A Peek Inside

Introduction 

• What You Can Expect from This Book 

• A Personal Welcome From The Author

Chapter 1: Preparing to Hit the Trail 

• Physical Perks Of Hiking  

• The Mental and Emotional Benefits

• Hiking Through Grief: Finding Strength One Step at a Time

• A Sense of Accomplishment and Joy  

• Social or Solo: The Choice is Yours 

• The Comedic Failure of My First Hiking Attempt

Chapter 2: What You Need to Get Started  

• Choosing the Right Footwear for Happy Feet

• From Torture to Triumph: How I Learned to Pick the Right Hiking Boots

• Clothing: Layering for All Seasons

• Essential Gear for Comfort and Safety 

• How I Learned to Ditch the Fear (and the 1lb Leg Splint)  

Chapter 3: Choosing the Perfect Trail 

• Common Concerns

• Using Apps and Resources to Match Trails to Your Fitness Level

• Navigating the Trail with Confidence

• Embracing a Growth Mindset 

• Moderate? More Like Mountain Goat Mode: My Hilarious First Dance with AllTrails

Chapter 4: Safety First  

• How to Prepare Your Body for Hiking

• How to Stay Safe on the Trail

• Solo Hiking Safety 

• Trail Etiquette: Be a Good Neighbor to Nature and Hikers 

• Preparing for the Unexpected: Handling Challenges and Overcoming Fears

• Off the Beaten Path (Literally): Maps, Mishaps, and a Marvelous Misadventure

Chapter 5: Building Your Hiking Routine

• Start Small, Start Strong

• Find Your Rhythm

• Mix It Up

• Set Fun Goals

• Make It Enjoyable

• What Is Hiking Speed, and Why Does It Matter?

• How to Measure Your Hiking Speed

• Pacing Yourself: Hiking at Your Speed  

• Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination

• One Leg, One Lesson: How a Bionic Leg Helped Me Find My Hiking Groove 

Chapter 7: Building A Hiking Community  

• Why Join a Hiking Community? 

• Finding Your Hiking Crew

• Outpaced and Over It: How I Found My Perfect Hiking Crew

• Connecting Without a Group

• Making Connections on the Trail

• Volunteering and Giving Back

• From Lone Hiker to Leading the Pack: My Journey To Becoming A Volunteer Hike Leader and Beyond

Chapter 8: Beyond the Basics 

• Expand Your Skill Set

• Exploring New Trails and Destinations

• Using Trekking Poles: Pros and Cons  

• Exploring Multi-Day Hiking

A Lifetime of Adventure Awaits 

Resources  

The 10 Hiking Essentials

Gear Checklists 

Recommended Apps and Websites  

Additional Reading  

About The Author

What You Can Expect from This Book

If you’ve ever thought about giving hiking a try, or maybe you’re just looking for a little guidance to get started, this guide is for you. Whether you're looking for a fun way to get active, a peaceful escape in nature, or an adventure that’s all your own, Wander, Wonder, and Wellness: Hiking Your Way To Health and Happiness is here to help you get started—no matter your fitness level!

Whether you're exploring a nearby park or dreaming of a challenging mountain trail, this book will help you discover the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with every step. It’s never too late to start, and you’re never too old to enjoy the wonders of nature!

Sloane Wadsworth, aka The Hiking Texan, shares her personal hiking journey and offers practical advice tailored to women over 50. From choosing the right trail to preparing for your first hike, this guide is packed with tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you feel confident and empowered every step of the way.

Inside this book, you’ll discover: 

Step-by-Step Tips for Getting Started
We’ll start with the basics—no complicated jargon, no pressure to be “fit enough.” Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s done a little bit of walking before, I’ll break down everything you need to know to start hiking with confidence. You’ll get practical tips on how to choose the right trails, what gear you really need (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be expensive!), and how to stay comfortable while you’re out there.

Easy-to-Follow Fitness and Safety Advice
Hiking is a wonderful way to stay active, but you don’t need to be in perfect shape to get started. In this book, I’ll show you how to safely prepare your body for hiking and give you some simple stretches and exercises you can do at home to feel strong and ready. Safety is a big priority, so I’ll share tips for staying safe on the trail, from keeping hydrated to knowing what to do if you get lost or encounter any challenges.

