You don't need fancy equipment or a navigator's sense of direction; nor do you even need to go very far.

The effort and know-how to hike is one of the most simple, enjoyable hobbies you can pick up on a whim.

"I like (hiking) because it's active, but it also doesn't need to be extreme," Mike McHenry, president of Southern Colorado Trail Builders and an avid hiker, said. "It's an easy entry-level activity. You basically need a comfortable pair of shoes and clothes and a backpack. It's not intimidating."

Scott Robertshaw, director of outdoor pursuits at Colorado State University-Pueblo, echoed that sentiment.

"All the busy stuff going on and being connected with technology, when I go out there I can turn it off," Robertshaw said. "I love it because it's like a reset button."

Trail hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and with more than 40 miles of trails right here in Pueblo, it's accessible to almost anyone.

�The trails

So, where is the best place to hike?

Lake Pueblo State Park offers a variety of trails for hikers of any experience level, and in particular for those just starting.

"It's flat and the scenery is very nice," McHenry said. "That's the best place for somebody to begin."

Robertshaw agreed.

"There are so many trails on the north and south side of the reservoir," he said. "They're awesome."

Along with the nature trail and trails at Pueblo Mountain State Park, Pueblo County offers great trails for beginners.

"Those three are the best in the county," Robertshaw said.

Trails in San Isabel, Canon City and Westcliffe come with more elevation, but can be tackled by beginners once they feel comfortable, according to both McHenry and Robertshaw.

Food and water

Whether at the Reservoir or deep in the mountains, water and nutrition are must haves for hiking.

"Sometimes we'll hike down (in Pueblo) and not feel hungry," Robertshaw said. "You always want food and water, you don't want to go out without that."

Hydration and fueling the body are necessities for staying safe on the trail.

"Don't go a long period without water or snacks," McHenry said. "You don't need fancy athletic drinks or gels or athlete food. Pack a sandwich, a granola bar and a bottle of water and you'll be fine."

Clothing

Colorado weather is unpredictable, so Robertshaw suggests dressing in or bringing layers.

"You always want to think about the environment you're going in to," he said. "Layers are always best. Bring a wind breaker or a coat. Some people have pants that zip off into shorts. You want some flexibility and some variety."

As far as shoes, McHenry said hiking boots are only necessary in rocky areas. Otherwise a pair of tennis shoes or running shoes will work just fine.

"I think tennis shoes can work pretty well," McHenry said. "At the reservoir, the trails are pretty smooth. I'll just wear trail-running shoes or regular running shoes."

One piece of clothing that can serve a plethora of purposes is a bandana.

"A bandana is great," Robertshaw said. "You can put it around your neck if you're getting sunburned. You can keep dust out of your face or, if you're cold, you can cover your chin and mouth."

Robertshaw said that items that serve multiple purposes are always welcome in a backpack.

"Instead of having 14 single-use things in your pack, you want to use things you can double up with," he said.

And as far as a backpack goes, that really depends on the type of hike and what you're hauling.

"For a couple-hour hike, you want something with straps," Robertshaw said. "You want just a small backpack to hold your layers."

On longer hikes, McHenry said, you'll need more equipment.

"If you're going out for a longer day and a more remote area, you'll need first-aid kits, flashlights, head lamps and fire starters," he said. "That's really not something you'll need to get st

arted."

Though a first-aid kit is important, regardless.

Safety

One hazard while hiking is inclement weather.

"Keep an eye on the weather," McHenry said. "A storm can role in pretty quick in the afternoon. You'll find more people get caught in a storm or struck by lightning than attacked by a bear or something."

Though animal attacks while hiking are rare in both Robertshaw's (a volunteer with Pueblo County Search and Rescue) and McHenry's experiences, it is still a hazard a hiker must be aware of.

"Don't sneak up on animals," Robertshaw said. "Be aware of wildlife and where you're going. Talk a little bit in the woods, instead of staying quiet. Stick together or stay in a group."

Bringing maps, compasses and having a proper understanding of how long a hike can take are other important safety tips.

"We never plan on a hike being more than two miles an hour," Robertshaw said. "If we're having a nice (paced) hike, it should be around one to two miles an hour. Figure out a timeframe based on average conditioning."

Robertshaw emphasized that no matter what, if you're lost, injured or sick always call 911.

"If somebody gets in trouble, call 911 early," he said. "Don't wait, it could be a worse situation. Search and Rescue is free. If somebody is in trouble, it doesn't cost them anything for Pueblo County Search and Rescue to hike them out."

It's also important to let someone know when, where and how long you plan to be out, according to Robertshaw.

The benefits of hiking

Hiking is beneficial for both the mind and body, proving to be a viable workout and an opportunity for relaxation.

"We know physiologically that going out for a hike improves fitness and cardiovascular (conditioning)," Robertshaw said. "Sometimes it's good for those who need a break, or need quiet. There's some meditation and some time to reflect. The mental and social part of it is valuable."

The solitude is something that attracts McHenry to hiking, providing him with much-needed serenity.

"I can get outside, I can spend time with my wife and dog and experience some solitude," he said. "It's active, but it doesn't need to be very extreme."

For Robertshaw, it allows him to relax while burning calories.

"I go to chill and enjoy nature and the sounds," Robertshaw said. "Or, I go out there to enjoy that while getting a work out in."

"We're in the process of banging out all the 14ers in Colorado," McHenry said. "I proposed on Mt. Elbert back in 2013 and we've been doing a handful of peaks each year since then."

llyons@chieftain.com