The warm sun of the early morning during the spring is a call to action to college students, especially those who are into hiking. It’s time for them to throw on a pair of heavy boots, pack water and sandwiches as they head into the mountains for a day of fresh air and desert views.
Though climbs can sometimes be rigorous, the challenge provides benefits to hikers even beyond physical health. It makes for an activity to keep busy, active and it serves as a picker-upper to many hikers new and old.
Even though West Texas trails can be treacherous, the scenic views and unique flora and fauna make the paths appealing to new hikers and keeps old hikers coming back for more adventure.
The West Texas region has an abundance of hiking trails throughout its state and national parks such as the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the Franklin Mountains State Park, that have a variety of climbs, canyons and nature trails to view wildlife in the area.
The trails are home to an abundance of desert ecosystems that give life to the miles of dirt. The flora and fauna range from rattle snakes and squirrels to numerous succulents and cacti.
Seasoned hikers like Alyson Rodriguez, 23, a hiker of 13 years, loves the rush of a good trail as it means much more than just a workout to get some steps in.
“It doesn’t even feel like a workout, but more like an adventure,” Rodriguez said. “I always get to see something new whether it’s a new trail I’ve never been on or a trail I’ve been going to for years. Either way, it always feels like I accomplished a challenge after a hike.”
She said the experience of hiking in the west region has not only been fulfilling to her but thinks the desert hikes are a unique experience for everyone to have.
“Hiking might not be for everyone, but I hope everyone hikes at least once on one of the trails [in El Paso]. It’s a great way to appreciate nature and all its glory,” Rodriguez said.
The feeling of accomplishment does great things beyond a good workout for hikers like Axel Perez, 20, who has five year’s worth of experience. Although the hot desert sun and slippery rocks are a barrier to most, the natural surroundings are comforting to him despite the sometimes-strenuous conditions.
“Hiking plays a huge role in maintaining my mental health. Being in nature, seeing beautiful landscapes and exploring different places helps me feel relaxed and happy,” Perez said.
Hikers like Rodriguez also use the activity as a coping mechanism to forget the worries of the day-to-day and get lost in the Earth’s creations.
“It helped me become stronger both mentally and physically,” Rodriguez said. “When I lived here in El Paso, whenever I was stressed or sad I would just put on my hiking boots and bring my dog on a hike with me. I would completely forget what I was all worked up about and just be in awe of how pretty the view on the trail was. I would get my dopamine up because I was exercising.”
Perez makes it a point to hike every weekend to challenge himself or to spend time with good company by taking friends and family and take in the beauty of the terrain of the frontera.
“Getting to experience nature at its finest, exploring breathtaking places and connecting with other hikers–the hiking community is so welcoming, and it’s easy to meet like-minded people,” Perez said. “El Paso has so many amazing trails like the Tin Mines or Thousand Step Trail, which offer a perfect mix of nature and city views.”
Rodriguez and Perez recommend for new hikers to just get out there and get the initial fear of hiking over with to enjoy a potentially life-long hobby.
Jesie Garcia is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected] or on Instagram @empanaditawrites.
