Mike FennellExplorer

There are plenty of fascinating views throughout Torres del Paine National Park, so you can understand why it's such a popular destination. But with so many people doing the most popular hikes like Los Torres, it can feel a bit overcrowded. But somehow this very accessible hike is still relatively quiet of tourists, and you can find 360 panoramic views of the Park all to yourself.  There are t...

The trailhead is located next to the Minister Creek Campground, which is 14.7 miles southwest from the town of Sheffield, via state route 666. If coming from the west on highway 62, the trailhead is located 20 miles from West Hickory along state route 666. There is a parking lot across the road from the campground, but the trailhead is on the same side of the road as the campground, less than a...

This is part of the Aspen Snowmass Ski area so you'll have to buy a ski pass to take the lift up, or if you're up for a bigger workout, put some skins on and trek up to the top of Elk Camp. The easiest way to get there is to take the Elk Camp gondola to the Elk Camp lift. Once at the top of the lift, make your way to skiers right (east) and follow the signs to Burnt Glades. You can see the trai...

From the Kitimat Service Centre head north along Enterprise Avenue until you reach the Wedeene Mainline Forestry Road. Continue north along the mainline for approximately 1 km. Turn left and follow the rough road for approximately 2 km. to the trailhead. Trail is gated approx 0.5 km from trailhead in summer months to restrict motorized access.This is a challenging hike because it pretty much go...

Located at the most northern part of the Faroe Islands, the mountain Villingardalsfjall is a gorgeous coastal cliff that will offer views of all the surrounding north islands. The trail begins at the top of road Vid Gard, in the northern part of the town Vidareidi. The trail starts along side a 4ft tall rock wall. There is a small parking area, which most likely will not be filled because of th...

The trail to Quartz lake begins on southend of the Bowman Lake beach. I recommend going in a clockwise direction and getting the steep bit out of the way, but the ~13 mile loop can be done either way. Follow the Bowman Lake shore on the West Lakes Trail for about half a mile and then you will find the split where the loop begins. Turn left if doing the trail clockwise. The next 4 miles will be...

This is a point-to-point trek so you can either begin at Te Paki Stream or the Spirits Bay campsite at Kapowairua. This description starts from the Te Paki Stream. To get here, you need to drive north on SH1/Cape Reigna Road until you reach the tiny village of Te Paki. Turn left onto the Te Paki Stream Road. Take this 2 miles to where it ends at the Giant Te Paki sand dunes parking lot.The trai...

Angel Oak Park is located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston, so it makes for a great mini trip if you're already visiting the beautiful area. The tree is half a mile down Angel Oak Road, off of Maybank Highway on Johns Island. The Park is free and open from 9am - 5pm. Tripods are only allowed to be used 100 ft from the root trunk, but otherwise the tree is free to explore all around and un...

The Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you can park right there at the parking area on the side of the highway. Do not drive further down the ...

This 8.8 mile "loop" is not a true loop and the trail ends 4 miles apart along Independence Pass, so a car shuttle is recommended. I would recommend starting at the west trailhead (closer to Aspen) but will describe both trailheads so you can set up another car or shuttle at the other one.1) West Trailhead: Drive 14 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the parking lot directly across from Lost ...

The majority of this hike traverses through the beautiful forest that is part of the Holy Cross Wilderness. No significant views are to be had until you've climbed 1,300 ft over 2. miles and reach lower Savage Lake. The trail is easy enough to follow with no junctions along the way, and is adjacent to a stream for most of the hike. Once the first lake has been reached, follow the trail on the ...

Although the iconic Crystal Mill is the main attraction on this hike, the river that leads you there through the magnificent mountains of the White River National Forest is nothing short of extraordinary.Getting ThereThe hike is located in the small town of Marble, about 40 minutes east of Carbondale on Highway 133. Drive through the town and past beautiful Beaver Lake and find a place to park ...

This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit for White Star Campground. There are a few other campsites in the area such as Dexter campground, a...

I did this trip during the end of autumn, and was pretty much the only person on the entire lake. With it being so serene and so quiet, I had the perfect nature getaway. I made sure to watch an epic sunrise on Two Medicine Lake, then spend the day taking my time to the upper lake and back, with a few small side trips along the way. Once you have reached Two Medicine Lake by car, find the Upper...

One of the best spots in Bariloche to watch the sunset, this hour-long hike uphill will be highly rewarding. It's a not the least bit commercialized like some of the other hilltop views in Bariloche like Cerro Campanario, but the trail is very well maintained and easy to follow. The panoramic view from the top is very peaceful and you might find yourself sitting up there for hours since there i...

The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute walk and worth checking out. The tundra around the area is easy to navigate about and fun to explore ...

The trailhead for this hike is 9 km south of the town Súðavík at the inside tip of the fjord Álftafjörður. There‘s a small dirt parking lot off the road just before the small bridge. You can park your car here and begin your hike into the valley Seljalandsdalur. At the south end of the parking lot, there is a trailhead sign that says 2 km to Valagil. Even from the trailhead you can see one of t...

Located within the Lake Ouachita State Park, the Caddo Bend Trail is an wonderful 2-3 hour hike. Although promenently covered by shade the entire 4 miles, the Ouachita Lake area can be very hot in the summer and the trail should be done in the morning or late afternoon. Either way, I nice dip in the refreshing lake after your hike with cool you right off!The State Park is located off Mountain P...

The trailhead is located at the South Tibwin parking lot on the east side of Highway 17, about 12.5 miles north of McClellanville. You will see a large metal gate and hikers bulletin board. This is a lollipop loop trail that is on an old forest road. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot and heads into the forest. After a quarter mile, you'll come across a house and the trail wil...

You most likely won't find another person hiking this trail the same day as you, and for good reason; the trailhead is at the end of a 55 km gravel road that begins at British Columbia Highway 95, near the remote town of Spillimacheen. There is helicopter transportation if you are staying at the Canadian Mountain Holidays Lodge, located just a few hundred yards from the Cobalt Lake Trailhead. T...

Form Terrace, drive south for approx., 14 km along Highway 37 to Gruchy’s Beach day use area.The beach is accessed by an easy 1 km trail that follows along Williams Creek through and old growth forest. The trail has a number of boardwalks and nice views of the creek, which can provide sights of Salmon swimming at the right time of the year. The trail leads to a sandy swimming beach with good wi...

From Interstate 70, the road can be accessed from the west just a few miles from Highway 6, and from the east just near the town of Richfield. It also meets up at the north end of Highway 12 at the town of Teasdale. There is a major campsite at Capitol Reef National Park, but also many RV sites and small motels along the highway. In total the highway is 160 miles, but the best part is the 50 mi...

The waterfall is located in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which is delightful enough by itself to explore and have a picnic or lounge around. The easiest way to access this area is to park at the lot at the end of Fallsview Rd, located on top of the Dundas escarpment area. There is a $10 fee to park, or you can park on a nearby road and walk a little further, which may be better on a bus...

From Aspen drive down Maroon Creek Road until it comes to its winter closure located by T Lazy 7 Ranch. The Ranch offers snowmobile tours and keeps the six mile snow covered road to the Bells groomed. Most popular with cross country skiers, the snow road can also be hiked, fat biked, and skinned. Dogs are allowed, and there is no fee.Quite simply follow the well groomed snow road from where the...