Choosing Trails You’ll Love
One of the best parts about hiking is the variety of trails out there. But how do you know which ones are right for you? In this book, I’ll help you pick the best beginner-friendly trails based on your fitness level and what kind of outdoor experience you’re looking for. Plus, I’ll show you how to gauge trail difficulty so you never feel over- or underwhelmed.

Tips for Enjoying Every Step
Hiking isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about enjoying the journey. You’ll find ideas for making your hiking experience fun and relaxing, whether that’s by taking it slow and soaking in the views or having a chat with a friend along the way. I’ll also share how you can be more mindful on the trail and use hiking as a way to unwind and reconnect with yourself.

Confidence-Boosting Encouragement
I get it—starting something new can be a little intimidating. That’s why I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way! Whether you’re nervous about getting started or wondering if you’re “too old” to begin, I promise you, it’s never too late to start hiking. You’ll find tons of encouragement throughout this book, along with my stories and tips. I’ve been in your shoes and am now loving every moment on the trail.

Real-Life Solutions to Common Hiking Worries
Blisters? Sore muscles? Getting tired halfway through? I’ve got you covered. This book is packed with solutions to those common worries that can come up while hiking. I’ll help you feel prepared for whatever the trail throws your way and offer simple fixes that will keep you feeling comfortable and confident.

Personal Stories and Insights 

My journey into hiking began when I was 45. Sharing my personal stories, from my first steps on a paved path to conquering more ambitious trails, like Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, I hope to inspire you to lace up your shoes, take that first step, and discover the incredible world waiting just outside your door. Hiking is more than an activity; it’s a gateway to personal growth, unforgettable memories, and a deeper connection with the world around us.

By the end of this book, you’ll be ready to lace up your hiking boots, step outside, and hit the trails with a big smile on your face. I want you to feel like hiking is something you can do, something you’ll look forward to, and something that will make you feel strong, peaceful, and alive.

Get ready to embrace the adventure—because life is too short not to explore!

The Comedic Failure of My First Hiking Attempt

My first hike was, without a doubt, a spectacular disaster. Picture this: I’m fresh from Texas, where summer feels like you’re being slow-roasted at a billion degrees, so "trekking through the woods" wasn’t exactly high on my to-do list. But then I moved to Colorado, and wow—the Rocky Mountains were calling my name. Estes Park became a family favorite with its charming small-town vibes and elk casually strolling through like they owned the place. I started to think, How hard could a little walk in the woods be? Spoiler alert: much harder than I imagined.

One summer weekend (mistake number one—it’s the busiest time of year), we decided to head up to the Continental Divide. The plan? A simple stroll along a paved trail to a viewpoint. Easy, right? Wrong! Mistake number two: completely ignoring the fact that altitude is a thing. We parked so far back in the lot it felt like we were in another zip code, but I was determined. By the time we got to the actual trailhead (a mere 100 yards away), I was gasping for air like a fish out of water. Determined not to let a little oxygen deprivation stop me, I pressed on—only to make it a whopping 20 yards further before collapsing dramatically onto the asphalt. That’s right, folks: my first hike ended 20 yards from the trailhead.

Meanwhile, my 8-year-old daughter had zero problems sprinting to the overlook with the rest of the family, where she got to enjoy the breathtaking view I had only dreamed of. She came back and cheerfully described it to me while I was still sitting there, desperately trying to remember how to breathe. The walk back to the car felt like a marathon, and I was humbled. But I made a vow that day: I would see that view someday—and others like it—even if it killed me.

Fast forward a bit (okay, quite a bit), and after lots of less glamorous city park walks and gradual improvements, I finally made it to my first alpine lake: Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Let me tell you—it was everything I’d imagined and more. That shimmering blue water is surrounded by towering peaks. Completely worth every failed attempt, every huff and puff, and every small step it took to get there. My first hike may have been a train wreck, but it was the spark that lit the fire, and I wouldn’t trade that 20-yard lesson for anything.