United States

Park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is conveniently empty before sunrise. The hike down to Black's Beach features a steep hike down a winding path of natural and manmade steps along the cliff face, but stay left and cruise the bluff for endless opportunities to observe, reflect and explor...

Spicewood Spring is a spring-fed swimming hole in Colorado Bend State Park and can be reached in one of two ways. There is an out and back trail that will take about 3.6 miles round trip if you just want to swim, but I prefer turning it into a scenic hike that takes you through Spicewood Canyon a...

Located just north of Boston, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. The refuge lands are both scenic and diverse, with approximately 4700 acres of habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, ...

There is no particular route to the top of Kelso Dunes from the trailhead – the wind is constantly moving the sands (and trail) around. Instead, follow the footsteps in the sand, avoid the vegetation, and aim for the tallest peak. It is pretty hard to get lost as you can see the parking lot from ...

This is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.

Disclaimer: Please keep a respectful distance from the whales and other sea wildlife for their protection and your own. Note, changing the animal's natural behavior is a violation of federal law.Every year, humpbacks whale migrate north from their winter and breeding grounds down in southern Mex...

Located in the beautiful state park of Fall Creek Falls, you'll find this overlook along with Millikan's Overlook. Both overlooks showcase the views shown in my photos, however, Buzzard's Roost is a short walk down the side trail that gives a more solitude experience that you may be looking for. ...

The trailhead to Spray Park begins at the Mowich Lake Campground (4,929 ft). You'll begin descending quickly for the first 0.1 miles until you reach the Wonderland Trail junction. Head left and make your way up a steady climb for the next 1.7 miles. The first stop you'll come across is Eagle Clif...

The hike along Little Zig Zag River is definitely one of Oregon's hidden gems. Although the waterfall isn't as highly rated in comparison to other impressive falls like Multnomah Falls, Abiqua Falls, or Bridal Viel Falls, it is still quite the sight to see, and most definitely worth the visit. T...

Based in Grandjean, one of the lesser utilized access points to the Sawtooth mountains, this trailhead is one of the most accessible in the range. A short trek on a dirt road, smooth for even Prius standards, off the highway is the gateway to mountainous adventure. The hike starts at 5200' above...

Unlike most through hikes that require two cars or hitchhiking, you can accomplish this with only one car by using a YART. Another benefit is that by entering in Mammoth, it is usually much easier to get permits as opposed to starting in Yosemite where permits can be harder to get. Then once yo...

There are several options to reach the summit of Mount Mansfield. The Toll Road (which, appropriately, has a toll to use it), the Laura Cowles trail, the Sunset Ridge trail, Haselton Trail, the Hellbrook Trail… The most popular trail from the east side of the mountain, however, is the section o...

Storm Castle (or Castle Mountain) is a rocky peak that rises to an elevation of 7,280 ft on the east side of the Gallatin Canyon overlooking Beckman Flats. The hike is a gorgeous 5 mile out and back trail located just 30 minutes south of Bozeman, Montana in the Gallatin Canyon. This trail offers ...

Cape Flattery, the most northwesterly point of the lower contiguous 48 states is accessed via an easy trail which includes many board walks and sets of stairs. Maintained by the Makah Tribe of Indains, the trail provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Tatoosh Island, nearby rocky cliffs...

To get to the trailhead: After entering the park, keep driving along the main road until you see signs for The Windows Area (just past the Balanced Rock and a little over 9 miles from the Visitor Center).  Follow this road until it ends in a parking lot and you see the arches to your right. The ...

Hidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the par...