Located in southern New Mexico, the Gila Wilderness consists of 558,085 acres of truly unique and pristine land. With its near-vertical canyon walls, snaking rivers, and gorgeous alpine forests, this gem boasts some of the best natural beauty in the American Southwest. It also received the world’s first wilderness area designation in 1924–forty years before… Read more »
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Henry Cowell Observation Deck Loop
Henry Cowell Redwoods is a redwood pilgrimage everyone should make, not only for those ancient redwoods, swimming holes, and Santa Cruz Mountain vistas but its historic role in preserving redwoods in California State Parks. This 5.0-mile loop takes you through the highlights: an old-growth redwood forest, the peaceful San Lorenzo River, a rare Santa Cruz… Read more »
Three Points to Sulphur Springs Trail Camp via the PCT
On a recent winter weekend getaway to Chilao Campground, I was tasked with finding a nearby hike that could accommodate the spectrum of experience levels in our group. From casual outdoor adventurers to thru-hiking enthusiasts, I thought it would be an impossible task to appease everyone. However, after perusing online maps of the San Gabriel… Read more »
Waihe’e Ridge Trail
If you ever find yourself on the north shore of Maui and itching for a solid early-morning hike with some truly spectacular views of the interior of the island, pack a lunch, set your alarm, and head out early to the Waihe’e Ridge Trailhead for a popular Maui hike that truly earns its reputation as… Read more »
Dark Canyon Trailhead to Mount Pickens
I was poking around the San Gabriel Mountains on Google Maps one night when I came across the Dark Canyon Trailhead. Immediately intrigued, I wanted to know more about this ominous-sounding trail but found little information online. So, I pulled up my favorite trail mapping website to build my own route. It was during this… Read more »
Wild Mustard Loop at Debs Park
For a fairly solitary, nature-filled hike with a beautiful lake, dense brush, and numerous scenic spots to sit and take in panoramic views of Los Angeles, Wild Mustard Loop may be the perfect hike. I’ve done this hike twice; once in the summer and once in the spring, and highly recommend waiting until the spring… Read more »
Colchuck Lake
Colchuck Lake is the gateway to the Enchantments, one of Washington’s most sought-after backcountry experiences. Formidable peaks reflected in Colchuck’s icy emerald-blue waters make for a popular and crowded trail in the summer. During fall, a fresh dusting of early winter snow and golden larches turn this fairytale scene into one of the most coveted… Read more »
Bear Gulch Caves-High Peaks-Condor Gulch Loop
Pinnacles National Park, 125 miles southeast of San Francisco, is an incredibly fun and adventurous park, with rare talus caves, millions-year-old pinnacles, spring wildflowers, and California condors. This 6.1-mile loop takes you through the Bear Gulch Caves, up to the High Peaks area, and down the Condor Gulch Trail for vistas and wildflowers. The park’s… Read more »
Villa Montalvo Loop
The Montalvo Arts Center, also known as Villa Montalvo, is an estate-turned-public park in the Saratoga foothills, with beautiful gardens, hiking trails through a redwood forest, and sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. This 2.5-mile hike loops through the best of it, visiting gardens, artwork, and hiking trails that lead to a vista of Santa Clara… Read more »
Acid War Zone Trail to Nakalele Blowhole
The Acid War Zone Trail is a short, moderate trail on the northwest coast of Maui that serves as an alternate viewing and access point to the popular Nakalele Blowhole. Along the way, hikers will get some stunning views of the Maui coastline and Molokai, get up close and personal with lots of exposed volcanic… Read more »