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4 essential tips for hiking in the spring

Hiking boots
Warm weather and spring storms can cause hiking trails to become waterlogged and muddy... like, really muddy. This time of year is often considered to be ‘mud season’ as conditions usually persist from late March through May. 

If you plan to hit the trails this spring, here are a few tips and recommendations to follow. 

1. Pick the right trail 

Before setting out, take time to do some research. Here are some things to consider when looking for a good spring hiking trail: 

  • Review weather conditions to plan around recent storms or potential flooding. 
  • Check trail conditions by looking at reviews on sites like . 
  • Call ahead if you plan to visit a national park to ask rangers about trail closures and conditions. 
  • Look for south-facing trails, which are sunnier and typically maintain drier conditions.  
  • Pick a trail that is less challenging than one you might do in the summer. Take steepness, length, elevation gain and overall accessibility into account. 
  • Avoid higher terrain, as trails at higher elevations take longer to thaw and dry out. 
  • If you’re uncertain about trekking through muddy conditions, opt for a paved trail like those found at Garden of the Gods or Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough State Park. 

If you need help researching trails, the Adventure Resource Center's library is a great place to start. They have guidebooks and resource books to help plan your next trip. Books range from flyfishing and river guides to the best local hiking and mountain biking trails. You can check out any of these books to take home or on your trip.

2. Bring the right gear 

Hiking around with wet feet can be uncomfortable and painful. Here are some gear options you may want to consider bringing with you on potentially muddy or wet hikes: 

  • Hiking boots: We recommend skipping your usual tennis shoes or sneakers when it comes to spring hiking. Instead, it’s usually best to opt for a waterproof hiking boot that is about six to eight inches tall. Keep in mind that even waterproof boots may not guarantee dry feet. 
     
  • Gaiters: For additional protection against snow, water and mud, consider using a pair of gaiters. Gaiters slide over your boots or shoes to help give you an extra layer of protection against wet conditions. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used for many activities, including hiking, mountaineering and trail running.  
     
  • Socks: Socks that are made from fabrics like nylon and merino wool allow your feet to breathe and wick away moisture, which can be particularly helpful in wet conditions. We also recommend bringing a spare set of socks (and shoes) that you can change into after you’ve finished your hike. This will ensure that your feet don’t remain soggy all day, even if they get wet. 
     
  • Plastic bags: If you don’t own a pair of waterproof boot liners, you can place a plastic bag over your feet before sliding into your boots. This provides a bit of extra protection against wet socks and feet while hiking. Plastic bags are also great to have on hand for the drive home. When finished with your hike, change into a fresh pair of socks and shoes. Then, you can place your wet, muddy boots into a plastic bag for the trip home. This will save you from getting the inside of your car dirty. 
     
  • Trekking poles: While trekking poles aren’t necessary, they can provide extra stability and peace of mind. They’re also great for getting out of sticky situations. For instance, if you accidentally step into a muddy bog, it can be difficult to pull your foot out, especially if you stand still for too long. If this happens, use your trekking poles to help you pull yourself out. 
     
  • Microspikes: If you think you may encounter ice or snow, consider packing microspikes to give you extra traction on slippery surfaces.  
     
  • Layers: Weather can change in an instant, especially in Colorado. Plan to wear layers for spring hikes. This will give you the flexibility to bundle up when it’s cold or snowy and dress down if it gets hot. 

Tips for taking care of your boots 

If your boots become caked in mud, it can impact their durability and ability to repel water. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your hiking boots in good condition after a muddy hike. 

  1. Don’t wait to clean your dirty boots. This can cause damage and lead to mildew. 

  1. Rinse your boots in water to get most of the mud off. Be sure to avoid immersing them completely. 

  1. Lightly scrub your boots with a bristled brush (old toothbrushes work great). 

  1. If needed, take out the laces and clean them separately. This will help you get better access to the parts of your boot that may be hidden under the laces. 

  1. If your boots are wet on the inside, stuff them with a dry rag or towel, newspaper, an old t-shirt or paper towels to help them dry. 

  1. Let your boots dry naturally. Avoid using heat to accelerate the process (i.e., don’t put them in your dryer or next to a heat source, as this can damage them or cause your boots to shrink). 

  1. Re-waterproof them as needed. If your boots already contain water-resistant materials like Gore-Tex, you don’t need to apply waterproofing. However, if your boots are old or the water barrier is getting worn out, you can use waterproofing products to improve their repellency.  

3. Head out early 

As temperatures rise during the day, ice and snow can quickly turn to mud. That’s why it’s usually best to go hiking in the morning when the ground is still frozen. If you wait too long, you may find that trail conditions have worsened. Heading out early can also help you avoid crowds, which can make maneuvering the mud extra difficult.  

4. Respect trails 

As large swaths of hikers start taking to the trails, it’s important to be conscious of how and where you hike, as wear and tear can sometimes cause irreparable damage. If you notice a trail is muddy or wet, use these guidelines to help minimize damage: 

  • Follow trail closures: Yes, it’s annoying when the trail you were planning to complete is closed, but it’s still important to follow closures, notices and other posted information. Trails can close for many reasons, including damage, flooding or dangerous conditions. That’s why it’s usually best to check conditions in advance and have a backup plan just in case. 
     
  • Stay on the trail: The truth is, if a trail is muddy, you should simply embrace it and avoid trying to skirt around wet areas. This can cause erosion, impact the ecosystem and cause damage, especially if large numbers of people are going off-trail. Instead, try to make the trail deeper, not wider. This means you should be walking in the middle of the trail, even when it’s wet or muddy. 
     
  • Use natural features: If a trail has stepping stones, logs, boardwalks or other features, use them. These can help protect the trail and make it more passable. Just remember to take it slow in case these features may be covered in snow, ice or water, which can reduce traction. 

Resources 

If you’re looking for more information about hiking trails or want help preparing for your next trip, there are a variety of resources available. 

Hiking and backpacking trips

Outdoor Pursuits offers a wide variety of hiking and backpacking courses. Take advantage of these great trips that will prepare you for your own hikes and adventures around Colorado. Early registration is recommended due to limited spots.  

 Available for students, staff and faculty (must be a Rec member) 

Outdoor equipment rentals

Outdoor Pursuits rents a variety of hiking equipment, including hiking boots, microspikes, trekking poles, backpacks and headlamps. . 

 Available for students, staff and faculty (no Rec membership required)

Adventure Resource Center

Plan your next adventure with the assistance of the Adventure Resource Center (ARC). The resource center is a welcoming space where you can hang out and thumb through aaden vast library of guidebooks. 

  Available for students, staff and faculty (must be a Rec member)

Wilderness Workshops

Take advantage of Outdoor Pursuits workshops to enhance your outdoor skills such as wilderness survival, backcountry cooking, navigation and native plant identification. 

 Available for students, staff and faculty (must be a Rec member)

Wilderness Medicine

The Wilderness First Responder class and certification provides you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote settings and may be valuable should you choose to embark on a backcountry adventure this spring. 

 Available for students, staff and faculty (must be a Rec member) 

Find a complete list of trails and open space properties in Boulder County including information on if dogs or bikes are allowed on the trail. 

 Available for students, staff and faculty 

Physical Therapy and Integrative Care

Medical Services’ physical therapists can help evaluate injuries and help you get back on the trails in no time. 

Recreation Injury Care Center (RICC)

The RICC is open to all members and guest pass holders at the main campus Rec Center. They are staffed by two athletic trainers who can provide injury care, preventative care, professional referals, performance and recovery strategies and more. 

This center, located near Folsom Field, provides sports medicine, physical therapy and performance services.