The cold, crisp air fills the student’s lungs as they move through a beautiful forest, with birds chirping in the trees.
This is the kind of experience that the Poway Hiking Club provides.
Club members are dedicated to the trails in their free time, trekking through forestland, crossing rivers, and traversing boulders on their way to reach their destination.
These hikes often take place at Poway Lake, where the club has taken on lesser-known trails such as the Potato Chip Rock Trail and Mount Woodson Trailhead.
One of the trails that the club especially enjoys is the Lake Poway Trail, which is mild and fun for anybody.
The club is known for being a very communal organization and open to where they hike.
“Everyone’s really nice. As for the hikes themselves, they’re really calming, and you feel really accomplished afterward,” club member Kamran Shah said.
The most recent hike conducted by the club, on the Lake Poway trail, was pristine.
The trail itself is mostly dirt and is marked for most of the hike.
The trail is mildly challenging and can be attempted by most people without getting too tired.
Bikers can also use the trail, with a designated bike area for them to ride along.
The Poway Hiking Club meets every other Friday at lunch in science teacher Arno Chrispeel’s classroom, where hikers often find themselves taken away by the beauty of the outdoors.
“I love hiking. The scenery is amazing, and it’s very peaceful,” said sophomore Cillian O’Connell, who enjoys hiking with his friends and family.
The experience of hiking has always been a draw for many people who, in these times of technology and work being more prominent than ever, find a way for themselves to relax and enjoy nature without having to travel or pay money.
“It’s great if you want to connect,” Hiking Club President Alexander DiNunzio said. “It’s a place to bond over nature.”
Those interested in joining the club should be fine with a lack of skill in hiking.