The Secret Lives of Parks Parks and the Art of Paying Attention
Sep 30, 2025
Nicolas Brulliard, an award-winning journalist and senior editor at National Parks Magazine, shares his reflections on four seasonal camping trips taken on the same trail. He discusses the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature and how repetition deepened his connection to the trail's subtle changes. Nicolas emphasizes the importance of attentiveness, recommending that we embrace pauses and sit still to fully appreciate our surroundings. He also highlights how these experiences have enriched his everyday life and inspired family adventures in nature.
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Choosing Camp Creek Near Sand Beach Lake
- Nicolas booked a less-competitive Wilderness Basin site called Camp Creek about two miles from the trailhead.
- The chosen campsite sat roughly halfway on a four-and-a-half-mile trail to Sand Beach Lake.
Small Trails Train Attentiveness
- A trail without sweeping vistas forces attention to small, shifting details like moss, leaves, and tiny flowers.
- That narrowed focus lets you appreciate subtle seasonal changes you otherwise might miss.
Struggling To Stay Present On Hikes
- Nicolas often managed initial focus but admitted work worries resurfaced while hiking and required conscious effort to dismiss.
- He used his phone to record notes and photos, balancing technology and presence on the trail.
