A Day Hike to Recharge Your Body, Mind, and Soul
What a Simple Adventure Can Teach Us in Midlife
April 30, 2017
A Road Trip Detour Worth Taking
On our drive from Las Vegas to Missoula, we did something completely out of character for our usual road-trip rhythm of “push through and get there fast.” Instead of racing to the destination, we decided to press pause and take a day hike. We originally hoped to stop at Zion National Park, but with limited dog access, we chose the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area near St. George, Utah — a beautiful, uncrowded alternative.
It meant arriving later at our hotel, but every moment on that trail fed our energy in a way hours on the highway never could.
Into the Canyon — and Into Presence
This old and gnarled fallen tree looked like a giant mammoth head to us.
The trail led us into a glowing slot canyon — a first for me. Towering red walls curved inward, water pooled at the base, and sunlight shifted with each turn. The scenery made us slow down and really “see”.
Eventually the trail narrowed until water pooled between the rock walls, making it harder to stay dry. We came across a twisted old tree trunk wedged against a boulder. Rob and I looked at it, then at each other, and laughed — we both instantly saw a prehistoric mammoth trunk left behind by an ancient glacier. Hiking has a way of sparking imagination like that.
Out on the trail, you’re often faced with little challenges — a climb, a scramble, a narrow ledge. You assess your ability, take a breath, and choose your next step. That’s part of what keeps us feeling alive and capable as we move through midlife: stretching ourselves, gently testing our edges, reminding our bodies and minds that they’re still strong.
Sometimes the smallest hikers need the biggest assist.
Nature as a Reset Button for Midlife Women
A simple day hike is more than exercise. For women in midlife — often navigating shifting roles, caregiving demands, and stress that builds without us noticing — time in nature is a powerful reset.
This one hike touched several pillars of what would eventually become my Vitality Blueprint:
Movement That Feels Good
Hiking is natural strength training. It loads your bones (important for bone density after 50), works your muscles, and boosts your cardiovascular system — all without feeling like a workout.
Renewal & Stress Relief
There’s no WiFi in a slot canyon. No buzzing notifications. Just space. My mind wandered in the best way — imagining, daydreaming, releasing. Nature gives us room to think, but also room not to think.
Mindfulness & Sensory Presence
Hiking wakes up every sense:
the smell of sun-warmed sage
the sound of water echoing between canyon walls
the warmth of sunlight on skin
the brush of a stubborn prickly bush
the sight of a rocky cliff rising overhead
These moments anchor us. They pull us out of worry and into now.
Moments like this remind me why slowing down is always worth it.
Connection
Sharing the trail with Rob (and watching Penny eagerly follow along) reminded me that these little adventures are opportunities to connect, laugh, and make new memories.
Mood & Energy Boost
Sunshine. Fresh air. Endorphins. Movement. All scientifically proven ways to lift mood — and all naturally available on a trail.
The Physical Benefits — But Also the Emotional Ones
Yes, hiking strengthens bones, builds muscle, and supports a healthy weight. Yes, it’s great for heart health and longevity.
But the emotional and mental benefits are what keep me coming back:
Stress melts.
Creativity returns.
Perspective shifts.
Joy rises.
These are the things midlife women often crave but rarely give themselves permission to experience.
This resilient old tree standing strong against the red cliffs felt like a symbol of vitality and grounded strength.
Little Adventures Matter
A day hike doesn’t have to be long, intense, or perfectly planned. It just has to be chosen.
Choosing to get out of the car instead of rushing to the destination.
Choosing fresh air over autopilot.
Choosing an experience that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.
These small choices build a life that feels vibrant, connected, and aligned — one little adventure at a time.
