Hiking is inexpensive family outing
This fellow hiking Camelback at dusk may have been in trouble.
In an article about increased mountain rescue calls at Phoenix-area hiking trails, hiking experts speculated the increase in rescues was due to an overall increase in foot traffic. Increased foot traffic, the thinking goes, is due to the fact that hiking is an inexpensive and accessible family activity (that is, until hikers get in over their heads). Unfortunately emergency responders are facing budget cuts at the same time calls for help are increasing.
All of this got me thinking that despite pitching camping as a budget-friendly family outing, we forgot to talk about hiking in the same light! Yep, hiking is even more inexpensive than camping - in fact it’s usually free - and it’s a great alternative to schlepping the kids to the amusement park or the mall. Hiking can be educational and it’s a fun way to get exercise. Springtime is one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and fortunately most of us live within a short driving distance of parks and trails.
Hiking is also a great budget-friendly activity because it doesn’t require any special equipment other than a sturdy pair of shoes (I prefer running shoes myself). Taking the family on a hiking trip is pretty low commitment as well - you can make the trip as short or as long as you like. I often like to bring a picnic lunch along in a backpack when I go hiking - any excuse to spend more time outdoors 
Research the best places to hike near you right here on Tripleblaze.com. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have for free!
Related posts:
- Camping as inexpensive family vacation
- Camping on a budget?
- Hiking is a healthy hobby
- Urban hiking
- Win a Free Camping & Hiking Trip to Havasu Falls
Tags: arizona, day-trip, inexpensive, phoenix