Why do people hike even if it's dangerous?

The ultimate goal in climbing is to reach the summit. One should not climb if reaching the summit is not in his mind. However, before reaching the goal, several adversities will block the trail to the summit. Mountaineering is surely physically exhausting and it’s not a wonder why people question us on why do we still keep doing it. Engaging with the dangers of it doesn’t mean that we want to get rid of ourselves; mountaineering was never a punishment and it will never be. On the contrary, mountain climbing is an achievement. But just like any other victories, successful mountain climbing can only be done after surpassing a number of trials.

Now, going back to the question of why people still climb even if it’s dangerous? Questions like this will only be answered if you, yourself have tried climbing. As to us, we have several reasons why we still climb despite the challenges. To enumerate a few, we still climb because:

1. It’s our stress-reliever. It’s kind of funny that mountain climbing is considered as a stress reliever despite the physical aches that we get during the hike. Howbeit, reaching the summit is a different story. Being close to nature and realizing how small you are will make you realize a lot of things. Being united with nature brings a one of a kind feeling of liberation and serenity.
2. It pushes us to our limits. We think that we know ourselves already. But in mountain climbing, we were able to know ourselves even more. We have discovered that we have a lot more to offer when it comes to bolstering our skills and potentials. There are no two mountains alike. Every hiking is a lesson and every climb is a challenge of working under pressure while being positive and realistic at the same time.
3. It gives a feeling of achievement. The feeling when you have already reached the summit is exceptional. Mountaineering is our way of proving ourselves that we are strong enough to reach a goal. Naturally, people take pride on what they can do that others cannot. The feeling of success is like a state of grace that we would always want to feel.
4. It creates strong friendships. It was said that stressful situations create strong friendships. In mountaineering, you will learn to build trust with your hiking buddies. You have to grasp on the reality that you are independent but you should also be in charge of each other.
5. It makes us feel stronger. There are several preparations that we need to undergo before going into hikes. Our strength and endurance are being tested as well as our way of thinking. Mountaineering makes us feel that we are strong persons and that are one step closer to speaking our goals into existence.

“If you are faced with a mountain, you have several options.
You can climb it and cross to the other side.
You can go around it.
You can dig under it.
You can fly over it.
You can blow it up.
You can ignore it and pretend it’s not there.
You can turn around and go back the way you came.
Or you can stay on the mountain and make it your home.” 
― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Every hike is like a trail to oblivion. Trail knows that hiking in the Philippines is treacherous. But our mountains, as well as our volcanoes are such beauties that we just could not withstand to not stroke with our own hands. It’s no secret to us that mountain climbing is a dangerous sport. Still and all, we mountain climb simply because it makes us happy.