"Earning The View" by Ben McMillen
I took a trip to Arkansas for a backpacking trip and it took me 2 days of driving to get there. That's a lot of time to think. And the topic that kept finding its way into my thoughts is why in the world do I do this thing called backpacking. There are obviously many reasons but the big one for me is earning the view.
Sure, you could drive up to an overlook, hop out of your car, and snap a quick photo over the guardrail, or scroll through Instagram or tiktok for some stunning nature content. But there's something profoundly different about actually getting out there and putting one foot in front of the other, mile after mile. It's not always easy; in fact, it rarely is. There are days when you’re hot, sweaty, and downright exhausted, and other days when you’re shivering and cold. But each of those moments is part of the journey, part of the story you’re writing with every step.
When you finally reach that waterfall, that mountain peak, or that quiet, untouched creek, it feels different because you’ve earned it. It’s a reward that you personally worked for, and that makes it all the more meaningful. The beauty of nature feels richer, the air feels fresher, and the memories last longer. It’s about more than just the view; it’s about the journey and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
And then there’s the camaraderie. Hiking isn’t always a solo adventure. Often, you’re out there with friends, or you meet like-minded people along the way. There’s something special about sharing the trail with others who are also driven by that same desire to explore, to push themselves, and to earn those incredible views. The friendships you forge on the trail are unique, built on shared experiences, laughter, and sometimes the mutual struggle of that steep climb or that unexpected rainstorm. These connections add another layer of richness to the journey, making the experience even more memorable.
There’s also the element of being fully present in nature. When you’re out on the trail, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you get to slow down and appreciate the little things—the sound of leaves and sticks crunching under your shoes, the way the sunlight filters through the trees, the feeling of short lived but cool breeze on a hot day. These moments of mindfulness and connection to the natural world are priceless.
Disconnecting from technology, even just for a few hours, can be a game changer. No notifications, no emails, no endless doomscrolling. Just you, your thoughts, and the trail ahead. That break from screens brings mental clarity and lowers stress. It gives your brain a chance to breathe. You start to realize just how loud the modern world is, and how good it feels to turn the volume down.
Over time, hiking builds something more than muscles—it builds resilience. When you face discomfort, setbacks, and unexpected challenges in the wild, you learn how to adapt. You develop patience. You become more capable. Those hard moments—the rain, the sore feet, the wrong turns—they shape you. They make you tougher, more determined, and more appreciative of the little things that can add massive value to your everyday life.
There’s also this deep, almost primal satisfaction that comes from pushing through tough miles. Your body gets stronger, sure, but your mind does too. Hiking can reduce anxiety, lighten depression, and lift your mood in ways that even science doesn’t fully understand. Something as simple as walking under a canopy of trees can shift your whole mindset. Nature has a quiet way of healing you when you didn’t even know you needed it.
Sometimes, hiking is an adventure. It’s exploring new terrain, navigating unfamiliar trails, and feeling that spark of excitement when you don’t know what’s around the next bend. Other times, it’s about solitude—a chance to be alone with your thoughts, away from distractions and responsibilities. There’s a special kind of clarity that only comes from being alone in the woods, where the only thing you have to do is move forward.
And through it all, you learn to appreciate the journey, not just the summit or the finish line, but every step in between. You learn that it’s okay to go slow. It’s ok to push hard, That beauty doesn’t always announce itself. That sometimes, the most meaningful moments come quietly, like a sunrise peeking through morning fog or the sound of only your footsteps on a remote path.
So, if you ask me why I do it—why I choose to sweat, be uncomfortable, sleep outside, go days without a shower, carry all this weight on my back with dirt on my clothes, it’s because hiking is more than a hobby. It’s how I reconnect with myself, how I reconnect with the world. It’s how I grow as a person. It makes me a better friend, a better father, a better husband. I promise you, the best parts of life are found far from the pavement. The best stories are not the ones you read about, but the ones you live. And the best views are the ones you earn.
