The end of 2023, I created the “12 HIKES CHALLENGE”, set to launch January 2024, in an effort to encourage us all to spend more time outdoors in nature and move our bodies more in a multi-rewarding way. Solo hike, slow hike, grab your fur baby, trail run, invite your bestie, join me on one of my community group hikes, it doesn’t matter HOW you choose to get outside, just do it!😃

I also created a FREE “12 Hikes Group” on Instagram, to go along with the challenge, so we can all share our favorite or newly discovered hiking trails, ask questions, encourage each other, find new hiking buddies, ask for suggestions or tips, share photos, share tips/advice/recommendations & even come together for hikes!

This challenge/group is open to EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE!

What is it?

An INTERNATIONAL hiking group that can be joined from ANYWHERE in the world. Join us from WHEREVER you are in the world, commit to hiking 12 times in 12 months. Skipped a month? No worries, just make it up on another month! No big deal.

How?

The goal isn’t to do any specific hike(s) but to simply complete ANY 12 hikes in one years time, from wherever YOU are! I think that following the “1 hike per month” plan is the easiest BUT if you get busy one month, you can make up for it the following month to get back on track.

I received a lot of good feedback about the 2024 challenge, so I am hoping this years challenge is also an excellent way to give us that boost we may need to not only spend more time outdoors but ALSO move our bodies more in 2025.

“I did this challenge last year and got out much more with my Lilix (daughter)”

— Angela

Benefits of time outdoors in nature:

🌲Increases feelings of calmness

🌲Increases endorphin levels and dopamine production (promotes happiness)

🌲Restores capacity for concentration and attention

🌲Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression

🌲Reduced irritability

🌲Lowers blood pressure and reduces cortisol (stress hormone)

🌲Reduces feelings of isolation

Benefits of hiking:

☀️Reduces risk of heart disease

☀️Lowers blood pressure

☀️Combats diabetes

☀️Tackles obesity / assists in weight loss

☀️Reduces anxiety and depression

☀️Improves sleep

☀️Helps build strong muscles and bones

☀️Improves arthritis

☀️Helps improve balance

☀️Encourages circulation

Want to join us virtually in 2025? I’ll add you to the group!

Join the 12 Hikes Challenge

Granuja Falls, Upper Falls & Basin Falls Via Waterfall Loop Trail

I also wanted to share all of the hikes that I did in 2024, in case you want to try any of them! 😃 Without further adieu, here are my 2024 hikes, in no particular order!

🥾Mobius Arch Loop Trail (0.6 miles)

🥾Shark Fin Loop (1.7 miles)

🥾Stockton Creek Preserve Loop (3.2 miles)

🥾Earth Pyramids of Ritten (2.9 miles)

🥾Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (2.7 miles)

🥾Hume Lake Loop (2.9 miles)

🥾Lake Agnes Trail (4.6 miles)

🥾Marble Canyon (0.9 miles)

🥾Numa Falls (0.4 miles)

🥾Rockpile (0.5 miles)

🥾Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (3.4 miles - I was like .3 miles from the top)

🥾Takakkaw Falls Trail (1 mile)

🥾Inyo Craters Trail (1.6 miles)

🥾Granuja Falls, Upper Falls & Basin Falls Via Waterfall Loop Trail (2 miles)

WANT to join us in person for a group hike?

🌎 Mariposa County, California Group Hike (March 29th)

FUN FACT: Pets are welcome on ALL of my group adventures!

THE 12 HIKES CHALLENGE