Backpacking The Grand Canyon – South Kaibab to Bright Angel
There are some experiences in life that stand out among the rest. experiences that before they are even over you can tell, there is something special about it. Something that will stick with you for years to come. For me, backpacking the Grand Canyon was one of those experiences. https://youtu.be/2k4yHIotL8A I have visited the Grand Canyon at least a half dozen times. North rim, south rim, day hikes, even spending the night on remote points along the rim. But nothing prepared me
Trampas Lakes – Pecos Wilderness – Carson National Forest, NM
The Trampas Lakes are said to be two of the prettiest lakes in NM. The perfect place to spend a couple nights and maybe bag a Summit or two. After a long summer with little opportunity to hike
My Kid’s First Backpacking Trip – Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas
There is something about backpacking that I love to share with other people. But recently I realized I have never shared backpacking with my 9 year old daughter. And that wasn’t right. So we decided to fix that and headed North to the Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita National Forest of Arkansas.
Exploring the Untouched Beauty of Matilija Wilderness, California: A Backpacking Adventure in Los Padres National Forest
The Matilija Wilderness in Southern California is indeed a wild place. I recently did a 2 night backpacking tip of the North Fork Matilija Creek Trail in the Matilija Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. I wasn’t looking to do a lot of miles on this trip and even what I intended to do was cut short due to how difficult the trail is to follow.
Crossing the Floating Bog Bridges of the Adirondacks, New York
“Be careful up ahead! I fell in on the floating bog bridges.” What did that guy just say? The FLOATING bog bridges? As we would soon find out first hand the trail between Feldspar Lean-to and Lake Arnold is prone to flooding. Scratch that…has become a permanent 5-10 foot deep swamp. Some years ago ADK trail crews attempted to build bog bridges to get hikers across. But as water continued to rise the bridges have started floating and disintegrating.
Mount Colden Summit Hike – Adirondacks New York
We heard that Lake Colden was a popular place to set up camp. And since Adirondack state park limits backcountry camping to designated spots and shelters we wanted to make sure we grabbed a spot before they were all gone
Avalanche Lake – Adirondacks, New York
I have spent most of my time hiking in the West. And I will admit in the past I have turned my nose up at Eastern mountains. Eastern mountains seem more like hills than mountains. The highest peak in the East isn’t even as tall as the Texas high point. And Texas is stereotyped as being flat. Avalanche Lake So when my wife and I took an epic road trip from Texas to Maine…I went looking for a good overnight trip to
Devil’s Postpile National Monument – California
On our second Day (click here for day one) in California we woke up absurdly early to head to Yosemite from San Francisco. We were so ready to get out of the city and experience the part of California that had called us onto this adventure. We drove about six hours from the city to our campsite. Along the drive, while we were enjoying an amazing first view of the iconic granite monoliths, we were trying to make final plans
Montane Atomic Rain Jacket – Review
One of the best pieces of rain gear I have ever owned are the Montane Astro Ascent pants with Event. Most rain gear I have used leaves you more wet from your own sweat than you would be if you just faced the rain. Montane’s event pants are the only rain gear I have ever owned that made me think, “this is what breathable fabric must feel like.” Unwilling to fork out $300+ dollars I have never found a jacket
Muir Woods and San Francisco – California Trip – Day One
Last year sometime my wife and I decided that we wanted to take a trip to California. She had never been, and my parents tell me that I visited as a child but I only vaguely recollect this event. We were excited to spend a few days in San Francisco and several days in the Yosemite National Park area. We were ready for an adventure of good food, iconic sights, and some peaceful trail time. California wouldn’t disappoint.Muir Woods We began