A long and strenuous hike with many switchbacks can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Yes, it will be tough, but the views found at the top are typically worth every ounce of effort. Never heard of a “switchback” trail before? Let’s dig into the specifics of this unique type of trail. So, what …
Trail names are a fun part of being on the trail for an extended duration. Some of the names are colorful, unique, or intriguing. There are times that the names are given by others and sometimes self-named. Trail names are commonly used during long distance backpacking trips. So, why do hikers use trail names? Trail …
Hut to hut hiking can be a fun alternative to tent camping. It can provide you with the same adventure but with the convenience and comfort of cabin camping. In this article, you’ll be learning what hut to hut hiking is, a few examples of some hut to hut trails, and the advantages of this …
Are you tight on time and have just one day to spend at Yosemite? If you’ve never been to Yosemite National Park before, it can be hard to know where to start. It’s a big park with a lot to see. Most of the famous attractions you probably associate with Yosemite, such as El Capitan, …
Avid hikers, campers, cyclists and rock climbers all rely on trails and paths to keep them heading in the right direction. Those who are tech-savvy use GPS gadgets or their phone’s GPS to help them track their whereabouts. Having mentioned this, have you ever wonder how our ancestors managed not to get lost in the …
For road runners thinking about trying their hand at trail running, they might be hesitant. These days, when we hear about trail running we tend to hear about runners in the ultra running community – elite runners like Jim Walmsley or Courtney Dauwalter. Furthermore, road runners tend to hear about the complications that come with …
Created by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the Seven Principles are a guideline for minimizing our impact on nature when we’re hiking, camping, or just exploring. It goes beyond the simple mantra of “take only pictures, leave only footprints.” The act of leaving no trace extends to proper preparation for your trip, …
There are many reasons why the overuse of hot springs is problematic, including threats to human safety, but the core issue is the fact that the land cannot repair itself fast enough to keep up with the damage that people are causing. So, are hot springs threatened by overuse and constant visitation? Hot springs are …
Half Dome is one of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite National Park. Thousands of people hike to the summit every summer, and it’s a popular hike for a reason. Half Dome is quite unlike anything else in the world. When I lived next to Curry Village, I was lucky enough to watch the sunrise …
Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, fed by snow melt from the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. You may have seen the water crashing down from heights of over 2,000 feet at Yosemite Falls, or maybe you’ve done the iconic Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada falls. On a …