I just got back from another hiking-adventure trip across the western US! It was different than any before, even as we visited old and new sites across Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and even Utah and Wyoming. There were high…
Echo Bay Swimming Beach – Desert Swimming Hole!
On a recent trip, my group wanted to go swimming. I couldn’t blame them; we had been camping and driving in 100F+ heat for several days, and we were all very hot and very sweaty. It promised to get even…
Point Reyes – Lighthouse Trail and Chimney Rock
It’s been said that Point Reyes is the second foggiest place in North America – the foggiest being somewhere in Newfoundland – so it shouldn’t have surprised me that it was foggy when we visited late one afternoon in July. …
17+ Epic Lake Day Hikes (You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
Or, more accurately, Epic Lake Day Hikes in the Western US You Haven’t Heard Of But Should Visit ASAP I may be a view junkie, but lakes have never held a special appeal to me. Well – they did…
Early Season Hiking to Clouds Rest – and Yosemite’s Best
Turn left at the stream that looks like a trail. Then, turn right at the trail that looks like a stream. -One of my group members remembering the Clouds Rest Trail If there was one hike in Yosemite that…
The 6 Best Day Hikes in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one concentrated lot of sandstone – filled with arches, rock formations, and incredible views. Unlike many national parks, where you might drive an hour just to get between one hike and the next, Arches is small…
Lassen Swimming Hole in Butte Lake!
Have you ever wanted to swim in a lava flow? Not in the lava, I mean, but in water among the remains of the hardened lava rock? It’s a big thing in Hawaii to swim or at least walk…
A Misty Morning Stroll on Arcadia Beach
Arcadia Beach, along US-101 south of Cannon Beach, isn’t worth a long stop. There just isn’t that much there. But it does have some interesting features, so if you happen to be passing by, consider 10 or 15 minutes to…
Lakes & Peaks: Duck Pass
If you can do one trail near Mammoth Lakes, CA, Duck Pass certainly should rank high on your list of possibilities. The trail passes by several lakes between mountains before ascending to an 10,800ft. pass overlooking the valley you just…
Epic Day Hiking Road Trip to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons!
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons are a concentration of epic views and fascinating phenomena. In Yellowstone, water boils out of the ground to create colorful pools, waterfalls race with thousands of gallons per minute, steaming water spouts into the air, and…