United States

Shirley lake is a beautiful and not heavily traveled area in the Winds. To get there, you start at the Green River Lakes trailhead (8,000 ft) and head out on the Western shore of the lower lake. You can shave off three miles by canoeing to the end of the lake, if you like. But I prefer the hike. The...

Situated on the eastern edge of Emigrant Wilderness, Leavitt Lake is a great introduction to backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. Leavitt Lake is located at the end of Forest Service Route 077 off of Highway 108. It is actually possible to drive to Leavitt Lake, but a high clearance vehicle is required...

Third Beach trailhead is off of La Push road and is 4 hours outside of Seattle anyway you cut it. Two options once you're on the peninsula: Drive up from the south for awesome ocean views around Kalaloch, or drive down from the north and be blown away by Lake Crescent. Give yourself time too, becaus...

Not surprisingly, White Mountain Peak is the apex of the White Mountains, which rise out of the desert floor just north of Death Valley. The White Mountains were aptly named as they are frequently covered in snow. The trailhead starts at 12,000ft and winds it's way over a few hills before the final ...

The Trail begins at Mt. Thielsen Trailhead/Sno Park and takes you up through a vast forest of pines. As you ascend, Diamond Lake will slowly start to peak through. Continue straight at mile marker 1.6 and keep an eye out for Mt. Thielsen ahead. Just before entering Mount Thielsen Wilderness around m...

The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will get ...

Begin at the Milner Pass Trailhead off of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Commonly used to summit Mount Ida, this trailhead is often popular with summer hikers. The trail climbs steeply through the trees before revealing open slopes of tundra and fantastic panoramic views. Although...

This trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out. Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles) The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the mi...

This wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the abi...

There isn't a trail to Cutthroat Lake so for a portion of the hike will be cross-country. I highly recommend bringing a GPS but with intermediate route-finding skills you should be able to find your way. We used the Gaia GPS app and this made the hike much easier. The distance depends on the route y...

Park at the Lincoln Woods Visitors Center off the Kancamagus Highway where the Lincoln Woods Trailhead begins. Because of such a long hike, it's best to start at daybreak, or as early as possible to make it back before dark. The trail starts at the beginning of a suspension bridge crossing the East ...

Start at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead 1126 in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness which is 19 miles south west of Walden, Colorado off Country Road 22A. The 6.4 mile out and back to Slide lake starts out at an elevation of 8750 and gives you a total elevation gain of 1777 feet at the end at Slide Lake. You wi...

The top of Apple Orchard Mountain is easily accessible via the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail at the Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The concrete path will end shortly and turn into a blue blazed trail. Follow this for 0.25 miles until it intersects the Appalachian T...

From the Rattlesnake Trailhead (about a mile northeast of the Sherwood Hills Resort on U.S. 89) to the peak is just under 4.5 miles. The hike is great exercise, as it's relatively steep. The steep angle provides for stunning views along the entire trail, making this one of the most picturesque hikes...

Ryder Lake is accessed via the Stillwater Trail, beginning at the Christmas Meadows Trailhead off of Mirror Lake Highway. The trail heads due south from Christmas Meadows along the Stillwater River. It winds through lodgepole pine forests and skirts alpine meadows, gradually gaining elevation. After...

You'll start at the Bechler Ranger Station and take the Boundry Creek Trail. Depending on which camp site you reserve your hike will be anywhere from 5-9 miles. We camped at site 9A1 5 miles from the ranger station. Hiking to waterfall is 16+ miles round trip Your feet will get wet on this hike, so ...