Climbing an active volcano might sound intense, but Santa Ana is an excellent volcano for seasoned veterans and new hikers alike. It’s the highest volcano in the country, but don’t let that intimidate you—the trail is well-trodden, accessible, and friendly to hikers with a decent sense of direction and a decent pair of shoes. And the vistas and … [Read more...]
Hiking Posts
Cliff Dwelling Tours Info: Mesa Verde National Park
The best part of visiting Mesa Verde National Park is exploring and touring the cliff dwellings that are scattered throughout the park. Mesa Verde is home to 600 cliff dwellings across the 81.25 mi² of the park. That's a lot of cliff dwellings and a lot of park. In addition, there are many pit houses, mesa top houses, and more throughout the … [Read more...]
Review and Guide to Bukit Lawang Orangutan Tours
Located in the northern end of Sumatra, Bukit Lawang has developed a reputation as a destination for wildlife. This small village on the Bohorok River certainly punches above its weight in eco-tourism in the region. I visited the area for jungle trekking on a recent trip through Indonesia. This Guide to Bukit Lawang is to help determine if it's a … [Read more...]
12 Incredible Hikes in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is one of the country's largest and most diverse parks. The park is so large that driving between areas can take hours. It is also such a diverse ecosystem that you can be on the beach, then a rainforest, glaciated mountains, and wild rivers. It’s quite something to explore. The park offers some incredible hikes, and if … [Read more...]
11 Must Hike Trails: Redwood National Park
Located in Northern California, Redwoods is a combination of a National Park and State Parks. Actually, the state parks pre-date the National Park by quite a while, which makes them even more impressive. Most of the hikes are across the various parks, and we considered them all together when making this list. These trails are some of the … [Read more...]
Angel’s Landing Hike Complete Guide: Zion National Park
One of the most “dangerous” hikes in America, the Angel’s Landing Hike is also one of the country's most searched for and popular trails. The Hike is the one most folks who visit Zion National Park want to complete during their visit to the park. Getting to do it and do it successfully takes planning. From permits to equipment to timing, there’s … [Read more...]
Trail Through Time Hike – Grand Junction CO
Colorado is famous for its fossils and in particular Dinosaur Fossils. It’s rare though to actually find them in the wild (especially if you don’t know what you are looking for). The trail through time hike here takes visitors along a walk where they can see actual fossils embedded in rock. Which is a fun and rare opportunity for many … [Read more...]
21 Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. It’s also shockingly compact and most folks can hit quite a few of the highlights in1 or 2 days. Below we have compiled many of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon from epic hikes to stunning overlooks. Queens Garden and Navajo Loop If you … [Read more...]
13 Fantastic Hikes in Zion National Park
One of the most visited parks in the country, Zion National Park has some of the most incredible landscapes and hikes. The scenery here is jaw-dropping with vertigo-inducing drops and towering canyons. There’s a lot to explore in the park, which can be overwhelming. Most folks will want to stick to highlights that explore the park's various … [Read more...]
Guide to Deer Mountain Hike RMNP: Tips, Info & More
The Deer Mountain Hike is a popular trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. This moderate trail offers lovely views over the surrounding area. The hike is well-traveled, so you’ll likely see plenty of people on it. About the Hike Distance: 6 miles | Type: Out & Back | Avg. Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Dog Friendly: … [Read more...]
Mount Storm King Trail Guide: Olympic NP
Towering over Lake Crescent, Mount Storm King is often rated the best day hike in the park. The view from the top is impressive, with 360 views atop a narrow rock outcropping. The hike is also difficult, known for steep inclines and harrowing sections. For those who make the hike, it’s an impressive accomplishment, and I met no person who … [Read more...]
Tall Trees Trail Guide: Redwood National Park
Located in the National Park, Tall Trees is one of the best hikes available within the Redwood National & State Parks. The hike takes you through some old-growth redwoods, including some of the tallest in the park. The trail is popular and these days require a permit to visit. We provide information on its difficulty, permitting process, … [Read more...]
Devil’s Garden Trail Guide: Arches National Park
Devil’s Garden Trail allows you to get up close to several arches within this multi-mile hike. I don’t think any other hike in Arches has a concentration of arches that visitors can see on a normal trail. This and Delicate Arch are my two favorite hikes in the park. The hike is a mix of easy and quite difficult obstacles. The hike's difficulty … [Read more...]
