CENTERVILLE – Winter hiking may take more effort, but it can also reveal surprising beauty.
The Centerville Trails Committee will help residents experience this firsthand with their upcoming Deuel Creek hike, set for Feb. 2 starting at 9 a.m. According to committee member Denise Cox, the experience will be worth having to slog through snow.
“A trail is a totally different experience in the winter,” said Cox. “It’s just beautiful.”
This will be especially true on the Feb. 2 hike, which will run along a creek in parts. In addition to partially frozen waterfalls, the cold transforms the creek itself.
“The top of the water is frozen, but you can still see the creek moving beneath it,” she said. “It’s just gorgeous.”
In order to see this beauty, hikers have to take extra precautions. Attendees must wear shoes with good traction and can wear spikes or snow shoes if they wish. Many hiking stores have traction cleats that hikers can slip on over their shoes to make navigating over ice and snow easier.
For those who prefer to rent traction assistance, both Weber State University’s Campus Rec Outdoor Program and Ski ‘N See in Bountiful rent snowshoes and other related apparel.
Hike participants, however, don’t have to worry about backcountry-like conditions. All ages and skill levels are welcome on the hike, and organizers will keep an eye on the weather.
“If it looks dangerous at all, we just won’t do it,” said Cox. “We’re hoping it won’t be a problem.”
Anyone worried about the cold, however, shouldn’t be. According to Cox, temperature isn’t an impediment to winter hiking.
“Hiking is the only time I’m really warm,” she said. “Once you get moving, it happens pretty fast.”
Those interested in participating in the hike should meet at 850 East and 100 South. All participants will receive a “Take a Hike” lapel pin.
“Everyone always feels so confined in winter,” said Cox. “But this is a chance to get out.”
Post a Comment
