A Date with a Trail

Love is in the air and in Oboz-fashion we are spending our Valentine's Day out on a 'date' with the trails that we can't get enough of. Throughout the month, our Oboz Ambassador team went on a date with their favorite trails and captured moments and stories along the way. Getting outside in the winter months can be a challenge, especially for those living in colder locations! Read on to hear more from the Ambassador's adventures - and lace up for a date with your favorite trail!

Image credit to Horizonline Pictures

My trail date was with my friend Kristen at Catoctin Mountain State Park. We chose to hike the Thurmont Vista trail. This was our first time visiting the park and before hitting the trail, we stopped by the visitor center to chat with the park rangers. They were able to give us great information about the history of the park and directed us to a trail with interpretive signage, old logging equipment, and a beautiful vista view.

The hike was incredibly refreshing. It was a crisp day, there was no one else on the trail, and the snow made a pristine winter day. While I wasn't expecting the snow, I was well prepared with my Sphinx mid insulated pull-on boot. I've been wearing them all season and am so impressed with how warm my feet feel when paired with wool socks. 

Location: Sedona, Arizona

Trail: Hangover Loop

Distance: 8.5 miles

We traded the polar vortex of the north for the crystal vortexes of Sedona with this one. Hangover Loop starts along a creek bed, climbing into bluffs and eventually up some (surprisingly vertical) red rock cliffs, skirting a massive pillar called the Tea Pot. We decided to run this trail, quickly gaining elevation, rising high above Sedona’s endless, gorgeous painted rock formations, and enjoying 360-degree views (which may or may not have had us frolicking right there in the saddle, on the highest part of the trail!).

I wore my Oboz Katabatics, whose solid grip made me feel sturdy and safe even on the wet, vertical rocks as we climbed. We talked, laughed, and geeked out at the ridiculous views the entire way. It was certainly a trail run for the books!

The winter is a time for many people to share time with friends, family and themselves. When I can combine connecting with the outdoors on trails with friends and family it is a major plus. It's a double date you might say ;)

I have a curiosity, respect, and love for desert environments, especially when I get to observe endemic plants and animals in their natural ecosystem. Recently,  I took a trip down to the desert in Arizona with some friends and decided we needed to go on a hike after a long travel day. 

We had heard about a lovely loop trail and all decided to meet for a hike at the Linda Vista Trail. We had never hiked this trail before and many had never spent time in a desert ecosystem. I was familiar with the plant life because of my trail crew experience working in a local National Park. For me, it was like seeing old friends. The early morning had a slight chill to it but once we started walking up the trail we entered the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. 

Every time I get to see a Wilderness sign it reminds me of all the trails I've worked on in the past. It makes me think about who helped build the trail I'm walking on and if they ever come back to visit. Going back to the desert plants, I got to see Ocotillo, Palos Verde trees, Creosote, Prickly Pear Cacti, Cholla Cacti, and of course, the iconic Saguaro Cactus of Southern Arizona. These cacti can grow over 20 feet and become homes to countless desert fauna, including Bobcats!!

It was so fun being able to share with friends how these plants adapted to an arid climate. The chill hovered but as we moved I could feel myself getting more excited to see what was around the next bend in the trail. We stopped to listen to birds sing and then used a pair of binoculars to see if we could ID them.  Not going to lie, every time I go anywhere I usually have two sets of footwear, my sandals, and some trail runners. This trip I left my sandals back at the rental we were staying in but luckily I had my Katabatic Low fast-pack shoes. They did great on the rocky trail and I gripped onto some larger rocks I scrambled up to get a good view of the valley floor we'd just walked through. 

Anyone whose ever walked anywhere with me should know, that Tyler's got sandals or trail shoes on because he never knows when he'll end up hiking/running a trail (60% of the time, it works). So in conclusion: there's something so special about the desert, and getting to share it with friends made it that much more special. I hope you too can find time to go out on a "date" with a trail, whether that is a solo trip or one with company, just remember the trail is there for you too ;)"

For my "date with a trail," I chose a picturesque trail nestled in the heart of Idaho’s stunning wilderness. This selection was not arbitrary; rather, it was a deliberate choice influenced by the challenging winter weather.

The winter months can be quite uninviting with short, cold, and gloomy days, making it less enticing to venture outdoors. However, I've found that having a specific purpose for my outdoor activities motivates me to overcome these obstacles and embrace the natural world, even when the weather is less than welcoming. And, of course, the choice of appropriate footwear plays a significant role in ensuring a successful adventure. My Oboz Bangtail insulated waterproof boots played a crucial role in keeping me warm and dry throughout the journey.

Fishing is a passion that drives me during the winter months, and this particular location held special significance. I had visited this trail during a fishing trip the previous winter, and despite my best efforts, I returned home empty-handed in 2023. However, this winter was a different story. With determination and the right gear, I managed to catch a couple of nice whitefish, leaving me with a deep sense of accomplishment. Returning to this trail for the second consecutive winter was a heartwarming experience, and I can confidently say that I'll be back next winter for another memorable "date" with nature.

I chose to go to Cerrillos Hills State Park in Cerrillos, New Mexico. I decided to head out to Cerrillos Hills State Park because it's a local gem, literally. The park was created thirty-four million years ago when magma oozed through the earth's crust and eventually formed into veins full of turquoise, galena, zinc, copper, and more! I needed some trail loving after finding out one of my good outdoor friends, Erin, passed away the night before. The trails always support me in all moods and allow me to process any difficulty I may face. So heading here was a great choice.  