House on Fire Trail Guide: Bears Ears National Monument
One of the newer and larger national monuments, Bears Ears, covers over 1.2 million acres of Utah wilderness. It is known for its mountains, deserts, forests, and incredible archaeological sites. The House on Fire trail takes visitors through an easy and mostly flat trail to a lovely and accessible cliff dwelling. This is just a small … [Read more...]
Mossy Cave Trail Guide: Bryce Canyon National Park
Mossy Cave Trail is one of the most overlooked trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. Probably because it’s actually located outside of where you’d normally visit when going to Bryce. However, it’s also a great quick hike that is perfect for families and children visiting Bryce Canyon. The hike is short, easy, and has a few payoffs in the form … [Read more...]
Fairyland Loop Trail Guide: Bryce Canyon National Park
Fairyland Loop Trail on the north end of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon. The hike takes you close to the hoodoos as well as great views of the amphitheater and many rock structures of the park. The Fairyland Trail is particularly great due to fewer hikers which brings a level of peace you don't find in … [Read more...]
14 Top Things to Do in Congaree National Park
Congaree protects over 26,000 acres of old-growth hardwood forests in South Carolina. It is most famous for its floodplain lands and its bald cypress trees (known for their “knees” which pop out through the swampy areas). The park is named for the Congaree River which runs through the park (and requires some effort to visit). The park was … [Read more...]
Watchman Trail Guide: Zion National Park
Zion National Park has some of the most incredible hikes in the entire National Park System. And so there’s no lack of choice for those visiting. Watchman Trail is not one of the most sought-after hikes, but in some ways that’s what makes it a good choice to visit. It’s pretty reasonable in difficulty and generally not as crowded as those super … [Read more...]
Alpine Pond Trail Guide: Cedar Breaks National Monument
Overshadowed by its National Park neighbors, Cedar Breaks National Monument is a beautiful small monument. The impressive monument sits at over 10,000 feet and has an incredible amphitheater that makes up the canyon. It’s a similar formation in many ways to Bryce Canyon however without all the sheer scale of Hoodoos however. There are several … [Read more...]
Guide to Devil’s Hall Hike | Guadalupe Mountains’ Best Hike
The most popular and certainly best hike of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the Devil's Hall Hike takes visitors through several different environments and through a gorgeous steep canyon area (called Devil's hall). There's rock scrambling, hiking, soaring cliffs, desert plants, and old wash, what's not to like? This was by far our … [Read more...]
Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trail: Bryce Canyon
Quite possibly the best (or at least most popular) trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Queens Garden and Navajo Loop combines these two trails into a great loop that gives you up close views of the Hoodoos. There’s so much to see in this short trail which makes it a perfect one for any visitor to the park. If there’s one trail you have … [Read more...]
Taylor Creek Trail [Middle Fork] : Zion National Park
This hike feels like a bit of a hidden gem in the Zion National Park trail network. It’s an idyllic trip through some beautiful wooded areas along a cute creek area. And even more so there’s some extra fun things you can discover as well. Taylor Creek trail is something fun, learn about the hike, the landmarks, and some extra fun things to … [Read more...]
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail Guide: Zion National Park
One of my favorite views over the canyon, Observation Point is a beautiful spot to look down on not just the canyon but also get some great views looking towards Angel’s Landing as well. The trail is an easier moderate trail among the trails of the park which much of it well marked and ambling. There is some elevation gain but it comes … [Read more...]
Lower Emerald Pool Trail Hike: Zion National Park
One of the best easy trails in Zion, the Lower Emerald Pool trail takes visitors to a beautiful lake and waterfall. This is one of the favorite hikes of many visitors to the park. Here we explain how to do the hike. About the Hike Distance: 1.4 miles | Type: Out & Back | Avg. Time: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Dog … [Read more...]
Serpents Trail Guide: Colorado National Monument
One of the more popular trails in Colorado National Monument, the serpents trail takes visitors along an old roadway for views over the surrounding area. This post hopefully will help you decide if it's the right trail for you, with details on the hike, parking, and more. About the Serpents Trail Distance: 3.5 miles | Type: Out & … [Read more...]
