Why You Should Revisit Those Quick Getaways and Day Hikes
And how that taught me to see the world differently
One of the wonderful things about living in Utah is the number of local hikes that are easily done in a day or even a few hours. After moving to Salt Lake, I discovered how great it is living so close to the Cottonwood Canyons. I can escape to the mountains and squeeze in some short hikes, even during my busiest weeks.
One of my favorite quick getaways is The Brighton Lakes (Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine). I've done it four times since discovering it just over a year ago, and it quickly became one of my go-to destinations to do with family and friends. I will continue to visit these lakes multiple times each year, and here is why you should revisit your favorite spots too:
1. It's amazing how different a location can be from one visit to another.
Each visit is a new experience, a new adventure, and a new memory. Just because you've done a hike once doesn't mean you've seen it all. It may just amaze you how awesome it is the second time around!
2. Visiting the same locations over and over has greatly improved my photography.
It has pushed my creativity and has taught me to continually look for new ways to approach a photo. With each visit, I ask myself how I can make my photos unique and interesting. Even if photography isn't your thing, revisiting a place will help you see things that may not have been there the first time. Maybe that's wildlife, or a beautiful sunset, or even a storm you didn't expect. Like I mentioned in reason 1, each visit is a new experience and should be appreciated as such.
3. Quick getaways and local day hikes are often underestimated when compared to grand adventures like backpacking trips or National Park adventures, but they are a gem hidden in plain site.
Many people simply aren't able to take as many trips as they would like to. For me, the weekly wanderings in my area are what keeps me grounded and able to thrive throughout the week. I have a desk job (which I love, don't get me wrong), but it is because I take every opportunity to be outside, that I am able to focus during those long hours in the office without longing to be somewhere else. Even if it is walking my dog around the park, any outdoor time is beneficial to my physical and mental health (and hopefully to my tan pretty soon also!) I recommend getting out as often as possible, for many various reasons, but I especially encourage revisiting some spots that you've been to before, just to see it again with fresh eyes!
What are your local favorites?
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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