Preparing for Lake 0' Hara
For over 40 years, the OKM Lake O'Hara Program has prepared thousands of students to hike and connect with one another within our glorious National Parks. It's truly a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity! Regardless of your previous experience, we will guide and support you to prepare for this epic event - with regular meetings, timelines, and close communication with your chaperones.
- ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL MEETINGS - posted on the Homepage
- All students must have all required gear by the due dates, and attend practice hikes with their chaperone group.
- OKM Administration and Lake O leadership team reserve the right to remove students from this program at any time if they are not following expectations or if we have any reason to believe they are unprepared, which is a risk to their personal and group's safety on the trip.
FITNESS Preparations
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in good shape for your Lake O trip.
Visit the resources below for some tips and ideas on getting prepared for your hiking trip:
Miss Adventure Pants - Beginners Hiking Fitness Training
REI Advice - Backpacking Training Tips and Exercises and How to Train for Through Hiking
- Start NOW by breaking in your boots! Nothing will slow you down on the trail like blisters. Do what you can now to toughen up your feet and break in your boots so your trip can be blister free.
- Hike as much as you can between now and September. This includes, but should not be limited to, the practice hikes that will be organized by your group. Again, start NOW!
- Building physical strength and endurance are very important for this trip. Do a variety of strength building and cardio exercises so that you can enjoy your trip.
- Besides physical strength, you will also need to take care of your mental well being so that you can make the most of your adventure. This might look different for each of us, but feeling prepared and confident is a great place to start.
Visit the resources below for some tips and ideas on getting prepared for your hiking trip:
Miss Adventure Pants - Beginners Hiking Fitness Training
REI Advice - Backpacking Training Tips and Exercises and How to Train for Through Hiking