Hanging Lake Trail: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Someone randomly mentioned the Hanging Lake Trail to me and once I looked it up I knew I had to visit. What I didn’t realize is how beautiful it is in person and how popular too. We help you break down how to book your permit, getting there, and having the best hike on the trail as well. About the Hanging Lake Trail Distance: 3 miles … [Read more...]
Canyon Overlook Trail: Zion National Park
For those looking for a short hike with a great payoff, the Canyon Overlook Trail is the best option in Zion. At only 1 mile in length, hikers can see a stunning view and a fun hike along the canyon. Read on to learn more for advice and hike information. About the Hike Distance: 1 mile | Type: Out & Back | Avg. Time: 30 mins | … [Read more...]
Elkblom & Big Plateau Loop – Theodore Roosevelt National Park
I love Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and when I recommend folks to go, it is this hike; the Elkblom & Big Plateau I recommend most of all. It is the best day hike in the park and one where you’ll get to experience beautiful views, see wildlife, cross a river, and experience some wild North Dakotan places. About the Hike Distance: … [Read more...]
Four Lake Loop Guide: Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake and Surrounding Area is one of the most popular and beautiful parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is covered with quite a few gorgeous glacial lakes. This hike takes you to four of the best, Emerald, Haiyaha, Dream, and Nymph. What makes this one good, is that it's the best way to see them without any … [Read more...]
Alberta Falls Hike Guide: Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are looking for a fun, easy, family friendly hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. You should definitely consider the Alberta Falls Hike. Located in the Bear Lake area of the Park, it is a fun trail to a beautiful waterfall. The hike is lovely, wide, well marked, and fun. You can combine this hike with several others to see even more if … [Read more...]
Ultimate Guide: Sky Pond Hike – Rocky Mountain National Park
The Sky Pond Hike is one of the best trails in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike includes some epic nature from several waterfalls (including one you climb), lakes, mountain views, forests, and more! The hike reminded me a lot of some of my favorite hikes of Glacier, including Grinnell Glacier and the Highline trail. You’ll see why … [Read more...]
Guide to the Lost Mine Trail Hike – Big Bend NP
If I had to pick my favorite trail in Big Bend National park it would be the Lost Mine Trail Hike. And I’m not alone, it is consistently ranked as one of (if not THE) top hike in the park. I was really skeptical, could it really deserve all those high scores? Well, let's see if you agree. And here we are to help you plan your trip to Big Bend NP … [Read more...]
Guide to Santa Elena Canyon Trail – Big Bend NP
Located on the far end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, the Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most imposing features in Big Bend National Park. The walls of the canyon rise steeply for over 1,500 feet on either side of the Rio Grande which makes up the border of the United States and Mexico. The trail is short but one of the best in Big Bend … [Read more...]
Visiting and Doing the Maroon Bells Hikes
The Maroon Bells Hike is the literal postcard of the State of Colorado. It's actually what you see on many of the advertisements for the state. I actually saw and learned about it the first time behind the desk at a hotel I was checking into. And I knew I had to visit. The trouble with it being so picture or err... poster perfect is that it's … [Read more...]
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail – El Dorado Canyon State Park
Located in El Dorado Canyon State Park, Rattlesnake Gulch is one of the best hikes in the area. El Dorado as a whole doesn't have too many trails for hikers (it's more of a climbing destination), but what it does have is stellar. The park has some gorgeous canyons that run alongside of the Boulder Canyon creek and with views of Boulder and the … [Read more...]
Guide To McAfee Knob Hike – Virginia Appalachian Trail
One of the premier hikes in Virginia and along the Appalachian Trail. McAfee Knob is one of those postcard perfect places you see on brochures. And it often does don the sites and advertisements for Virginia Travel. So you want to check out the amazing McAfee Knob Trail? Read along to learn more. About the McAfee Knob Trail Distance: … [Read more...]
Highline Trail Hike – Glacier National Park’s Best Day Hike
If I had to recommend one trail in Glacier National Park as "must-do", it would be the Highline Trail hike. It takes you along the mountain side and alpine environments of Glacier National Park with incredible stunning views. And if you opt for the side trail, a view from above of a glacier. Seeing a glacier is one of the main reasons you came here … [Read more...]
