A hiking stick medallion isn’t just some shiny decoration you slap on your favorite walking stick. It’s a memory. A conversation starter. A badge of honor that says, I climbed that hill and didn’t complain too much about it. But what if you want to design your own medallion—something personal, something custom?

Well, grab your stick and let’s walk through the process, or Connect with Our Sales Team here!

Step 1 – Choose the Purpose (Trail Trophy or Personal Marker?)

Before you even sketch anything, think about why you’re making a hiking medallion. Is it for a recent trip to Zion National Park or the Grand Canyon? Maybe you’re making a batch for your local scout troop, or even custom designs for a Historic Site or National Monument you visited with friends.

Once you’ve got the purpose down, it becomes easier to shape the story. Because yes—a medallion should tell a story, even if it’s just, “I made it to the top and didn’t drop my granola.”

Ready to get started on your Hiking Stick Medallion Project? Get Started Here! The Monterey Company can walk you through the entire process.

Pro Tip – Start a Series

Design one for each park you visit. From Carlsbad Caverns National Park to Rocky Mountain National Park, a series gives your stick (or wall display) a theme and makes the design process way more fun.

Step 2 – Pick Your Materials

Most hiking stick medallions are made from stamped metal—aluminum, brass, or zinc. They’re weather-resistant and hold up through mud, rain, and trail snacks gone wrong. If you’re designing your own, you’ll want:

• 🌱 A solid metal base (for that classic look)
• 🎨 Enamel fill (if you want colors to pop)
• 🔨 Optional: adhesive backing instead of nails

Custom manufacturers (like The Monterey Company—wink) can help you choose the best finish. A polished look? Matte? Antiqued? It’s all fair game.

And hey, if you’re not sure where to start, browse a few Best Sellers online for inspiration. Some of the best designs are simple. Just a mountain, a name, and a little flair.

Step 3 – Design Your Hiking Stick Medallion

This part’s either super fun or slightly overwhelming, depending on how many coffees you’ve had. Here are the basics:

• Size it right: Most are around 1.5″–2″ wide.
• Keep it readable: Simple fonts. High contrast.
• Think in layers: Raised metal + recessed enamel makes for a great effect.

If you’re a fan of Kids Books, you might even create youth-friendly designs for Junior Ranger clubs or family hiking events. These make amazing trail-day souvenirs, especially if you want to inspire the next generation of hikers to love America’s National Parks.

Want to Keep It Budget-Friendly 💲

Limit the colors. Go with standard shapes. And if you’re ordering online with The Monterey Company, ask our customer service team for samples. We are happy to provide Free Shipping on samples for U.S. Orders. Bonus points samples will arrive in under five business days.

Step 4 – Choose Your Backing

This might sound boring, but it’s the detail that decides whether your medallion stays on your stick or ends up at the bottom of a ravine.

• 🔨 Nail-on (traditional): Great for wooden sticks
• 👉 Adhesive backing: Better for modern composite materials or easy swaps

Some hikers even buy a second copy—one for the stick, one for a collector’s board. It’s not required, but if you want a display for your selection results (especially those from lesser-known park stores), this is a great way to show them off.

Where to Make Your Custom Hiking Medallions

The Monterey Company can help bring your design to life. What we offer:

• 💲 Low unit price for bulk orders, and samples
• 🎨 Clear proofing before production
• 🤘 Real metal options
• 💰 Transparent price and 10% discounts for non-profits
• 🚚 Free shipping for samples! Just ask!

Add your email address to the form at the bottom of this blog for —you’ll need it for art approval and shipping updates.

And if you’re feeling unsure? Order a sample first. Your own review of the product will tell you more than a hundred listings ever could. Simply fill out this form, and connect with our customer service team.

Custom Medallions for Special Places

Many of our clients design custom hiking medallions for specific parks or locations in the United States, including:

• 🌼Old Faithful in Yellowstone
• 🏞️ Great Basin National Park
• 🏕️ Zion National Park
• 🏡 Your town’s Historic Site
• ⛰️ Local conservation lands and public lands
• 🌅 Events hosted by the National Park Service

Some even create them for fundraising efforts or souvenir shops, with profits going back to support future generations of outdoor lovers.

The Stick Becomes the Story

Once you’ve created your first hiking stick medallion, it’s hard to stop. Suddenly every trail is an opportunity. Every hike becomes part of your stick’s journey.

And every scratch, dent, and perfectly-placed badge? That’s history. Your history.

Ready to start designing? Click here to get started! Grab your gear. Hike a bit. Then come back and make something worth remembering.