Julia Davila on the trail in Merrell gear.

Julia Davila

  • Five Hiking Essentials:

    Water, sunglasses, lip balm, snacks, and first aid kit!

  • Indulgent Backpacking Item:

    An inflatable pillow makes a huge difference for a good night's sleep. That paired with melatonin and you'll sleep the whole night!

  • Favorite Trail Snack:

    I like bringing protein bars to keep me satiated, but love some fruit snacks or gummy bears for my sweet tooth!

  • Favorite Hike Podcast/Playlist/Artist:

    I don't typically listen to music on a hike, but love alternative/indie/pop playlists for the drive to the trailhead! I'm not great at creating my own playlists, so I'm usually listening to my friends' Discover Weekly's or Release Radar's on Spotify (haha).

  • Favorite Hiking Club & Communities:

    I created a women's hiking group here in Colorado, called the Colorado Hiking Girls! I've been able to meet some amazing women through group hike meetups, post-hike brewery hangs, or dog walks. Join us here!

  • Favorite Hikes:

    My favorite beginner trail in my area is Chief Mountain near Idaho Springs, Colorado. For beginner hikers or individuals new to Colorado, it's a short hike with a little elevation gain and a huge view payoff at the top! Find the hike.

    Julia walking on a sand dune.
  • What does ‘outdoorsy' mean to you?

    ‘Outdoorsy' means loving the outdoors and spending time outside! It doesn't matter to what extent you're doing any outdoor activity, as long as you're enjoying your time out in nature. Being ‘outdoorsy' can look different for everyone, whether you enjoy hiking 20 mile days and sleeping on the ground, or prefer a picnic in the park with friends instead.

  • How did you start backpacking? What was the most intimidating thing about it?

    I backpacked for the first time in the summer of 2022! I was most intimidated by the fact that I had zero knowledge of backpacking, yet I live in a state that is extremely outdoorsy. Many people I knew had been backpacking countless times and I found myself comparing myself to others' experiences.

  • Tell us about your favorite hiking experience to date.

    My family had been wanting to visit Iceland for years, and we finally were able to go in July of 2022. It was 7:30pm and we had arrived at the trailhead with no one around, and hiked up to the most Jurassic-looking, moss-covered canyon, filled with birds nesting in the cliffs with the backdrop of a huge, 400-foot waterfall. A second, tall waterfall flowed in the distance and we spent so much time at the top, admiring the view, only making it down a few hours later, with the midnight sun still shining. I'm so grateful to have family members who love travel and adventure as much as I do, so experiencing this other-worldly landscape with them was such a special moment.

  • What advice do you have for women who are just getting into outdoor adventures?

    If you're feeling intimidated, remember that the outdoors doesn't judge - don't be worried about not fitting in or not being enough, because nature is a judgment free zone for everyone, and the most important part is being safe, recreating responsibly, and having fun!

  • Fears + the outdoors: what was your biggest fear and how did you get over it?

    Getting lost or stranded is a very real possibility! Saving my trails offline, telling someone where I'm going, and sharing the trail details with them so they know how long it should take me to finish are important ways that stop me from worrying.

  • How do you prepare for a hike?

    I always like to prepare the night before so I don't forget anything. I'll set my hiking boots by the door, pre-fill my hydration bladder and stick it in the fridge, pack a lot of snacks (very important) and a lunch if necessary, and add any layers in my backpack. I also check directions to get to the trailhead, save the trail online, and find out if there are any fees or dog restrictions.

Julia's trail favorites

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    Some obstacles, moderate debris with occasional speed, direction and vertical changes.
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    Lots of obstacles, heavy debris with frequent speed, direction and vertical changes.