Best Hikes in Badlands National Park (Easy to Harder)
Located in South Dakota, Badlands National Park protects some of the most beautiful badlands in the country. While Badlands NP is named and protects the badlands they are not the only badlands in the area or country. Badlands represent dry rocky steep terrain that have been eroded overtime, they tend to lack water, be poor soil for … [Read more...]
Guide to Exploring Dinosaur National Monument
One of the most remote parts of Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument is along the area of the country famous for its fossils. I was shocked to learn that the majority of dinosaur fossils, including many of the famous big ones are from the US across much of the mountain region. Much of these areas were part of a great sea that covered the land and … [Read more...]
10 Best Things to Do in Big Bend National Park
With more than 800,000 acres and 150 miles of trails, there so much to explore and see in Big Bend National Park. From wildlife, to beautiful starry nights, to the Rio Grande, canyons, and more, Big Bend with likely leave you in awe. Like most folks, time is limited and I'm sure you are trying to maximize the best things to do while visiting the … [Read more...]
Best Day Hikes in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the United States if not the world. There is plenty to do in the park and hiking is the best way to experience it. So much of the park is wilderness that if you don't get off the roads you won't see much of it, especially not the most incredible areas of the park. Note: If you don't … [Read more...]
Experience the Burroughs Mountain Trail Hike – Mount Rainier
There are a lot of trails around Mount Rainier National Park. One of my favorites however is the Burroughs mountain trail from the Sunrise area of the park. The trail has so much terrain and places to cover as well as some incredible views of Mount Rainier. You can choose to go as far along on the trail as you choose, but the closer you go the … [Read more...]
Alpine Lake, Bristlecone & Glacier Trails – Great Basin NP
If you only have time to do one hike, these are the places you want to go. They are all located in the same area and many people actually do it as one large hike. You can also decide to pick only a specific area of the hike if you are pressed for time or not interested in some of the sights. This was definitely one of my favorite things to do … [Read more...]
Completing the Hickman Bridge Hike – Capitol Reef National Park
One of my favorite hikes in Capitol Reef, the Hickman Bridge Hike is also one of the most popular of the park as well. And for good reason, it's a great hike with some wonderful payoffs along the way. You'll start off Route 24 and hike up to Hickman's Bridge, which is a natural arch in the park. Along the way you'll also get to see the Nels Johnson … [Read more...]
How to Hike the Grand Wash Trail – Capitol Reef National Park
One of the most interesting hikes in the park, the Grand Wash Trail Hike takes you along a "wash" which is a temporary riverbed area. The hike takes you through the wash, along canyon walls, and into a slot canyon called "the narrows", with its high imposing walls and narrow walk way. Read along for how to do the hike, when to go, and how to … [Read more...]
Guide to the Upheaval Dome Trail Hike – Canyonlands
The Upheaval Dome Trail Hike is one of my favorites in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park. It has some interesting views of this weird crater that has a few theories on how it was formed. We were also very lucky in that we hiked early in the day and hand the entire trail to ourselves. If you are planning to hike the trail too, … [Read more...]
Guide to Mesa Arch Hike – Canyonlands National Park
Mesa Arch, in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is one of the most famous and most photographed landmarks in the National Park System. It is also one of the best and easiest hikes you can do in a park with such a great payoff. About Mesa Arch Mesa Arch is a beautiful pothole arch on the eastern edge of the … [Read more...]
Delicate Arch Hike Guide – Arches National Park
One of the most iconic hikes in the Arches National Park, the Delicate Arch Hike is one that most folks add to their "must-do" list. And for good reason, the arch is quite magical, it is super well known, many Americans have seen photos of the arch. It also adorns the license plate of Utahans. So if you are looking to hike the delicate arch … [Read more...]
Hiking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley – Peru
One of the newest and most popular hikes in Cusco is the Rainbow Mountain hike. I will have to say I'm not sure if I've seen another mountain quite like this anywhere else, which makes it a great place to explore and visit as a day or longer hike in the mountains near Cusco. Additionally, the Red Valley (which is far less trafficked but seriously … [Read more...]
