Improvised Journeys

Southeast of Houston is flat. It's damp, lots of bugs, not the place many visitors think of as having outdoor recreation opportunities. But hidden away about 5 miles south of Alvin, TX is this wonderful county park with a network of trails meandering around the aptly named Chocolate Bayou, a snaking body of brownish water that traverses the park's land.The 1.7 mile trail loop is signed LLT thro...

Lake Hefner lies in the northwestern corner of the city limits of Oklahoma City, in a suburban neighborhood. To reach the parking lot and trails, access Lakeshore Dr. from Wilshire Blvd. There will be a dirt road that heads down to the lake, providing a secluded spot to watch the sun rise over the lake and view the many seagulls who call the area home. In the early hours of the morning, they ca...

The loop around the lake is just over one mile, and is great for doing repeats. A six mile run here is a wonderful way to spend a morning, as the ducks and geese come to life and the sun rises over the lake. There are so many varied species, colors, and varieties of ducks here it can be quite amazing. This protected bird sanctuary is right across from a gas station, McD's and the highway, but y...

Note: the Johnson Arch Trail is closing March 15, 2019 and will not re-open until September 14, 2019Johnson Canyon Arch is an out-and-back trail of about 2 miles round trip length that crosses beds of volcanic rock and follows a creek to a large arch and towering canyon views. There is negligible elevation gain/loss.  To get there, find the Johnson Canyon parking area just outside the Snow Cany...

From Eastland Dr. in Twin Falls, turn right onto Pole Line Rd. to find a small dirt pulloff with room for only a handful of cars on the north side of the road. The Snake River canyon is visible beneath, and a steep but wide access trail heads down from here.The descent is rocky and loose, so watch your footing. When you see the maintenance shack about 2/3 of the way down into the canyon, leave ...

This is a relatively flat and fast city trail with negligible elevation gain or loss over the 6 mile round trip. Beginning at the Crosby Family Confluence Park located just off I-15 near the St. George convention center, immediately pass under the freeway and begin your run up the Santa Clara Trail.  Bicyclists and dogs are permitted on this trail.  Run beside a golf course for a fast first mil...

Beginning at the Cathedral Rock trailhead down Back O' Beyond Rd., this path at the base of the Cathedral Rock climb takes the hiker down into a lush, tree covered area perfect for swimming and enjoying the views of red rock above and all around. Start by heading up the main trail, and as you emerge into a clearing after a brief climb, bear right and find the Templeton trail instead of continui...

This 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder are just straight UP. Also great for the fitness buff trail runner who wants something to run in th...

This 4 to 8 hour day hike leads to Lawn Lake, located inside a large basin at tree line, and surrounded by Fairchild Mountain, Hagues Peak, and Mummy Mountain. Lawn Lake is among the largest subapline lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. As you ascend into the sub-alpine zone, you will be greeted by the sound of running water, and soon rewarded with beautiful, lakeside views. Along the way, ...

Begin the loop at Fink Park, which is immediately off Highway 77 adjacent to the University of Central Oklahoma. There is room for only a dozen or so cars to park here, but the area is not usually that busy. It is free to park. You will see picnic tables and just behind these a hidden red dirt canyon with a creek running below it. Exit your vehicle to hear the sounds of many birds in this canop...

The NCAR Hill Climb, so named because it ends at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, is popular with cyclists, but is a great choice for runners as well. Follow the NCAR - Table Mesa Trail to the top, with beautiful views of the Flatirons and surrounding hills during any season.Make sure to stop in at NCAR when you reach the top! The facilities have free entry, and feature interesting...

McIntosh Lake is in northwest Longmont. The 3.6-mile loop extends all the way around the lake, with the first half being on a paved cement trail with neighborhood playgrounds, basketball, volleyball, and a seasonally open restroom. The trail turns to dirt on the western half of the loop, and here is where you will find abundant wildlife such as prairie dog colonies and nesting birds, and often ...

Bluff Creek Park is just off Hefner Rd., to the north of Lake Hefner in northwest Oklahoma City. This park is free to access and park at, and contains a main path for jogging and walking only, as well as a network of trails for mountain biking.To access the main trails, simply take the main path under the sign and over the wooden bridge. No bikes allowed here. The loop is signed as one mile, bu...