Derek Mathewson

Note: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling waterfall, Hermit Falls. At the swimming hole, you can slide down the rock cascades or watch people c...

This 3.8 mile out-and-back hike takes place on a very easy to use trail. The first 0.75 miles on Winding Way are paved, leading you up to Escondido Canyon Trail. As you head up Winding Way, it’s safest to stay on the side of the road on the dirt. You’ll take this paved road up roughly 200 feet before descending into Escondido Canyon Park. After a shaded mile in the park, you’ll arrive at lower...

...When you research hiking gems to explore in New Mexico, this cave most likely won't be one of the first ones to pop up. This amazing landmark, called Kit Carson Cave, is a short drive off the I-40 and is located near the town of Gallup.  After a long day of driving, or if you're just looking for a little adventure to stretch your feet, this cave is a cool spot to check out. Getting there......

...For this very short stroll to Elephant Arch, I'd like to clarify that it's more of a sightseeing and/or photo opportunity trip than a hiking trip. It's so close that it can be seen from the side of the road. So just forewarning! Nonetheless, if you love natural wonders then it's a landmark you'll be sure to appreciate! From the 60 freeway going East, you'll take a left onto N Queen Valley Rd...

...If you're in the Casper Wyoming area and want to spend a little time out in nature, this fairly short hike will take you to an unexpected waterfall called Garden Creek Falls. The trail starts in Rotary Park, but there's no cost to enter or park your vehicle. From there the trail will lead you to an 80+ft. multi-tiered waterfall! When you start your hike, you can either take the .2 mile ea...

…Not sure about everyone else, but who doesn’t enjoy a less visited natural arch?!This natural arch sits in Chinle's small town, just west of Canyon De Chelly National Monument. Hope Arch is definitely a gem that the locals know about, and the tourists do not, so if you plan to explore this arch, you’ll most likely have it to yourself. Before arriving, I had read that the arch sat on Navajo Nat...

Who doesn't love natural bridge formations?! I know I do! I always try to seek them out every time I hit the road for one of my photography road trips. ...Ayers Natural Bridge Park is a very well maintained and beautiful public park at the bottom of a red-rock canyon. It's about 15 minutes from Douglas, and is about 5 miles off the I-25. When entering the park, you'll pass an old power house...

...The hike through Fay Canyon goes 1.25 miles to Box Canyon and is rated easy to moderate. To see Fay Canyon Arch though is a much shorter hike. From Boynton Pass Rd, park at Fay Canyon parking lot. The parking lot offers restrooms and a few picnic tables to relax at. The start of the trail is directly across the street. Follow the trail for a little over a half a mile until you see a few cair...

…Who doesn’t enjoy a hike that gives you views as if you’re on top of the world! I know I do, and this hike to Water Canyon Arch (Eye of the Heavens Arch) will do just that!There’s two ways of getting to the arch, but the route I took was the squirrel creek trail, to the Canaan mountain trail. Once you park your vehicle in the obvious, large parking lot, follow the property fence to the right f...

Note: This trail is temporarily closed. For more updates, please visit the Forest Service website for more updates.  ...If you've read most of my blogs, you'll probably notice I have a fascination for waterfalls! I've done this hike multiple times, but it wasn't until this day where I saw these falls truly in action and what they're meant to look like. Getting here, you'll drive 13.4 miles nor...

This hike starts at the main parking lot about a mile away from the falls. The falls are accessed via a very easy, well graded trail developed and maintained by the Oregon BLM.The hike through the forest and pine trees make it for a fantastic and fairy tale-like hike. When you arrive at Susan Creek Falls, picnic tables are provided for a nice morning/afternoon/evening destination for a family o...

...Living in California, I know all about waterfalls! For me personally though, no matter the shape or size of the waterfall, it has my interest. Now when it comes to Nevada, I honestly can't think of too many waterfalls off the top of my head, but when you're passing through a town that you're unfamiliar with and a local tells you about a locals favorite waterfall that's worth checking out, yo...

Bonneville hot springs is just one of the many amazing hot springs to check out in the state of Idaho! ...Bonneville hot springs are about 19 miles East of Lowman, Idaho off highway 21. It sits at an elevation of around 4,700 feet. Getting here, you'll take the 21 hwy and will turn onto Bonneville Campground road. You'll drive 0.7 miles before getting to the parking area for the hot springs....

…Beaver Falls is one of those spots where if you’re looking to avoid the crowd of the Columbia River Gorge, this is another good alternative on where you could go. Not only is that a huge plus, but it’s not often you get to experience a scenic waterfall that you don’t have to put in a ton of effort to get to. You’ll most likely see a few other people here, but not as many as you would at the CR...

...The hike to Ptarmigan Falls begins next to the cabins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. There’s enough parking for about 10-16 vehicles in the lot next to the trailhead. This is a heavily trafficked area, so extra parking is available in front of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. This is where I parked, so this will add another two-tenths of a mile to your hiking to reach the trailhead. The trail...

...As many of us enjoy a good hot spring to relax in, I think most will agree that it’s even better when it’s free and out in nature. If you decide to have a little bit more of a luxurious hot spring experience, you can continue to take that road about another mile to the Keough Hot Springs camping resort. That’s personally not for me, so I didn't check that out. The two-minute walk from the ga...

Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock hopping and a great opportunities for awesome photographs. ...Deep in the heart of the Malibu canyon...

...Who doesn't enjoy short hikes to beautiful landscapes?! I know I do when I'm pressed for time! This 0.6 out and back hike will lead you to an arch that doesn't get as much recognition due to it being directly across the street from Monument Valley Road taking you into the park. The hike starts at the Gouldings Campground and is well marked. When you pull into the campground parking, you'll s...

When people ask me how do I afford to travel, my standard response is, "how do you afford to do anything?...you just set your priorities." My recent trip to South Korea was definitely no different. Just a little more planning and a longer plane ride!The hike takes place in the Eastern end of Korea, at Seoraksan National Park. Not only was the park lush and green, but due to a recent rainstorm, ...

Who doesn’t enjoy a little slot canyon fun?!…Not far from Hanksville, Utah is this 1-mile round trip hike to one of Utah’s less visited slot canyons. Although Blarney Canyon is generally known for its canyoneering route, you can follow either the West or East Fork wash to get to the slots. You’ll only be able to hike up to a certain point, so once you take the short hike to the slot canyons, an...

Three waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the vegetated downhill trail about .2 miles until you get to an unmarked junction. Take the trail to the...

...As a frequent traveler, what's always motivated my travels were locations that have either been on my bucket list, or are places that are photogenic and a little off the beaten path. During my recent 3 week road trip through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, I had the opportunity to visit a spot that had been on my bucket list for quite sometime. It's so far off the beaten path that you ne...

...After spending my 3 days exploring and capturing the partial lunar eclipse at North Cascades National Park in Washington, I was eager to find another adventure that I haven't done yet or others didn't know much about. As I was driving East leaving Gorge Creek Falls, .9 miles on my left I spotted a dark area that looked to be either another gorge, slot canyon or waterfall. Pulling over instan...

...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like stick configuration. Just a bit of history for you: Satwiwa, which stands for "the bluffs", is the ...