Holly MandarichExplorer

Here you will find free camping on BLM land in the Sonora Desert National Monument (BLM page link). It's easy access from AZ 85. We took BLM road 8000, north of Gila Bend, into washy, sand roads and found easy dispersed camping within 20 minutes of the highway. There was no water here, and less cell service. Not to mention it seems to be a less popular area, so if you're looking to get away und...

Starting at the Meadow Creek trailhead in Frisco, you'll find yourself ending up in East Vail at Gore Lake Trailhead. See all photos here.  The trail in Meadow Creek starts to climb at a gradual pace for the 3-4 miles, after a mile or so, take a look back upon the views of Lake Dillion. You'll arrive around mile 4 in a valley of mountains, to your right you'll see Eccless Pass - which you end u...

Just outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At .5 miles you will peer out from the trees on your right and grab your first scenic view in the area....

Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign where the map itself is. Starting from the trailhead by the bathroom, your first 2 miles will be throug...

We stumbled upon this little gem as we were driving through town. This park is nestled right at the base of Mallette Canyon and has several features that becken a winter visit. Along the west side of the canyon, over the small green bridge in the park you will find yourself following along a quarter mile nature trail. The trail takes you past a closed for the season cave, thats still worth taki...

Just above the town of Red River up Bobcat Pass is the Enchanted Forest. As you approach the top of the pass you’ll see signs that point you toward the forest into what looks like a neighborhood. Trust the signs and make the turn. Follow the main road up through the neighborhood and take your second left. You’ll then see the sign and entrance to the snowplay area.  This area is for those who se...

If you’re looking for an alternative winter activity to indulge your need for gravity sports, you may take the time to rent a sled from Sitzmark’s for $5 and head over to the library to take your chance at reviving your childhood spirit! Heading to the library at the east end of town, you can find street parking anywhere you please on the main road, directly across the street from the library y...

The resort itself, sits right in town, with 6 lifts. Two of the lifts come down to the river and access various parts of the town, it’s a place that makes you remember what skiing used to be like.  The mountain has roughly 170 acres of skiable terrain, and appeals to those of all abilities. The upper part of the mountain has a dedicated chair - “Emerald Chair” for beginner terrain. This area fe...

The temple of the sun and moon are accessed from Cathedral Rd. in Capitol Reef National Park, the road is a 4x4 high clearance vehical road. Upon arriving at the Temples which are called “monoliths”, the giant rocks protrude from the earth, and are something like a fine piece of art. This is a popular spot for photography that only about 10% of park visitors access. Just to the right of the mon...

What's not to love - you'll be skiing in the off season! We did this hike/ski in late June, our skis, boots, and avi gear packed with our hiking shoes on our feet. May could potentially be the most opportune time for this adventure. The hike you will take is the traditional Notch Mountain Hike. The hike starts at the Fall Creek trailhead off Tigiwon Rd, near Minturn Colorado. I'd advise having ...

Now most of the pictures you see from Capitol Reef are from cathedral valley. But not many take the time to get above the most photographed area of the park. Off of Hartnet Road, at mile 17.6 you will find a small dirt parking lot for the trailhead (were talking middle of nowhere, so no pit toilet, no fancy sign).  The trail starts in the far left corner of the parking lot, and is not super wel...

Now, this is something you probably haven't tried yet. Whiskey blending! The experience with Mammoth Distillery was stimulating, educating and so much fun! Technically we were actually blending bourbon - which we learned all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. You’ll sit down with a group of five to six people, in front of you will be three rows of six glasses. The first and seco...

Just about an hour north of Traverse City in the village of Bellaire lies Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts! The mountain offers 53 runs with several base areas. The terrain is applicable for any type of skier, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced rider. We spent the majority of our time lapping the red chair in the trees, while taking a few runs through the terrain park on the p...

Inside Capitol Reed National Park there is a scenic drive. The drive you do have to pay for ($15 bucks a car) but considering the park is free, you may as well!  The drive is about 8 miles long, with pull offs for ideal picture taking, the landscape is vast and ever changing with every turn, including red rock formations as far as the eye could see. You can access Cassidy Arch Trailhead, Capito...

Overview: About a 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile Photos: See all photos here. Getting There: The hike is accessed from the Half Moon pass parking lot - from the Fall Creek trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead are accessed at the end of Tigiwon Rd. which is just south of Minturn, CO on HWY 24. You’ll want to take it slow coming up Tigiwon road if ...

Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicals, if you have a low clearance vehical I would advise parking about a half a mile from the trailhead.  This hike is best described by the word WOW.  You'll find yourself immediately starting to climb after passing Kite Lake, the entire hike you will be above tree level taking i...

Overview: Round Trip about 15 miles, about 500 ft ascent at beginning and 1500 ft ascent in the last 1.5 miles, the majority of the hike is flat and through an AMAZING valley.  Getting There: Blue Lake Trailhead is located at Oh Be Joyful campground on Slate River Rd, just across a river, either 4x4 vehicle to access parking lot off of trailhead - or - park in campground and wade through the ri...

Not even a mile down Bitter Creek Rd, there’s a right-hand turn that takes you next to this spectacular rock outcropping. There's a little dirt parking area when you come down and around the turn that sits right next to Bitter Creek itself.  It’d be a swell place hang out, play around on the rocks, or have a picnic anytime of year! The area also provides views of the ski resort that are worthwh...

Just near Punta Cabras, Baja California, Mexico you'll find this splendor of a cove! Great for supping, low key surfing, and swimming. If you're coming from the south, just before you reach Punta Cabras you'll find yourself driving on dirt roads following the coastline of the Pacific (pretty rad stuff). As you are driving down these dirt roads you'll see a cove with rock formations and disperse...

Inside Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll find a wonderful treasure. There are acres of orchards inside the park, all of which you are welcome to roam around and explore, you’ll see old farms buildings from the Mormon settlers that came through that are still kept up! Not to mention they have horses in nearby pastures.  If you find an unlocked orchard you are allowed to walk through them, and t...

Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you are among towering palms, larger and wider than most. It's a worthwhile spot to stop and take in so...

This adventure is a unique experience, perfect for the off seasons. Park along the highway on CO-165 in Rye, Colorado, cross the street and walk into the largest one man project in the USA. You’ll enter under the grand front gate and follow the path that leads to the castle. There you’ll find multiple ways to enter the castle. There will be a large steep staircase to your left on the exterior o...

The Red River Nature Trail starts right in town next to the Platinum Lift off Pioneer Road. The trail travels 2 miles to Goose Lake Road. The hike itself can be taken as a two or four mile hike, depending on weather you access it point to point or out and back. We started the trail behind the visitor center and crossed over the river with a beautiful covered bridge. The path then follows the ri...

For this adventure you'll want to make your way to Oak Creek Canyon off highway 89 in Arizona. The GPS should get you there no problemo, my recommendation would be to look for a swimming hole upstream of Slide Rock State Park. Now this adventure is a little bit of a hunt, as you're driving the canyon you will see the long lines of cars parked on the side of the road in a tiny narrow canyon (see...