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...

...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...

…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...

There's no better feeling then camping out and having a whole site to you and your friends...wouldn't you agree?!?! ...Deep in the Sespe Wilderness in Ojai, California sits a tucked away, well-managed campsite called "Bear Trap Campground". This campsite can be reached at any point of the year and is rated as intermediate. If you're coming from Ventura, drive North on the 33 for about 42 miles....

Are you looking for a hike that offers trail running, scenic views, hiking, and CAVE exploring? This short, but exciting trail leads you on a short 0.8 mile hike to the Cave of Munits. When starting at the main trailhead, El Scorpion Park, take the wide paved dirt road all the way till you get to the large tree near the hills. The trail will then split three ways. Taking the trails to the left ...

...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead, which is .4 miles up the road. I've started from both trails in the past, but I find Sandstone Peak...

...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...

...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...

...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 north on highway 33 from highway 101, to the Y junction with Highway 150.  Stay left on highway 33 heading toward Maricop...

…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...

...Just off Highway 40 in-between Flagstaff and Winslow Arizona, sits an abandoned ghost town called "Two Guns". I can't tell you how many times I've driven on the 40 (East or West) and had no idea this was here. This time around I made it a priority to stop and check this place out. For anyone that may not know, the cave gets its name "Apache Death Cave" due to a rumor that still stands today....

Who doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the famous Bronson Bat Caves was one not to disappoint. Once arriving and parking at Griffith Park (parki...

...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the park having two waterfalls, (Sycamore Canyon and La Jolla Canyon Falls), La Jolla Canyon Falls is somet...

Who doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fitting about 8-12 vehicles, so try to start your hike earlier than later to avoid the crowds. To get to t...

...One thing about hot springs is that no matter where it may be, they always bring an attraction of people. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been to a hot spring that didn't gather more then 20+ people in a single sitting. I mean, in all seriousness aside, what's not to like about a bathtub in nature! Getting there: Coming from Lake Isabella, take the Borel Road exit (just off the 1...

...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...

...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...

...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...

…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...

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...

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...