Hiking Sedona, backpacking through the Appalachian Trail, or navigating the streets of the inner city for that matter, can prove to be strenuous and a drain on your physical reserves. Just like filling up the gas tank of your car before a trip, so it is with your physical body. You need to stock up on food that will keep you strong and alert from the first step of the hike to very end of your Sedona trail.

If you plan on hiking Sedona for just an hour or a little under an hour, most foods that stay good at room temperature and you can grab and go will be sufficient. BUT if you are planning more than an hours worth of hiking Sedona or elsewhere, then its only wise to take along a combination of food that are high in carbohydrates, protein and electrolytes like potassium. Of course, having sufficient hydration is a given. Hikers, backpackers and campers from all around the world have their personal preference of trail food. Here are some of the all-time favorites.

GORP
Known as Good Ol Raisins & Peanuts to some, GORP is more popularly called Trail Mix. It is especially a favorite on an easy Sedona trail. A blend of dried fruit and nuts, trail mix components are high in protein, carry a good dose of iron, have a dash or carbs, and contain the electrolyte potassium (you lose it when you sweat). Go easy on dried fruit since most of them are high on sugar. Lots of water will help with the absorption.

Another reason GORP is a favorite with hikers, like those who tackle a Sedona trail, is because you can actually concoct your own customized blend of nuts, dried fruit and seeds. Mix in some sunflower and pumpkin seeds that have healthy fats that protect the heart. After all hiking Sedona gives you a good cardio workout.

Granola Bars and other Cereal Bars
Cereal bars like granola and whole wheat cereals are favorites when hiking Sedona and other trails because theyre high in fiber and other nutrients like carbohydrates and protein. Most especially so if dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate are integrated into the cereal bar. Most of all, hikers of any Sedona trail find it one of the most convenient trail foods to carry around. You can grab a couple or more bars that nicely fit into your pouch or backpack.

Peanut Butter
Personally, Im not a peanut butter fan. But for the rest of the hiking Sedona community, peanut butter ranks way up in terms of trail food. It adds variety to what you munch on, particularly when you spread it on some whole wheat crackers. Its a welcome break from the staple trail mix. Sweating it out while hiking Sedona calls for treats from time to time.

Grab-and-Go Fruits
Grapes, bananas, apples, and oranges are easy to take along with you when hiking Sedona. They last longer than an hour in storage while you hike a Sedona trail. You can pop a grape into your mouth or munch on an apple while navigating your path through the woods and streams. Fruits have the kind of sugar thats good in providing a spurt of energy. They wont sustain you throughout a long hike though so youll need other trail foods to sustain you till the end.

Beef Jerky
All time top favorite is the ever-reliable beef jerky thats protein-rich, low in fat, and remains stable and safe to eat for a very very long time. While some kinds of beef jerky can be alarmingly high in sodium content, it is acceptable for those who are hiking Sedona or trekking on any rough terrain for hours. This type of activity really works up a sweat where sodium gets lost. But to be on the safe side, drink lots of water.

So if youre hiking Sedona or Utah or Colorado, or even doing an urban hike, remember these top favorites and be sure to pack a combination of trail food to keep you going strong till you get to your destination.