“I'd like to start hiking, but which mountain should I try first?” Almost everyone who gets interested in hiking asks this at some point. A quick search turns up plenty of beginner-friendly mountains, and the sheer number of choices can make it harder to decide. A few practical criteria can help you narrow the list and choose your first hike with confidence.
What makes a mountain beginner-friendly?
When you hear “beginner-friendly,” you might picture a low mountain. Summit elevation is one piece of the picture. Several other factors tell you more about what the hike will feel like.
Start with the estimated hiking time shown on the trail map. For a first hike, look for a route that takes about three to five hours round trip so you have some breathing room, physically and mentally. That estimate is based on a typical adult hiker's pace. Your actual time can vary considerably with fitness, weather, and how much you're carrying.
Next, check how well the trail is maintained. Clear signs and an easy-to-follow trail make it less likely you'll lose your way and help you feel more confident on a first hike.
It's easy to overlook how you'll get to and from the trailhead. Check public transport options or whether there's a place to park. A tiring journey can leave you worn out before you even start, and limited transport on the way home can leave you rushing to make the last connection.
Use this checklist to compare routes for your first hike.
- Estimated hiking time. Aim for about three to five hours round trip, depending on conditions.
- Trail condition. Look for clear signs and a well-defined trail.
- Access. Choose a trailhead you can get to and from easily.
- Elevation gain. 500 m or less of total climbing is easier on your body.
Why a lower summit can still be challenging
It's easy to assume a low summit will make for an easy hike. The route itself can be much harder than the elevation suggests.
Even a mountain only a few hundred metres high can have long stretches of rock or sustained steep slopes. On a higher mountain, a cable car or lift that takes you partway up can substantially cut both the distance you walk and the elevation you have to gain on foot.
Difficulty depends on a combination of distance, elevation gain, trail conditions, and how quickly the weather can change. Look up the details of the route before setting out.
Get into the habit of checking route details in trail maps, guidebooks, or hiking apps. Some services also share trip reports from people who have walked the route, giving you a better idea of what to expect. Reading about other hikers' experiences is especially useful when you're choosing your first mountain.
Four steps to choosing your first mountain
Put those criteria to work in four steps.
1. List mountains within about two hours of home
Start with places that are easy to reach. A long journey can tire you out on a day hike, and you still need energy to get home afterward. Look for a few trailheads within about two hours of home each way.
2. Check hiking time and elevation gain
Use a trail map or hiking app to find routes on your shortlist with an estimated round-trip time of three to five hours and a total elevation gain of 500 m or less.
3. Read reports from other hikers
Once you've narrowed your list, read trip reports from people who have walked those routes. Comments such as “the trail was easy to follow” or “I didn't encounter any particularly hazardous sections” add details that maps and numbers alone can miss. Conditions change with the season and the weather, so look for reports from around the time of year you plan to go.
4. Check the forecast before choosing a date
Mountain weather changes more quickly than it does at lower elevations. Always check the forecast for the mountain area before you leave, and choose a clear day. Rain can make the trail slippery, cool you down, and reduce visibility. While you're getting started, stick to days with a fair forecast.
Summary
A safe, enjoyable first hike begins with using reliable information to choose a route that suits your fitness and is easy for you to reach. Check the estimated hiking time, elevation gain, trail condition, access, and weather in advance. Those five checks can substantially reduce the risks on your first outing.
Even a low mountain can be challenging, and firsthand reports can help you judge what a route will be like. Prepare well and choose the first mountain that feels right for you.