Artist Point, at the end of the Mount Baker Highway in northwestern Washington, is a very popular place (at least when it’s thawed out – which is about two to four months of the year). Cars drive in and out…
Heliotrope Divide and Coleman Glacier – Fantastic Views!
If you want a jaw-dropping view you don’t get most other places, try the Heliotrope Divide Trail on the side of Mount Baker in Washington. Seriously. The trail itself may not be that exciting (save for the four stream crossings),…
Book Review: John Fielder’s Best of Colorado
I originally wrote this review of the book “John Fielder’s Best of Colorado” for the now-debunked E-pinions website, so if it’s a little different style than what I usually publish, you’ll know why. Pros: Great information for the…
Ptarmigan Ridge – So Many Exclamation Points!
“Ptarmigan Ridge or bust.” That’s what he told me one beautiful morning a few days before we planned to leave on a trip. I stared at him in disbelief. Usually a quiet, easy-going guy (particularly when it comes to which…
The Chapin / Chiquita / Ypsilon Loop: 3 Summits, 8 Miles!
Ever since I read about the Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain loop trail in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2006, I’ve wanted to hike it. I had it all planned, too: We’d go in September, before the snow fell,…
Hiking Up Green Mountain in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Ok, so Green Mountain in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may not be the most spectacular trail in the state – or even in the park – but it does have some good points. First, it’s one of…
Holzwarth Historic Site – Worth a Summer Stop!
I’ve been to the Holzwarth Historic Site twice in my travels across America. The first time, it was called Never Summer Ranch, after the lodge and “hotel” that once stood on the site. The second time, I nearly missed the…
The Alpine Ridge Trail: Topping Huffers Hill!
How about a short hike this week with an awesome view? Sound good to you? Because the trail up Huffers Hill (as it is informally known) is only 0.5 miles (0.8 km) RT yet offers outstanding views of the Never…
A Hike from Independence Pass to UN 12812 – Spectacular!
Hiking to UN 12812 just above Independence Pass was a life saver. Well, ok, that’s too strong, but it did meet a need rather nicely – and spectacularly. I needed a short hike near Independence Pass – and one above…
Ute Trail West
I think I’ve hiked the Ute Trail just about every time I’ve gone to Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s something top-of-the world about hiking the eastern section of the trail with views of the Continental Divide. However, on our last…