I try my best to learn SOMETHING new when traveling solo and my recent hike to Sant Jeroni on a Montserrat day trip was definitely life-changing. The highest point is 1,236 m (4,055 ft) and the hike to Sant Jeroni is an estimated 4-5 hours going up and down, but it took me close to 7.
I wanted to turn back so many times, but I happy to say I completed it. Here are fifteen life lessons learned on the hike to Sant Jeroni and hiking Montserrat alone.
Sometimes you have to go alone
The weekend in Barcelona, the ride on the train from Barcelona to Montserrat, and the Sant Jeroni hike were all done on my own. I initially wanted to take a tour, but my indecisiveness caused me to miss out on the one provided by my hotel.
With some tips from the concierge and my own research, I found my way (and saved some money). I initially wanted to go to the top to get nice aerial views but it became more motivational after a while.
There will be obstacles
From narrow paths, rocks, stairs going up and down, to me not wearing the proper shoes, many things were in the way on the hike to Sant Jeroni. Despite the obstacles, it didn’t stop me from continuing. Similarly to life’s journey, you should always find your way through any situation.
Find a source of encouragement
With no one there to cheer me on, I had to find a source of encouragement to keep going. I spoke affirmations, sang encouraging songs and pushed myself to the very end.
You’ll encounter different people along the way
On the hiking trails to Sant Jeroni, there were many men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds along the way. Some were nice while others just passed me by. It didn’t affect my end result in any way.
Don’t compare yourself to others
While going up I became discouraged when people that started after me got ahead before me. I immediately checked myself because I realized everyone’s journey through the hike was for different reasons.
There were some people doing 15-20 minute trails, the full Montserrat hiking tour to the top, while others were there for rock climbing or have picnic lunches. Comparison is really the thief of joy; appreciate each step you take in your own walk.
Rest when needed
I barely work out and became breathless often. Had I not rested and recharged, I could’ve passed out or something much worst. Don’t believe the “sleep when you die” hype. Everyone needs to take a break every once in a while.
Follow helpful signs
Along the Sant Jeroni hike, there were many helpful signs allowing me to estimate the amount of time left going up and down. In life, it is your choice at the end of the day to follow the sign or get lost making the journey a little longer than it should.
You won’t always remember how you got there
There was a map towards the beginning of the Sant Jeroni hike trail, but silly me didn’t think to take a picture to figure out where I was going and it became difficult going down.
I thought I was going the right way, but I was doing the total opposite. Sometimes you have to start at the last successful point to get yourself back on track
It may get scary
On my way down the sun began to set. I tried my best to walk as fast as possible and retrace my steps (there are two paths to get down), but I couldn’t beat the light. It was scary, but I had to find encouragement again in order to keep going.
Prayer works
Sometimes the scariest or most difficult moments would lead you to pray. If I didn’t say one prayer in my entire life, I sure did when I got lost and I’m grateful that it was answered.
It’s okay to ask for help
My prayer was simply to “send help”. As I was trying to go back to retrace my steps, I found a young man walking my way. Some may say it was a coincidence, but I KNOW God heard me. When you’re in a rut, don’t be too ashamed to ask someone for help.
Only look back to see how far you’ve come
As I previously mentioned, there were so many times I wanted to go back. My legs hurt and I was tired, but every time I looked back, it encouraged me to finish the goal.
You’ll get frustrated; even when you’re almost there
The last 10-15 minutes were TOUGH and I was getting upset. My camera battery was low, there were very steep stairs to climb and I was just ready to turn back. I’ve noticed that right before you get a breakthrough, it becomes difficult. Try your best to endure.
The top isn’t always that glamorous
Don’t get me wrong, there were amazing views and I cried when I got there, but the top of Sant Jeroni wasn’t what I expected at all. I would’ve been more upset had I not done the full Sant Jeroni hike and I’m glad that I did.
Set new goals
There are many other things to accomplish and staying in your ‘last win’ will get old. Never become stagnant on your journey. Set new goals and crush them. For someone that isn’t very athletic, the hike to Sant Jeroni was a great accomplishment and I’ve never been more proud of myself.
I missed the cable car back down and had a completely different adventure after taking the Sant Joan Funicular rack railway and searching for the train station, but I had an awesome experience. If you plan to visit Barcelona, a Montserrat day trip is worth it; even if you don’t take the hike to the top. If you’re an adventure seeker or like hikes in general, this is an activity for you.
