Jared BlitzExplorer
Director of a Fitness & Rec Center in Seattle, WA. Photography and adventure enthusiast. Love to be outbound.
Monsoons anywhere in AZ are worth photographing, but if you can pair it with arguably the grandest (...) view on earth you can get some very dramatic photos. The visual experience without a camera is worth every moment as well.
5.0
Cathedral Rock and I have become friends over the years. It's my go-to when I'm not making my way through the West Fork. The fact Oak Creek is nearby makes it a great summer/early fall hike.
5.0
of your list this hike should go. Grinnell Glacier is rapidly disappearing, so don't waste anymore of its precious time. The hike itself is beautiful and the end result is worth every little struggle you might deal with. For instance, my uncle and I were behind a family of 3 ascending the mountain when the mother accidentally released the safety on her bear spray canister with her elbow, firing off a wee puff. Now, I had not shaved in about 6 weeks, so I could understand the confusion of me possibly being a bear, and my growls that came when breathing that stuff in certainly would've been even more convincing, but I had taken a photo of them not more than a 1/2 mile down the trail prior to this incident. Regardless, we recovered and I can definitely say standing next to Grinnell Glacier is worth getting shot in the face with bear spray. 5 stars!
5.0
Gorgeous hike. The first half mile damn near killed me. I don't know if it was the incline or if I didn't think the pavement would ever end and it would never feel like an adventure. Once you get past that section it's a bit surreal. Definitely go during wildflower season. I went earlier but lucked out that they were already in full bloom that year. The views are tough to beat, the weather is excellent, the photo ops are endless. I recommend staying out until sunset.
5.0
If you're in Zion you have to get this obligatory shot. Your photos won't look any different than every other shot I've ever seen of this, but it's a beautiful view in person.
5.0
Greatest winter hike I've ever been on hands-down. The rocks are very slippery so definitely use a hiking stick or poles. I went down more than a few times, saving my precious camera like an Olympic athlete each and every time Just make sure you wear the proper gear and don't assume it's safe to remove your sweaty shirt while eating a warm meal to cool off when it's 40 degrees out. That's what I did and developed hypothermia. Ruined the night, but not the trip. Plus, if you go in the winter the Zion Lodge is cheap, you have car access to every trailhead, and you don't have to worry about the crowds. I imagine hiking in the summer or fall is an even better (and safer) experience. Oh...didn't see any virgins in the water, so not sure why the river is named that. Park Rangers couldn't come up with a suitable answer. Maybe the lodge should stop serving beer after a certain time...
5.0
Avenue of the Giants lives up to its name. Don't just drive through like a lazy ass, though. Pull off near a trailhead and hike. You can't get the same feel for the immense size of the trees unless you're surrounded by them. Also, watch out for Bigfoot. S/He lurks in the mist...
5.0
Put on your hat and channel your inner Ansel Adams. Excellent place to shoot some photography, watch a sunset, or just relax. It can get a little busy at times, but the view is outstanding. I'm not much of a believer in the subjective phrases of "good" and "bad" based in theological terms, but you are committing a mortal sin by not stopping at this spot if you're making your way through the Grand Tetons.
5.0
Great section to get away from the crowds. The photos above are evidence of that. If you don't the bears will eat you.
5.0
You certainly won't run out of photo ops in Yellowstone. It's almost overwhelming. Unless you've mastered mind control I'd take Jason's advice in the review below and try night photography. That's my next goal. There are way too many people out in the day that either obstruct your view or make everything else frustrating.
5.0
Last year Jenny Lake became one of my favorite places on Earth. The water is gorgeous, the mountain views are damn near perfect, the campsite is a 5 minute walk, you'll run into wildlife. I feel guilty any time I visit another lake. Sorry, Jenny. So sorry...you're just too far away!
5.0
The moment you see the lake you'll understand why Many Glacier Hotel was built right on it. Incredible views, pristine area. Like the author of this adventure and the other review, definitely carry bear spray. When you're done hang out on the porch of Many Glacier Hotel. Perfect place to have a beer and watch the sunset.
