Grace Johnson perches atop a rock structure over a Montana lake. Growing up in the mountains, Johnson didn’t realize how fortunate she was to grow up in that environment until coming to Minnesota. “It’s just intrinsic,” she said. “You go hiking with your family, and you live in the mountains… and then I moved to the Midwest and was like, ‘Oh, that’s not normal.’” | Submitted photo

The guide to granola

Bethel University students weigh in on what makes a perfect hike.

By Abby Chalmers & Taylor Fruetel

Chacos. Carhartt beanies. A pair of headphones blasting The Lumineers. A state-park-sticker-covered water bottle. Hallmarks of the modern granola girl.

These nature-loving coffee and thrifting enthusiasts would love to share their Appalachian-indie music playlists with anyone who asks. But perhaps the most critical characteristic of a granola girl? Knowing how to execute the perfect hike. Though venturing into the great outdoors may seem daunting, Bethel University’s resident granola girls are the perfect sources for advice to ensure a successful trip into the wilderness.

#1: Know where you’re going

Grace Johnson stared out the window as the truck bumped down the dirt trail. Her friend Alex guided the vehicle to nowhere in particular, looking for a trailhead that they weren’t sure existed. She glanced down at her phone to see the dreaded SOS symbol. No cell service.

They’d left without telling anyone where they went, which had made Johnson wary, but she’d agreed to go hiking with Alex and three other friends anyway. She hadn’t eaten anything that morning, and her stomach began to growl. No one had thought to bring any snacks or water.

A clearing resembling a trailhead came into view, and the five friends exited the car, scanning the area for a map to their destination: Holland Lake.

From the looks of the crudely-sketched map, the four boys determined that the hike wouldn’t be very long. Johnson folded her arms.

“Guys, this is a bad idea,” she said. It was only 11 a.m., and the day’s heat was just beginning.

Her friends waved her off, and the pack headed towards the trail. Almost immediately, Johnson slipped off the descending trail and sliced open her knee on a rock. Plants and weeds cut her leg up further as she fought her way out of the brush and fastened her t-shirt around the gash to stem the gushing blood. The lake was nowhere to be found, either.

“It was a scary situation… I’ve never felt so weak.”

— Grace Johnson

Johnson treks through the mountains with a group of friends. Throughout high school, she and her friends made frequent trips into the mountains in their backyards. “[In high school] I realized, ‘This is so sick.’” she said. “I could just go hiking whenever I want.” | Photo submitted by Grace Johnson

Finally, the group arrived at the mountain lake, a reward for their struggles. But the hike back was just as punishing. One of Johnson’s friends had only brought slide flip-flops to wear and decided to forgo shoes altogether on the way back, hiking up the trail barefoot. Johnson felt faint, having gone the entire day without any food or water.

“It was a scary situation,” she said. “I’ve never felt so weak.”

Johnson’s hiking horror story illustrates the necessity of knowing where you’re going–metaphorically and geographically. Instead of marching into the woods without a plan, she suggests doing the following:

1. Tell someone where you’re going and what time you expect to be back.
2. Download a hiking app like AllTrails or Avenza on your phone to avoid getting lost.
3. Pack more water and food than you think is necessary.
4. Research the terrain and plan accordingly.

#2: Know what to pack

Ashlee Mortensen stomped up the Black Hills in South Dakota with her best friends for their spring break trip. The first day was more treacherous than she had anticipated, clothes soaked from the rain and snow. The next morning Mortensen and her crew became savvy with their clothing techniques and wore base, mid and top layers as well as “bangles,” putting plastic bags between their socks and shoes to keep moisture out and warmth in.

Ashlee Mortensen smiles as she reclines atop an Oregon peak. Mortensen spent her fall semester studying with the Oregon Extension, taking one class a month while fully immersed in nature and living in a cabin near Ashland, Ore.. | Photo submitted by Ashlee Mortensen

“That really helped,” said Mortensen. “Shoutout to the bangles.”

Supplies can make or break an experience, so Mortensen says to bring:

1. Clothing layers.
2. Tents, fire-starters, food and water.
3. Seasonal gear (swimsuit, crampons, rain jacket, fleece).
4. A positive attitude.

#3: Know how to experience it

Claire Carlson struggled through the thick snow as she pulled herself up the mountain. It was spring break, but the South Dakota winter hadn’t yielded to spring yet, the harsh wind still nipping at her cheeks. But the end was in sight: Black Elk Peak inside of Black Hills National Forest, the highest point in South Dakota. Worship music streamed through the one AirPod in her ear as she took in the landscape all around her. Carlson couldn’t help but admire the vast expanse that God had created. Suddenly, the hike became easier.

Claire Carlson sits atop a waterfall with a group of friends mid-hike. Two of the friends on the hike later got engaged at the same waterfall in the ultimate example of fully experiencing a hike. “[My friend] later went back and proposed to his now-wife at the palace where we went hiking,” said Carlson. “That was super sweet.” | Photo submitted by Claire Carlson

“He later went back and proposed to his now wife at the palace where we went hiking,” said Carlson. “That was super sweet.” |Photo submitted by Claire Carlson

“He’s just present and sweet and awesome,” she said. “You look at the little stuff that’s right in front of you, and you’re like, ‘Wow, it’s all so detailed and beautiful.’”

“People look at God’s creation through a screen… and that’s not what you were made for.” — Claire Carlson

Carlson also stressed the importance of disconnecting from phones during a hike to get the full spiritual experience.

“Don’t look at your phone,” she said. “Don’t do it. People look at God’s creation through a screen… and that’s not what you were made for.”

Carlson’s hike to the top of Black Elk Peak and the spiritual connection urging her along emphasizes the faithful benefits of hiking. For the best overall experience, Carlson recommends:

1. Listening to worship music on a hike.
2. Spending time just taking in the view before taking out a phone.
3. Letting God speak to you through His incredible creation.

Graphic by Abby Chalmers and Taylor Fruetel