Jared BlitzExplorer
Director of a Fitness & Rec Center in Seattle, WA. Photography and adventure enthusiast. Love to be outbound.
Mouse's Tank was an easy hike, like most of them in Valley of Fire. The colors were beautiful no matter what time of day. Kind of hard to believe it's been there for years, and it took me until I was in my 30's to learn about it even though I'd been to Vegas so many times. If you're looking for a cool experience without putting in a day's worth of effort, don't miss this hike.
5.0
I hiked to the second burrough my first time in the Sunrise section of Rainier this past summer. It wasn't as difficult as the ranger suggested it might be. In fact, I came across many people who weren't in great shape (heavier breathing) but were handling it well, so don't let it deter you if you're only occasionally active. The views of Tahoma on a clear day were a nice change from the Paradise section. You feel like you're closer to the 14k ft peak, which gives you an even more awe-inspiring feeling. It also allows you to see for miles north of Tahoma when you get on the ridgelines. Beautiful hike that also connects to multiple other trails for a fun day of adventure. However, I didn't see as many wildflowers on this trail as you do in sections in the Paradise area.
5.0
The Manitou Incline is an intense challenge, but upon finishing I felt looked worse than it is. That doesn't mean it is easy. Wouldn't recommend it for people just looking to get into shape. However, it's a good feeling of accomplishment the first time completing the massive staircase. The connector trail back down is gorgeous with views of Pike's Peak and other beautiful terrain. Great place to spend an afternoon. Don't forget to stop in Manitou Springs for a beer and a meal afterward!
5.0
Beautiful views, easy hike. I imagine being at the top for sunrise or sunset would give it another star. Definitely worth hiking at least once. Big mountain biking trail. Also dog friendly.
3.0
Moved to Denver a month ago and hadn't yet gone on a solo hike. Thanks to Madison's encouragement, I decided to try the Shanahan Ridge Trail since I'm out of shape. It's a fun day hike in a beautiful area with wildlife aplenty. Notably, I came across Bluejays and had a black bear run in my direction about 30 feet below the hiking path. The trail is nicely forested, so most of the time you're not exposed to the heat. I'm looking forward to going back when Mallory Cave opens Oct 1st, which another Outbound Explorer recommended.
4.0
Having never been into a cavern before, I didn't know what to expect, so I didn't have high expectations. Carlsbad Caverns absolutely blew me away. There are 3 places in the US I've been to so far that have left me without words to accurately describe them - the Redwoods, the Grand Canyon, and now the Carlsbad Caverns. The "Big Room" in the self-guided tour feels like another planet with cathedral like stalactites and stalagmites. The temperature is comfortable too at 56 degrees and 90% humidity. You never really feel too cold or too warm. I missed bat flight at night. It would've just added to the experience. I'd recommend staying at Rodeway Inn in Whites City just outside of the park. It's cheaper than Carlsbad itself and closer to the entrance.
5.0
I visited the Valley of Fire for a couple of days in Mid-December 2016 as a result of seeing posted adventures here on the Outbound. It ended up being more incredible than I imagined. The landscape of the park reminded me of Arches Nat'l Park, Canyonlands, and the Petrified Forest Nat'l Park. I was blown away by the large variety of rock surfaces and formations. A field of dreams for geology buffs. The park had a nice mix of short, easy hikes with high rewards and a couple of backcountry hikes that offered even more. Since it's only an hour from Vegas, I recommend going in the off-season, staying at a nice hotel on the strip for cheap if you aren't interested in camping, and drive out and back. The Valley of Fire has become a new favorite of mine to explore for the coming future.
5.0
A short hike with a fascinating landscape. The White Domes contrasts much of the rest of Valley of Fire, giving a different experience from other trails. The addition of a small slot canyon adds to its uniqueness. It's easy to see why movies like Star Trek have used the White Domes to film scenes here that look like far off planets.
5.0
Grab your camera and multiple lenses. Rainbow Vista is great for landscape, but I felt I got even better results with telephoto zoom to compress the distance and depth of field. I only took shots from the road. Next time in the area my plan is to explore deeper by foot, which will most likely open up a new world for photo opportunities.
4.0
One of the highlights of the Valley of Fire. The hike to the Fire Wave is easy and short. The Fire Wave itself is a unique piece of the desert with pleasant scenery all around it. It's worth hanging out for sunset and waiting around for the crowd it draws to filter out of area. Excellent place for photography.
