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Jonathon ReedExplorer

Adventure-based photographer and videographer. Sunriser.

The Grotto is a stunning destination—but unfortunately lots of other people think so too. This isn't a hidden getaway, it's a well-known destination on the peninsula. Still that doesn't change the clear water, the rocky cliffs and of course the mesmerizing grotto. Aim to be there at sunrise or sunset, if you can. Although it also makes for a great lunch destination!

When I was there the water was too cold to swim, but it was a beautiful, stony shoreline with white cliffs at both ends. Absolutely great spot for an overnight on Georgian Bay.

If you're staying at the lodge Bright Angel Point is perfect, otherwise it's a bit unnecessarily developed compared to other trails and viewpoints on the rim. Pretty nice sunrise spot, but other viewpoints on Point Imperial Road would definitely have less people.

Made for a fun afternoon hike, nothing difficult or mind-blowing, but beautiful in a calm and intimate kind of way. The kilns are pretty amazing to see in the middle of the forest. The creek is reassuring and cheerful. If you're in the area, stop by.

Loved this little campground nestled among the trees beside the little creek—made for a great juxtaposition to the vast powerful ocean beside us. Great base camp for exploring Big Sur. Quiet and intimate.

Explorer

11/14/16

I guess I found it less exciting because the beach isn't accessible and the view from the trail looks exactly like photos that I'd seen online. Still, beautiful and a remarkable spot on Highway 1. Worth stopping and spending some time at.

Got to Glacier Point at 5 AM in September and there was no one around. Watched the sun come up over the iconic Sierra with just my sister and a few quiet deer. My recommendation? See it from Glacier Point, then climb it from Little Yosemite Valley. Just catching a glimpse from the parking lot won't do this landscape justice.

The Joint Trail is a must-see in Canyonlands National Park, and Chesler Park is no less interesting. Highly recommend making these destinations if you're in or nearby the Needles District.

Squaw Flat is a great little campground that only gives you a tiny taste of the Needles District. If it's the farthest you can go I definitely recommend it, but if you can go into the heart of the Needles, I think you'll find that to be a more immersive, wild way to experience the desert.

It's good if you want to stand around and take a predictable photo, but Zion has way more to offer. Get out and do some of the high-elevation hikes and you'll have a much more unforgettable experience.

You'll feel lucky to have a place to stay in the canyon, rather than driving or shuttling out to the nearby towns and campgrounds. Walking distance to the shuttle bus. Highly recommend getting reservations.

If you're hiking any distance, you definitely need shoes. Dress sparingly on your legs and layer up on your torso. Hike as early in the morning as you can to avoid the crowds.

Amazing way to experience the mountains of southern Colorado! Drive slow and careful and take all the time you can to stop and look around.

Hard to judge because it was in the midst of a rainstorm when I did the scenic drive in Bryce so it was more admiring the low-hanging clouds than the landscapes, but either way we were impressed multiple times at the viewpoints. Not as good as hiking in, but still time well spent.

Still was a great, relatively short hike. Really fantastic way to experience the hoodoos. Wish the horse tours hadn't been in the way so much (for some reason based on pacing and time of day, we crossed paths with horses at least three times). End the loop with Wall Street to get one last experience of the magnificent rock structures.

(Although it was overcast and predicted to rain the day I did Fairyland Loop, compared to the blue skies when I was at Wall Street.) Saw very few people out on the trail, not really many until we got close to the rim again. Great views, awesome place to get immersed in! Bring water and lunch.

Erosion-etched sandstone pinnacles, towering old pine trees, arches and gullies and above all, the bright orange hue of the stone. What a landscape. If you hike into the amphitheatre anywhere, make sure you hike through Wall Street—best experienced on your way back up.

A great way to start or end any hike into the Bryce amphitheatre. Connects to a few different shuttle stops and campgrounds, which makes it a useful trail. View is great. To really experience Bryce, though, hike down and immerse yourself in the landscape below.

Every bit as beautiful as the photos—but the photos don't show the crowd. Unreal amount of people at the parking lot and the cliff at sunset in September. Hundreds. Tripods, selfie sticks, buses. I recommend carefully climbing down the cliffside a bit onto a lower ledge so you can get the view along with a bit of solitude, if you're able.

Met a lot of people day hiking to Cloud's Rest. Definitely recommend taking your time and making it into a bit of a trip. Sunrise Lakes is a beautiful detour and in the solitude of the High Sierra, you can't go wrong. The third (and farthest) lake is the most beautiful. Don't miss the granite ridge northwest of the lake. Connect with the landscape before (or after) you take in the majesty of Cloud's Rest.

It's amazing how accessible Cloud's Rest is. One of the most stunning sights in California is a day hike away from the trailhead at Tioga Pass. It's a tough uphill route, particularly between Tenaya Lake and the crossroads to Sunrise Lake, but absolutely worth the push. Bring water and lunch. Stay for sunrise or sunset if you can.

Tenaya Lake is a great spot in Yosemite, but it seems a shame to only stop on the side of the highway. Take some time and hike into the backcountry. Cathedral Lakes and Sunrise Lakes are two destinations near to the trailhead at Tenaya Lake and they are definitely worth visiting.

Great way to experience Yosemite. Check out the view at Glacier Point before you do Half Dome, it's really cool to see where you're headed before you go there. Recommend making this an extended backcountry trip to get away from the crowds. Hike Half Dome as early as you possibly can.

Austin's totally right, climbing the last few miles on the west side of Cloud's Rest with a multi-day backpack are gruelling. No other word for it. But once I reached the top, my body forgot every single ache. It was that majestic. Made it there at midday, would recommend catching a night on the ridge to the east or west and being at Cloud's Rest for sunrise and/or sunset.