How to Do the Laguna Humantay Hike – Peru
One of the most iconic day hikes in the Cusco area is the Laguna Humantay Hike that takes you hikers up to the glacial Humantay Lake at an elevation of 13,780 feet. The mountain of Humantay however is even higher. Soaring to 5,473 meters (17,956 feet), which adds to the picturesque nature of the scene. While the place reminded me of a lot of … [Read more...]
Guide to the Windows Trail Hike – Arches National Park
One of my favorite hikes and a super easy way to see three different really cool arches. The Windows arch is one of the best short hikes in Arches National Park, and its popularity certainly shows. You can get up close and personal with some of these arches, and get a chance to quickly wander through the arches or spend as much time as you want. … [Read more...]
Hiking Hall of Mosses Trail – Olympic National Park
One of the most popular trails in Olympic National Park, the hall of mosses showcases some of the most beautiful aspects of the park and temperate rainforests. Olympic has one of the largest temperate rainforests in North America, and Hoh rainforest and hall of mosses in should not be missed. Discover the moss covered trees and trails that are the … [Read more...]
Otto’s Trail Hike – Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument really was a surprise for me. I thought it was going to be a small place, however it is one of the larger monuments you can drive through and brings you along the beautiful ridge of the canyon with incredible views of rock outcroppings. Otto's Trail has some of the best views of the park with views of some of the … [Read more...]
Best Hikes in Arches National Park
You've come to Arches National Park in Utah and wondering where to go and how best to use your time. The park, while smaller than many other National Parks still has a lot of trails to explore and places to see. With over 2,000 Natural Arches, there is a lifetime of things to visit. So how to maximize your limited time? We try to compile the must … [Read more...]
Guide to the Iceberg Lake Trail Hike in Glacier NP
The Iceberg Lake trail is one of the most beautiful and popular trails. It is located in the Many Glaciers section of Glacier National park and takes you to a glacial lake. About the Iceberg Lake Trail Distance: 9.3 miles | Type: Out & Back | Elev. Gain: 1,450 ft. | Avg. Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate The Iceberg Lake … [Read more...]
Guide to the Ptarmigan Tunnel Hike – Glacier National Park
There are a lot of great hikes in Glacier National Park, but few have something as cool as Ptarmigan Tunnel. While it was not my ultimate favorite hike, I really did find the tunnel to be very cool, and the view out of this world. If I had more time I would have combined the hike with the larger multi-day hike that leads people further into the … [Read more...]
Why you Should Hike Lion’s Head Mountain – Cape Town
Cape town It is one of the most beautiful cities…no places I have visited. It is stunning. If you’ve been you know. If you haven’t well, even though the photos are stunning it doesn’t do the place justice. So when we asked people what is one thing we need to do while in town, nearly everyone said to hike Lion’s head. The … [Read more...]
Standing on the Roof of Africa – Simien Mountains – Ethiopia
I really did not even know such a place existed in Ethiopia. It was hard for me to realize how little I actually knew about Ethiopia prior to actually visiting there. Well basically nothing other than those news stories about the droughts and famines decades ago. So when I heard about the Simiens I really did not know what to expect. Nicknamed … [Read more...]
Tips for visiting the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Tips for being prepared for your trek through the Simien Mountains. Really a lot of these tips were garnered from the experience of doing it with little or no preparation. Sure it was possible, but honestly there were moments were I regretted being there because of the lack of preparation. Perhaps you can learn from some of my experience, … [Read more...]
Wandering in the Jungle – Andhra Pradesh
“Time spent in India has a extraordinary effect on one. ” – Tahir Shah He clearly never spent much time at an Indian bus station, or perhaps that effect might be anger, frustration, or confusion. I jest…sort of. It’s 600am and we are wandering through the crowds of the city bus terminal in Hyderabad. Buses, cars, rickshaws, carts and people of … [Read more...]
Egypt: Saint Catherine’s Monastery et al.
The way down was fairly uneventful for us. Whiskey seemed to reprise his role in our group or perhaps his uncanny body double. But the benefit of morning hiking is that you can actually see where you go. The clot of hikers slowly flowed down the mountain steps onto the trail below and Whiskey bounded along laden with our friend upon … [Read more...]