My first hike in New Mexico was at this park. After a prayer and leaving an offering for the land, a white butterfly landed on me. It was amazing and the first time in my life anything like that had ever happened! This time around, I put my Oboz Bangtail hiking boots on, and my REI puffy jacket and headed out for my hike. I ended up at the same overlook and sat in meditation thinking of my friend Erin. I felt peace knowing she is in a better place now and in her true essence.

I felt so much inner peace and stillness when I took a break at the overlook. At one point two ravens flew above me, the sky was blue and it was all so quiet. I also got to check out some of the mines and picked some juniper berries, as I'm learning more about local flora and their medicinal uses of them. Lastly, I felt playful and joyous getting out on a date with the trail, while getting some peace, comfort, and fresh air. 

I chose my date with a trail at Whiteface and Passaconaway via Blueberry Ledges and Dicey Mill Trail in the beautiful Sandwich Range of the White Mountains of NH. After months of health and injury setbacks and living in the shadow of Mount Washington, home of the world's worst weather with Mother Nature keeping things interesting, I finally had the opportunity to get out and enjoy some solo trail time.

I needed this "date" more than I knew. Not only for physical health but mentally. This route is challenging and sections of the ledges are noted on a hiking list called, "The Terrifying 25." I had previously only reached these peaks from the other side of the mountain range. This route delivered a mixed bag of emotions. Adrenaline, exhaustion, tears, laughter, and the perfect descent of running and butt sledding down steep terrain. The hardest part was the traverse between the two peaks. Somewhere on that ridge line, I was in my head and it was not pretty. I knew I was safe, the conditions were great, and my new snowshoes and Oboz Bangtail Mids kept my feet warm and in great shape. 

I felt like I couldn't do it. I was not strong enough. I was tired, Out of shape, and doubting myself. I dug deep for that final push-up to the second summit and the sense of accomplishment when I reached that peak reminded me that I was strong and capable even in those times of self-doubt and frustration. By the end, I felt so proud of my mind and body for all they were capable of. What an adventure. I'll take a date with the trail any day.

The Appalachian Trail holds a special place in my heart—it's where my love for hiking blossomed. Learning about the possibility of hiking from New York City to the AT via the Long Path Trail instantly intrigued me.

Image credit to Horizonline Pictures

Despite my brother's lack of outdoor experience, witnessing the transformation the AT had on me inspired him to join in on the adventure. Our five-day trek along the Long Path Trail to the AT forged a bond that transcended anything we experienced in the city. That's why the memories from our time on the Long Path Trail are cherished dearly.

Image credit to Horizonline Pictures

When Oboz asked me to choose a trail for the day, I immediately considered the most challenging trails I could tackle in winter—13ers, 14ers—but one trail had eluded me since I moved to Colorado. Sky Pond was a trail I had read about and dreamed of hiking long before relocating to Denver. Just under nine miles long, Sky Pond features three alpine lakes and two sets of waterfalls. With just a two-hour drive each way from Denver, it’s a manageable distance for a day date! If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s the breathtaking views of tooth-like spires from an alpine lake, and Sky Pond offers some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park, at least in my opinion!

Though I have many lovely memories in Rocky, I was thrilled to hike Sky Pond for the first time in winter! Avalanche danger is always on my mind, but with conditions nearly perfect, I decided to give it a go—and it turned out to be the best choice! This hike felt so restorative and truly reminded me why I love hiking so much. 

I’m so grateful to Oboz for spurring me to make time for getting myself outdoors! For this hike, I wore my favorite winter hiking boot- the Bangtail Mid-Insulated Waterproof boot. I knew I’d be spending time in the snow, and wanted warmth and protection from wet feet! For this particular hike, I knew I’d also be walking across a lot of ice, and the Vibram Arctic grip soles on the Bangtails helped keep me secure while traveling up and across the ice. 

A year ago, when I was nine months pregnant with my son, Neff’s Canyon in Salt Lake City was our go-to winter trail for moving my body and getting our dogs some exercise. It’s easily accessible from downtown, but with all of the snowy trails, it feels like worlds away. My partner Ryan and I hiked there up until two days before I went into labor, so for my date with a trail, we decided to go back to Neff's Canyon one year later to the date with our son in tow. 

The trails in Neff’s Canyon weave uphill along an icy riverbed with the mountains peaking out overhead. I wore my Oboz 9" Insulated Bridger Hiking Boots to keep my feet warm on this crisp February morning. It was such a joy to take my son hiking in the backpack and watch him curiously looking around laughing at our pups happily running up and down the trail.

I was surprised how quickly we got to the top too! When I was 9 months pregnant this trail felt so much more difficult. My date with the trail made me appreciate what my body has been through carrying my son and where I'm at now as I’m getting back into my hiking groove. 

After hearing our ambassador's winter adventures we hope you'll feel inspired to take yourself on a trail date this February! Whether you're hiking solo or with a friend, it's important to get moving, no matter the weather. Always stay safe and prepare accordingly for winter conditions.

Our ambassadors are always up to amazing things. To learn more about them, head to our ambassador page. For more from Oboz give us a follow on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.