traveler-approved hikes to ease the mind helpful. Are there any activities that you enjoy doing to ease your mind during your travel nurse assignment? Comment them below.
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