Your Guide to Using Pokemon Go to Create a Hiking Adventure

Pokémon Go, a game that using GPS to send Pokémon to a location near you, has been officially launched throughout the world. Ever since the game debuted, people have been posting pictures of their discoveries during walks to find these pixelated monsters.

These pictures no doubt show hundreds of beautiful local scenes, but what you do not see much off is Pokémon in forests. Though you might not find many Pokémon in the true wild, Pokémon Go can become a tool for endless discovery when hiking woods and mountains.

Create your own Pokémon Go hiking adventure

Using GPS means that technically anywhere you have a strong cell phone signal, you can potentially find Pokémon. For this reason, if you do not live in a particularly populated area, you might find yourself a little bummed. But never fear!

Even in places separated from a big city life, like the hills and valleys of Scotland, for example, you can find Pokémon. Similar to the Gameboy and DS games, the Pokémon you find also depend on where you are looking. So if you want a water-type, you are not going to go searching in the desert.

To create your own Pokémon Go hiking adventure, first decide on what you are pining for. Here is a list of possible locations based on Pokémon types:

• Normal: anywhere and everywhere. Normal types can be found doing mundane tasks like walking to the convenience store.
• Electric: cities, power plants and industrial parks seem to attract Electric types more than any other place, but that hasn’t stopped people from finding Pikachu in their backyard.
• Fire: the rumor is that Fire-types show up in residential areas. I’m guessing they’re attracted to hot water heaters. Who knows? They might even pop up at natural hot springs.
• Water: naturally wherever there’s water, you might find a water-type. Rivers, lakes, puddles, canals, streams, beaches and harbors are possibilities. You might also find a water Pokémon hanging out near a water fountain at the park.
• Grass: farmland, golf courses, gardens, green space and forests.
• Rock and ground: parking lots, quarries, arable land, mountains, gravely beaches and muddy trails.
• Dragon: famous landmarks and monuments.
• Fairy: same as above.
• Ghost: residential zones and cemeteries. Someone even found a ghastly at a funeral home.
• Flying: outside in the garden, parks, forests, fields and playgrounds.
• Bug: same as above.
• Poison: everywhere, although if you have a bog close by, it might be worth a look-see.
• Ice: outside, glaciers, snowy regions or ski slopes are home to these types.
• Psychic: everywhere.
• Fighting: just like the famous dojo in Saffron City, you can find Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan in fitness facilities, stadiums and arenas.

Read also – 10 Unforgettable Summer Adventure Trips

Consider where you live

Since the word ‘hike’ does not necessarily mean ‘walking through a wooded area,’ but more ‘a long walk or tour across country,’ you can consider the course you plot to be your trek. Living in a metropolitan area has its benefits, because you are able to find multiple elements for different Pokémon types.

Those dwelling in more rural areas will need to go farther than city-dwellers for some types. The beauty is that, no matter where you find yourself, you have GPS at your disposal, so you will not lose your way.

A hypothetical hike might include heading to the neighborhood green space, tracing the perimeter, going to the Pokestop in town, hitting the Gym by the gas station, then taking the long way back to the house via a walk along a stream or through another park.

For those lucky enough to be near national parks, you can first survey the picnic areas, swimming pools and cafes prior to hitting the trails. Unless you are doing hour long mountain trials in places were cell phones can’t be used, unpopulated wilderness hikes mean less competition when trying to catch your quarry.

Read also – 10 World’s Most Beautiful National Parks

Use Pokémon Go as a way to discover the surroundings

When on vacation, you can also use Pokémon Go as a way to discover the surroundings. Plot the points you would like to see as a tourist then use the game to navigate. You can simultaneously fill your Pokedex while sightseeing. Recently, walking tours around cities or through museums that cater to Pokémon trainers have been on the rise.

No matter where you find yourself in the world, there is likely a group that can show you the historical highlights while aiding your Pokémon quest. This is also a great way to meet the locals, learn about the region and gain valuable cultural experiences.

Pokémon Go has introduced an element of fun to our daily commutes around the city and a touch of intrigue to walks and runs. People are finding that Pokémon manifest in many regions, not just the highly frequented locations around their hometowns.

Getting adventurous and scouring the woodlands, the back alleys, or simply taking a less known route during your morning jog might yield fantastic discoveries. Who knows, with a little time spent in less explored zones, you may be the first to stumble upon a legendary Pokémon.