The scent of pine carried on the breeze. The summit that’s better than any Instagram pic. The myriad of science-backed wellness benefits that fresh air brings. These are some of the good things that come with getting outside and going on a hike… but they aren’t the only ones.
To celebrate the things that make experiencing the outdoors not just an enjoyable pastime, but one that brings out the very goodness of life, we teamed up with Merrell and a crew of inspiring outdoor enthusiasts.
Together, we’re exploring all the things that make hiking the ultimate nature-fueled, joy-filled adventure, from the bonds forged between friends to the wonder of a parent seeing the vastness of the world through new eyes. The outdoors aren’t just great—they’re good, too.
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big wonders
The Good
Outdoors
When she looks back at the years leading up to the birth of her son, Claudia Verduzco remembers a period of anxiety and emotional disconnection. Determined to reconnect with herself once Maverik was born, she began a practice of sitting in silence and listening for a loving voice within. What she heard was an invitation to get outside—so she drove to a nearby dirt road, and began to walk. Since then, “I’ve made it a goal to prioritize myself and my mental health in order to be the best for my son,” Verduzco says, “and this means we get outside as much as possible.”
Verduzco has always felt a sense of peace and serenity outdoors, but experiencing the world’s wonders through the eyes of her child has made them feel even bigger and more beautiful to her. “Parenthood has definitely deepened my relationship with nature,” she says. In bringing Mav along for the (very adventurous) ride, Verduzco hopes to show him that life is about the simple things and that, “through valuing the beauty of the outdoors, he will find it important to protect and take care of Mother Earth.”
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To keep their outdoor excursions fun and safe, she packs the car with essentials like snacks, rain gear, and sturdy footwear. That means never leaving home without two pairs of Merrells (one in mini-me form). “Making sure [Mav’s] shoes are comfy guarantees we can finish a hike,” she says, “and that I don’t have to carry a 40-pound toddler for miles!”
Instead, she can focus on sharing the peace and joy the planet brings her with her son. This ability to see the good things in nature with wide-eyed wonder isn’t reserved for new parents or young children, though. Take it from Verduzco: Lace up with a pair of beloved boots and simply step outside—you might just find “a place of safety, healing, and grounding” when you do.
Being in nature with my child has given me a new perspective and reminded me of how beautiful and precious our planet is. Being a parent has allowed me to experience nature in a whole new way and appreciate it even more.
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big wonders
new perspectives
happy hours