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My friend who is an avid hiker and all-around athletic person suggested we go for a hike while visiting Montserrat. I thought nothing of it. A nice walk, sure. On our way to Sant Jeroni, we somehow found a different trail that had us climbing down rocks and doing things that were totally unexpected. No signs anywhere. 2 hours later, we finally came to a sign that directed us to Sant Jeroni. By that point, I was exhausted. I did not want to disappoint my friend who had been looking forward to it so we pushed ahead. I was extremely happy to come to a sign shortly after that pointed to a much shorter route back to Sant Joan. This gave me the energy to finish the climb and know that we could get back more easily. It was worth the exhaustion and even the falling down at one point to experience it. I know exactly how you felt. I enjoyed reading your story of your climb. Good for you!
Thank you so much. It was definitely a challenge, but I’m so happy I did it.
Such a rewarding and beautiful hike. Thank you for sharing your experience. I would love to do this hike one day!
Only look back to see how far you’ve come….Yep, that just blessed my life!
I absolutely love this!! Sometimes you have to walk alone and the top isn’t always glamorous really hit home! This was an amazing post, dear!
Sounds like an unforgettable experience. Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
I like this. I like that you said you will get frustrated even when you are close. This is so true.
These are all great tips, this reminds me of my hike in Malibu California, I wanted to quit, I was thinking I cant do this, i was out of breath with limited water, feet started hurting, But thank God both of us finished and now can see we accomplished what appeared like an impossible goal.
It sure did! I definitely want to do more hikes when traveling.
Love your list even as an experienced hiker! Even I have bad days when everybody is faster and the weather is rainy and cloudy and you will still want to make to the top!
I hope there will be many more next hikes for you! 🙂
Your very first tip…sometimes you have to do it alone! I love it because its so true!!! And Im learning as I get older you can’t bring everyone with you, you have to step out on faith and go for it!
Absolutely true.
Wow that view is amazing! I bet that was a lot of work but so worth it when you saw that view!
This was great! I am happy you completed the hike, too. I am not even sure if I would have made it lol. Thank you for the tips 🙂
Thanks for reading. It was really an awesome experience. Not sure if I could do it again, but I’m glad I did it.
I’m so proud of you! What a great accomplishment! Montserrat is so beautiful! I took the tram up there so I am definitely impressed that you did the hike! These are great life lessons!
Thanks Nadeen. It was work, but I’m glad I finished. I felt so much better in the end. 🙂
I wanted to visit Montserrat when I was in Spain last year, but didn’t get the chance. I love how you were able to gain mental tips from a physical journey. Very fresh perspective!
I’ll definitely be visiting again. I didn’t get to tour the monastery, so that’s my excuse for going back. lol
I’ve always wanted to go to Montserrat and this post was an awesome way to remember it. I love your part about “The top isn’t always that glamorous” – that’s true in life too! 🙂 Nice post!
I’m so glad my friend recommended it. It was a really nice day trip.
Wow, you go girl! These are great tips for making it up a physical mountain as well as navigating them in life.
I’m impressed with your solo travels! And this list was pretty awesome. I’d like to think I can incorporate some in life daily. Only look back to see how far you’ve come! LOVE THAT!
You are an amazing and brave soul. I am not a big fan of hiking even though l don’t mind walking. It must have been exhilarating though. I hope to visit Barcelona again this year and your pictures are making me think l need to visit Sant Jeroni 🙂
Girl I didn’t realize I was so brave until it ended. It was definitely one for the books.
Good for you!! I always say I love hiking and then when I am actually doing it, I regret ever thinking hiking is fun! LOL. But it is the most rewarding feeling. Awesome post
Yes! It was tiring, but definitely worth it. lol Thanks Cali.
What an amazing post! I like the philosophy related to your experiences. I think everyone should go alone once. It makes you grow as a person a lot.
I agree. I’m always finding something new about myself. It helps not to depend on others too.
Wow, what a lovely place!! i haven’t heard for these before but i would love to hiking there !! The View is amazing , thanks for sharing your experience with us
This was so refreshing to read! Kudo’s to you for taking this journey…. I would love to experience something like this one day. I’m so in touched with nature so I know I would love this… Very inspirational and I like all of your reflective points. Great way to reconnect with your spirituality! Awesome job!
Thanks Daria! I really appreciate it. 🙂
great way to look at a hike. There are a great way to take a break for the norm.
I loved this post! As an experienced hiker I still have to do these things all the time! Finding motivation to finish is always a challenge, but it’s one facet of what makes hiking so amazing. Congrats on seeing it through and hopefully you’ll do more hikes. It does get easier, but each day is different!
Thanks. I definitely want to do at least two more in future travels. 🙂
I took a tour to Montserrat so I didn’t get to do any hiking. I would love to go back and do this hike. Not sure I am brave enough to do it by myself though so kudos to you!
Thanks! I wish I got to do the tour, but the hike was definitely worth my trip.
I had never heard of that place and it looks really impressive! Sounds hard though. I admire your bravery!
Thanks so much! It’s a beautiful place.