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Drew Thompson

This is a great spot to get a break from the Arches crowds. Corona is great and you can stand right underneath it. The hike is pretty quick (roundtrip less than 2 hrs with stopping at the Arch) The hike is fully in the sun so be sure to pack plenty of water.

Easy to get to, centrally located, and beautiful arches. This trail takes you to the North and South Windows as well as Turret Arch. All are close by and the trail is fairly flat. On the opposite end of this spot make sure to check out Double Arch. Note: This is a popular area of the park, be prepared to wait for parking.

Great day hike in Zion, note it will be crowded anytime during the day so be prepared. However the permit system will help thin out the crowds this year making for a more enjoyable time. I hiked this beginning of June 2021. The hike is straightforward with elevation gain to switchbacks to a flat staging area where you have a beautiful view of the Zion valley floor. From here be prepped for another hour with a Congo line of people to go up the spine of the hike in the chain section. There is obvious exposure but no hanging from the sides at any time. For those experienced hikers, it is a pretty normal ascent up albeit with crowds.

Prefacing this by saying the hike itself and the scenery is great 5/5. The canyons are gorgeous, the amount of people each day is limited, the light shadows are awesome and the small waterfalls are gorgeous. However, it was a terrible idea to install new steel staircases in a pristine canyon by those who "caretake" for this place. I hiked this prior to the installation of giant staircases which are for safety however it goes without saying if you cant climb a ladder or aren't comfortable hiking you should not be hiking this trail.

Get there early, pack plenty of water, and don't rent wooden sticks and waterproof booties. (seriously your regular hiking boots and trekking pole will work just fine) Awesome hike, easy to catch shuttle at the park entrance and it brings you directly to the Narrows stop. Highly recommend at least hiking to the Wall Street area for the most beautiful views on the day hike section. The further you go the quieter it becomes. Overall plan for this incredible experience to last the better part of your day. It is worth it.

Great hike to the most popular arch in the park. While crowded, the scenery is beautiful, trail is well marked. Be prepped for waiting in a short line for photos at the arch unobstructed. Along the way there are cool petroglyphs to view.

Amazing hike that ultimately leads you to Middle Teton. We hiked Middle Teton beginning of July 2021 and went up the Southwest Couloir. This hike follows the south fork trail from Lupin Meadows. After hours of hiking, you will reach the saddle at which point at hour long rock scramble awaits to summit Middle Teton. The hike/climb took us 13 hours roundtrip and should not be taken lightly for any first time day hikers (experience should be had before attempting)

This main section of the park, though busy is can't miss. We biked from Taggert Lake and visited Jenny Lake and then hiked these trails along Leigh and String Lake. Plenty of spots to take a dip in the water and views of the range are everywhere. Easily able to see the Grand and Moran. Note: Try kayaking on Jenny Lake

This was our first hike in the Tetons and it did not disappoint. Views from the Lake are incredible, trail is a slight uphill so not strenuous, additionally plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. We were fortunate to see a mom brown bear and two cubs (Please have bear spray and stay back a safe distance)

Beautiful spot which offers great hiking, biking on carriage trails, and food as well. The hike around the lake is easily accessible and good for families. Perfect mid-day packs lunch kind of place to eat lakeside. There are also Great Lake overlooks via the Carriage Trails. Note parking can get crowded, so be ready to wait for limited spots.

Nice spot, always crowded though due to cars being able to drive up the road. If looking for the same great views but willing to hike for them, try the Precipice Trail

Classic Acadia hike that comes with plenty of elevation gain, rung climbing, and cool exposure. Note this trail is longer and slightly tougher than the Beehive Trail. Additionally the trail closes during Peregrine Falcon nesting season.

Great loop directly next to Sand Beach, cool cliff views and photo opportunities of Sand Beach along a moderate hike in which you can get away from the crowds on the beach.

Cool spot but always crowded, recommend going at high tide to see the waves against the cliffs. Continue to walk the rest of the cliff walk towards sand beach to see even better views

Great hike right across from Sand Beach in Acadia. Note there will be crowds but this hike is worth it to tack onto your beach day in Acadia. Only a few sections with rungs but all very easily navigable and safe as long as you are okay with exposure. Quick loop can be completed in approx. 1 hour for fit hikers.

Have hiked Katahdin twice both via the Saddle trail starting from Roaring Brook campground/parking lot. Trails are well maintained and the views are amazing. Chimney Pond is a great place to stop for a nice rest and snack before heading up the Saddle. If the weather is good, highly recommend going down via Knife's Edge (much easier than going up) and connect back to Roaring Brook via the Helon Taylor trail. For a fit hiker expect approx. an 8-9 hour day hiking with plenty of stops for rest, food, and photos. **Make sure you obtain a parking pass for Baxter State Park well in advance of when you want to hike.