Canyonlands National Park is one of Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks. Nestled next to Arches National Park and the quirky town of Moab, Canyonlands is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. But like it's neighbor Arches National Park, it is prone to tourist traps as well. Keep reading my guide below to balance out your day in Canyonlands between must-see but crowded activities and more serene escapes.
Maroon Bells is one of the most famous and photographed peaks in the US. Located in Aspen, CO, getting to the popular photo spot is quite easy - it's only a few minutes down from the parking lot. The hardest part is knowing how to get there, when to go, and what to do afterwards.
The Dipsea Trail is a popular trail in Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais State Park, just one hour north of San Francisco. This 7 mile trail goes from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach, meandering through lush forest and up to sweeping views. There are many ways to cut through other nearby trails to create a nice day hike away from the city.
The Lost Coast is a 53-mile route along Northern California’s rugged coast untouched by Highway 1. The hike is split into two sections, one from Mattel River to Shelter Cove, and the other from Hidden Valley to Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. We set out for the 25 mile northern section which hugs the coastline for most of the way. Most people will travel North to South to keep the wind at their backs.
Trail Distance: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,180'
Terrain Rating: Easy Side of Moderate
Hike In: 10:40AM
Hike Out: 3:09PM
For those living in Boston, day trips to the White Mountains can be exhausting. If you had a gathering with friends late Friday night and want to do a Saturday hike, it means getting up at 5AM on only a couple hours of sleep. I've started to do fewer day hikes and have turned them into longer weekend adventures.
Mount Hale is easily accessed from Zealand Road in the summer, making for an easy 4.6 mile hike. Unfortunately Zealand Road was still closed as of April 28, so we had to summit from the other side using an unofficial trail called Fire Warden's Trail.
My favorite vacation destinations are usually ones where I can get some hiking in, eat good food, and meet friendly people. There are so many beautiful hikes and outdoor destinations, but some trips have been better than others because of the other factors you don't see in photos. Are the town locals friendly? Is the food tasty? Is it affordable? My favorite hiking trips of all time are not just about the hiking. They are about the experience!
To this day, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Jaw-dropping mountains, glaciers, beaches, New Zealand has it all. But its beauty comes with a price. Make one wrong turn and you will be surrounded by tour buses, screaming babies, and hordes of tripod cameras. Here are my tips for planning the best outdoors trip to New Zealand without feeling like a mega tourist.
For only $112, the MSR Evo 22 Snowshoes are a perfect beginner, budget friendly snowshoe. They are Rolling Terrain snowshoes with a load of up to 180 lbs. The frame and deck are made from plastic.