5.0
5 stars for the scenery, 1 star for the smells. With that said, I'd recommend going early. The crowds are nuts as they are everywhere in Yellowstone. The colors of Grand Prismatic Spring and the other geysers are nothing like you'd expect if you haven't been before. The fact you're practically walking on top of the geothermal ground makes it a cool experience. Just please preserve the area and don't be like the disrespectful jerks who stepped off the boardwalk for a cheap thrill.
5.0
Easily one of my favorite hikes anywhere in the US. I went during summer of 2015 when the wildflowers were all in bloom. The views along the entire hike are documentary-worthy. I'd recommend making your way there soon as the glaciers are quickly melting all throughout Glacier National Park. Even though that's the case, and if you do go in summer, bring a light jacket. It gets surprisingly cold at Iceberg Lake. I didn't have the guts to jump in the water like many others, so I used the opportunity to chill my camelbak instead. I'd also recommend trying to lock down a room at Many Glacier Hotel. Not only does it make reaching that side of the park and trailhead easier the place itself is worth the money.
5.0
In my own travels I don't think I've been to a place that has struck me the way the Redwoods always do. It's hard to comprehend how massive they are until you find yourself up against one. The surrounding environment is also usually very green with ferns and other plant life that make you feel like you're in a rainforest. These parks are truly special. And from the looks of it if you can get Austin to be your photographer you'll leave home with an even better experience.
5.0
What more can you say about one of the nicest driving sections in the US? Get in your car and head north-to-south, not the other way around so you have a direct view of the ocean and access to all of the turn-outs.
5.0
I would say this was one of the unexpected, coolest hikes I've been on. Last July I started around 7am under a heavy fog, which added a fascinating element I had yet to hike in prior to this day. The greenery, well-made and makeshift bridges, various waterfalls you pass by before you come upon the massive Comet Falls that were largely hidden by the dense fog...it was awesome. You can extend your hike well beyond, but beware the never ending stairway of death that comes right after Comet Falls.
5.0
This end result of this hike is truly incredible. For me, Delicate Arch was even better than anticipated. One of those moments when you know you've reached something special. The fact that it's located on a ledge of what looks like a naturally carved stadium bowl makes it even cooler. If you don't make it up here for a sunset or during a storm you've wasted your time in Arches.
5.0
Good hike just to get outdoors. Usery Park and the McDowell Mtns are a nicer part of the desert, so it's worth trying at least once. The wind caves are cool to see just to quell your curiosity. Watch out for snakes. Be very careful in the summer even though it's an easy hike.
3.0
An excellent workout if you're looking to get a little hiking in your day. Keep your eye out for snakes and cacti, don't hike next to the ledges, and avoid during the summer. There have already been multiple heat related deaths in June of this year and it's just the start of summer. There have also been a few fall related deaths, so don't think just because it isn't a huge mountain and the trail is well-maintained that it can't be dangerous.
4.0
This spot was great as a little kid. As an adult, all I can remember is the smell of beer and urine. You aren't missing anything if you don't make it here. Unless, I guess, you're one of the people at night causing the putrid smells that are amplified in the desert heat. You'll have more fun anywhere else in Papago Park.
1.0
Pretty much any trail in Sedona is worth 5 stars - Templeton isn't an exception. Easy, beautiful, and you can hike right down to Oak Creek. If you go in the summer bring plenty of water and a hat even though it's relatively short. There aren't too many places to hide from the sun. Don't leave without taking a dip in the aforementioned Oak Creek!
5.0
Horseshoe Bend is typically a biannual stop for me. It's easy to get to, it's free, and it gives you the sense of feeling small. Sunsets at this place are damn near perfect. If you go in the fall, winter, or early spring bring a jacket. The wind can make the cold feel like it's cutting straight through your bones.
5.0
I visited on a long road trip, mid summer afternoon, expecting magic. The crowds were ridiculous and frustrating. Old Faithful was a bit of a letdown for me - most likely because I had too high of expectations and it was in the mid afternoon light instead of around sunset. I thought the surrounding geysers and thermal area were far more fascinating. There is so much more to see and do in Yellowstone that I think would be a better experience. Old Faithful is something I would only recommend if you have some free time rather than planning your day around it.
3.0
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