Spring has Sprung! It’s Time to Get Outside!

ASU Alumni: Dave Hargis

The ice and snow are slowly fading away and the spring winds have hit the Valley with their typical vigor. What better time to contemplate the wonders of the Rocky Mountains and Get Outside! I know, I know, the lure of video games is strong, the music and company in the speakeasies can be alluring, but we are surrounded by majestic mountains, state and national parks, cultural sites, and local parks and trails. What better time to shake off the cobwebs and MOVE?

According to the USDA Forest Service, getting outside can benefit individual physical and mental wellness, in addition to the wellness of entire communities that embrace environmentally friendly lifestyles. Furthermore, the March 2021 online article by Andrew Avitt of the Forest Service Office of Communication states, “Studies also show that being outside in nature is relaxing, reducing our stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension and heart rates – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”

It may seem odd that just going outside can do so much, but the science is there. Try it! You may be surprised. Be fair, however, it is not a “one and done” kind of thing. You need to have some consistency in the effort, even if you only go for a short daily walk around campus or check out some of Alamosa’s growing trail network (https://alamosarec.org/default.aspx?id=51) or the more extensive hiking opportunities across the valley (https://www.alamosa.org/san-luis-valley-trail-guide). Pace yourself. Take your time. Use the opportunities afforded by where you live to Explore, Learn, Engage, and Grow.

Remember to bring a friend. Plan your trip. Do the research using the web-based guides, but also talk to others, like the staff of ASAP (Adams State Adventure Program) in the REX. See what trips and opportunities they have to offer. Talk to Rangers and other Wildlife Officials at the local parks. They know a lot and like to share. Engaging with people, both professionals and other enthusiasts, can be a vital part of learning about our lands and cultures, both the hazards, and the wonders.

Depending on your courses and academic interests, you might even get a decent paper or project out of your experiences. Talk to your professors! See what they think and what they are willing to allow for credit, but do not rely on classwork alone when it comes to things you can learn by exploring the San Luis Valley and the Rocky Mountains.

Do NOT take safety for granted. The National Parks Service strongly advises that everyone should Hike Smart. They parse their advice in four specific areas: Know Your Limits, Plan Your Hike, What to Bring, and Hike Smart. Check out their article online for the breakdown: https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm.

Getting outside can be a vital part of your academic experience. College is more than what happens in the classroom or other on-campus activities. Use the idea of getting outside to be a gateway to new experiences and challenges for yourself and your classmates. Hydrate. Eat Well. Be Smart. Get Outside!