Gossamer Gear’s Finest Mountaineering Trails for Each Month of 2025

So, lace up your path runners, pack your gear, and prepare to discover essentially the most unforgettable climbing adventures of 2025!

1. January: Huge Bend in Texas

Photograph Credit score: Jonathan Schmid

January is likely one of the most magical occasions to go to the Huge Bend area of Texas. The celebrities at night time are large and vibrant for cowboy tenting, and the crisp mornings heat up shortly as soon as the solar shines. Usually, the one “crowds” it’s possible you’ll discover are across the Chisos Basin, so we discover ourselves favoring the state park, and a straightforward, quick first hike of the yr is the Closed Canyon Path at Huge Bend Ranch State Park. This quick slot canyon carves its means by a mesa because it makes its technique to the Rio Grande, and you may spot numerous vegetation and animals alongside the best way. 

—Jonathan Schmid, CEO

2. February: Lake Morena in California

Photograph Credit score: Gossamer Gear

February is a tricky one for climbing, particularly when you’re like me and don’t precisely love the chilly. Throughout this time of yr, nothing beats the southern California climate, and the additional south, the higher. In case you’re within the San Diego space throughout February, considered one of my favourite locations to hike is Lake Morena. It’s a little bit of a drive exterior the town, however Lake Morena is a implausible spot to benefit from the stunning panorama with out the same old crowds. It’s additionally an iconic landmark for these early on their Pacific Crest Path journey! Whereas there possible received’t be any thru-hikers on path throughout this time of yr, you possibly can simply think about the nerves and anticipation one could have understanding they’ve received roughly 2,600 miles left. Who is aware of, possibly you’ll get that itch to thru-hike your self?

—Joshua Garza, Director of Model Advertising

3. March: Davis Mountains State Park in Texas

Photograph Credit score: Travis Okay. Witt

I don’t know if this place counts as a hidden gem, but it surely undoubtedly looks like one in March. You received’t bump right into a ton of parents on the paths or on the campsites, which makes securing reservations tremendous simple. There’s nonetheless just a little chill within the air, however the Texas solar retains the biting chilly at bay in the course of the day—excellent climate for day hikes at any degree. Plus, when you’re fortunate, you would possibly catch some early blooms of the claret cup cactuses by the tip of March. One in every of my favourite itineraries for this space entails climbing as much as the Limpia Primitive Canyon space, discovering a primitive campsite, and having fun with the unimaginable stargazing that the Davis Mountains supply. Final time I used to be there, my trusty The One actually got here in helpful throughout an early spring windstorm, too!

—Sarah del Puerto, Advertising Supervisor

4. April: North Desk Mountain Ecological Reserve in California

Photograph Credit score: Carrie Fritsch

Desk Mountain, close to Oroville, California, is an exquisite mesa with wildflower blooms, vernal swimming pools, and waterfalls, such because the 166-foot Phantom Falls. Fashioned by historical lava flows, it presents scenic hikes, picnicking, and kite-flying. It’s my favourite spot to discover and hike with my household in April. The wildflowers are actually gorgeous! Hikes vary from 4 to 11 miles, with various issue. Be aware of the flowers, put on sturdy sneakers on the rocky trails, and keep away from the mesa edge and cattle. I pack a Loris daypack with snacks, loads of water, a kite, and a Lightrek Mountaineering Umbrella with the Handsfree Umbrella Clamp. It’s a must-visit!

—Carrie Fritsch, Designer + Improvement, Manufacturing, & Logistics Lead

5. Might: Three Sisters Path in Evergreen, Colorado

Photograph Credit score: Gracie Villanueva

The Three Sisters Path system is an ideal spot for anyone on the lookout for a wide range of outside actions, together with climbing, path operating, mountain biking, and bouldering. Hidden within the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the interconnected trails wind by scenic pine forests and open meadows, with superior views of the encompassing peaks and valleys. That is the right path to customise your journey to fit your tempo—whether or not you’re climbing, operating, or biking. And after hitting the paths, you’ll discover nice bouldering alternatives with issues starting from simple to very difficult, making it an ideal technique to cap off your day within the mountains. The Minimalist daypack is the right companion for these trails—perfect for storing your pungent climbing sneakers and packing your favourite climbing snacks for a fun-filled day.

—Gracie Villanueva, Head of Gross sales

6. June: Adirondacks in New York

Photograph Credit score: Caroline Brammer

The Adirondacks is tucked away within the northeastern nook of the nation, solely about 5 hours away from New York Metropolis. Count on rolling mountains, enjoyable quirky cities, atmospheric loon calls, sparkly lakes, and tons of allure. The lakes would possibly nonetheless be a bit chilly for swimming, however the air is nice for climbing! I like to recommend the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls hike. I’d additionally convey rain gear, because the climate may be unpredictable, and a bug web in case the black flies overstay their welcome. In case you’re eager to expertise the area from a special perspective, I extremely advocate canoeing! This can be a enjoyable technique to give your legs a relaxation, and attain secret island campsites earlier than their prime season of July and August.