4.0
Good trail for some exercise that takes you to the highest point in the east valley. As of July 1st of 2016 dogs are no longer allowed on trail because so few people pick up after their animals, so you'll have to find somewhere else if you're looking to bring your furry friend. Be careful in the summer heat.
3.0
I hiked the Hidden Canyon in the winter but there wasn't any snow like you see in the pictures above, of which I'm thankful. The initial climb was a lot steeper than I expected. Once you get past that section and reach Hidden Canyon it takes you into a little bit of a different world with a cool standing arch and plant life all throughout. Bring a headlamp if you're hiking around sunset as it gets dark pretty quickly.
4.0
I loved the Emerald Pools. If you're going to hike to the lower you may as well take the time to hike to the middle and the upper too. There's a lot to see in a short, easy hike, especially in the winter when there aren't any crowds.
4.0
I thought this was a cool, easy hike to do that takes you through some fascinating monument-like structures. Word of warning, however: if you hike it in the middle of the day during July the 2 miles feel like 8, so bring a hat and plenty of water.
4.0
I went in the summer and found an endless amount of fascinating arches and other massive rocks to photograph. The real beauty to me, however, comes when the light softens at sunset and the colors become warmer. Looking forward to seeing it in the winter when the snow contrasts with the orange rock.
5.0
As Brandon said and his pictures show you can get right up to the rim of Masaya. If you're lucky the wind will blow through and give you a decent view of the crater. I would like to add a little stronger warning to the smell than given though. Basically, the sulfur is so strong be ready to feel like someone farted in your mouth for the rest of your day. It's pretty brutal, so if you're really sensitive I'd make it a quick stay.
5.0
Definitely one of the coolest places to see in the southwest. I'm usually here once a year. One time the tour guide was a 16 year old kid who stopped my group at the memorial before going in and said "8 people died here when it rained" and continued on like it was normal. That strangely added some dark humor that I think only I picked up on since everyone else didn't speak much English. Obviously you're there to focus on the incredible colors of the canyon walls, but when you get into post-processing your photos don't be afraid to turn them black and white or even sepia. It creates a whole different dynamic with the lighting. Since there isn't an option to post a photo here I'll post the link to my own sepia shots to provide an example. https://jblitzphotography.smugmug.com/Lower-Antelope-Canyon-Sepia/
5.0
As Jacob mentioned in his review below the time of day definitely makes or breaks photographing this bridge. I don't have one good shot of my own simply because I've only been midday when the lighting was bad, making the bridge appear boring. Hard to capture the magic you see around it in person if you're not there for sunrise or sunset.
4.0
This is obviously a great place to watch a sunset. Also a great place to grab a drink or eat some food. Relax and hang out after a long day of doing nothing at the beach.
5.0
I, too, stopped here for nostalgic Pee-Wee's Big Adventure purposes. Was hoping to run into Large Marge. Maybe next time...
5.0
One of the coolest places on Earth. Sometimes the crowds can get large, but the trick is to take it slow and hold to the very back of your group if you don't want to listen to your guide. It gives you a bit more time to explore without feeling rushed. Wouldn't recommend this place if you're claustrophobic though!
5.0
Missing the West Fork Trail if you're passing through Sedona should be considered a crime. It's an easy hike, beautiful all the way through, and if Oak Creek isn't running low you have a handful of swimming holes. Definitely hike beyond the established trail, which extends another 14 miles. There is an overnight camping option available halfway through the trail. Ask the ranger about a permit. You can hike it any time of year. The winter snow turns this trail into a winter wonderland, especially when Oak Creek freezes over. It creates a whole different experience from the summer.
5.0
Siphon Draw is a fun trail to get some exercise. It's definitely a different way to see some of the Arizona desert in the East Valley. If you have it in you hike the almost vertical mile to Flat Iron. The view of Apache Junction is...well...congrats on making it to the top at least. The trail proceeds beyond the slick rock of Siphon Draw. Follow the blue dots. Recommend avoiding during the summer months.
4.0
...make your way back during the winter. The snowy landscape adds a whole different element to the Grand Canyon that is an experience unto itself. If you're brave bring yak traks and hike down some of the frozen Bright Angel trail. Good luck making your way back to the top.
5.0
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