Don’t Count Me Out: How Hiking is For Folks of All Ages and Levels
By David Wade
The Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon in Texas is a fantastic trail for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Hiking is often painted as an activity for the young, rugged, fit adventurer. But on this day at the Lighthouse Trailhead in Palo Duro Canyon, I saw a different story unfold.
Long before the sun came up, my wife and I had packed up camp, made the short drive to the trail head and grabbed our backpacks. Now, as we were ready to begin our 6-mile hike through this thirsty desert landscape, we were glad we had listened to the voice of experience and gotten an early start. A quick look at the weather app promised clear skies and climbing temperatures that would make this trail unbearable in just a few hours.
The parking lot was nearly empty, an indicator that the early parts of our day would be quiet. As we set out, the only sounds we heard came from the crunching gravel beneath our boots. As we approached our first overlook, we rounded a corner to see a lively group who had clearly beaten us to the start. Four children under the age of 10 ran in circles around their parents, chasing one another as mom and dad snapped photos of the canyon. But what appeared next surprised us. Two sets of grandparents were standing near a large boulder that provided shade from the already warm sun. Easily in their 80s, these seniors stood, leaning on their walking sticks, smiling and laughing as they happily watched the antics of their grandchildren.
I’d always pegged this trail for teenagers and fit adults. Yet here was proof that hiking doesn’t discriminate by age or experience—it welcomes anyone with the heart to try.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
This wasn’t my first lesson in underestimating others. Years ago, I ran marathons, spending months training and imagining a race day filled with chiseled athletes. But when the starting line formed, I was often surrounded by people of all shapes, sizes, and ages. It shattered my assumptions. In my early races, I’d pick out runners who looked to be about my fitness level and then make it my mission to beat them. I’d scan the crowd, looking for the perfect patsy, then push myself to surge ahead of them as soon as possible. And it worked—until it didn’t.
One race especially stands out in my memory. An elderly man lined up ahead of me, thin and hobbling, one leg barely bending. I mentally noted to give him space, planning to pass him politely. But by mile 16, he was a speck in the distance ahead of me, leaving me in his dust. And he wasn’t alone. Dozens of runners I’d pegged as “out of shape” or “incapable of finishing” breezed past me. Some were heavier than me, some older and many didn’t fit my naive mold of a “runner.” Getting passed up by them stung, but it taught me a lesson I carry to every trail: appearances mean nothing. At the finish line that day, I spotted a runner ahead of me wearing a shirt that read, “Today I am 75 years old, and I’m in front of you!” I laughed through my exhaustion, humbled once again.
The Lighthouse.
Welcome to All Who Dare
Hiking, like running, has no gatekeepers. Unlike carnival rides, there are no age limits, no weight restrictions, no height requirements. The only barriers are doubt and fear. Trails don’t care about your resume or your waistline—they’re open to anyone willing to take the first step. From the rolling hills of a local park to the rugged peaks of the Rockies, hiking offers something for every level. Beginners can stroll flat, paved paths, while seasoned trekkers can chase summit sunrises. The beauty of hiking lies in its inclusivity.
Take this Palo Duro Lighthouse Trail; it’s challenging enough to feel rewarding but accessible to most. The family I saw proved it: kids with tiny backpacks, parents balancing snacks and cameras, and grandparents steadying themselves with trekking poles. They weren’t racing; they were sharing an experience. And that’s the magic of hiking. It’s not about speed, it’s about experiences; memorable experiences.
The Universal Appeal of Hiking
Hiking appeals to most people, for different reasons. Our grandkids love chasing lizards, collecting rocks, jumping over trickling streams and seeing awesome wildlife. Our adult children enjoy the opportunity to unplug from their devices and reconnect with nature. For us, as grandparents, its all about staying active and sharing new and exciting things with those we care about the most. We regularly see photographers and bird watchers along the edges of trails as athletic types push themselves to reach their goals in record time. Rarely do we see a lack of diversity on our hikes and that’s because there’s something for everyone with the will and the desire to explore.
Adventure Awaits
This morning, as we finish taking our photos and make our way past this adorable family of adventurers, my heart is warmed by the beauty of the moment they’re sharing. In years to come, these young children may not remember what it was that their grandparents gave them for Christmas but they will remember that time when they all went hiking in Palo Duro Canyon. The group photo that we took for them will hopefully hang on their wall to remind them of this moment. And hopefully, that will encourage them to get back out onto the trails in search of more photos, adventures and shared memories.
David and Tiffany Wade celebrating another successful hike as they approach the finish of the Lighthouse Trail.