United States

With a moderate grade on a wide trail, the hike to Talapus Lake is the perfect introduction to the outdoors for hikers and beginning backpackers. Upon arrival at Talapus, break out lunch or pitch camp. Either way, you can cool off in the large lake. If you feel like pressing on, Ollalie Lake is j...

Visiting this restored fort and the museum makes for a great day and family visit. There are plenty of great photo opportunities with very nice displays and good views of the ocean especially if you head out along the nature trail loop.

The Beaudry Loop trail features a bench at the top with 360 degree views of the greater LA area. The trailhead is a little hidden on Beaudry Blvd. As Beaudry Blvd turns into Beaudry Terrace, you'll see cars parked at the paved trailhead. There is very little shade on the trail so bring ample sun...

This hike is a must-do while in Great Basin! The views from the top offer very unique 360-degree views that can't be matched anywhere else. If you're visiting Great Basin, I definitely recommend taking the time to do this hike, even though it's on the longer and more strenuous side! Wheeler Peak...

This park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking.  The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...

The Cranberry Wilderness is lesser known, but if you're looking for a rugged escape, this is it. Be mindful of your water intake, as there are a few stretches upwards of 6-8 miles where there is no access to fresh water. Those areas are well-known in most of the hiking blogs/guides (I'd recommend...

The trail to Duck Lake in the Uinta Mountains starts at the Crystal Lake Trailhead  and is a popular starting off point for many trails like Cliff Lake, so the parking lot fills up quickly.  Starting off, follow the signs for Long Lake. At about 1.3 miles you'll come to a junction. Follow the si...

The recreation area consists of approximately 29,000 acres of public land that is managed primarily for off highway vehicle use and winter deer range. Vehicle use within the recreation area is limited to designated roads and trails to ensure that the two primary uses remain compatible throughout ...

It's always (for me anyway) a good sign when the parking area at a trailhead is devoid of any other vehicles. Such was the case at the Sherman Creek Trailhead in the Clearwater National Forest in west-central Idaho. This trail begins just north of US-12, where Sherman Creek starts emptying into t...

Sheep Mountain Table is located in the Stronghold Unit that is in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of Badlands National Park. The area is prime for exploring. Once you get off Highway 27 for Sheep Mountain Table, you will travel about 4 miles on a well maintained gravel road, to an Overlook and ...

The name of the campground, Northshore Campground, speaks for itself. It's located on the northern side of Lake Britton, across the water from the main state park camping area. This is nice for us as it's easier to get a spot, and it's much quieter. Campground Reservations It's a PG&E campgr...

There are two main sets of trails available for walking/running on. The trails connect across a small road and can be made into about a 4 mile loop if you run some of the interior loops as well. The trails are made of either wood-chips or boardwalks, and hold up to some snow and rain very well. T...

The hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...

Thunder Mountain Trail is one that should be on every mountain bikers bucket list. It's located just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park and passes through hoodoos, classic Bryce Canyon topography and epic views to the west.  For the first 2.5 miles, the trail meanders back and forth with littl...

This loop hike starts at the northern trailhead of the park where the Stillman Trail begins.  The parking area has enough space for only 6 or 7 cars.  Start off on a wide maintained carriage road.  After about a half mile, the Stillman Trail (yellow markers) breaks of to the left.  However, stay ...

You can most easily visit Witches Gulch via the Upper Dells Boat Ride and it was phenomenal! My kids were mesmerized by the mossy rocks, the walkways. Bring an extra layer because it is significantly cooler in the slot canyons than the boat ride.