—Caroline Brammer, Model & CX Lead

7. July: Emigrant Wilderness in California

Photograph Credit score: Glen Van Peski

I really like being exterior usually, and I’m not too choosy. But when I am choosing, my favourite locations are within the mountains, close to or above treeline. Being at excessive elevation is a plus in the course of the summer season months to beat among the warmth at decrease elevations. For mountains, there’s one thing particular concerning the Sierra. You possibly can skip the crowded Yosemite space, and get a walk-up allow for Emigrant Wilderness, simply to the northwest. You get the identical granite spires and glowing lakes, with out the crowds and allow hassles. Lengthy days imply loads of time for wandering, on path and off. Deliver sunscreen and clothes protection as a result of the solar at excessive elevations is fierce. You’ll need your Lightrek climbing poles for clambering on some cross-country routes to get again to among the off-trail lakes. Deliver some Bug Dope repellent and a headnet as a result of there may be some important bug stress, relying on the yr. The Whisper is the right tent to maintain the bugs away with out weighing you down.

—Glen Van Peski, Founder

8. August: Redwood Nationwide and State Parks in California

Photograph Credit score: Korrin Bishop

Backpacking and climbing throughout August within the West generally is a little difficult provided that it’s prime wildfire season. Whereas by no means a assure, I’ve typically discovered that Redwood Nationwide and State Parks alongside the far northern California coast is a secure guess when inland mountain areas are burning. Whereas this park is understood for its fog and rain, you’ll discover ample sunny days in August (though, actually, most likely nonetheless some wet days, so ensure to convey your poncho!). On as of late, I notably advocate climbing the Coastal Path. It presents 70 miles of practically steady path climbing alongside the ruggedly scenic Pacific shoreline. Along with gorgeous ocean views, you’ll discover tide swimming pools, sandy seashores, and magical forests stuffed with sitka spruce, pink alders, ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. If you wish to get a superb style of historical redwoods, as effectively, make Damnation Creek Path your start line. This path is lined with towering coastal redwoods and connects with the Coastal Path for an prolonged journey.

—Korrin Bishop, Content material Supervisor & Editor

9. September: Dolomites in Italy

Photograph Credit score: Grant Sible

My choose for September is the Dolomites within the Italian Alps. September climate is often a bit dry and funky and the post-summer crowds are smaller. This space is an alpine paradise with one thing for nearly everybody—cheaper than France or Switzerland, nice meals and pleasant individuals, and a variety of quick access to unimaginable climbing. There are granite peaks, excessive meadows and ponds, and views for miles. Whereas “wild tenting” within the Alps is usually unlawful, each mountain walker ought to expertise hut-to-hut climbing if they will. Usually, the huts have nice meals, sizzling showers, electrical energy, and good water, and might and must be pre-booked. You don’t need to convey a tent, and you may carry loads much less meals, as you eat most meals on the huts and might even buy a lunch there. The paths between huts may be as difficult as you select, and aren’t usually very busy away from the entry factors. For an extended stroll, I counsel a bit of the By way of Alpina. You too can discover some simple day hikes to basic Dolomite points of interest and head down for the night time for an incredible sundown view with dinner.

—Grant Sible, Board Chairman

10. October: Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina

Photograph Credit score: Caroline Brammer

As an alternative of driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway, expertise the autumn leaves by foot! There are many strolling trails—together with the Appalachian Path—to benefit from the largely gentle, crisp climate, America’s oldest mountain vary, and even older timber. There’s at all times a chance of rain all through this area, and it might probably nonetheless be fairly humid within the fall. Put on mild, breathable layers that can dry shortly after an surprising rainshower. Regardless of the unsure forecast, there’s one thing magical about strolling by the “inexperienced tunnel” surrounded by yellow, orange, and heat pink colours.

—Caroline Brammer, Model & CX Lead

11. November: Misplaced Maples State Park in Texas

Photograph Credit score: bettyloulou70

There is no such thing as a campsite extra coveted than a campsite at Misplaced Maples State Park in the course of the month of November in Texas. It’s recognized for its gorgeous fall foliage, which is one thing to behold right here. That is why it’s necessary to seize reservations proper as they open for the autumn season or else you would possibly miss out. Nevertheless, when you miss out on the reservations, you possibly can at all times go for a fast day journey to benefit from the trails. You’ll possible wish to pack binoculars for hen watching, a digital camera, and your favourite daypack for a day at Misplaced Maples.

—Sarah del Puerto, Advertising Supervisor

12. December: Black Hills in South Dakota

Photograph Credit score: Korrin Bishop

In December, I like to recommend grabbing some microspikes, trekking poles, and heat layers and totally embracing the chilly season in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Generally known as the “Island within the Plains,” these rugged mountains are a uniquely stunning place to discover, surrounded by grasslands, badlands, and labyrinthine cave networks. They give the impression of being notably gorgeous with a dusting of snow. My favourite path is Little Satan’s Tower Path, a three-mile out-and-back hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of the Black Hills, together with the well-known Needles formations, Black Elk hearth tower, the bottom of Mount Rushmore, and even Badlands Nationwide Park on a transparent day. Be aware that in the course of the winter, Freeway 87 to the trailhead is closed. You’ll have to park at Sylvan Lake through Freeway 89 and highway stroll a bit lower than a mile as much as the trailhead off Freeway 87.

—Korrin Bishop, Content material Supervisor & Editor

Set a Purpose to Do a New Hike in Each Month of 2025

Whether or not you observe within the footsteps of our employees or map out your individual high 12 hikes for the yr, we largely hope that this weblog conjures up you to get on the market and to maintain exploring. Setting a aim of doing one new hike every month is a good way to offer your outdoorsy soul just a little accountability for prioritizing journey this yr.