If you love National Parks but hate the crowds at National Parks, you are not alone.

Lucky for us, Ranger X has posted the first in what will hopefully be a wide-ranging series of posts about “Solitude Hikes,” off-the-beaten-path treks in well-trodden areas.

The first is a canyon riverbed hop in Zion National Park that sounds like a great adventure.

Off-trail exploring is not for everyone. It’s more difficult both physically and mentally, and it doesn’t always turn out to be a good time. But when it does, it’s infinitely more rewarding to know you’ve done something very few people can manage to do. Serious hiking bragging rights.

Also, if you bring a camera, you’ll be able to get something other than the postcard shots from the comfort station overlooks that everyone else goes home with.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.