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 mountain climbing adventures of 2025!

1. January: Massive Bend in Texas

Photograph Credit score: Jonathan Schmid

January is likely one of the most magical instances to go to the Massive Bend area of Texas. The celebs at night time are large and vibrant for cowboy tenting, and the crisp mornings heat up rapidly as soon as the solar shines. Usually, the one “crowds” you might discover are across the Chisos Basin, so we discover ourselves favoring the state park, and a simple, brief first hike of the yr is the Closed Canyon Path at Massive Bend Ranch State Park. This brief slot canyon carves its method by means of a mesa because it makes its solution to the Rio Grande, and you’ll spot numerous crops and animals alongside the way in which. 

—Jonathan Schmid, CEO

2. February: Lake Morena in California

Photograph Credit score: Gossamer Gear

February is a troublesome one for mountain climbing, particularly if you happen to’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. Should you’re within the San Diego space throughout February, one in all my favourite locations to hike is Lake Morena. It’s a little bit of a drive outdoors town, however Lake Morena is a unbelievable spot to benefit from the lovely panorama with out the standard crowds. It’s additionally an iconic landmark for these early on their Pacific Crest Path journey! Whereas there probably gained’t be any thru-hikers on path throughout this time of yr, you possibly can simply think about the nerves and anticipation one might have figuring out 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 and marketing

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, however it positively appears like one in March. You gained’t bump right into a ton of parents on the paths or on the campsites, which makes securing reservations tremendous straightforward. There’s nonetheless a little bit chill within the air, however the Texas solar retains the biting chilly at bay through the day—excellent climate for day hikes at any stage. Plus, if you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly catch some early blooms of the claret cup cactuses by the tip of March. One among my favourite itineraries for this space entails mountain 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 and marketing Supervisor

4. April: North Desk Mountain Ecological Reserve in California

Photograph Credit score: Carrie Fritsch

Desk Mountain, close to Oroville, California, is a wonderful mesa with wildflower blooms, vernal swimming pools, and waterfalls, such because the 166-foot Phantom Falls. Shaped by historical lava flows, it provides scenic hikes, picnicking, and kite-flying. It’s my favourite spot to discover and hike with my household in April. The wildflowers are really gorgeous! Hikes vary from 4 to 11 miles, with various problem. Be conscious of the flowers, put on sturdy footwear 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 + Growth, 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 mountain climbing, path working, mountain biking, and bouldering. Hidden within the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the interconnected trails wind by means of scenic pine forests and open meadows, with superior views of the encircling peaks and valleys. That is the proper path to customise your journey to fit your tempo—whether or not you’re mountain climbing, working, or biking. And after hitting the paths, you’ll discover nice bouldering alternatives with issues starting from straightforward to very difficult, making it an ideal solution to cap off your day within the mountains. The Minimalist daypack is the proper companion for these trails—very best for storing your smelly climbing footwear and packing your favourite mountain 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. Anticipate 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 mountain climbing! I like to recommend the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls hike. I’d additionally deliver rain gear, because the climate may be unpredictable, and a bug web in case the black flies overstay their welcome. Should you’re eager to expertise the area from a unique perspective, I extremely advocate canoeing! It is a enjoyable solution 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 like being outdoors generally, 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 through the summer time 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. Carry sunscreen and clothes protection as a result of the solar at excessive elevations is fierce. You’ll need your Lightrek mountain climbing poles for clambering on some cross-country routes to get again to among the off-trail lakes. Carry 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 proper 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 mountain climbing throughout August within the West is usually a little difficult provided that it’s prime wildfire season. Whereas by no means a assure, I’ve usually discovered that Redwood Nationwide and State Parks alongside the far northern California coast is a protected guess when inland mountain areas are burning. Whereas this park is thought for its fog and rain, you’ll discover ample sunny days in August (though, truthfully, in all probability nonetheless some wet days, so make sure that to deliver your poncho!). On today, I significantly advocate mountain climbing the Coastal Path. It provides 70 miles of almost steady path mountain 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, purple alders, ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. If you wish to get a very good 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 decide for September is the Dolomites within the Italian Alps. September climate is usually 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 lots of easy accessibility to unimaginable mountain 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 mountain climbing if they will. Usually, the huts have nice meals, scorching showers, electrical energy, and good water, and may and ought to be pre-booked. You don’t should deliver a tent, and you’ll carry lots much less meals, as you eat most meals on the huts and may even buy a lunch there. The paths between huts may be as difficult as you select, and aren’t sometimes very busy away from the entry factors. For an extended stroll, I recommend a piece of the By way of Alpina. You can even discover some straightforward day hikes to basic Dolomite points of interest and head down for the night time for an amazing 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 principally delicate, crisp climate, America’s oldest mountain vary, and even older bushes. There’s all the time a chance of rain all through this area, and it may well nonetheless be fairly humid within the fall. Put on gentle, breathable layers that can dry rapidly after an sudden rainshower. Regardless of the unsure forecast, there’s one thing magical about strolling by means of the “inexperienced tunnel” surrounded by yellow, orange, and heat purple colours.

—Caroline Brammer, Model & CX Lead

11. November: Misplaced Maples State Park in Texas

Photograph Credit score: bettyloulou70

There isn’t any campsite extra coveted than a campsite at Misplaced Maples State Park through the month of November in Texas. It’s identified for its gorgeous fall foliage, which is one thing to behold right here. For this reason it’s necessary to seize reservations proper as they open for the autumn season or else you would possibly miss out. Nevertheless, if you happen to miss out on the reservations, you possibly can all the time go for a fast day journey to benefit from the trails. You’ll probably wish to pack binoculars for chicken watching, a digital camera, and your favourite daypack for a day at Misplaced Maples.

—Sarah del Puerto, Advertising and marketing 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 absolutely embracing the chilly season in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Referred to as the “Island within the Plains,” these rugged mountains are a uniquely lovely place to discover, surrounded by grasslands, badlands, and labyrinthine cave networks. They appear significantly 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 fireplace tower, the bottom of Mount Rushmore, and even Badlands Nationwide Park on a transparent day. Notice that through the winter, Freeway 87 to the trailhead is closed. You’ll must 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 comply with within the footsteps of our workers or map out your personal high 12 hikes for the yr, we principally hope that this weblog evokes you to get on the market and to maintain exploring. Setting a aim of doing one new hike every month is an effective way to offer your outdoorsy soul a little bit accountability for prioritizing journey this yr.