hunting for the perfect scenic trail after weight loss

I’ve been on this wild ride to lose 80 pounds, and I’m finally 25 pounds down. My husband and I made a deal: once I hit my goal, we’ll celebrate by hiking the most beautiful trail in the U.S. The thing is, I live in the desert, so my idea of a hike is more like a long, sweaty walk with zero shade and even less elevation. I keep seeing these jaw-dropping photos of mountain trails with lakes and forests, but honestly, I’m a little worried about the altitude. I’ve heard stories about people getting winded just tying their shoes at higher elevations! I want a trail that’s not going to leave me gasping for air or regretting every life choice, but still gives us those epic views you see on postcards. Ten miles or less is my sweet spot—let’s be real, I’m not trying to win any marathons here. Has anyone found a trail that checks all the boxes: gorgeous scenery, not too tough, and doable in a day? I’d love to hear about your experiences, especially if you’ve tackled this after living somewhere flat and dry like me. And if you’ve got photos, even better! Sometimes I wonder if these places are as magical as they look online, or if I’ll just end up with blisters and a sunburn. #hikingadventures #weightlossjourney #scenictrails #Travel