Kyle FrostExplorer

Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Creek trail up Lyons Creek, until you reach Lake Sylvia (about 4.6 miles). Over this distance, you've...

The goal for our weekend was to do some winter camping in the Yosemite backcountry; we decided on Sentinel Dome as our destination. The trail is a cakewalk during the summer, but winter turns it into a 10 mile uphill grind from the car. Most people opt to head for the ski hut at Glacier Point, but Sentinel Dome is less crowded, and in my opinion, more rewarding. The trailhead begins at the Bad...

If you like mountains and challenging hikes, then this is a must-do while in Sapa. Most tourists will opt for the 2 day tour, with one night spent on the mountain (there is a 3 day tour, but that seems completely unnecessary). However, for someone in relatively good shape, a 1 day hike is totally doable (if arduous). You'll have to arrange a guide while in Sapa town, prices will vary based on ...

Most people visiting Togariro National park do the 1 day Alpine Crossing. I opted to do the full circuit, a 27 mile hike that takes you all the way around the prominent summit of Mt. Ngaroe.I traveled the trail clockwise, leaving from Whakapapa Village and heading to Waihohonu Hut on the first day. This part of the trail is fairly flat and winds 14.3 km around the south side of Ngaroe.Day 2 bro...

Guatape is a vibrant town of craftsmen and artisans a short day trip from Medellin. Wander the colorful streets and admire the unique painted depictions of local life that can be found on nearly every building in the main part of town.Besides just walking around town, there is a zipline on the waterfront, boat tours on the lake, and it's a short tuk tuk ride to La Roca, where you can climb the ...

Whitewater is a short 20 minute drive from downtown Nelson. There are only 3 lifts here, but a surprising amount of terrain — most of which will satisfy even the strongest of skiers. Our favorite runs were the Trash Glades, accessed via a short traverse off the backside of the Motherlode Chair (and the boot-pack above the traverse that’ll get you a few more creamy turns).  This isn’t a resort t...

Antisana is the 4th highest peak in Ecuador, after Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi. However, due to it's access restrictions and remote location, it is climbed far less than the others. East of Quito, surrounded by an ecological preserve, you won't find a cushy refugio here to start your hike. However, I'm of the opinion that this is one of the most beautiful mountains I've ever climbed.You'l...

There’s something delightfully old-school about RED. Show up, park where there’s room and get going from the pretty basic base area. Don’t stop skiing until your legs do. Highlights for us included Powderfields, Ledges, Captn Jacks, and Beer Belly — as well as the “Poochies Trees” off the Red Mountain chair. It’s easy to see why the locals here can rip. Wherever you are on the mountain, you’ll ...

I don't know what you think of when you think of the Galapagos, but giant volcanoes isn't one of the things that was in my head. This day tour (around $40-$60) will take you to the second largest caldera in the world, and then explore the lava fields of Sierra Negra.You'll be picked up at your hostel/hotel in town in the morning, and the drive to the island's interior to start your hike. After ...

The highlight tour on Cristobal, and possibly the Galapagos, is Kicker Rock (aka Leon Dormido aka The Sleeping Lio). This rock formation rises out of the ocean a 45min boat ride from the main town. It features two giant splits in the rock that have created channels you can snorkel through. There are two types of Kicker Rock tours, an “around this island” tour, that circles San Cristobal with a ...

At nearly 14,000 ft, a trip up Toubkal is no joke, and much more than most people expect to find in Morocco. You'll find a landscape that reminded us of Colorado, and some great hiking (and even some snow).Getting thereAll hikes to Toubkal start in the small mountain town of Imlil. You can arrange your own transportation here, or arrange a hiking trip that picks you up in Marrakech and takes yo...

Start the hike at the Mono pass trail. You'll eventually take the fork towards Parker Pass a couple miles in. We tackled the trail in late spring, and it quickly became clear that there was still enough snow to make our lives difficult. As we climbed out of the Parker drainage, the trail essentially disappeared and we resorted to map and compass for our backcountry route finding. Reaching the...

