Which Hike Would You Choose?

If you could only pick one kind of hike, which would it be?

The first kind takes you deep into the wilderness. The trail disappears into the trees, your phone has no signal, and the only sounds are birds, wind, and the occasional rustle in the bushes. There are no buildings, no roads, and no reminders of everyday life. Just you and the natural world.

Hiking trail in the woods far away from the city. (Photo by Oakley)

The second kind leads to a viewpoint. You climb higher and higher until suddenly the trees open up and your entire town stretches out below you. The streets, houses, schools, and businesses all look tiny from above. It’s a reminder of how much exists beyond your own little routine.

Hiking trail with views of Missoula. (Photo by Oakley)

Both offer something completely different.

The wilderness hike gives you a chance to disconnect. It makes the world feel bigger and quieter at the same time. You stop thinking about notifications, deadlines, and to-do lists because none of those things matter out there.

The overlook hike does almost the opposite. Instead of escaping your world, it gives you a new perspective on it. Looking down at your town from above can make familiar places feel new again. Problems seem smaller. Distances seem shorter. Everything looks connected.

Some days I want the hike that takes me as far away from civilization as possible. Other days I want to stand on a ridge and see the entire valley spread out beneath me.

Maybe that’s why I can never decide which one I like more.

So what about you?

Would you rather hike somewhere so remote that you forget the rest of the world exists, or somewhere high enough to see all of it at once?

— Oakley