There’s nothing quite like the feeling of waking up on a big hike day. I feel excited, a little nervous, a little tired, and ready for a challenge. One thing that gets me out of bed, and ready to start an epic day is knowing I’m fully prepared.
A big, challenging, bucket list hike isn’t just about endurance or strength. It’s about starting the morning off right. Waking up feeling fueled up and stress-free will make all the difference for the adventure ahead. Over the years, I’ve learned that a smooth morning routine can make or break a tough hike. In this post, you’ll learn how to prepare the night before, fuel up properly, and set yourself up for success with my go-to morning routine for big, bucket-list hikes!
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Successful Mornings & Valuable Lessons
When it comes to big hikes, some mornings just go perfectly and others… not so much. Take my Angels Landing hike in Zion, for example.
I prepped the night before so well, I felt like I could have won a gold medal if preparation were an Olympic sport. The morning was smooth. I was hydrated, fueled, and ready to conquer the trail before the crowds even arrived. 10/10 preparation.
Then there was the morning of my Old Rag hike. I was one of the first cars in the parking lot, fully energized and feeling like I was crushing the morning. I had all my essentials, was well-hydrated, and set the pace for an epic day. Executed perfectly.
But, of course, not every hike goes according to plan. When I hiked Mount Lafayette in the White Mountains, I took a more laid back approach. I didn’t put in the prep time I usually do and ended up showing up a little later than usual, without enough daylight or enough snacks. Let’s just say I had to cut my hike short, and it was a real learning moment for me.
Learn from my successes and mistakes! Preparation really does make all the difference on big goal hikes!
Need some hike inspo? Here’s my 10 favorite hikes in Maryland.
1. The Night Before: Set Yourself Up for Success
I’ve learned that the smoother my morning is, the better my hike goes. And truthfully? That morning routine starts the night before.
I hate getting stuck with a dead headlamp, or running out of energy in the first mile. Now, I make sure everything is ready the night before so I can wake up and hit the trail without stress.
Here’s my go-to night-before checklist:
- Get all my snacks packed. This means going to the grocery store if necessary.
- Charge all electronics. My phone, camera, GPS, headlamp, and in the winter, my rechargeable hand warmers get plugged in. I also keep a portable charger in my bag just in case.
- Pack all my gear. This means laying out my backpack, water, extra layers, first aid kit, and anything else I might need. There’s nothing worse than realizing you left your hat behind on a freezing morning.
- Eat a solid dinner. Something with a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. If it’s a really big hike, I don’t skimp on carbs.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I start drinking extra water the night before so I’m not chugging it all in the morning.
- Check the weather. Weather can change so often, especially at higher elevations. I like to check periodically just in case.
- Wind down properly. I know how important sleep is before a big hike, so I try to create a relaxing evening. Chamomile tea and a good book do the trick. I also take melatonin to make sure I get a good night’s sleep, but that’s totally optional.
2. Get an early start
On hike mornings, I like to wake up early not just to avoid crowds and get a good parking spot, but also to maximize daylight. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise as you’re driving to a trailhead. It’s the ultimate way to hype yourself up.
3. Fueling Up: Breakfast & Coffee Are Non-Negotiable
I never skip breakfast on a hike day. I like to aim for a balance of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats to keep my energy levels stable.
Some of my favorite pre-hike breakfasts:
- Oatmeal with nut butter and banana
- Eggs with whole-grain toast and avocado
- A protein smoothie- I’ve been using this protein powder and Bloom Green Powder in my smoothies and I can notice a difference in how energized I feel.
4. Getting Ready: Hike Day Morning Care
And, of course, coffee. I cannot function without it, and I’m not about to attempt a tough hike without a coffee first. Some people prefer tea or an electrolyte drink instead. Its totally up to your personal preference.
I like to feel my best on a big hike day, and that means taking care of my skin. Before heading out, I go through my usual routine, but with a little extra care. I’m not gonna pretend to be an expert on skincare, but I have found some things that work well for me.
Long hours in the sun, wind and dry air have left my skin feeling awful, so I make time for extra hydration in the morning. I apply this hydrating moisturizer followed by a solid amount of this sunscreen. Even if its cloudy, sun protection is a must. When I get home after the hike, I like to use this cream to take my skincare up a notch.
I also like to take a few minutes to prep my feet. I have had hike days that were ruined by blisters, so now I swear by Body Glide on my toes to prevent friction. A little extra care in the morning means I can hike longer! I also throw this in my pack in case I need more on the trail.
Speaking of my pack, this is the time that I make sure I have everything. Water, snacks, maps, gear, layers. And I also check the weather again. It’s become an obsession 🙂
5. On the Way to the Trailhead: Hype & Last-Minute Prep
Driving to the trailhead is one of my favorite parts of the day. Excitement, hype music, watching the sun rise- how can you ask for a more perfect morning?
When I arrive at the trailhead, I like to take a few minutes for final prep:
- Take a bathroom break. If I know there is no bathroom at the trailhead, I will stop on the way.
- Change into my hiking boots. I don’t like to drive in them- personal preference.
- Do a few quick stretches. Your legs will thank you later.
- Reapply sunscreen if needed. Truthfully, its always needed
- Apply bug spray if needed.
- Text a friend and let them know where I am, and when I should return. If your hike is solo, know the 10 rules for hiking alone safely.
- Take a deep breath and hit the trail!
Final Thoughts
A tough, bucket list hike is all about the preparation. Setting yourself up for success is the key. I’ve had mornings when I felt unstoppable, and mornings that felt chaotic. Trust me, preparation is the way to go.
So, if you’ve got a big hike coming up, take the time to prepare. Lay out your gear, get a good night’s sleep, fuel your body, and take care of your skin. The more intentional you are in the morning, the more energy you’ll have to fully enjoy the trail.
What are your pre-hike rituals? Do you have any must-do morning habits before a big adventure? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear how you get ready for the trail!
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