The trail starts at the Glacier Gorge trailhead along the road to Bear Lake. After hiking for just under a mile, you'll pass Alberta Falls and continue up the trail through the gorge. At about 2 miles you'll reach a clear junction, with trails towards Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and The Loch. Take the Loch trail and climb up through some switchbacks until arriving at the lake. The main trail con...

You'll start the hike at the Echo Lakes trailhead, just off of Highway 50 in Lake Tahoe. The trail meanders past Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, slowly gaining altitude as you pass a smattering of summer cabins. The climb is enough to make you feel it, but before you know it, it's over. Once cresting the "pass" you'll traverse mostly flat and slightly downhill terrain into the lake basin. The tra...

Starting at Coffeen Park, head south on the Solitude Trail. This trail will wind through the woods for several miles, passing Lake Geneva, and then Solitude Lake. After a glimpse of Solitude (it's a bit off the trail to the west), you'll start the climb up to Geneva Pass. After Geneva Lake, the elevation comes quickly, and in a relatively short distance. Push through it and you'll be at the pas...

Drive to the overlook at Crater Lake well before sunrise. Actually, you should probably just sleep in your car for a bit to make sure you're not late for this incredible sight. Witness the changing colors and light as the sun creeps over the east side of the lake, throwing shadows and reflections around the rim.You can hike up the ridges near the parking area for to get a different perspective ...

Beginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping panorama of the basin and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne just to the north. The official Ten Lak...

Often touted as one of the most scenic trails in Engelberg, and with good reason! This fairly easy hike is enjoyed in either direction, starting from the Brunnihutte, or Banalpsee. From Brunnihutte, follow signs for the Walenpfad trail and Bannalpsee. The trail provides sweeping views of Titlis and the surrounding mountains. The path remains fairly flat for a while, traversing the mountainside...

From Engelberg, head towards Eugenisee and then wind through houses on the edge of town before starting the ascent to Ober Zingel. You'll have great views of the valley, and steep climbing. At Ober Zingel you can stop for a snack, or continue upwards to Lutersee. From here, you'll continue hiking upwards along steep mountainsides and grassy ridgelines, watch your step! When you reach the pass, ...

You can reach the start of this hike by taking the (free) hiker bus from Engelberg to the Fürenalp cable car. Take the cable car to the top, and you'll have a long, pleasant descent towards Staüber, with stunning views along the way. Near Staüber, the trail cuts back down the valley towards Fürenalp, although you could choose to continue on towards Blackenalp or Surenenpass. If you're descendin...

The trail starts on a gravel road going up towards a water tower. A doubletrack trail takes off to the right and up the hill as you near the water tower. Take the this trail and this can be followed all the way up to the red rock view point. There are several, steeper, narrower trails branching off the doubletrack as you gain elevation that all head in the same general direction. Some of these ...

There are a couple of outfits that do deepwater soloing tours in Krabi, but I went with Basecamp in Tonsai. For 700 baht (about $20 USD), you get a full day of climbing, including water, lunch, and climbing shoes.You'll start about 9:30, heading out on a longboat to a local island with a couple of prime soloing spots. Get accustomed to the climbing (and jumping into the water) at the first sit...

Start at the Long Lake Trailhead ($10 parking fee) and head up the trail towards Isabell Lake. You'll pass both Long Lake and Isabelle lake, with spectacular views at both. At Lake Isabelle, be sure to continue straight on the trail, further up the valley, not the right turn up to Pawnee Pass.Continue up past Lake Isabell, following the trail and cairns along the way. You'll reach an unnamed ta...

Bitexco Financial Tower is the tallest building in Saigon, and the Skydeck provides stunning views in every direction.It'll cost you $10 USD to go to the top, but the perspective on this sprawling city is worth it.